If your dental crown sustains a minor chip or is damaged, it may be possible for your dentist to repair it or polish it back. However ceramic crowns are designed to break if a large enough force is applied. This is to protect the underlying tooth. We don’t want all the forces to be transmitted to the roots of the tooth which may result in a catastrophic fracture. A crown is usually easily replaced, whereas an entire tooth is a much more complex procedure. If a crown breaks or starts to develop cracks it’s a sign that it’s done its job well and most of the time will require replacement.