A dental crown can serve both restorative and cosmetic purposes and can play an important role in maintaining your dental health over time. Also known as a tooth cap or tooth crown, crowns are often placed to repair and strengthen cracked teeth, straighten the appearance of crooked teeth, and address teeth that have been compromised by cavities. A dental bridge can be supported by dental crowns on either side. A dental crown is customized to your smile, covers the entire tooth, like a cap, and is permanently cemented into place.