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Biological dentistry is a practice that focuses on the connection between the mouth and the body as an integrated system, and it utilizes natural, biocompatible materials to promote health.
It differs from traditional dentistry in that it aims to educate its patients. It advocates for minimally invasive protocols.
It utilizes safe materials in the oral cavity. And, although it seems these tenets should be the norm in all medical practice, it is the biological dentistry approach that offers them as the standard of care.
In a world where heavy metals, unnecessary surgeries, and costly ‘bandaids’ for treatment are far too common, there actually is an option that offers protection of long-term health and respects the integrity of the whole body.
Introducing Holistic Dental Centers in Cornelius NC
Biological dentistry is no stranger to the Charlotte area: meet Dr. Erin Wilbanks of Holistic Dental Centers in Cornelius. Dr. Wilbanks is one of three highly qualified biological dentists at Holistic Dental Centers, and is looking to help you align your mouth with your health goals.
A Louisiana native, Dr. Wilbanks graduated with her Bachelor of Science at Louisiana State University in 2016, and LSU School of Dentistry in 2020. In 2018, Erin joined the IAOMT organization, which provides accreditation for biological dentistry, and then found she held all the cards for procuring the perfect practice approach.
These accreditations qualify her as one of the most current biological dentists in the greater Charlotte area.
She’s also SMART certified – which means she’s qualified to remove mercury fillings (aka amalgam fillings) in the safest possible manner – a risky endeavor – which ultimately reduces your exposure to heavy metal toxicity, and can potentially put an end to unexplained symptoms.
The Practice of Holistic Dentistry
Dr. Wilbanks specializes in treating the whole mouth by getting to know the whole person. First and foremost on Dr. Wilbanks’ list is optimizing her patients’ oral function – and so much of that includes things that only a biological dentist is trained to recognize:
- Identifying and eliminating infection, which can be both silent or obvious, achieved through extensive examination (which includes a very thorough intake history), specialized imaging, and physical evaluation.
- Assessing intraoral signs and issues that impact breathing and sleep-disordered breathing, which is just one example that shows the scope of oral health and its impact on the body as a whole.
- Making sure that the materials used in the mouth from prior dentistry are compatible with your body: are the fillings you have causing issues due to the material that was used? What is the status of that tooth that’s had a mercury filling for decades? It’s important to make sure that what’s in your mouth is working for you, and not against you, and the best way to do that is to get to know you!
- Connecting the patient with other specific local area providers who can further support or enhance dental efforts and health of the mouth, including myofunctional therapists, thermographers, myofascial release therapists, chiropractors, and even particular lab work.
Patients of all ages are welcome at the office – Dr. Wilbanks loves seeing the whole family, as it complements the principle of holistic health: everything works together as a system.
Children can be assessed for issues due to early infancy and feeding mechanisms (nursed versus bottle-fed, tongue ties that restrict oral function), childhood (palette expansion, cavity prevention), and into adulthood (safe amalgam filling removal, gum health, systemic issues).
One patient with painful eczema noticed it clear after Dr. Wilbanks addressed an old root canal and four infected teeth. By helping heal the mouth, the body was given a chance to heal as well.
More and more people want to take care of themselves and are seeking alternatives to the traditional systems that are in place. Biological dentistry is well-aligned with individuals who:
- are motivated and want to take initiative with their whole-body health
- are willing to do work and make changes to meet their goals
- have an open mind about new and alternative concepts
- are passionate about prevention, and seek root-cause solutions
- tend to think science-based, yet realize the value of energy and alternative healing
Meeting Patients Where They Are
Regardless, Dr. Wilbanks meets people where they are, and can guide them with a very personalized approach. By spending time with the patient, the right tools for empowerment are able to be identified and implemented, including exercises and “home work”. This is how one truly gets to the root of chronic dental issues, like frequent cavities, worsening gum recession, TMJ, snoring, and tooth pain. Achieving full health is a matter of utilizing a blend of holistic medicine and traditional western medicine techniques, and this is what you’ll find in the hands of a biological dentist.
Dr. Wilbanks says she’s motivated to help by “playing detective,” and her passion for educating her patients leaves them enlightened and empowered to take back their health, offering promising solutions to lifelong issues. “Fill-and-drill” is not the care standard you will find in this dental office.
When she’s not with patients, you might find her on the bike at CyclebarLKN, or enjoying the Grilled Halloumi Salad at the nearby Pickled Peach.
Prioritizing your oral care will lead to a cascade of health benefits, and putting your teeth and gums in the hands of a biological dentist is a safe and effective place to start.
Dr. Erin Wilbanks
Social: @drerinwilbanks Instagram
Holistic Dental Centers
20905 Torrence Chapel Rd #201
Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 765-3150
Fun facts:
- Did you know that 60% of jaw growth is complete by age 6? This simple fact limits the ease with which dentists can assist with developmental issues in the future. Bones and sutures naturally solidify as the child ages, which means more force is required to change or alter structures with time.
- Muscle-development patterns start as an infant, and are even visible in late adulthood! A person in their late 60’s can exhibit problems that have everything to do with the way they developed their suck-swallow mechanisms in infancy. As the body grows, other muscles compensate for the lack of or underdevelopment of certain muscles and movements, which become more evident over time, and affect other areas of the body.
- Clenching and grinding your teeth can actually be a breathing issue. A biological dentist is trained in identifying airway and breathing patterns, and can offer long-term solutions for optimized behaviors.
About the Author:
As a thermographer, Danielle Benham utilizes the highest quality infrared thermal camera in Charlotte for the most reliable medical thermographic images in conjunction with effective functional nutrition counseling to guide people holistically on their journey to whole-body health.
As a Rock Hill, SC, native, Danielle prides herself on being “a local.” Aside from her passion for health, she loves her role as a boy-mom, and enjoys spending free time inline skating, and plays percussion for a local wind symphony.
Danielle Frain Benham
Full Spectrum Health & Wellness
www.fullspectrumhealthandwellness.com
About the Publisher:
Jeff Hamm is the creator and producer of The Best of LKN. He’s a local real estate agent and digital marketing professional.
When he isn’t working, you can usually find Jeff boating, running & cycling local greenways, and taking walks with his dogs Sam and Maisy.
Jeff Hamm
Allen Tate Realtors®
Lake Norman
www.LKNreal.com
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