Alternatives to posterior complete crowns: integrating foundations with cuspal protection

A common approach for restoring compromised posterior teeth is to reconstruct the missing anatomic crown with a dental restorative material and prepare the remaining tooth structure for an artificial veneer. Because this procedure is also compounded by designing subgingival finish lines for tooth preparations, a conservative approach for the fabrication of one-piece castings is suggested that incorporates both foundations and cuspal protection, with finish lines prepared above the gingival crest. Patient selection, advantages, disadvantages, and armamentarium are discussed.