cast metals for crowns, usually partially covered by porcelain. These alloys typically contain 75 percent nickel and 2 percent beryllium. Nickel is the most carcinogenic metal known, and many women are allergic to it. Many orthodontic brackets are about 10 percent nickel. Other metal components include
nickel, chromium and cobalt in partial dental frameworks. Titanium dental implants can be made with 100 percent titanium or a common alloy that includes 6 percent aluminum and 4 percent vanadium. All of these materials have great physical properties, but biologically they are a disaster. For example, aluminum has been implicated in many health problems, including breast cancer, according to research published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology.¹
Safe Options Fortunately, modern biologic dentistry is now able to get away from almost all metal. Fillings can be tooth-colored composite or milled ceramic. Crowns and bridges can be made with many
different types of ceramics, from feldspathic, to lithium disilicate, to zirconia. Partial dentures can now be made from a thermoplastic called acetyl that is very strong and inert. It doesn’t absorb or give off any chemicals or bacteria and comes in many tooth shades. It’s strong enough to use in occlusal rest preps and for clasps. Biocompatible, metal-free
implants from zirconia, such as those from Z-systems in Switzerland, are widely used in Europe and now available in the U.S. Being non-metallic, they do not conduct electricity and therefore have no effect on electrical meridian pathways, and being pure white, they are much better looking in upper anterior tooth replacement cases. Many orthodontic cases, can be
treated with hard plastic retainers that progressively straighten teeth. These plastics don’t give off any bisphenol A (BPA). Familiar brand names are Clear Correct and Invisalign. There are some difficult cases, however, that still require bonded brackets and wires.
Some metal brackets are low nickel, 0.5 percent versus 10 percent, for standard brackets. Ceramic brackets are also an option, but they do slow down treatment and cost more. Also, some orthodontic wires are nickel free. Today’s modern dentist has
many restorative options that were not available even 10 or 20 years ago. Fortunately, modern dentistry can be entirely biocompatible and beautiful at the same time.
Alternative Holistic Dentistry
¹ J Appl Toxicol, 2011 Apr; 31 (3):262-9. SPECIALIZING IN:
DR. PAUL G. WILKE, DDS, AIAOMT, ACN General Dentistry
TotalMouthFitness.com | 14310 Northbrook, Ste. 150
San Antonio community for more than a quarter century. Dr. Wilke is certified in biological dentistry through The International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine. For more information about Dr. Wilke and his practice, visit
www.TotalMouthFitness. com or call 210-495-5588. Total Mouth Fitness is located at 14310 Northbrook Dr., Independence Plaza III, Suite 150, in San Antonio.
Dr. Paul Wilke is one of the first dentists in the U.S. to become Certified in
• Adult and Children’s Orthodontics • Cosmetic Dentistry • Full Hygienics • Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal • Zirconia Implants • Laser Surgery • Oral Sedation • Deep Bleaching
TECHNOLOGY • CEREC®
• PerioLase® 210-495-5588
• Diagno-dent® • Digital X-rays • Micro-prep®
Biological Dentistry.
Call us TODAY to improve your smile, and your health!
Dr. Paul G Wilke, DDS, owns Total Mouth Fitness, a practice that has served the
NaturalAwakeningsSA.com
January 2014
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