These restorations are used when the tooth is significantly damaged and a composite resin filling would not provide the desired strength and shape.
They are placed on posterior teeth and are considered a very conservative technique, as the tooth preparation is minimal.
In the past, a crown (cap) with full tooth coverage would have been the only option in such cases.
They can be made of polymeric materials or ceramic systems (e.g., e-max).
They are fabricated in a dental laboratory and then bonded in the clinic using a special, strong adhesive.