“LESS is MORE” is an expression we often refer to when deciding on the best dental treatment for our patients.
But what exactly does “LESS is MORE” mean when it comes to your teeth and what you want to get done to improve your smile? And how can adopting this philosophy help you make wise decisions on cosmetic dentistry for your mouth?
Dr. Cranford on WRHI Radio: LESS is MORE [2 minutes]
What is LESS is MORE in Dentistry?
Following are ways our dentists and staff use the LESS is MORE philosophy in our Rock Hill, SC dental office.
Treatment should be appropriate and requested by the patient.
Ideally, patients should direct their dentist towards the right dental treatment for them.
Accordingly, our dentists take time to get to know the patient and what she really wants for her mouth. In some cases, we work this out over multiple visits, sometimes over many years.
Some cosmetic procedures are not appropriate for all patients.
For some people, we believe that the “latest or newest” procedures need to be minimized or not used at all.
Thus we are obligated to inform our patients of the drawbacks of cosmetic dentistry that damages too much of the tooth structure. In addition, we warn against procedures that require maintenance or dentistry that may need to be replaced.
Dental treatment should lead to better oral health.
We encourage dental patients to balance their desire for a “perfect smile” against what will keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Therefore, we advise against cosmetic dentistry that the patient will not be able to maintain over many years. Examples include dentures that are hard to remove and clean or removable appliances that are hard to keep up with for aging patients.
Lower cost is better than higher cost.
With modern dentistry options, there is usually an “ideal” treatment and a “nearly as good” and lower cost option.
Without a doubt, the best choice is the option that you are comfortable paying for.
Preventive dental treatment saves teeth and money over time.
Preventive dental care has a proven track record in our office.
For cosmetic dentistry, the right expression “NONE is MORE” works better than “LESS is MORE.” For example, we work with our long time patients, to avoid dental treatment by keeping teeth and gums healthy and problem free.
Our dentists and hygienists want to keep your dental health at the level you desire.
A good question for a patient to his dentist: What can I do now to make sure that I do not need expensive treatment in the future?
Obviously, LESS is MORE should be the goal when you visit your dentist.
When is LESS is MORE used in dental office?
Below are some examples of treatment decisions from our many years of helping patients decide what is best for them. Notice how LESS is MORE applies.
“I have a chipped tooth and need a crown.”
Let’s hold on and take a good look! Maybe the chip is not as bad as you think.
Perhaps we can smooth and polish the tooth. Or place a beautiful tooth colored composite.
Regardless, we will do a thorough diagnosis of your concern and give you choices. You may choose the less (or possibly doing nothing) or the more (and possibly more costly).
“I have a toothache and need a tooth pulled.”
Are you sure you need an extraction? And then tooth replacement?
Perhaps you have a minor crack that we can fix with a filling; or a bruised ligament between your tooth root and jaw bone; or a problem with your bite.
Thankfully, there are many ways to treat tooth pain without your losing a tooth. In this case, LESS is MORE.
“I need an implant to replace a missing tooth.”
Before considering implant surgery, let’s answer some basic questions:
- Do you miss the tooth?
- Is it located in an area that affects your smile?
- Do you have trouble chewing with the tooth missing?
- Will your teeth shift since the tooth is gone?
- Are you willing to commit the time and expense to replace the tooth?
After answering these questions, the patient may decide that LESS is MORE and that an implant is not the right choice for him.
He may consider less involved and more cost efficient solutions or he may decide that the missing tooth does not really bother him.
Why LESS is MORE in our Dental Office?
Ideally, we want our patients to be fully informed and involved in considering what is best for their dental care. Of course, this includes considering why a simple or lower cost decision may be best.
Understandably, our dentists work to avoid “Over Treatment” or procedures that the patient is not comfortable with.
Thus we often consider that LESS is MORE when proposing cosmetic dentistry.
At your next visit, consider asking, “What is the least I can do to make my smile look good while preserving my natural teeth and maintaining good dental health?”
Visit Cranford Dental in Rock Hill, SC
Are you considering dental work or starting on a dental health care plan? Or do you want to look at different options to improve your smile?
Always, our dentists and staff love welcoming new patients to our dental office.
We would be happy to answer any questions you have about your dental care. Or to guide you in making good decisions for your mouth.
Contact Cranford Dental to make an appointment or call 803-324-7670. Our office is at 1721 Ebenezer Road in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
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