For decades, traditional restorative dentistry prioritized mechanical retention over structural preservation. Dentists were trained to sacrifice healthy enamel and dentine to fit rigid material requirements. Today, modern adhesive dentistry and bioactive materials have flipped that paradigm entirely, yet many clinical practices still carry the weight of aggressive preparation designs.
Minimally invasive dentistry begins with respect for native biology. Every cubic millimeter of enamel preserved preserves the structural integrity of the tooth, prolongs pulp vitality, and delays the restorative cycle.