Crowns are a restorative procedure used to improve your tooth’s shape or to strengthen a tooth. Crowns are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn, or have portions destroyed by tooth decay. A crown is cemented onto an existing tooth and extends all the way to your gum line. They can be made of porcelain, metal, or both. Crowns are needed when there is insufficient tooth strength remaining to hold a filling. A dental crown, also known as a “cap”, is placed over a natural tooth or implant, to help restore strength, size and color of the existing tooth. The crown is made up of dental cement which is then fabricated by the dental hygienist to match the crown outside of the mouth. Methods used to fabricate the cap for the tooth (outside of the mouth) include intense heat, such as casting metal or firing porcelain.