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Holistic dentistry · Miami Gardens, FL
Holistic dentist in Miami Gardens for whole-body health
Dr. B practices holistic dentistry, also called biological dentistry: mercury-free, minimally invasive care that considers how every material and procedure affects the rest of your body.
- Mercury-free practice
- Safe amalgam removal
- Ozone therapy
Mercury-free
Every new filling is tooth-colored composite.
Safe removal
Protective steps when replacing old silver fillings.
Ozone therapy
An oxygen-based adjunct used in several ways.
Minimally invasive
We preserve as much natural tooth as possible.
On this page
01 — Our approach
What is holistic (biological) dentistry?
Holistic dentistry — also called biological or biocompatible dentistry — treats your mouth as part of your whole body. A holistic dentist still does everything a general dentist does: cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals and implants. The difference is in the questions asked along the way. What materials are going into your body? Is there a less invasive way to reach the same result? How might this treatment affect your overall health?
At a glance
| Fillings | Mercury-free composite; BPA-free on request |
| Old silver fillings | Removed with a protective protocol |
| Crowns & bridges | Metal-free ceramic where appropriate |
| Fluoride | Optional — fluoride-free care on request |
| Adjuncts | Ozone therapy |
| Insurance | Medicaid, most PPO and Medicare Advantage plans |
At All Smiles, those questions shape everyday decisions. It’s why Miami Gardens patients who care about what goes into their bodies — and families who simply want gentler care — choose our office.
How holistic and traditional dentistry compare
| Typical traditional approach | Our holistic approach | |
|---|---|---|
| Fillings | Silver amalgam or composite | Tooth-colored composite only; BPA-free on request |
| Removing old silver fillings | Drilled out like any other filling | Protective protocol to limit mercury vapor and particles |
| Crowns and bridges | Often metal-based | Metal-free ceramic and porcelain where appropriate |
| Fluoride | Routine for everyone | Discussed as an option; fluoride-free care on request |
| Decay | Drill-first | Preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible |
| Adjunct therapies | Not typically offered | Ozone therapy in several modalities |
Curious about biological dentistry?
Book a visit with Dr. B. Bring your questions — and any old X-rays — and she’ll walk you through your options.
Mercury-free and biocompatible materials
Dental amalgam is roughly 50% mercury by weight. Regulators consider it acceptable for most adults, but in 2020 the U.S. FDA recommended that certain higher-risk groups — including pregnant and nursing women, young children, and people with some neurological or kidney conditions or a known mercury sensitivity — avoid new amalgam fillings when appropriate alternatives exist. We take a simpler approach: we don’t place amalgam at all.
Instead we use composite resin for fillings and favor ceramic or porcelain for crowns, onlays and bridges when they’re a good fit. If you’ve reacted to dental materials before, tell us so we can plan around it.
The mouth–body connection
What happens in your mouth doesn’t stay in your mouth. Gum disease has been associated with diabetes, heart disease and pregnancy complications, and the relationship with diabetes appears to run both ways. Keeping inflammation down through good home care, regular cleanings and early treatment is one of the most practical things you can do for your overall health.
Our everyday biocompatible practices
- Mercury-free composite for every new filling, with BPA-free options on request
- A protective protocol for removing old amalgam fillings
- Metal-free ceramic and porcelain crowns, onlays and bridges where they fit your bite
- Latex-free gloves
- Fluoride-free cleanings for patients who prefer them
- Ozone therapy as an adjunct for disinfection
- Only the X-rays your care actually requires
What holistic dentistry is not
It isn’t a rejection of proven dentistry, and it isn’t a promise to cure medical conditions. We don’t diagnose or treat diseases outside the mouth, and we’ll never tell you to stop treatment your physician prescribed. What we do is make careful, informed choices about materials and techniques, explain the evidence behind them, and coordinate with your doctors when your health calls for it.
Who benefits most from holistic dentistry?
- People with old silver fillings who want them replaced safely
- Pregnant or nursing patients, and parents choosing materials for their children
- Patients managing diabetes, heart disease or other chronic inflammation
- Anyone with sensitivities to dental materials
- Health-conscious families who want dental care that matches how they live
Holistic doesn’t mean “alternative only.” We use proven, conventional dentistry — and add the biological options that make sense for you. Dr. B will always explain the evidence and let you decide.
Want the long version? Read Holistic vs. Traditional Dentistry: What Miami Gardens Families Need to Know.
02 — Step by step
Your first holistic visit
Health history
We ask about your health, sensitivities and material preferences — not just your teeth.
Exam & imaging
A comprehensive exam with X-rays and photos, including existing fillings and gums.
Options explained
Dr. B walks you through conventional and biological options with costs.
A staged plan
We sequence treatment — for example, replacing amalgam in stages — at your pace.
03 — Meet the team
Your dentists
Three experienced dentists under one roof in Miami Gardens. Meet our Miami Gardens dentists.
Dr. B (Shanna Bernkrant, DMD)
Lead dentist. Boston University-trained, Advanced General Dentistry residency. Biological dentistry, safe amalgam removal and ozone therapy.
Dr. Peter Epstein, DMD
Boston University-trained dentist practicing in South Florida since 1980. Provides the full range of care, with a special focus on cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign and computer-guided implants.
04 — Patient reviews
“If I could give 100 stars I would. … They walked me through every step as they worked on me. Very friendly and knowledgeable. My fear of the dentist has completely diminished.”
— Adriana L., Google review
Great Doctor & Great Staff. I highly recommend this dental practitioner & her team. You won’t be disappointed.
— Sir B.
I sincerely applaud you on the great job of being so kind and so courteous. All Smiles is just what it say All Smiles.
— Maedean P.
Reviews are shared from our Google Business Profile. Individual results vary.
05 — FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is holistic dentistry more expensive?
Usually not. Cleanings, exams, fillings and crowns are priced similarly to conventional offices, and most PPO plans cover them the same way. Some plans pay less for composite fillings on back teeth; we’ll check your benefits first.
Do you still use X-rays?
Yes, when they’re needed to diagnose problems accurately. We take only the images your care requires.
Can I get fluoride-free cleanings?
Yes. Tell us your preference and we’ll note it in your chart.
Do I have to replace all my silver fillings?
No. Many amalgam fillings can stay in place if they’re intact. If you want them replaced, or one is failing, we use a protective protocol and usually replace them in stages.
Is holistic dentistry safe for children?
Yes. Children receive the same mercury-free, biocompatible materials and gentle, minimally invasive approach as adults.
Is there a holistic dentist near Miami Gardens?
Yes — our office at 18360 NW 7th Ave is in Miami Gardens and serves patients from Opa-locka, Miami Lakes, North Miami, North Miami Beach, Aventura and nearby areas.
Does insurance cover holistic dentistry?
Holistic offices provide the same cleanings, fillings and crowns as other dentists, and insurance covers them the same way. Some plans pay only the amalgam rate for back-tooth fillings; we’ll check your plan.
Do you accept Medicaid?
Yes. We accept Florida Medicaid dental plans. Some plans may only pay for certain materials or procedures, and we’ll explain any difference before treatment.
06 — Keep exploring
Related care
Safe Amalgam Removal
Replace silver fillings with protective steps.
Ozone Therapy
An oxygen-based adjunct to everyday treatment.
Mercury-Free Fillings
Why we only place tooth-colored fillings.
General & Family Dentistry
Exams, cleanings and fillings for every age.
Sources & further reading: U.S. FDA: Dental amalgam fillings · IAOMT: Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique
Book your visit with Dr. B
Call (305) 705-2748 or request a time online. We’re at 18360 NW 7th Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33169 — open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Get directions.