Trends come and go – even dentistry. One that’s really started to gain some momentum is what’s known as “biomimetic dentistry.”
Simply breaking down the word gives you the basic sense of what it means. “Bio” means life; “mimetic” means imitating. That’s the goal of biomimetics: to imitate life.
So biomimetic dentistry strives to restore damaged teeth using materials and techniques that replicate the properties of natural teeth as closely as possible. It also aims to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible. After all, no fabrication can match natural dental tissue exactly.
Biomimetic techniques also aim to
- Use materials that mimic natural teeth in strength, flexibility, and appearance.
- Use the least invasive techniques possible to achieve the desired results.
- Strengthen the bond between restorations and natural teeth.
Because of this, biomimetic dentists favor composite resins and ceramics instead of mercury amalgam and other metals for restoring teeth. They also incorporate techniques such as micro air abrasion to remove decay without drilling and favor onlays instead of sacrificing all the natural tooth structure needed to support a full crown.
This type of approach can often reduce the need for repeated dental procedures over time. Remember: The more times we work on a tooth, the more trauma the living tissues within it experience. Eventually, the tooth may become a candidate for root canal (seldom a great option) or extraction (seldom a desirable option) and replacement with an implant or partial.
The idea is less dentistry, not more, creating long-lasting, natural-looking restorations that preserve the tooth’s inherent strengths and reduce the risk of complications.
This harmonizes beautifully with the principles of holistic and biological dentistry. Its techniques allow dentists like Dr. Jana to do dentistry in a way that supports whole body health and well-being.
It’s a patient-friendly approach. It’s a health-focused approach. It’s the future for optimal long-term oral health.
