Adhesive Dentistry: Changing Restorative Treatment for the Better

Amalgam fillings and full-coverage gold crowns have long been the “gold standard” for direct and indirect restorations of cariously involved and/or broken teeth. While these restorations have a proven track record for functional success, they are not ideal with respect to esthetic outcomes or the preservation of residual tooth structure for subsequent solutions upon failure. The development of modern, adhesively retained restorations has enabled clinicians to provide patients a long-lasting solution that is not only a more conservative option for addressing diseased and/or structurally damaged teeth, but a more esthetic one. This article will review recent developments in adhesive dentistry, as well as the often-overlooked excellent track record already established by direct resin and indirect all-ceramic restorations.