Direct Restoratives

Direct Restoratives
Direct Restorative Materials Used during numerous dental procedures including filling cavities, endodontic treatments, prophy appointments and even some cosmetic cases, direct restorative materials are placed intraorally. These materials are often designed to replace the form, function, and look of either dentin, enamel or both, and they can be placed using a wide range of techniques, and complimentary instruments and materials. Selecting the right direct restorative material depends on the clinical indication, the set up of your practice, and a degree of personal preference.

What Types of Direct Restorative Materials Are Available?

To a degree choosing the best materials to use in your dental practice can be about personal preference. It is important to find materials that you and your team are comfortable using and are capable of delivering the results you and your patients expect. However, the biggest factor in determining what direct material you use is the clinical procedure being completed. While some material types can be used for multiple procedures, others are designed for a specific indication.
Dental composites are among the popular direct restorative materials. Tooth colored, durable and relatively easy to place, they can be used to restore a range of lesion classifications and are available in flowable, hybrid, and bulk fill formulations. Glass Ionomers are another restorative material used for a variety of direct indications, and newer bioactive materials are also used for a range of clinical situations. In the hygiene room direct restorative materials might include sealants and infiltrants, while core build-up materials and posts are among the materials often used when restoring endodontically treated teeth.
When placing direct restorations, there are a range of additional materials and specialized instrumentation systems that are used to optimize the effectiveness of the restorative material and the treatment. These include materials used when placing the restoration such as cavity liner materials, etchants, and desensitizing agents, as well as matrix systems, interproximal wedges, and occlusal clearance devices.
Dental Composite Dental Matrix Core Buildup Material

What to Consider When Selecting a Direct Restorative Material?

Selecting a direct restorative material should always start with a clinical assessment of the patient and a plan for treatment with a direct restoration. Once that is determined you should know which types of materials are appropriate for the case. When selecting among your many options, it is important to choose a material that will deliver function and esthetics for the patient. You also want to be sure you fully understand the treatment protocol and instructions for using the material. If something is too technique sensitive or time consuming, it will be difficult to integrate into your practice, regardless of how great the results might look.
Another key consideration is what other materials, instruments or piece of equipment you will need to use the material. Light-cured materials will require a curing light, while composites often require a compatible adhesive system. Be sure you have or will purchase anything additional needed to place the material. Finally, it is important to have your team on board and equally comfortable with any materials they will be placing or assisting with.

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