SUMMARY: Traditionally, indirect restorations are expected to have better longevity than direct restorations. The introduction of adhesive dentistry and the minimally invasive approach of restorative treatment has changed this. In this article, the differences in longevity between direct and indirect restorations in the posterior dentition are explained. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of direct and indirect restorations placed in a minimally invasive way and using a proper adhesive technique are described.