Biomimetic dentistry is the latest advancement engineered to restore damaged teeth. The art and science behind the technique is that it restores a natural appearance, function, and strength to teeth without the extensive work needed for procedures like root canals.
Mother Nature gives us teeth with properties ideal for protecting them. Unfortunately, that makes restoring them a detailed and expensive process. It’s a delicate procedure, returning teeth to a near-natural state without taking away from their original structure.
Biomimetic dentistry is the result of expansive training and research. Founded in adhesive dental techniques that have evolved since the late 1940s, seeds of biomimetic dentistry’s origin can be found in a library of publications. Still, only the rare, dedicated professional is tracking the advancements in this field. On top of that, only the most advanced dental institution, like the University of Southern California, has put any real effort into incorporating biomimetic dentistry into their curricula. These entities in the dental community do seem committed to training new dentists in the advantages of biomimetic dentistry, teaching techniques which are supported by the peer-reviewed scientific research.
Biomimetic dentistry operatives can conserve as much tooth structure as possible. It preserves the vitality of the tooth, restoring teeth without requiring operations like root canals or tooth extraction. It increases the bond strength of teeth by 400 percent and minimizes shrinkage stress on teeth. Biomimetic dentistry has managed long-lasting restoration, eliminated sensitivity, and prevented complications associated with conventional dental work.
For a full understanding of what biomimetic dentistry can do, let’s take a look at a traditional crown preparation. In order to perform a restoration, 75 percent of a tooth will be removed. This is a complicated process but is required for success. On the other hand, with biomimetic dentistry, a structurally compromised tooth is saved by leaving the remaining tooth structure intact and building a biomimetic restoration. For a crown, there would have to be almost nothing left of the tooth, guaranteeing a root canal.
The potential 400 percent increase we could achieve through biomimetic dentistry is critical to success. Being able to actually bond restoration to a tooth with the exacting strength of natural enamel will revolutionize the way the dental world manages damaged teeth. The lasting performance of a return to maximized bond strength means the tooth will last longer and be resistant to fractures and chipping. Teeth will be stronger and patients will have healthier oral lives.
