How Biomimetic Dentistry Saves You Money (Even Compared to In-Network Dentists)

By Dr. Jeff Davies – Dallas Designer Smiles | Highland Park, Dallas, TX

If you’ve ever avoided going to the dentist because you were afraid of the cost, you’re not alone. But here’s the part most people don’t realize: choosing the right kind of dentistry can actually save you money—not just now, but for years to come. And it might not be the in-network dentist your insurance recommended.

At our office, we practice something called biomimetic dentistry, and our patients often tell us it’s the first time they’ve felt like a dentist is truly working with their best interest (and their budget) in mind.  Take a look at our reviews, if you're curious. 

So what is biomimetic dentistry? And how can it actually save you money—even compared to using your dental insurance?

Let’s break it down in plain, practical terms.

What Is Biomimetic Dentistry?

Biomimetic dentistry is a more natural, tooth-conserving approach to dental care. Instead of drilling and filling aggressively, or pushing crowns and root canals as the first option, we mimic the structure and function of your natural tooth using advanced adhesives and layered materials.

In simple terms: we use advanced adhesive dentistry to save more of your natural tooth and help prevent costly procedures; Think implants, extractions, dentures, bridges, etc. We see your tooth as a living structure, not a disposable part. We don’t push treatments just because they’re billable—we only treat what truly needs to be treated.

The Problem with In-Network Dentistry

Most in-network dental offices are driven by insurance reimbursements. That means:

• They’re often pressured to work quickly.

• They bill for procedures that insurance companies reimburse the most.

• They may recommend a crown when a small restoration would have worked.

• They often skip steps that improve long-term outcomes because insurance doesn’t pay for them.

Think about it like this: your dental insurance is a business. It’s not always aligned with what’s best for your health. The less they pay out, the more they profit.

Meanwhile, in-network dentists have to work within those limitations to keep the lights on. It’s not a bad thing—it’s just a system that often leads to more larger treatments, more breakdown, and more costs over time.

A Real Example: The $250 Crown That Cost $5,000

Let’s say your insurance covers 50% of a crown. Your dentist charges $1,000. You pay $500.

Sounds good, right?

But here’s what we’ve seen happen time and time again:

• The original problem could have been solved with a small, bonded restoration for let's say $500 that perhaps a biomimetic dentist might charge, but that option wasn’t offered because it wasn’t covered at a rate that made business sense in some offices.

• The crown leads to nerve irritation, which results in a root canal six months later ($1,200).

• That tooth becomes brittle over time and fractures below the gum line. Now it needs to be extracted and replaced with an implant ($3,500+).

• Total cost: nearly $5,000 for a problem that could have been fixed early with a bonded restoration and long-term seal.

Biomimetic dentistry exists to stop this cycle before it starts.

Preventive & Conservative Care Means Long-Term Savings

We spend more time with each patient. We use advanced techniques like:

• Immediate Dentin Sealing (IDS)

• Adhesive layering to prevent stress cracks and deformations 

• Caries detection dyes to remove only diseased tooth structure

• Short-fiber reinforced composites to strengthen teeth from within

These techniques aren’t always “billable” in the insurance world, but they are backed by science and proven to reduce future breakdown.

By preserving more of your natural tooth and avoiding unnecessary procedures, we help you:

• Avoid crowns

• Avoid root canals

• Avoid extractions and implants

• Maintain a strong, healthy smile with fewer visits

That’s money saved, stress avoided, and time you get back with your family—not in a dental chair.

Cleanings & Routine Visits: Do You Really Save In-Network?

Let’s talk about basic care: exams and cleanings.

In-network offices often advertise “free cleanings,” but here’s what many patients don’t realize:

• You may be seen by a different hygienist every visit.

• Your cleaning may be rushed (15–20 minutes tops).

• Deeper hygiene needs may be pushed off or upsold.

• Your dentist may only pop in for 60 seconds.

• You might be offered a treatment plan that covers work that could've waited or didn't need at all 

Yes, we've seen all of these...

At Dallas Designer Smiles, you’ll notice the difference immediately:

✅ We take time to get to know your goals and concerns.
✅ We perform thorough cleanings that are gentle and personalized.
✅ You’ll always have time to ask questions.
✅ We focus on catching problems when they’re small—or even before they start.

