“Minimally invasive” is a commonly used buzz word in dentistry at the minute and quite rightly so. It is a phrase that reflects a philosophy or approach that prioritises the retention of as much sound tooth tissue when carrying out any restorative work.
This belief is based on the self evident truth that the best “restorative material” is sound untouched enamel and dentine and the more we leave the patient with the better. There is a quid pro quo to this however; when we make restorations thinner or smaller they can be come weaker and may not last as long as the conventional techniques. What is important is making sure that we can marry the philosophy of minimally invasive techniques with the strength and longevity of conventional all ceramic techniques. This case highlights this approach very well. The patient was not happy with the appearance of her teeth and wanted to change the shape and shade of her teeth. By using ceramic restorations on all her visible teeth Russell Blanchard (working with Sally Dyer, of Whalton Dental Arts) was able to be very minimal in his approach to each tooth. We often hear that “less is more” but on this occasion “more is less”. By changing all the teeth on show Russell did not have cut too deeply into any one individual tooth, which he might have to have done if he was trying to conform to the existing size and shape of the adjacent teeth.
As ever if you want to know more about these techniques and how they might help you then please call the practice on 01580 752202 and ask to speak to our head receptionist Fiona Getgood or our dedicated Treatment coordinator Dawn Lindsey.
