How Much Does Biomimetic Dentistry Cost?

Whether from the perspective of the patient or the practitioner, the cost of biomimetic dentistry is a common question. Specific costs vary between case and provider, but in this article we will discuss the factors involved in pricing biomimetic restorations and use examples from our Alleman Center office based in Provo, Utah.

Dr. Davey Alleman, DMD treating a patient at the Alleman Center dental office in Provo, Utah.

Is biomimetic dentistry more expensive?

Biomimetic dentistry is a kind of restorative dentistry. The cost of restorative dentistry can vary widely between providers, accounting for differences in local markets, type of restoration and type of practice. The main difference patients and doctors will notice between traditional dentistry and biomimetic dentistry is the time involved. While some traditional practices may advertise “30 minute crowns,” biomimetic restorations can take over two hours due to the technical complexity of the work and time needed to achieve a biomimetic bond to the tooth. 

Traditional restorations often conceal decay and cracks. When considering the costs of dental treatment — traditional or biomimetic — consider the non-monetary costs as well. What is the value of your tooth’s longterm health? What is the value of eliminating future retreatments? Initial case photos by Dr. Davey Alleman, DMD.

Patients and dentists may wonder if biomimetic dentistry is worth it, and at the Alleman Center, we strongly believe it is. Biomimetic restorative dentistry is conservative dentistry, saving healthy tooth structure and protecting pulp health long-term. Between the longer treatment times and more advanced training needed to offer these superior results, treatment costs may be higher than traditional practices, but a single treatment cost does not encompass the entire cost of dental treatment over a patient’s lifetime.

How much should I charge for a biomimetic restoration?

Practitioners need to consider a number of factors when pricing their restorative services, including:

• Estimated length of restoration: biomimetic restorations will take longer than traditional fillings and crowns. At our office, we estimate fees based on the size of the restoration and the number of teeth involved. Patients with more complex needs are encouraged to receive treatment for all teeth in a quadrant during the same visit(s) to reduce their overall cost and time. That said, ensure that you and your team are compensated for the extra time and care you are offering your patients.

• Complexity of case: while this can be difficult to assess in advance, factors like deep boxes or deep cracks will make cases more complex. Techniques like deep margin elevation, which prevents the additional treatment and healing time of crown lengthening surgery, and specialty materials like Ribbond fiber should also factor into your pricing estimates. 

At the Alleman Center office in Provo, Utah, we offer a pricing range with our best advanced estimate based on patient history, symptoms and previous x-rays. We discuss this in advance with our patients so they understand the costs and have all of their questions answered before treatment begins.

A large traditional composite restoration led to deep decay (shown with pink caries detector dye) in the tooth. Because the tooth tested vital, Dr. Davey Alleman, DMD restored it biomimetically using Six Lesson Approach protocols. This gives the pulp a chance to heal rather than assuming it will need endodontic treatment.

Insurance coverage for biomimetic restorations

Insurance coverage will vary based on insurance provider, practice and type of restoration. At the Alleman Center office we provide patients the documents they need to seek reimbursement from their insurance companies. For practices that accept insurance, many common insurance codes can be applied to biomimetic restorations to reduce patients’ out of pocket expense. Some dentists also offer their own payment plans or office-based insurance that help patients cover the costs of care. For doctors, this is a topic we discuss often during our training programs, since it can vary based on specific cases and offices.

Many case examples of biomimetic dentistry show severely damaged teeth, but biomimetic techniques can benefit smaller treatments too. Because this tooth is treated in a biomimetic way early in the treatment cycle, it is much less likely to need retreatment in the future. Case by Dr. Davey Alleman, DMD.

It all comes down to value

When considering the cost, also consider value. Cheaper is not always better. The extra time and expense of biomimetic dentistry when considered over the life of the restoration is less expensive than a traditional restoration, in addition to being better for the tooth’s overall health.

Traditional fillings and crowns regularly fail and require retreatment after 2-10 years, so often that insurance and medical care providers account for the cost of regular replacement. These traditional restorations also expose the tooth to infection and crack reinitiation, increasing the likelihood that the tooth will need retreatment due to symptoms even if the restoration stays in the tooth. The savings on a traditional crown now may mean the additional costs of retreatment, root canal therapy and extraction in the future.

This early biomimetic dentistry case by Dr. David Alleman, DDS shows the longevity of biomimetic dentistry. The first photo is the 8-year recall for this tooth, and the second photo is the 20-year recall. The tooth is still fully bonded and free from symptoms.

Biomimetic restorations have been shown to last over 20 years and counting and in cases of severely damaged teeth, can prevent root canal therapy, extraction and implants for years. The advanced adhesion protocols protect the pulp long-term and ensure that any failures occur in the restorative material rather than the remaining healthy tooth structure. If retreatment is ever needed, it is minimal and does not impact the tooth’s long-term health. Many teeth having been recommended for endodontic treatment can be given a chance to heal with immediate dentin sealing and resin coating, preventing root canal therapy.

For patients and doctors, the choice of cost and value is up to you. If you have questions about biomimetic dentistry, contact us at info@allemancenter.com. Doctors can learn more about biomimetic restorative dentistry or view upcoming Alleman Center training programs.

Learn more about the differences between traditional and biomimetic dentistry in Dr. David Alleman’s Six Lessons Approach Podcast episode.