What's the difference between biomimetic, biological and holistic dentistry?

These terms can sound alike, especially when you see them in dental ads. But they do not mean the same thing. Biomimetic dentistry focuses on restoring a tooth while keeping as much of the healthy tooth as possible. Biological and holistic dentistry are broader labels that may look at how dental care connects with overall health. Because these labels can mean different things from one office to another, it helps to ask your dental provider what they mean by them. 

 
What you will learn in this article: 

• Biomimetic dentistry focuses on saving natural tooth structure. 

• Biological dentistry considers how dental care may affect overall health. 

• Holistic dentistry may include diet, stress and daily habits. 

• Material reactions are uncommon, and intact silver fillings do not always need removal. 

If you're not sure what a dental provider means by one of these labels, ask them directly. You can also schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider to talk through your options and what these approaches could mean for your care. 

What is biomimetic dentistry? 

“Biomimetic” means copying or imitating life. This approach repairs damaged teeth with materials and methods designed to act more like natural enamel and dentin.¹ The goal is to keep as much healthy tooth as possible while restoring its shape, strength and function. A dental provider using this approach tries not to remove more healthy tooth than needed and may use bonded materials to help the tooth and restoration work together. This is a specific way to restore a tooth, not a broad view of whole-body health. 

What is biological dentistry? 

Biological dentistry is a broad label some dental providers use when they consider how dental materials and treatment choices may affect the rest of the body. A practice may use the term when talking about material choices, possible sensitivities or the connection between oral health and overall health. Because it does not describe one set method, the exact approach can vary from one office to another. 

What is holistic dentistry? 

Holistic dentistry is another broad label. It often means looking at teeth and gums along with other parts of health, such as diet, stress and daily habits. Some practices use “holistic” and “biological” in much the same way. Since the terms can mean different things in different offices, ask what services or treatment choices the dental provider includes. 

How the three terms overlap and differ 

Here is a simple way to tell them apart: 

• Biomimetic dentistry often focuses on conserving and restoring natural tooth structure. 

• Biological dentistry looks at possible whole-body effects when choosing dental materials and treatments. 

• Holistic dentistry may include general health and daily habits alongside oral care. 

A dental provider can use more than one approach. For example, they might use biomimetic methods to repair a tooth while also asking about material sensitivities. The national group that formally recognizes dental specialties lists 12 recognized specialties, and these three labels are not on that list.² They describe an approach or area of interest, not a formal dental specialty. 

Are dental materials actually a safety concern? 

This question comes up often because biological and holistic practices may put extra focus on material choice. The American Dental Association (ADA) says reactions to dental materials are uncommon. When problems do happen, base metals account for most reactions linked to crowns, bridges and other restorations made outside the mouth. As metal restorations corrode, they may shed ions. In some people, those ions are linked with irritation or an allergy. Ceramics are generally easy for the body to tolerate. In the evidence the ADA summarizes, no sensitivity or allergy has been tied to zirconia. Some resin blocks made in a lab may also be easier for the body to tolerate than resin placed directly on the tooth.³ 

What about removing old silver fillings? 

Amalgam is the silver-colored material used in some fillings. It is often a focus of biological and holistic dentistry, so you may wonder whether an old filling should come out. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recommend removing an intact amalgam filling. The removal process can release mercury as a vapor, so exposure may be higher than if the sound filling stays in place.⁴ 

If you and your dental provider decide removal is needed, the steps used during the procedure matter. Guidance summarized by the ADA recommends high-volume suction with a trap or filter, along with suction and water spray while the filling is ground down. A dental dam may lower exposure a little, but the evidence is limited.⁵ 

Ask why removal is being recommended, what the benefits and risks are and what safety steps the office follows. 

Is one of these approaches based on stronger evidence? 

The label alone does not show how strong the evidence is. Biomimetic dentistry has clearer restorative goals, but each material and method still needs to be judged on its own. Biological and holistic dentistry are broader labels, so two offices may offer very different care under the same name. 

If a practice makes a health claim (such as saying a dental material causes a certain illness) ask what research or guideline supports it. A dental provider should explain the expected benefits, possible risks and other treatment choices in plain language. 

What should you ask a dental provider who uses these labels? 

A few questions can help you understand what a practice actually offers: 

• What specific materials or methods do you use, and why? 

• How do you handle concerns about material allergies or sensitivities? 

• If you recommend removing a filling or crown, why, and what would the procedure involve? 

• Are there extra costs tied to the materials or methods you use? 

These questions apply no matter which label a practice uses. The answers tell you more than the marketing term does. 

Choosing a dental approach that fits your needs starts with a conversation. Contact your local dental provider to ask about the materials and methods used in your care and get a treatment plan that fits your health history. 

What's the difference between biomimetic, biological and holistic dentistry? FAQs 

Still have questions about these dental labels? These answers cover a few common concerns. 

How can you find a dental provider who practices these approaches? 

Some dental providers list these terms on their websites. Others only mention them during a visit. Ask about their specific training and methods before you begin treatment. That tells you more than the label alone. 

Does biomimetic dentistry cost more than regular fillings? 

The cost depends on the material, method and lab work involved, along with your location and insurance. Ask the dental office for a written estimate before treatment starts. 

Does insurance cover biomimetic, biological or holistic treatments? 

Coverage depends on the procedure and your plan. A plan may cover part of a filling or crown but not added fees for a certain material or method. Ask both your insurance plan and the dental office what is covered. 

Can any dental provider offer biomimetic or biological techniques? 

A general dental provider may use some of these methods after added training. Because the labels do not tell you what training a dental provider has, ask about their education, experience and reasons for recommending the method. 

How can you tell if a practice's health claims are evidence-based? 

Ask what research or guideline supports the claim. A dental provider should be able to explain the evidence behind a material or treatment in plain language. If a claim links a dental material to a certain illness, ask to see the source. 

Sources 

¹ National Institutes of Health, BMC Oral Health: “Biomimetic approaches and materials in restorative and regenerative dentistry: review article.” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9936671/ 

² American Dental Association, National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards: “Recognized dental specialties.” https://ncrdscb.ada.org/recognized-dental-specialties 

³ American Dental Association, ADA Library and Archives: “Materials for Indirect Restorations.” https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/materials-for-indirect-restorations 

⁴ National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: “Ask the Expert: What Do I Need to Know About Silver Fillings?” https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/dental-fillings/ask-expert-what-do-i-need-know-about-silver-fillings 

⁵ American Dental Association, ADA Library and Archives: “Amalgam.” https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/amalgam