Restoration simply means repairing a damaged structure or missing tooth. This can be done in two different ways like direct and indirect. Direct restorations are done directly inside the mouth whereas indirect restorations are prepared outside the mouth and then fixed to the tooth (just like veneers and crowns). Both the methods can make a tooth function well and also look better but have a different procedure altogether.

One of the best dental care of Rancho Bernardo is the Hekmat Dental Care. Here Dr. Reza Hekmat and his staff will help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile forever. Let us discuss here more about these two different procedures.

What is a direct restoration?

Here all of the procedures including the fabrication will be done within the mouth itself. This procedure is commonly called filling where a malleable substance is being added into the

cleaned cavity. This material is then hardened to restore the broken tooth structure.

These filings are mainly made with the following materials:

•         Silver amalgam is a compound that is made of 50% mercury and 50% silver, zinc, tin, and copper. The biggest advantage of using a silver amalgam is that it is highly durable and less expensive. The disadvantage of using it is that this material is not so appealing to look at and also it causes expansion and contraction. Thus, the tooth may crack in between leading to food particles being stuck in between the tooth and getting decayed. Also, the mercury used here is at high-risk to people.
•         Composite fillings are made of synthetic resins. They look better as you get them as per the shade of your tooth. But they are quite expensive as compared to silver amalgam and are less durable. You need to replace them after 5 years
•       Ionomerglass fillings are made by mixing polyacrylic acid and silicate glass powder. This is hardened to make a cream-colored binding. This filling is very brittle and is mostly used on baby teeth and non-biting teeth surfaces. They are not very expensive and do not contract or expand like the silver amalgam. They also release fluoride compounds which can prevent tooth decay.

Rancho Bernardo dental clinics have the best dentists who can do this job of direct restoration for you. Apart from this, direct restoration can be done through dental bonding too. This is a procedure where a putty-like bonding agent is used which can fill up these cracks, reshape your teeth and remove any gaps between your teeth. This bonding agent is given the shape of your tooth and then dried with the help of a curing lamp.

What is an indirect restoration?

Here the fabrication is done outside the mouth. Examples of this kind are veneers, crowns, bridges, imprints, inlays, Onlays, etc. This is very commonly termed as dentures where a permanent or a semi-permanent dental fixture is prepared rather than the removable one.

This procedure is very expensive as compared to direct restoration. All because of the work that needs to be done like the dental impression, tooth preparation, fabrication, and then placing the veneer or crown. The advantage here would be that this procedure is more stable and long-lasting and it has a more realistic appearance as compared to any other procedure.

Here is the list of indirect restoration options:

1. Veneers: They are a thin shell of porcelain that can cover your tooth when it is damaged or broken or stained. They are made by taking an impression of your tooth and they look appealing because it looks like your natural tooth.
2. Dental crowns: They are known as dental caps which are made to completely cover the tooth. They are made of dental cement which is strong enough as well as looks good. The crowns are made of metals or gold or even ceramic.
3. Bridges: They are artificial teeth that are made to fill up the gaps between the teeth. The natural teeth that give support to the bridge are called abutments. This bridge is made up of porcelain, metal, or even porcelain which is infused with metal.
4. Implants: Implants are done surgically where the dental appliances are fixed to the bone of the jaw. This supports the crown or the bridge. There are several steps involved in this procedure:

o   Creating a temporary prosthetic

o   Extraction of the damaged tooth

o   Preparation of that site where implantation needs to be done

o   Make a permanent prosthetic

o   Do the implantation

Once done this will take around a minimum of 6 months for the new bone to be formed and secure this implant.

Overall, both types of restoration procedures have a variety of options to restore your damaged or broken tooth. Direct restoration is better when you want to restore the smaller area of damage or decay, whereas indirect restorations can be used to restore the area with severe damage or decay. It is also better for teeth with cosmetic concerns.

So, when you have to decide which one is better, you can visit the local Rancho Bernardo Dentistry so that they can advise you on which method will best suit you.