The 7/8 Crown: A Lost Art

SUMMARY Historically, the longevity of teeth restored with gold inlays, onlays, crowns, and partial veneer restorations is excellent. However, in-office computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing restorations, laboratory-constructed all-ceramic bonded restorations, and conventional ceramo-metal restorations are more common. The high price of gold, the difficulty of the preparation, and the fact that most dental schools are de-emphasizing the teaching of partial veneer restorations has created a situation whereby the 7/8 crown is rarely viewed as the treatment of choice. Time and experience will determine if the new ceramic materials, along with the all-important bonding agents, can achieve the success of a well-done, all-gold restoration.