Ask Dr. Brightleaf DMD, MAGD, LVIF

Serving Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades & Brentwood, CA

Brightleaf Cosmetic & Holistic Dentistry

What is holistic dentistry?

What dental products do you recommend?

Do you recommend replacing amalgam (mercury) fillings?

What does the replacement procedure entail?

What kind of cosmetic procedures do you perform?

Do you treat TMJ?

What is your view on X-rays?

What is holistic dentistry?

Basically, holistic dentistry recognizes the body as an interrelated system. It’s probably safe to say that the focus of most dentists is dealing with dental issues. However, from our Holistic perspective, fixing a dental problem is only part of the picture. We consider that what we do will affect how your whole body functions. That’s why we:

• Place an emphasis on neuromuscular jaw positioning, which influences spinal alignment and increases oxygen to the brain among other far-reaching benefits
• Seek out and use the most natural products
• Recommend and perform safe mercury amalgam filling removal & replacement with more bio-friendly materials
• Use low radiation digital x-rays
• Employ laser diagnosis and disinfection
• Utilize homeopathic and herbal remedies to assist in promoting greater comfort and speeding recovery.

You are a whole person. In our holistic dental practice we endeavor to do our part in enhancing your experience of excellent overall health.
 

What dental products do you recommend?

In line with the natural products we use in our practice, we recommend and carry a variety of dental products that complement a holistic lifestyle including all natural mouth washes, and tooth pastes. We also carry such products as Modifilian (brown seaweed supplement) for detoxification of heavy metals, rubber tip and Vista Light oral cancer screen. In addition, we recommend the professional series Oral B electric toothbrush though we don’t carry it in our office.

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Do you recommend replacing amalgam (mercury) fillings?

Absolutely. Besides the toxic effects of mercury, I have found that 90% of the mercury fillings have decay and fractures underneath them. Replacing  amalgam fillings allows us to not only address potential dental problems, but also to replace something toxic with more bio-friendly substance.

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What does the replacement procedure entail?

Using our state of the art Isolite, a suction device which fits comfortably inside the mouth and prevents you from swallowing amalgam, we quickly remove the amalgam and have you rinse with chlorella while breathing pure oxygen. Because we are removing the filling material, any discomfort is minimal. We then address any dental concerns and complete the process by replacing the amalgam with a bio-friendly material that is durable and long lasting.

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What kind of cosmetic procedures do you perform?

We offer veneers, crowns, Implants and whitening, among other natural approaches to assisting you in looking and feeling your best

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Do you treat TMJ?

Yes. We treat TMJ and other neuromuscular problems. If there is pain or discomfort with the jaw, generally it is because the lower jaw is in a position that fits the teeth together but is not optimal due to things like childhood allergies that have affected the jaw growth. Once we address this and the lower jaw is properly positioned, the skull sits on the spine correctly and many muscular pains, including TMJ pain, resolve.

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What is your view on X-rays?

In order to properly diagnose, x-rays are necessary. To assure your best dental health, we generally take a full series once every 5 years with check-up x-rays taken in between only as deemed necessary. We use digital x-rays that decrease the radiation exposure up 90%.

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