DINKS with Drs. David and Davey Alleman on Biomimetic Dentistry

Send us Fan MailDr. David Alleman has been practicing dentistry for 32 years since his graduation from the University of the pacific in 1978. The first three were in the US navy and the last 29 years in Utah. In 1995, he started studying adhesive dentistry with Dr. Ray Bertolotti. In 1999, he started studying with Dr. John Kois. These two mentors guided him through a 10-year/10,000 hour review of the literature on which advanced adhesive (Biomimetic) dentistry is based. Other mentors and collaborators are Dr. Gary Unterbrink, Dr. Didier Dietschi, Dr. Pascal Magne and Dr. Geoff Knight.  David's son, Davey is now following in his footsteps to teach their theories to the masses and encouraging dentists to think differently about adhesive dentistry.Over the last 15 years, there has been a steady evolution in the restorative approach with a progression from mechanical retention to advanced adhesion.  Collectively, the science, principles, and techniques of advanced adhesive dentistry is known as Biomimetic Dentistry. At its core, the biomimetic approach respects the simple philosophy that we must “mimic life” and understand the natural tooth in its entirety to adequately restore teeth.  Naturally, conserving more of the intact tooth is paramount to this approach, and pairs perfectly with adhesion. The need for mechanical retention, and excessive preparation for full coverage restorations is eliminated. Properly applied, adhesion is best able to preserve marginal integrity and prevent leakage and gaps. Additionally, the adhesively restored tooth is best able to handle and manage functional stresses similarly to the intact natural tooth. As a result, the biomimetically restored tooth eliminates gaps under restorations and cracks into dentin that develop as a result of deformation and stress concentrations. Post-operative pain and sensitivity are eliminated, and vitality is preserved as bacteria are not able to invade and kill the pulp.