Say Goodbye to Invasive Procedures with Biomimetic Dentistry
Your teeth are designed to last a lifetime with proper care and attention, but we know accidents can happen. While restorative dentistry services can restore your teeth, the attention isn’t focused on the restored tooth’s function and biomechanics.
At Just Smile Dental, Dr. William Webley and our dental team provide biomimetic dentistry services to restore your teeth’s natural appearance, function, and strength. We use the latest biomimetic dental techniques to treat and care for your smile. To learn more about our biomimetic dental treatments, call our Everett office at (425) 341-1111.
What Is Biomimetic Dentistry?
Biomimetic dentistry is a subset of restorative dentistry using science to specifically focus on mimicking the natural tooth structure and preserving healthy tooth tissue. By imitating the natural structure of your teeth, we can provide a more natural treatment option that’s non-toxic, minimally invasive, and long-lasting for those in need of restoration.
Biomimetic Dentistry vs. Traditional Restorative Dentistry
What separates biomimetic dentistry from traditional dentistry practices is that Dr. Webley does his best to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. This is achieved by only removing the damaged and decayed tooth material. Restorations bonded to these teeth function and behave biomimetically.
The Key Aspects of Biomimetic Dentistry
Conservative Tooth Preparation
In biomimetic dentistry, minimal amounts of tooth structure are removed when preparing teeth for restorations. This maintains the vitality and longevity of the tooth. Only diseased or damaged areas are targeted, with surrounding healthy tooth structures left intact.
Biomimetic Restorative Materials
Specialized ceramic and composite resin materials are used that match the composition, mechanical properties, and physical behavior of natural tooth structures. These materials demonstrate similar hardness, elasticity, and wear resistance to natural enamel and dentin. They also allow for chemical and physical adhesion to the tooth. Examples include lithium disilicate glass ceramics and hybrid resin composites.
Adhesive Techniques
Advanced bonding agents and innovative techniques allow biomimetic materials to adhere to the underlying tooth structure. This creates a tight seal and helps prevent complications like bacterial leakage, decay, and restoration failure. Techniques like etching and curing establish micro-mechanical and chemical bonds between restoration and tooth.
Preventing Decay
Biomimetic materials do not provide favorable conditions for bacteria or leakage to penetrate the interface. Their bonded seals protect vulnerable areas from decay. Restorations are also designed to avoid food traps, limiting areas for bacteria to accumulate and cause decay.
The Benefits of Biomimetic Dentistry
Biomimetic dentistry offers several advantages, including:
- Preserving your tooth structure with minimally invasive treatments
- Increasing structural integrity and longevity of the restored tooth
- Reducing the chance of necessary future treatments
- Minimizes the risk of pain and sensitivity after treatment
- Reducing exposure to toxic mercury-containing amalgams
- Cost-effective techniques
Candidates for Biomimetic Dentistry
Dr. Webley looks for these factors to be considered candidates include:
- Patients with fractured, worn, or decayed teeth needing restoration
- Those wanting metal-free, mercury-free restorations for health or cosmetic reasons
- Patients for whom esthetic improvements of their smiles are a priority
- Those wanting treatment focused on longevity and conservation
Biomimetic Dentistry Treatments
As practitioners of biomimetic dentistry, we offer our treatment options as alternatives to full root canal treatment, full crowns, and other forms of restorative dentistry. Book your appointment to discover which treatments best fit your situation. Treatment options may involve layering techniques for:
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are used to restore teeth with mild to moderate decay or structural damage without resorting to a full crown. They involve adhering indirect biomimetic restorations made from ceramic or composite resin materials to the damaged or prepared portion of the tooth.
Excellent fit, retention, and durability can be achieved by bonding these restorations to the remaining healthy tooth structure. This conserves vital tooth structure while flawlessly restoring form and function.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding with biomimetic resins and composites may be used for minor repairs of fractured or chipped teeth edges or tips. It involves using tooth-colored materials sculpted and hardened onto the prepared surface of the damaged tooth.
A bonding agent helps adhere the restoration material to the natural tooth structure for seamless integration. With dental bonding, healthy tooth is preserved while structural integrity and esthetics are instantly restored using natural-looking biomimetic materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, biomimetic dentistry is safe. Dentists who practice biomimetic dentistry focus on preserving the tooth’s natural structure to prevent further damage. Biomimetic materials like composites are non-toxic, so your restored smile will be safe.
Biomimetic dentistry promotes long-term health by closely matching the tooth’s natural structure and function. This approach preserves healthy tooth structure and biomechanics. It also reduces invasive procedures, further boosting tooth longevity.
Biomimetic restorations tend to last longer as they resemble natural teeth more closely and reduce the need for invasive procedures. They are also more fracture-resistant with less recurrent decay. To maximize their longevity, you should practice good oral hygiene, and get routine dental checkups.
Biomimetic dentistry isn’t typically considered a holistic approach to dentistry. Biomimetic dentistry focuses on replicating natural tooth structure when restoring teeth. Holistic dentistry looks at the patient’s overall health and uses the most biocompatible materials. However, some dentists take a more holistic approach while using biomimetic techniques.
No, biomimetic treatments tend to be less expensive. Dentists are more conservative in removing less healthy teeth. As biomimetic restorations often only need one visit, they can save time and money over multiple appointments.
The Future of Restorative Dentistry is Here
Curious about the benefits of biomimetic dentistry? For more information on or to schedule an appointment, contact our Everett office at (425) 341-1111. You can also book your appointment below. We’re proud to provide comprehensive dentistry services for our patients in Everett and surrounding areas such as Edmonds, Marysville, Lynnwood, and Silver Firs, WA.