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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 The crown protects the tooth or filling while a permanent crown is made from another material. 2  For children, a stainless steel crown is commonly used to fit over a primary tooth that's been prepared to fit it. 3  The crown covers the entire tooth and protects it from further decay.