Did you know that your dentist can fix teeth that have been damaged or decayed using these different dental restorations? They are classified as direct or indirect restorations. In both cases, they will restore the damaged tooth in different ways. The optimal restoration solution for your specific situation will depend on details, including the nature, extent, and area of the damage or decay.
Direct vs. Indirect Restorations
With advancements in dental technology, various dental restorations are now available. Direct and indirect dental restorations are the two most popular options. What sets these two restorations apart? Let’s take a better look.
Direct Dental Restorations
Direct tooth restorations are possible in one appointment. Filling cavities is the most common direct dental restoration. The area of the cavity and the person’s preferences will determine the ideal filling material. Dental treatments that include direct restorations are less complicated and can start treating the issue right away.
Composite fillings repair mild to moderate cavities and are the most commonly used direct restorations. Nevertheless, a different procedure called composite bonding uses composite resin to close spaces between teeth and fix small to medium chips and cracks.
Both fillings and crowns include putting composite resin that has been softened to the tooth structure or cavity and curing the composite resin with light. The last coating is shaped and polished to complement the rest of the tooth. Direct restorations are completed once the last coating has hardened, and patients can resume their day normally.
Clear aligner therapy is also a method of direct dental restoration that involves creating custom-made, removable aligners which are worn over the teeth to gradually shift them into the desired position. Consult your dentist for more information.
Indirect Dental Restorations
Indirect restorations that need to be made outside the mouth are permanent or semi-permanent fixed restorations. This kind of restoration is usually done in a dental laboratory. These can also be made with an office milling machine. Indirect restorations usually require two dental visits for the right positioning since they are created in a dental lab.
Larger than direct restorations, indirect restorations can repair teeth with more extreme decay or damage than a little cavity. They are also made from various dental materials that enhance the tooth and make it possible to chew for longer without wearing them down.
In addition, indirect restorations can offer numerous 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 advancements in dental technology like CAD and CERC machines and 3-D imaging.
Which One Will I Need?
Both types of dental restorations are needed to repair problems with teeth. Direct dental restorations are commonly utilized when the patient’s teeth are complete and healthy enough to stay. Direct dental restorations usually need scraping away at tooth structure to make room for a filling.
Direct and indirect dental restorations may be required for some patients. Maintaining routine biannual dental checkups and cleanings can greatly reduce the demand for dental restorations. Minimize your risk of needing a dental restoration or allowing your condition to progress to an indirect dental restoration by visiting a New York City dentist and seeking treatment immediately.
Bottom Line
Both of these dental restorations are helpful in restoring teeth that have been damaged 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 determine which restoration is suitable for your teeth.
