What is an indication for using partial veneer crowns?

Partial veneer crowns are used in situations where posterior teeth have lost a moderate amount of structure but still possess intact buccal walls. This condition allows for the preservation of healthy tooth structure while providing adequate support and protection to the remaining tooth. The design of partial veneer crowns is tailored to reinforce the compromised areas of the tooth without requiring full coverage, which can be beneficial in retaining as much of the natural tooth as possible.

Using partial veneer crowns as retainers for long-span fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) may not provide sufficient retention and stability due to limited bonding areas. Similarly, while it is essential to maintain the occlusal surface in some cases, the use of a partial veneer crown specifically indicates the tooth structure loss rather than occlusal alterations. Active caries would typically necessitate restoration rather than a partial veneer crown, as it may require more extensive treatment to address the decay effectively.