Biomimetic Dentistry – Weyauwega, WI
Natural Solutions for Healthier Smiles
Dr. William Twohig is a holistic dentist in Weyauwega who believes in treating more than just your smile. Committed to providing patients with a whole-body wellness approach, he chooses to avoid the use of metals and instead, opts for more natural solutions that can benefit both the mouth and body. As part of this holistic approach, he uses biomimetic dentistry to treat the natural structures in the mouth through a process of replication rather than replacement. If you’re looking to learn more about this unique form of dentistry, contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Twohig today.
What is Biomimetic Dentistry?
Biomimetic dentistry is a holistic form of treatment that uses a natural approach to treating problems of the mouth. Instead of relying first and foremost on alternative tooth replacements, prosthetics, or restorations, Dr. Twohig incorporates the use of specialized therapies to repair, rebuild, and restore a patient’s smile.
Far more conservative than using dental crowns or bridges to repair broken or decayed teeth, biomimetic dentistry minimizes the need for minor and major restorative services (i.e., root canal therapy) by helping to keep as much of the natural tooth structure as possible, stopping the spread of decay, and restoring a person’s tooth biomechanics.
How Does it Differ from Traditional Dentistry?
Unlike traditional dentistry that requires removing healthy tooth structure to repair and replace decayed and broken teeth, biomimetic dentistry offers another route. The former often requires incorporating outside, foreign materials to ensure a person’s tooth is fully functional; however, by preserving the natural tooth using biomimetic dentistry, Dr. Twohig can use restorative therapies to mimic the tooth and preserve more of the natural structure.
In fact, instead of simply cutting our decayed portions of a person’s tooth in preparation for a dental crown, he will instead use trusted techniques to stop the spread of harmful bacteria that is causing the decay, preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible, and use composite resin, which can be matched to your normal tooth color, to fill and seal off the tooth from future reinfection. This not only creates a tight bond but also replaces missing portions of the tooth.
Essentially, the mindset of biomimetic dentistry is “less is more.”
What Are Its Benefits?
Although most dental offices do not offer this type of dentistry, you will find there are many great benefits that come with not only choosing a holistic dentist but also pursuing biomimetic dentistry. If you are looking to receive treatment that focuses more on natural therapies and solutions instead of reaching for the most convenient and “easy” option, you’ll be pleased to learn that biomimetic dentistry offers:
- A decreased risk of substantial complications and failures that commonly occur with traditional dentistry
- A way to restore teeth that would normally require more complex restorative solutions (i.e., root canal treatment)
- A way to experience minimal sensitivity and post-procedure pain
- A reduction in root canal treatments by 90-95%
- Patients the ability to keep more of their natural tooth structure, even in instances when a dental crown is necessary
- Greater bond strength
- A minimally invasive approach to treating decayed and damaged teeth
Biomimetic Dentistry FAQs
Do Biomimetic Procedures Take Longer to Perform?
It’s often possible for a biomimetic dental procedure to be completed in just one visit in cases where a traditional dental treatment might require at least two appointments. This can ultimately save you a lot of time. That being said, because of the delicate, meticulous nature of the treatment, a single visit for biomimetic dentistry often takes longer than a single visit for traditional dentistry. Of course, the exact amount of time varies from patient to patient.
Is Biomimetic Dentistry More Expensive Than Traditional Dentistry?
Biomimetic dentistry in Weyauwega can actually end up saving you money. Biomimetic restorations often last longer than traditional ones thanks in part to the stronger bond they have with the teeth. As a result, they are less likely to need to be replaced or repaired. On top of that, biomimetic dentistry can reduce the chances of needing root canal treatment and other potentially costly procedures.
Before you commit to biomimetic dentistry, our team will be more than happy to give you an estimate of what the cost of your care will look like. We can also help you explore your options for making your treatment more affordable, such as third-party financing through CareCredit.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Biomimetic Dentistry?
The answer to this question is often “yes.” However, you should never make any assumptions when it comes to your dental insurance; the coverage available for any given service can vary depending on what plan you have. It’s a good idea to call your dental insurance carrier to make sure that you fully understand your benefits.
Our team gladly works with most dental insurance plans. We can file any necessary claims on your behalf so that you don’t have to worry about the paperwork.
Who Invented Biomimetic Dentistry?
The principles that biomimetic dentistry is based on were not invented by any single person; they were developed by various researchers at universities all around the world in countries such as Japan, the United States, Sweden, and the Netherlands. On top of that, many researchers in the United States and Europe are responsible for promoting biomimetic dental techniques. In short, the rise of biomimetic dentistry is thanks to the hard work of numerous individuals.
Can You Have Biomimetic Dentistry Done If You Have Old Fillings?
Yes, it is often possible to have a traditional filling replaced with a biomimetic restoration. If your current fillings are damaged or are showing signs of old age (such as visible cracks or worn-down edges), it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with our dental team. The sooner you have an old filling replaced via biomimetic dentistry, the better off your smile will be in the long run.