TBU # 014: How to Improve Your Biomimetic Restorative Dentistry Techniques

So I get asked this question a lot, "How can I improve what I'm doing with biomimetic dentistry?"

This is a loaded question as not everyone is the same, or practices in the same office, or has the same biomimetic training.  There a few things that I start with when I'm trying to help someone improve their technique.  Here is what I recommend when doing biomimetic dentistry along with ways to improve: 

1. Magnification.  Almost everyone goes too low when ordering their first pair of loupes, myself included.  I wanted to be "advanced", so got 3.5x!  I was afraid of not being able to see my surroundings, getting lost, and not truly understanding what I was seeing.  This is all completely wrong.  If you're looking to improve your techniques, the minimum is 4.5x but really should be working in the 6x-8x range.  This will help you see the exact areas that should be removed, kept, sealed, etc. The classic cliche sayings all apply; "Seeing is believing" , "Can't treat what you can't see", "Need to see what you're looking at".  It's one of those things when you make the jump where you don't know what you're missing out until you do it.
2. Caries Detecting Dye.  If you've been following me on Instagram, you'll know that I    am a big believer in caries dye.  The reasons for it are very similar to the loupes.  We need to see what we are bonding to.  Seeing and knowing that we are bonding to a caries-free surface is one of the most important steps.  If you're not convinced about using it, give it a try.  I challenge you to test it.  Get to the point where you are done with your prep, apply it and see how it comes out.  It can be pretty alarming sometimes.
3.  Good Materials.  I understand that not all materials can be found in all areas of the world.  That being said, get the materials that mimic the tooth as much as possible.  Get a good bonding agent that holds up with the clinical applications as well as the research and science behind it.  There's a lot of good things out there.  Just don't fall for all the marketing behind the latest product, but rather trust the research. 
4. Education.  Understanding how the natural tooth works is the basis of all things with biomimetic restorative dentistry.  These concepts help you to know how to prep, what to save and what to leave, what product to select, how to treatment plan different procedures, knowing when to push the limits and when not to, and perhaps the most important, knowing how to fix your failures and mistakes.  Being able to think critically and self-analyze is important to any success.  We're never perfect, but we can learn from our mistakes and other's as well. 

If you're looking at deepening your understanding of biomimetic restorative dentistry, then take a look at our Foundations in Biomimetic Dentistry course.  The video above is a little clip from one of the lessons!  This is an amazing course that covers everything you need.  Its an online course that allows you to move at your own pace and rewatch them whenever you'd like.  This is for beginners and advanced alike.  I personally have reviewed this course a few times and have always learned or cemented things to help my rationale.  Also consider joining to surround yourself with others that are just like you!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on what type of issues, hangups, and successes you've had while doing biomimetic dentistry!