What are the Advantages of Direct Dental Restorations?

Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of dentistry that focuses mainly on improving your smile’s appearance. In contrast, restorative dentistry focuses on restoring your tooth’s functionality. Drs. Jennifer Wahlen and John Torghele from Wahlen Dentistry can repair structural damage to your teeth using direct or indirect dental restorations. With these FAQs, your Perry, Utah, dentist explains the difference between the two.  

What is a direct dental restoration?

Direct tooth restorations are those applied directly to your teeth at the dentist’s office, usually in one dental visit. A dental filling used to treat a cavity is an example of a direct dental restoration. Dental bonding repairs a chipped or cracked tooth.

What are the advantages of using direct dental restorations for your teeth?

Speed is one of the greatest advantages of using direct dental restoration to treat dental issues. Drs. Wahlen and Torghele can complete your procedure in one visit to avoid delays in your treatment. Direct restorations often require minor prep work for placement, keeping more of your tooth structure intact. They’re also less costly, saving you money on dental bills.

What’s the difference between a direct restoration and an indirect dental restoration?

Direct restorations are created and placed on the spot at our dental clinic without using an off-site lab. After evaluating your teeth and determining whether a restoration is needed, Drs. Wahlen and Torghele can complete your treatment immediately, eliminating the need for a temporary restoration or a second appointment to finalize your procedure.

Indirect restorations are created separately in an off-site lab and later placed inside your mouth or on your teeth. Dental crowns, porcelain veneers, dental implants, bridges, and dentures generally fall into this category. You can fit a provisional restoration until you finish your permanent restoration. Indirect restorations may take two or three dental visits to complete.

What materials are used for direct dental restorations?

The most common materials used for direct restorations are silver amalgam, composite resin, and glass ionomer. These materials are mainly used for dental fillings. Silver amalgam is an alloy of silver, zinc, mercury, tin, and copper. Composite resin is a mixture of tooth-colored resin material and powdered glass, and glass ionomer is a tooth-colored mixture composed of silica glass powder and polyacrylic acid. Composite resin is also used for dental bonding.

How long do direct restorations last?

Composite resin restorations, such as fillings and dental bonding, can last up to ten years. Glass ionomer fillings are less enduring, lasting around five years. Silver amalgam restorations, with proper care, can last up to fifteen years. You can extend the lifespan of your restorations by taking good care of your teeth and seeing Drs. Wahlen, Torghele, and the team regularly for routine checkups and cleanings.

Where can I go for quality restorative dentistry near me?

You can visit Wahlen Dentistry for restorative dental treatment if you live in Perry, Utah. Contact Dr. Jennifer Wahlen and Dr. John Torghele at (435) 246-4602 to schedule an appointment.

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