[Full crown preparation of a vital tooth is outdated]

The restorative solutions for esthetic problems are becoming minimal invasive. Adhesive technology and materials as composite luting cements are biocompatible and therefor less harmfull for vital pulps. Necrosis of vital pulps hardly occurs and the survival of porcelain veneers is very good. The esthetic result is also quite impressive, although marginal discoloration is frequently reported. Full crown preparations can be avoided, but replacement of failing crowns is not banned out in dental practice. Full ceramic crowns however can also be luted with adhesive cements and the amount of hard tissue that has to be removed for optimal esthetic results is much less than for porcelain fused to metal crowns. Saving hard and soft tooth tissues is promoted and advocated as a quality standard. Longevity of treatment outcome has been reported and should be an evidence-based decision in the future.