At Lerner & Lemongello in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, experienced dentists Drs. Jay M. Lerner and Gerard J. Lemongello Jr. are known for crafting some of the most beautiful smiles in South Florida.
Direct and indirect restorations are often part of that process, but many patients don’t know the difference between the two. In this blog, we explore how they’re alike, how they’re different, and what you need to know.
Understanding Direct Dental Restorations
Direct restorations are completed entirely within your mouth, typically in just one visit. They commonly repair minor tooth damage, providing a fast and effective solution for restoring your smile.
Direct dental restorations are typically composite resin, which you might know as tooth-colored fillings or tooth bonding material.
For this procedure, your dentist matches the color of your tooth, shapes it to your tooth, and uses a special curing light to harden it.
Direct dental restorations can be ideal for small cavities or chips that need immediate attention. They can protect and strengthen your teeth with minimal prep, giving you a functional and natural-looking smile.
Exploring Indirect Dental Restorations
Indirect restorations, on the other hand, are crafted outside the mouth in a dental lab. They’re designed to mimic your tooth’s natural shape and appearance closely.
While they require more tooth prep and take longer to complete, they often provide a longer-lasting solution. Examples of indirect restorations include:
- Ceramic Crowns: Cover a damaged tooth entirely to protect it
- Veneers: Thin panels for the front of teeth, enhancing appearance
- Inlays and Onlays: Fit inside or over the tooth to reinforce it
Since indirect restorations are tailored in a lab, they typically require two visits to our office.
Choosing the Right Restoration for Your Needs
Your dentist at Lerner & Lemongello will recommend the right dental restoration based on your dental health, preferences, and needs.
Direct restorations are great for simple, surface-level repairs, while indirect restorations provide added strength and durability for more extensive damage.
Some patients, for example, those having smile makeovers, may have both direct and indirect restorations.
Dental Restorations in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
If you need a dental restoration to complete your smile, call Lerner & Lemongello in Palm Beach Gardens at 561-627-9000 to book a consultation with our experienced team. You deserve a strong, healthy smile that lasts!