Functional Dentistry That Considers Your Whole Health

Functional and biological dentistry operates from the understanding that your oral health connects to your overall wellbeing. At Boulder Smiles, Dr. Alexandria Russ and our clinical team approach dental care by considering how materials, treatments, and oral function affect your body as a whole.

This means selecting biocompatible materials for restorations, evaluating how bite alignment affects jaw function and overall comfort, and understanding that oral health indicators often reflect broader health patterns. Our new patient evaluations include comprehensive health history review, assessment of jaw function, and discussion of how dental treatment fits within your overall health goals.

Boulder Smiles provides comprehensive dental services through this functional approach. We are currently welcoming new patients who are interested in dental care that considers the connection between oral health and systemic wellness.

Continue reading to learn more about functional dentistry and whether this approach aligns with your health priorities.

Quick Overview

• Functional dentistry considers how oral health connects to your overall wellbeing and body systems.
• Boulder Smiles uses biocompatible materials and evaluates how dental treatments affect your whole health.
• Our approach includes comprehensive health history review and assessment of jaw function and bite alignment.
• We provide full dental services while considering the oral-systemic health connection.
• New patients interested in this comprehensive approach to dental care are welcome at our Boulder practice.

Who Benefits from Functional Dentistry?

Functional dentistry at Boulder Smiles serves patients who prioritize understanding their dental care and how it connects to their overall health. This approach may be appropriate if you fall into one of these categories:

• You have existing amalgam fillings and want to understand your replacement options
• You prefer to avoid mercury-containing dental materials
• You have systemic health conditions that may be connected to oral health
• You understand that proper tooth position affects more than appearance
• You want your dental care coordinated with your other healthcare providers

Functional dentistry also serves patients who value transparency in their dental treatment. This includes understanding the materials used in procedures, the reasoning behind treatment recommendations, and available alternatives.

Our approach involves thorough evaluation and patient education as standard practice.

What a Functional Dental Visit Actually Looks Like

When you visit Boulder Smiles, you'll find the standard elements of dental care: examinations, cleanings, X-rays, and treatment. The difference lies in how we approach each aspect of your care.

Your initial consultation includes a comprehensive health history that covers systemic health, medications, sleep patterns, and jaw function alongside your dental concerns. This information directly influences your treatment planning and care recommendations.

During your clinical evaluation, our team examines multiple aspects of your oral health:

• Bite alignment and how your teeth function together
• Jaw joint function and any signs of tension or dysfunction
• Airway considerations that may affect sleep and breathing
• Soft tissue health as it relates to your overall wellness

Before any treatment begins, we discuss material options and their biocompatibility. If you need a restoration, crown, or other procedure, you'll understand what materials we recommend and why, allowing you to make informed decisions about your care.

Boulder Smiles provides comprehensive dental services with a focus on how your oral health connects to your overall health. Our team considers your complete health picture when making treatment recommendations.

Treatments and Services We Offer

Our functional approach influences every dental service we provide. We offer comprehensive dental care that considers how your oral health connects to your overall wellbeing.

• Preventive care: Professional cleanings, comprehensive exams, and protective sealants to maintain your oral health foundation.
• Biocompatible restorations: Fillings and restorations using materials selected for their compatibility with your body's natural systems.
• Mercury-safe removal: Safe removal of existing amalgam fillings using protective protocols when replacement is needed.
• TMJ and bite assessment: Evaluation of jaw function and bite alignment to address issues that may affect your overall comfort.
• Sleep apnea treatment: Assessment and treatment options for sleep-related breathing disorders that connect to oral health.
• Cosmetic dentistry: Veneers, teeth whitening, and bonding with transparent discussion of materials and procedures.
• Dental implants: Tooth replacement designed to restore both function and appearance within your overall health context.
• Invisalign: Clear aligner treatment for orthodontic correction with consideration for jaw function and airway health.
• Laser gum therapy: Minimally invasive treatment for gum disease using advanced laser technology.

What to Expect for Cost and Insurance

Functional dentistry involves precise, materials-conscious treatment. Some services, such as biocompatible restorations and safe amalgam removal protocols, may fall outside what standard dental insurance covers.

Boulder Smiles accepts many PPO plans and will work with your benefits where they apply. For services that fall outside your coverage, we provide clear cost information during your consultation. Many routine preventive and restorative services remain covered under standard dental benefits.

During insurance discussions, we typically cover:

• Which services are covered under your specific dental benefits
• Expected out-of-pocket costs for specialized treatments
• Payment and financing options available

Our approach focuses on treatment that supports your overall health using biocompatible materials and methods. We provide transparent information about all costs before treatment begins.

For specific questions about insurance coverage or treatment costs, call (303) 443-4417.

Why Patients Choose Boulder Smiles for Functional Dentistry

Boulder Smiles was founded with functional and biological dentistry principles as core to our practice philosophy. The clinical decisions, materials conversations, and treatment planning here reflect this whole-body approach to oral health care.

Our clinical team understands that patients seeking functional dentistry often have specific questions about biocompatible materials, systemic health connections, and how dental treatments affect overall wellness. These conversations are part of our standard care approach.

The functional dentistry experience at Boulder Smiles includes:

• Treatment recommendations based on biocompatible materials and whole-body health considerations
• Comprehensive evaluation that considers oral health within your broader wellness picture
• Detailed treatment planning tailored to individual health needs and concerns
• Clinical environment designed around functional and biological dentistry principles

Our practice approach reflects our commitment to functional dentistry as a foundation of care, not an add-on service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between biological dentistry and regular dentistry?

At Boulder Smiles, biological dentistry means your whole health is part of the conversation. We consider how materials, bite, and oral function connect to your overall wellbeing, not just the immediate dental concern.

Do you use mercury-free or mercury-safe protocols?

We use mercury-free materials for all new restorations and follow established safety protocols for removing existing amalgam fillings. This includes protective measures for both patients and staff during any amalgam removal procedures.

Can I switch to Boulder Smiles if I already have metal fillings?

Yes. Many patients come to us with existing restorations they want to address. We'll review what you currently have, discuss your options, and develop a plan that works for your timeline and comfort level.

How does oral health connect to the rest of my health?

The mouth connects to systemic health in multiple ways. Proper tooth position affects jaw function, breathing, and overall comfort. We evaluate these connections as part of your comprehensive care.

Do you work with patients who have TMJ or bite concerns?

Yes. Dr. Birnbach specializes in TMJ dysfunction and full mouth rehabilitation. Bite and jaw issues receive thorough evaluation and treatment planning at our practice.

Is functional dentistry covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by plan and specific treatment. We accept many PPO plans and will review your benefits during your consultation. Visit our Patient Center for insurance information, or call us to discuss your specific coverage.

Schedule Your Functional Dentistry Consultation

If functional dentistry aligns with your health philosophy, we welcome the opportunity to discuss your specific needs. Our team at Boulder Smiles understands that choosing a dental practice is an important decision, especially when you prioritize biocompatible materials and whole-body health connections.

We're currently accepting new patients and would be happy to answer your questions about our approach to functional dentistry. You can contact us directly at (303) 443-4417 to discuss your concerns and learn whether our practice is the right fit for your dental care needs.