PORCELAIN CROWNS (All ceramic) Teeth which have more extensive loss of tooth structure due to decay or wear may require more extensive techniques than the use of porcelain veneers. When esthetics are of the utmost importance as in the front parts of the mouth, the all-ceramic crown is very useful in that it may incorporate remarkable vibrancy and translucency which very accurately mimics that of the natural dentition. This becomes important when matching unrestored natural teeth that may be adjacent to the restoration. Some varieties (such as LAVA crowns) have high strength ceramic substructures over which a very esthetic ceramic overlay is fused. These restorations are normally not used in the molar areas where maximum biting forces occur. Ceramic restorations may also be used for porcelain inlays and onlays which only partially fill or cover the teeth.