Recently, “biomimetic restorative dentistry” (BRD) has gained considerable attention and started to revolutionize the current adhesive dentistry practices. BRD promises improved clinical outcomes, reduced treatment invasiveness, and provided longer-lasting restorations. The spread of BRD concept is driven by the current trends toward novelty and progress. Nowadays, there is a paradigm shift towards ultraconservative adhesive restorations which aligns with the claims of BRD techniques.

Both BRD and Bio-Emulation share a similar philosophy, and their principles are based on four keypoints: achieving maximum bond strength (BS) between restorative materials and dental structures, ensuring a long-term marginal seal, preserving pulp vitality, and reducing stress during polymerization. These principles closely conform with the current concepts of contemporary adhesive dentistry, which also prioritizes minimally invasive techniques, adhesive bonding, and preservation of natural dental structure.

Despite the solid and robust principles of BRD, there remain numerous challenges and questions regarding the scientific validity of many of its protocols, which are often marketed as superior options to current adhesive dentistry, despite lacking strong scientific evidence to substantiate such claims. Therefore, this lecture aims to explore the origins of BRD and critically appraise its protocols in several clinical scenarios following evidence-based practice principles. Some cognitive biases will be highlighted that had led some dentists to adopt BRD without sufficient scientific support, considering it as the new standard of care.

In conclusion, more rigorous research is needed to validate BRD concepts. Reliance on anecdotal evidence, clinical experience, and common sense propagates myths and undervalues the need for a critical approach in evaluating dental techniques.

This lecture aims to explore the origins of BRD and critically appraise its protocols in several clinical scenarios following evidence-based practice principles. Some cognitive biases will be highlighted that had led some dentists to adopt BRD without sufficient scientific support, considering it as the new standard of care.