When it comes to meeting someone new, our smile is usually one of the first things that makes an impression for the right or wrong reasons. For many, the most aesthetically pleasing smile is a set of straight and white teeth, symmetrical in length and width.
In cosmetic dentistry, the focus has traditionally been on giving patients (usually celebrities) what has become known as a ‘Hollywood smile’, which can look unnatural, as it gives the patient extremely white and straight teeth. I’m a firm supporter of a new approach called biomimetics, which I would like to tell you more about.
Finding your own smile
Recently, a new way of approaching restorative dentistry has emerged, which emphasises that you can get a great looking smile by making the most of what you already have. Biomimetic dentistry focuses on making teeth look as natural as possible, while maintaining both the function and aesthetics of the teeth.
According to Dr Pascal Magne (DMD, PhD, USC School of Dentistry) a dentist who advocates the biomimetic approach, “Biomimetics hopes to respect the biology of the tooth, copying its material properties and functions so it therefore both looks and works like a tooth.” This approach is in contrast to traditional cosmetic dentistry, with which the Hollywood smile is associated.
Biomimetics concentrates on making the most of your slight imperfections as it what makes you unique. The approach is considered to be a marriage of technology, utility, aesthetics and personal expression, known as functional art. A dentist trained in this approach will be able to make the most of your smile by carefully analysing your facial structure and the overall appearance of your teeth.
Your smile is a work of art
By taking into consideration the patient’s facial structure, a dentist will create a restoration in a seamless manner, making it look as close as possible to the patient’s own tooth.
Biomimetics uses the philosophy that the healthy tooth has the perfect hue and shade to work with, as well as the best guide for restoring other teeth in the mouth. A dentist who takes the biomimetic approach will focus on maintaining the natural structure of the tooth where possible, using biomaterials which mimic bone, enamel and dentine. These biomaterials are engineered to be mineralised with hard tissues.
Restorations that are designed in a biomimetic way are not only naturally aesthetic but fully functional, allowing the patient to bite and chew with ease, thanks to the advanced biomaterials that mimic natural tooth.
A dentist trained in biomimetics will use this approach to restore any damage to a tooth, while maintaining its function and aesthetic to give a natural looking smile you’ll be proud to show off.
Yours in oral health,
