In this two-part case presentation, the benchmarks of our treatment planning principles are briefly explained and their application is discussed in the case of a 35-year old patient with multiple failing restorations and an esthetic complaint regarding the maxillary anterior teeth. In this first part, the four principles are proposed, the patient's main problems are presented and three treatment options are discussed. In the second part, the treatment choice will be disclosed as well as the decisionmaking process, the respective diagnostic procedures involved, and finally the sequential treatment. The aim of these articles is to stimulate the debate and to promote therapeutic choices that take into account evolution of contemporary dental medicine.