The increase in the demands made by patients for esthetic or metal-free restorations, together with the ever-growing interest shown by the dental profession for tooth-colored materials and techniques, led to the current development of posterior adhesive restorations. This paper reviews critical elements such as adhesion to dental hard tissues as well as current properties of bases/liners, filling materials, and luting materials. A rationale for the successful of currently available restorative systems is presented.