Biomimetics in dentistry – a review

Otto Schmitt in the 1950’s coined the term “Biomimetics” while studying the nerves in a squid. He tried to copy and design an artificial device that could replicate the same process of synaptic impulse. It literally means to mimic life. It is the study of natural structural processes to try to mimic or replicate it artificially in an attempt to restore the same aesthetics or function. Age, disease and traditional restorations can cause further problems to the existing tooth structure. As teeth do not have natural method of repair, biomimetic principles should be used to artificially repair the tooth to its natural functions and aesthetics. In biomimetic dentistry there are two aspects .One, the lost or missing dental tissue is restored, leading to the full return of function and aesthetics to the tooth. Or the material used can regenerate, replicate or mimic the missing dental tissue. This review will attempt to provide a better understanding of the relative position of the biomimetic materials in the context of the past and present dental materials.