Grey areas in restorative dentistry: part 6. Direct or Indirect Restoration

The aim of restorative dentistry, by and large, is to restore damaged, ill shaped, malpositioned, or malfunctioning teeth so that they look good and function well. This objective can be achieved by either direct or indirect restorations; sometimes just a single tooth may be involved, or at other times several teeth may be involved, commonly when there is tooth wear. The dental practitioner is faced with having to make decisions, on a frequent basis, as to which to choose. While it is good to have a choice, it is essential that the practitioner understands the risks and the benefits of each option, and the skill and expertise required for their successful execution. It is also important to have a protocol for assessing distressed teeth so that an informed decision can be made. This can then be discussed with the patient. CPD/Clinical Relevance: The choice between a direct or indirect restoration and the material to be used for a particular tooth is a frequent challenge for dental practitioners.