Restorative dentistry focuses on the restoration of diseased or damaged teeth as well as restructuring of poorly shaped teeth. The range of treatments extends from sealing tooth fissures to restoring a tooth with a crown.
A distinction is made between direct restorations (fabricated in the mouth) and indirect restorations (fabricated in the dental laboratory). Whereas in the past only silver amalgam, metal alloys, and simple composites were available as restorative materials, the era of adhesive bonding techniques with ceramics and modern composite materials has opened up entirely new and diverse possibilities.
With modern restorative dentistry, outstanding functional and aesthetic results can be achieved in the long term, while preserving tooth substance to a high degree.
