Direct post-and-core restorations with prefabricated posts are becoming increasingly popular. A literature review was conducted to compare the clinical and in vitro performance of cast posts and cores to that of direct cores with prefabricated posts in single-rooted teeth. Research on the restoration of endodontically treated teeth was identified through a search of electronic databases. The search yielded a total of 1773 references. After these references were subjected to strict inclusion criteria, 10 in vitro and 6 in vivo studies remained and critically reviewed. A comparison of fracture loads in the in vitro studies revealed no significant difference between cast and direct posts and cores. Meta-analysis of the data suggested that there is no difference in fracture behavior associated with the 2 treatment modalities. An overall survival analysis was not possible for the in vivo studies. The survival for cast posts and cores in 2 studies ranged from 87.2% to 88.1% and in a third study reached 86.4% for direct cores after 72 months. Randomized clinical trials on this topic were not available but should be conducted to verify published findings.