Objective: A general dental practice study investigated the use of a resin-modified glass ionomer material as a transitional restoration and as a core buildup material. The study also assessed a resin-modified glass-ionomer luting system. Method and materials: Fifty-one badly broken-down vital permanent molar teeth in 44 patients were restored. No dentin pins were placed; however, preexisting pins were retained in 7 teeth. Following baseline and 3-month assessments, complete veneer gold crowns were placed on the selected teeth. The preparations involved ferruling in sound tooth tissue. The completed crowns were reviewed 3 and 12 months after placement. Modified US Public Health Service criteria were used for assessment throughout. Clinical assessment was complemented by examination of photographic records and replicas obtained from silicone impressions. Results: All 51 transitional restorations were found to be clinically satisfactory at the 3-month review. Nineteen (37%) transitional restorations had limited defects that were eliminated in crown preparation. Of the 51 permanent crowns, 46 (90%) were reviewed at 3 months and 44 (86%) at 1 year. All the crowns reviewed at 3 and 12 months were clinically satisfactory. The luting system investigated showed favorable handling characteristics and excellent short-term performance. Conclusion: The materials investigated are, over a period of at least 12 months, effective in the restoration of broken-down molar teeth destined to be crowned. With the use of these materials and ferruling, the use of dentin pins may be unnecessary in selected cases.