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| Bio-mimetic dentistry is the art and science of repairing damaged teeth with restorations that imitate the living tissues (e.g., enamel, dentin, bone, cementum, etc.) in terms of appearance, function, and strength. The main purpose of using biomimetic procedures in dentistry is to preserve tooth vitality and structure, extend the life of restorative dental procedures, and prevent retreatment cycles in the future. Biomimetic dental materials have superior physico-chemical qualities and are naturally biocompatible. They have been effectively used with the benefits of improved strength, sealing, regenerative, and antibacterial properties in several dental fields. |
| The secondary biomimetic goal is to develop restorative materials that can restore the biomechanics of the natural tooth. Several biomimetic restorative materials can biomimetically preserve the biomechanical, structural, and cosmetic integrity of teeth at the macrostructural level. When creating dental restorative materials, scientists prefer to use actual teeth as a reference for this reason. |
| Biomimetic restorative treatment approaches |
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| Unlike conventional methods, which remove healthy tooth structure, biomimetic approaches focus on simulating the natural dentition through stress-reducing and bond-maximizing protocols for long-lasting restorations.These materials are described as follows: |
| 1. Glass ionomer (Man-made dentin): |
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| It uses silicate glass powder and an aqueous solution of polyacrylic acid. They show a continuous fluoride release and go through a significant acid-base reaction as part of their setting reaction. |
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| Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are regarded as biomimetic materials due to their long-term fluoride release, adhesive bonding to enamel and dentin, and thermal expansion coefficient that is identical to that of tooth structure. |
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| Modifications like nano-hydroxyapatite (HA) particles have improved the mechanical and antibacterial properties of GICs. Studies show that adding hollow discontinuous glass fibers enhances fracture toughness and flexural strength, while plant extracts boost antimicrobial activity and compressive strength. |
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| 2. Dental Composite Resins: |
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| Composite resins are widely used in biomimetic dentistry due to their excellent aesthetic properties and ease of use. They are hybrid materials composed of an organic resin matrix and inorganic fillers that mimic the structure of natural teeth. |
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| Self-healing composites can repair cracks autonomously through intrinsic or extrinsic mechanisms. Intrinsic self-healing involves molecular-level repair when damage occurs, while extrinsic healing uses capsules that release healing agents to repair cracks. |
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| The addition of a "bilayered resin composite structure" mimics the natural dentin-enamel complex, improving the strength and durability of the restoration. It is made up of Fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) base, whose function is to provide a crack propagation prevention layer for the restoration. |
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| Self-healing composite resin (a) microcapsulesrupture and release of healing agents, (b) healing of the crack after polymerization of the healing agent by the catalyst |
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| 3. Ceramics |
| Dental ceramics are increasingly popular for their aesthetic properties, as they closely resemble the natural color and translucency of teeth. |
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| Bioactive ceramics promote tissue regeneration and bonding to natural tooth structures. Apatite-forming ceramics, for example, can promote the formation of mineralized tissue around the restoration, improving the healing process. |
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| Hybrid ceramics such as Polymers infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) combine feldspathic ceramics with polymers to achieve a balance of strength, wear resistance, and aesthetics. These materials allow for the creation of multilayered restorations with gradients in both strength and appearance, further enhancing their biomimetic properties. |
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| A new multilayered zirconia block combines different types of zirconia into one piece. The occlusal region uses 5Y-TZP for aesthetics, while the body region uses 3Y-TZP for superior mechanical strength, creating a strong, aesthetically pleasing monolithic restoration. |
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| Conclusion |
| Biomimetic dentistry focuses on preserving natural tooth structure while enhancing function and aesthetics. By using materials that mimic natural teeth, it reduces the need for extensive tooth removal, improves restoration longevity, and supports overall oral health. Advances in biomimetic materials continue to revolutionize restorative dental care with durable, natural-looking results. |
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| GGI-CO-A1-AQS-300032384-AM-B25-0187 |
| Reference: |
| Singer, L., Fouda, A., & Bourauel, C. (2023). Biomimetic approaches and materials in restorative and regenerative dentistry: review article. BMC Oral Health, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-023-02808-3 |
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