Emerging technologies will facilitate evolution to primary prevention of caries, though obstacles to full implementation in clinical practice now exist.

The focus is on maximum conservation of demineralized, noncavitated enamel and dentin.

In the noncavitated lesion, to take advantage of the tooth’s capacity to remineralize, one must first alter the oral environment.

Cavity preparations designed to conserve maximum enamel can eliminate the need for macromechanical retention.