C

Large carious destruction involving both buccal cusps of a mandibular molar demands a cuspal-coverage indirect restoration; cast metal onlays/crowns provide superior strength and long-term success under high occlusal loads, whereas direct composite, GIC, or temporary “intermediate” materials are prone to fracture or wear in this situation [Jidewar 2024, PMID 39070442; Marchan 2013, PMID 23682506].