Similar to porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns and partial porcelain crowns are used in situations when additional tooth strength is needed. Most often replacing a very large filling that has weakened a posterior tooth, a porcelain crown completely surrounds all surfaces of a tooth, giving it maximum strength. This is especially important on posterior teeth, where the biting forces are the highest.
A partial porcelain crown, often called an inlay or onlay, replaces only the weak or missing part of the enamel, saving the remaining, strong, natural tooth structure. These are most often used when a small filling needs to be replaced and a more conservative approach is desired.
