The Jefferson Institute is a non-partisan, not-for-profit corporation and an Equal Opportunity Employer.
A crown is a cover or âcapâ your dentist can put on a tooth. The crown restores the tooth to its normal shape, size and function. The purpose of a crown is to make the tooth stronger or improve the way it looks. You may need a crown if you:
1 Gold alloys â This crown is a mix of gold, copper and other metals. In addition to providing a strong bond to the tooth, it doesn't fracture, nor does it wear away the tooth itself.  Base metal alloys â This crown is made up of non-noble metals that are highly resistant to corrosion, and make for a very strong crown.