Bonded Porcelain Restorations in the Anterior Dentition: A Biomimetic Approach
What Every Biomimetic Dentist Should Know
In this article, we will spend some time talking about our dear friend and scientific advisor, Pascal Magne, who has quite literally changed the way we approach the field of dentistry.
Pascal has had a huge impact on all of us with his articles, books, and teachings including both his students at USC and established practitioners. His enthusiasm and passion for dentistry are what sets him apart from other dental schools.
In fact, his studies, education, and book have led the way for biomimetic dentistry to have the support it has today. Many dentists are now being trained each year to become professional biomimetic dentists. Due to these accomplishments, it is safe to say that Pascal Magne is one of the fathers of biomimetic dentistry.
Ever since his textbook (Bonded Porcelain Restorations in the Anterior Dentition: A Biomimetic Approach) was written and published in 2002, the information inside still remains valid to all biomimetic dentists and students. Supplying us with all of the information we need just from one textbook, Pascal is indeed a mentor to us all as we aspire to push dentistry forward.
As of writing this blog article, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of his second book.
You cannot find any other textbook similar to the one published by Pascal in the field of dentistry. That is why biomimetic dentists should have the book on their bookshelf.
The textbook focuses on having a thorough appreciation for intact teeth, which is vital to any successful restorative approach. This book is going to help dentists realize such a fundamental concept.
Furthermore, we need to accept that the existing model from nature is something we simply cannot improve upon. Instead, we should focus our attention on providing people with the best biomimetic dentistry solutions possible.
The Main Principle in the Field of Biomimetic Dentistry
Pascal’s textbook is focused on teaching the biomimetic principle. This principle is the idea wherein the intact tooth is the best model for successful reconstruction.
Practitioners in the field of biomimetic dentistry follow a conservative approach, preserving as much of the biology of the tooth as possible. This is quite the opposite of traditional dentistry where porcelain-fused metal (PFM) is often the main material of choice for restorations.
Since PFM uses metal casting, it is in no way part of the biomimetic approach. This is especially true since the high elastic modulus of its metal material takes out the stress absorption and dampening ability of the dentin layers. This eventually leads to damage.
In contrast, the goal of biomimetic dentistry conservatively restores damaged tooth structures. It does this by preserving as much of the intact tooth structure as possible. Biomimetic restoration is important to returning dental tissues to their full function using hard tissue bonds, allowing stresses to go through the tooth and not harm it.
Natural Teeth Are the Best Models for Biomimetic Dentistry
Biomimetic dentistry students are taught early on about hard-tissue structures as well as related stress distributions in the intact tooth. Pascal Magne made sure that this aspect was the primary focus for the opening chapter of his textbook, which is based on his research.
He spent two years as an associate professor at the Minnesota Dental Research Center for Biomaterials and Biomechanics at the University of Minnesota. It was in this environment where he developed and tested many of the ideas he has shared in his revolutionary book.
Pascal spent most of his time in the university conducting studies on how natural teeth are capable of handling stress and strain under different loads. Through finite element analysis, he was able to model the amount and location of stress accumulation.
All of the findings from his research have provided biomimetic dentists with a better understanding of the intact tooth. It has also drawn attention to the complex yet the intimate relationship between dentin, enamel, and the DEJ.
Thanks to his research, we now have a thorough understanding of the intact tooth. Our restorative dental techniques can then be used to better restore teeth back to their original function.
Sources:
1. Beverly Hills LA Dentist. Dr. Pascal Magne DMD, MSc, PhD. https://www.beverlyhillsladentist.com/pascal-magne/
2. Beverly Hills LA Dentist. Biomimetic Dentistry. https://www.beverlyhillsladentist.com/biomimetic-dentistry/