What Is Biomimetic Dentistry?
September 30, 2019 | Biomimetic Dentistry | The Office of Palisades Dentists
Crowns, drills, root canals, oh my! Anyone who has undergone an invasive oral procedure can understand the anxiety that traditional dentistry can cause.
But there is a more natural, preventative approach called biomimetic dentistry that is growing in popularity. But what exactly is biomimetic dentistry, and why is it gaining traction?
Portrait of a beautiful young happy smiling couple
What Is Biomimetic Dentistry?
The core purpose of biomimetic dentistry is to preserve the natural teeth and treat problems before they require reconstruction surgery.
If a tooth becomes fractured or begins to decay, that tooth is susceptible to more severe problems like infection or cavities. Biomimetic dentistry aims to address the concern immediately and strengthen the tooth, which can protect it from further destruction caused by bacteria.
For example: Rather than filling a cavity with external materials, biomimetic dentistry attempts to kill bacteria with non-invasive treatments and address the cause of the cavity to help prevent further tooth decay.
Why Is Biomimetic Dentistry Important?
Approaching oral health care with biomimetic dentistry can dramatically reduce the need to remove teeth or grind them down for crowns, root canals, and other procedures.
Not only does preventative care help keep your natural teeth healthy, but it also eliminates expensive oral procedures that can be:
- Costly
- Painful
- Time-consuming
Biomimetic dentistry takes a ‘less is more’ approach, meaning that problems are corrected through a minimalist, less invasive, non-toxic treatment rather than grinding or removing teeth before it is absolutely necessary.
These biomimetic techniques are typically cheaper, quicker, and less painful than the more radical alternatives. More invasive dentistry can destroy natural teeth, which are permanently gone after adult teeth are removed.
Imitating Nature
When you look at the name of this dentistry, the word biomimetic has the root ‘bio’ (meaning life) and ‘mimic’ (meaning duplicate).
By imitating the natural structures of your teeth, as well as how the dentition bends and operates, it helps dentists provide a natural solution to mouth concerns.
By replicating nature, the mouth feels normal and comfortable, and the normal function of your teeth are preserved.
For instance, if a tooth is chipped or requires replacement, in some cases bonding or gluing teeth back together or adding the missing portions of the tooth can prevent the need for the removal of teeth.
Rebuilding the tooth with more natural materials can imitate a natural dentition, which can still withstand every day oral hygiene routines and chewing. The objective of biomimetic dentistry is to result in a more natural tooth function and appearance.
What Is the Difference Between Biomimetic and Traditional Dentistry?
Traditional dentistry aims to provide replacements that are sturdy and usually expensive. Biomimetic dentistry is designed to utilize the existing teeth and improve them by developing more natural replacement teeth.
Happy family. Father, mother, and children at home.
Having sturdy tooth material is important, but not when it leads to the cracking of other teeth or complications in the future that require more invasive, expensive, and extensive procedures.
The biomimetic approach is to address concerns while providing natural-looking, long-lasting, non-toxic results. The Palisades Dentists understand the importance of natural teeth and less invasive, preventative strategies to dentistry and oral health.
Are you ready to change to natural biomimetic dentistry? Call our office at 310-459-2303 to schedule a consultation today! You can also fill out a new patient form online by clicking here.