Dr. Jessica Shireman, DMD Claimed

Dr. Jessica Shireman is excited to bring holistic dentistry to Wilmington, NC. She and her family moved from Raleigh where she had a holistic practice for 5 years. She has a unique, patient-based approached to dentistry. She hold both SMART certification and is Accredited by the IAOMT in safe-mercury removal. She strives to keep up with safe and healthy dental treatments for patients. She has completed extensive continuing education in the Spear-based codiagnostic treatment planning methodology, ozone therapy and airway management and many other areas.

Dr. Shireman is originally from Kansas City, Missouri. She got her undergraduate degree from Grinnell College, in Grinnell, Iowa and attended dental school at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2009. During dental school, she completed a one-year research fellowship through Howard Hughes Medical Institute where she did research at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. She holds numerous patents and publications.

List, K, Currie, B, Scharschmidt T, Szabo R, Shireman J, et al. Autosomal Ichthyosis with hypotrichosis syndrome displays low matriptase proteolytic activity and is phenocopied in ST14 hypomorphic mice. Journal of Biological Chemistry. E-published on October 27, 2007. Cover article.

What is Holistic (Biological) Dentistry?

Holistic Dentistry is an approach to dentistry that promotes health and wellness, not just the treatment of disease. This approach in dentistry encompasses both modern science and knowledge on the traditions on natural healing. It is sometimes call Biological dentistry or Bio-compatible dentistry. Holistic Dentistry acknowledges the mind, body, spirit and emotions of the patient, not just his or her teeth.

The basic principles of this type of dental practice are:

1. Proper nutrition for the prevention and reversal of degenerative dental disease.
2. Avoidance and removal of possibly toxic dental materials.
3. Prevention and treatment of dental malocclusion (bite problems that can cause physical imbalance).
4. Prevention and treatment of gum disease at its biological source.

Benefits of Biocompatible Dental Implants

There are a number of advantages to be enjoyed with zirconia dental implants. These range from the cosmetic appeal of natural-looking implants to the health benefits of a metal-free option in comprehensive tooth replacement. Some of the most significant benefits of this type of dental implant include:

• Zirconia dental implants restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with full confidence
• A metal-free option is great for patients who are concerned about having metals placed in their bodies
• Zirconia dental implants do not produce the visible gray line that may occur with titanium implants
• Dental implants can last for many years with proper maintenance
• A comprehensive tooth replacement option promotes better oral and overall health for years to come.

Crowns & Bridges

Bridges are used when there are multiple teeth missing in a row. A bridge is created when crowns are placed on both sides of the missing tooth or teeth. The end crowns are the support for the crown (or crowns) in the middle. We craft many of the bridges in our office so they appear as natural as your original teeth. We also cover care and maintenance regimens for your crown or bridge to keep them looking natural and healthy.

Missing teeth can cause a lot of issues with everyday activities. Bridges can help with your ability to chew properly, speak correctly, and can help your face keep a proper shape – preventing facial collapse. Without a bridge, teeth may move from their proper position into the gap between your teeth, which only leads to further oral health difficulties.

Natural Teeth Whitening

Activated Charcoal

This is a crazy way to whiten your teeth: brush them with black charcoal! The charcoal absorbs the stains and whitens the teeth over time.

Oil Pulling

The procedure is to put 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil in the mouth and swish around for 15 minutes. This “pulls” bacteria and stains out of the teeth

Hydrogen Peroxide or Baking Soda for Brushing

Both baking soda and hydrogen peroxide work to alkalize and oxidize, but work better when allowed to sit on the teeth. When brushing, the contact time isn’t very long, so the effect may be minimal for teeth whitening.

Veneers and Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental Veneers

If you want to improve your smile, dental veneers are a simple option. Veneers are thin coverings that are placed over the front (visible) part of the tooth. They look like natural teeth. Veneers can be used to correct a wide range of dental issues, such as:

• teeth that are stained and can’t be whitened by bleaching
• chipped or worn teeth
• crooked or misshapen teeth
• uneven spaces or a large gap between the upper front teeth

Veneers are made of either porcelain or composite resin material. Your dentist will help you choose the material that is best for you. Each type of veneer has its own benefits.

Porcelain Veneers

A porcelain veneer is a thin shell that is custom-made to fit on the tooth.

Benefits of porcelain veneers:

• they are strong and long-lasting
• they have a natural-looking surface
• less tooth enamel needs to be removed than with a crown or cap
• they don’t stain easily