Because we’re not in a rush to hit insurance quotas, we can do it right the first time—which means fewer surprises down the road.

Trust Matters More Than You Think

We hear it all the time:

“I went to another dentist, and every time I showed up, I needed something new. It felt like I was being upsold—not helped.”

Biomimetic dentistry isn’t about upselling—it’s about preserving what you have and building trust over time.  

We’ll show you images and scans of your teeth. We’ll explain our recommendations. And we’ll always talk through your options without pressure. Because when you understand what’s happening in your mouth, you can make informed choices.  We want you involved in the decision making process.

And when your dentist actually takes the time to explain—not sell—you know you’re in the right place.

Insurance vs. Value: It’s Not Apples to Apples

Let’s be honest—insurance can be helpful. It’s great for emergencies or for people with high treatment needs.

But it’s not always designed to cover the best care.

Most dental plans cap out at $1,000–$1,500 per year. That hasn’t changed in decades, while the cost of care has gone up.

At our office, we’re transparent about pricing. We even offer membership plans for people without insurance that include:

• Two comprehensive cleanings

• All necessary exams and X-rays

• Emergency visits

• Discounts on restorative care

In many cases, our patients find this to be more affordable and predictable than insurance.

How Biomimetic Dentistry Helps Avoid “The Tooth Death Spiral”

We call it the tooth death spiral:

1. You get a small filling.

2. The tooth becomes sensitive.

3. It’s replaced with a larger filling.

4. The nerve flares up—you need a root canal.

5. The tooth becomes brittle—you get a crown.

6. The crown leaks or fractures—you need an extraction.

7. Now you’re looking at an implant or bridge.

It’s a downward spiral that can start with something as small as an over-aggressive filling.  Its a delicate line when and where we need to treat a tooth with decay.

Biomimetic dentistry aims to interrupt this spiral early. We bond, seal, and reinforce the tooth with the goal of long-term function—not just short-term fixes.

Our motto is simple: If it’s not broken, don’t break it trying to fix it.

Is It Worth Paying Out-of-Pocket?

Let’s look at the math again.

Scenario 1: In-Network Office

• Crown = $1,000 (Insurance pays 50%)

• You pay $500

• Root canal = $1,200 (Insurance pays 50%)

• You pay $600

• Total: $1,100 out-of-pocket, $2,200 total billed

Scenario 2: Biomimetic Office

• Advanced bonded restoration = $450 (perhaps covered by insurance, just at a different rate compared to in-network fees)

• No root canal needed

• No crown needed

• Total: $450 out-of-pocket

You save $650–$1,750, and more importantly—you keep your real tooth.

Biomimetic Care Is For Patients Who:

• Are tired of the “patch and drill” cycle

• Have had work done that failed or caused new problems

• Want conservative options that preserve their natural teeth

• Value a long-term relationship with a dentist who listens

• Want to prevent future dental emergencies

• Are willing to invest in quality care now to avoid major costs later

Why Patients Drive from All Over DFW And Other States to See Us

We’re proud to serve the Dallas Metroplex and Highland Park communities, but our patients regularly come from all over the Dallas area and even out of state.

Here’s why:

• We combine science-backed clinical excellence with personal, patient-first care.

• We practice what we teach—literally. Dr. Jeff Davies is a national educator in biomimetic dentistry.

• We’re committed to doing things the right way, not the fastest or most profitable way.

If you’ve been told you need a crown, a root canal, or major dental work… it’s worth getting a second opinion from a team that specializes in saving teeth, not replacing them.

Ready to Experience the Difference?

Biomimetic dentistry isn’t just better for your health—it’s better for your wallet, your peace of mind, and your future.

If you're looking for a dentist in Dallas or Highland Park areas who takes the time to do things right and truly cares about preserving your smile, we’d love to meet you.

📍 Visit us at DallasDesignerSmiles.com
📞 Call now to schedule your visit: 214-363-7777
📩 Or send us a message on Instagram @dallasdesignersmiles

We’ll take care of you like family.