Anatomy
Anatomical crown
The anatomical crown is the part of a tooth that is covered by enamel. It is the part you normally see above the gum.
Dentists use the word crown in two ways. The anatomical crown is the natural top part of a tooth, covered in enamel. It is the part you see when you smile. The crown meets the root at a narrow area called the neck, near the gumline.
This is different from a dental crown. A dental crown is a cap that a dentist makes to cover a damaged tooth. It replaces the outer part of the natural crown.
The shape of the crown matches the tooth's job. Front teeth cut. Back teeth grind. If the natural crown is badly worn, cracked or decayed, your dentist may talk with you about a filling or a dental crown.