Biomimetic Dentistry, Biologic Dentistry and Holistic Dentistry: What is the Difference?

At Alleman Dental, we have specialized in biomimetic restorative dentistry for over 20 years, and through our training center, we have trained hundreds of doctors around the world in the same protocols that we use at our office in Provo, Utah. 

As experts in biomimetic dentistry, but not biologic or holistic dentistry, if patients have questions about these different approaches to care, we share our treatment processes and goals and let patients decide if that aligns with their own preferences as a patient.

Biomimetic dentistry, biologic dentistry, and holistic dentistry all fall under the category of general dentistry, which includes preventative and restorative care. These terms describe the approach to care and goals of treatment, but are not standardized or regulated. The term “biomimetic dentistry” is a term many patients and dentists are not familiar with and is often confused with “biologic dentistry” and “holistic dentistry”. 

This case by Dr. Davey Alleman, DMD, shows the difference between a poorly bonded adhesive restoration and a biomimetic restoration.

Developing biomimetic restorative dentistry

Dr. David Alleman, DDS, founder of Alleman Dental, began studying peer-reviewed literature in 1996 to try to answer the following questions that his mentors could not:

• Why do adhesive restorations fail?

• Why do some patients experience post-operative sensitivity?

• Are there more conservative options than a full-coverage crown for treating cracks and mid-sized cavities?

At the time, adhesive dentistry was still relatively new. Dr. Alleman recognized this new type of dentistry’s capacity for offering less invasive treatment options compared to amalgam restorations, but adhesive materials were still providing inferior results.

Over five years, Dr. Alleman identified techniques for using adhesive materials to resolve these issues and met with other key opinion leaders and researchers to share his findings. During those meetings, the term biomimetic, meaning to mimic nature, was selected to describe this type of dentistry. 

This photo shows the foundation of every biomimetic restoration: a tooth that is fully connected and sealed from bacteria. Case by Dr. Davey Alleman, DMD.

Goals of biomimetic restorative dentistry 

At Alleman Dental, biomimetic dentistry still reflects Dr. Alleman’s original goals for his patients — eliminating restorative failures, post-operative sensitivity, and aggressive treatment — and now has over 20 years of clinical data to show their effectiveness. 

Improved outcomes with biomimetic dentistry:

Mimicking natural structure: The natural tooth is fully connected around the pulp (nerve), and biomimetically restored teeth are, too. This means your restoration is fully bonded to your tooth, compared to traditional adhesive or retentive (amalgam) restorations that leave gaps of exposed tooth structure. 

Natural teeth are also free from cracks into dentin (the inner layer of your tooth), so at Alleman Dental, we remove cracks in your teeth precisely with high magnification before restoring your tooth. 

Preserving critical function: Dental restorations that function in support of your natural tooth structure show the best long-term outcomes because your tooth under the restoration is not being subjected to excessive stresses. At Alleman Dental, we prioritize conserving parts of your tooth that help maintain natural function, defining this as “critical tooth structure.” Non-critical tooth structure may be safely removed if needed to best treat any pathologies without impacting the long-term health of your tooth and restoration.

Promoting natural vitality: Dental pain is a sign that something is wrong with your tooth. Most commonly, this comes from a tooth’s nerve as it attempts to fight off infection from a carious lesion (decay) or crack that creates a pathway for bacteria to enter. Pain can also come from a poor bond in an adhesive restoration, another avenue for bacteria to enter your tooth. 

To block bacteria from entering, we create a biomimetic bond to your tooth with advanced adhesive materials and techniques. This specialized approach ensures that your restoration seals your healthy tooth structure to protect it from pain or sensitivity. 

This case by Dr. David Alleman, DDS, is one of his original biomimetic restorations that has stayed bonded and symptom-free for over 20 years and counting.

These goals are the focus of every restoration at Alleman Dental and offer patients restorations that eliminate post-operative sensitivity, eliminate the need for root canal therapy in many cases and stay bonded 20 years and counting. 

Questions? Our Patient Care Coordinator, Sheila, will be happy to answer any questions about our treatment protocols and help you schedule an appointment. Contact her at office@allemandental.com or (801) 717-9860.