Did you know that your dental professional can fix teeth that have been damaged or decayed using either different dental restorations? They are classified as direct or indirect restorations. In both cases, they will restore the damaged tooth differently. The best restoration technique for your particular situation will depend on details, including the nature, extent, and area of the damage or decay.

Direct vs. Indirect Restorations

With progressions in dental technology, a variety of dental restorations are now accessible. Direct and indirect restorations are the two most typical options. What sets these two restorations apart? Let’s take a closer look.

Direct Dental Restorations

Direct tooth restorations are possible in one appointment. Filling cavities is the most common direct dental restoration. The location of the cavity and the person’s preferences will decide on the ideal filling material. Dental health care treatments that consist of direct restorations are less complicated and can start treating the issue instantly.

Composite fillings are used to repair mild to moderate cavities and are the most frequently used direct restorations. Nevertheless, various composite bonding procedures use composite resin to close spaces between teeth and repair small to medium chips and cracks.

Both fillings and crowns include placing composite resin softened to the tooth structure or cavity and curing the composite resin using a light. The last coating is formed and polished to fit the rest of the tooth. Direct restorations are finished as soon as the final layer has solidified, and people can resume their day normally.

Indirect Dental Restorations

Indirect restorations that need to be done outside the mouth are permanent or semi-permanent fixed restorations. This kind of restoration is often done in a dental lab. These can also be made with an office milling machine. For precise implant placement, indirect restorations usually require two dental appointments because they are made in a dental laboratory.

Larger than direct restorations, indirect restorations can repair teeth with more severe decay or damage than a small cavity. They are also made from various dental materials that strengthen the tooth and make it possible to chew for longer without wearing them down.

In addition, indirect restorations can provide several cosmetic benefits that will improve the appearance of your smile. Some indirect dental restorations can now be completed in a single dental office appointment with the help of advances in dental technology such as CAD and CERC machines and 3-D imaging.

Which One Will I Need?

Both types of dental restorations are needed to fix issues with teeth. Direct dental restorations are usually utilized when the person’s teeth are complete and healthy enough to keep. Direct dental restorations often require scraping away tooth structure to make room for a filling.

Direct and indirect dental restorations might be necessary for some patients. Maintaining routine semiannual dental checkups and cleanings can greatly reduce the demand for dental restorations. Minimize your risk of needing a dental restoration or allowing your disease to advance to call for an indirect dental restoration by going to a dentist and seeking treatment as soon as possible. You can click to visit professionals that offer these services.

Bottom Line

Both of these dental restorations are helpful in repairing teeth that have been broken or decaying. Direct restorations are best for less extensive damage or decay, while indirect restorations can repair more extensive damage or decay and restore teeth with cosmetic problems. An appointment with your local cosmetic dental professional can help you choose which restoration is suitable for your teeth.