Did you know that your dental professional can fix teeth that have been damaged or decayed using either different dental restorations? They are categorized as direct or indirect restorations. In both situations, they will restore the damaged tooth differently. The optimal restoration solution for your specific situation will depend on details, including the nature, extent, and location of the damage or decay.
Direct vs. Indirect Restorations
With advancements in dental technology, a variety of dental restorations are now available. Direct and indirect restorations are the two most common options. What sets these two restorations apart? Let’s take a closer look.
Direct Dental Restorations
Direct tooth restorations are possible in one appointment at a reliable dental clinic. Filling cavities is the most common direct dental restoration. The location of the cavity and the person’s choices will determine the best filling material. Dental treatments that include direct restorations are less challenging and can start treating the problem immediately.
Composite fillings restore mild to moderate cavities and are the most commonly used direct restorations. Nevertheless, a different method called composite bonding uses composite resin to close gaps between teeth and fix 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 shaped and polished to complement the rest of the tooth. Direct restorations are completed as soon as the final layer has solidified, and patients 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 usually done in a dental lab. These can also be made with an office milling machine. For proper placement, indirect restorations often require two dental visits because they are made in a dental lab.
Larger than direct restorations, indirect restorations can fix teeth with more severe decay or damage than a small cavity. They are also made from numerous dental materials that enhance the tooth and make it possible to chew for longer without wearing them down.
Moreover, indirect restorations can offer several cosmetic benefits that will enhance the look of your smile. Some indirect dental restorations can now be finished in a single dental office appointment with the help of advances in digital dental restorations such as CAD and CERC machines and 3-D imaging.
Which One Will I Need?
Both types of dental restorations are necessary to fix issues with teeth. Direct dental restorations are often 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 may be required for some patients. Maintaining routine semiannual dental checkups and cleanings minimizes the demand for dental restorations. Minimize your risk of needing a dental restoration or allowing your disease to progress to call for an indirect dental repair by going to a dental professional and seeking treatment as soon as possible. You can click to visit the best dental professional offering the best treatment.
Conclusion
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 decide which restoration is suitable for your teeth.