Just Because It’s Easier Doesn’t Mean It’s Better

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In dentistry, we talk a lot about “doing what’s best for the patient.”

But what happens when what’s best is also what’s harder?

There’s no doubt that traditional crown preparations have earned their place in the dental playbook. They’re:

• Easy to isolate

• Relatively quick to prep

• Straightforward to cement

• Predictable in outcome

But we now live in an era of advanced ceramics, adhesive bonding, and minimally invasive techniques. We have materials and methods that allow us to preserve tooth structure and transfer mechanical stress away from the tooth and onto the restoration — potentially prolonging the tooth’s health-span.

That’s not just theory. It’s backed by consensus from leading experts in restorative dentistry. And it’s something I’ve witnessed firsthand with CAD/CAM workflows like CEREC.

So here’s the hard question we must ask ourselves:

Because let’s be honest — modern adhesive restorations demand more of us:

• Precise isolation

• Sound understanding of material science

• Mastery of bonding protocols

• More chair time, especially in the learning curve

It’s tempting to default to what’s familiar. To reach for the bur and prep a full-coverage crown because it’s predictable, efficient, and well within our comfort zone.

But if our patients understood that the “easier” procedure may require sacrificing healthy enamel, or risks increasing the likelihood of future fracture or endodontic involvement — how would they feel?

Would they be satisfied with the idea that a more protective, conservative approach wasn’t offered because it was more technique sensitive?

Have a great week

Rosie