Panama City Beach
A Whole-Body Approach to Modern Dental Care
Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body, and your dental care should reflect that. At Great Florida Smiles & Orthodontics, holistic dentistry means looking past a single tooth to see how oral health affects your overall wellness. We use gentle, minimally invasive techniques, carefully chosen materials and advanced technology to protect your smile and support your whole body. Our team proudly serves families across Santa Rosa Beach, Panama City Beach, DeFuniak Springs and the Emerald Coast.
What Is Holistic Dentistry?
Holistic dentistry, sometimes called biological dentistry, is a whole-body approach to dental care. It considers how the health of your teeth and gums connects to your immune system, airway, sleep and general wellbeing. The focus is on prevention, keeping as much natural tooth structure as possible and choosing materials that work well with your body.
Dr. Courtney Wright has trained extensively in esthetic and biological dentistry and is a member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). She believes in the strong link between oral health and systemic health and brings that philosophy to every visit.
How Does Holistic Dentistry Work?
Every holistic treatment plan starts with a complete picture of your health. We review your medical history, lifestyle and concerns, then use low-radiation digital X-rays and 3D CBCT imaging to see exactly what is happening beneath the surface. From there, we recommend the most conservative treatment that meets your needs. The goal is to remove what harms your health, restore what has been damaged and help your body heal naturally.
Benefits of Holistic Dentistry
Whole-Body Wellness
Gum disease and chronic oral infections have been linked to inflammation elsewhere in the body. By treating the source of infection and keeping your gums healthy, holistic dentistry supports your overall health as well as your smile.
Safer Removal of Old Metal Fillings
Many adults still have silver amalgam fillings, which contain mercury. We follow the SMART protocol (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) to remove these fillings with added protection. This includes high-powered suction, extraoral suction systems and HEPA air purification to reduce exposure for you and our team.
Metal-Free, Natural-Looking Restorations
Once old fillings are removed, we can restore your teeth with tooth-colored, metal-free options. Using CEREC digital scanning and in-office milling, many patients receive a same-day ceramic crown in a single visit. These restorations look natural and blend with your smile.
Minimally Invasive Care
Holistic dentistry protects healthy tooth structure whenever possible. Tools like air abrasion and the Icon resin infiltration treatment allow us to address early decay with little or no drilling. That means a gentler experience and a stronger tooth over time.
Faster, Natural Healing
Our office uses platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), which comes from a small sample of your own blood, to support healing and tissue regeneration after surgery. We also offer MLS cold laser therapy to help reduce discomfort and swelling.
Holistic Treatments We Offer
Holistic dentistry at Great Florida Smiles & Orthodontics can include a range of treatments, such as
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SMART Amalgam Removal: Careful removal of mercury fillings using protective protocols and high-volume suction.
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Ozone Therapy: Ozone gas, water and oil help disinfect teeth and gums and support healing without harsh chemicals.
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LANAP Laser Gum Treatment: The FDA-cleared PerioLase laser removes diseased gum tissue and bacteria while keeping healthy tissue intact.
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Metal-Free Restorations: Tooth-colored fillings, ceramic crowns, inlays and onlays designed to look and feel natural.
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PRF Healing Support: Growth factors from your own blood help speed recovery after extractions, implants and grafting.
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Airway and Sleep Health: Dr. Mike O’Donnell is board certified in Dental Sleep Medicine and can screen for and treat sleep apnea.
Why Choose Great Florida Smiles & Orthodontics for Holistic Dentistry?
Since 2005, Great Florida Smiles & Orthodontics has cared for patients along the Emerald Coast with a commitment to comfort, safety and lasting results. Our practice was named Best in Destin in the 2026 VIP Destin Magazine Reader Choice Awards and earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list.
Here is what sets our holistic care apart.
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A dentist trained in biological dentistry and affiliated with the IAOMT
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SMART mercury-safe removal of amalgam fillings
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Ozone therapy and an ozone water filtration system for cleaner care
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Laser dentistry, including LANAP and soft tissue lasers
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Low-dose digital X-rays, a handheld X-ray unit and 3D CBCT imaging
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HEPA air purifiers and extraoral suction in our treatment rooms
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Three convenient offices with extended hours
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Most major insurance plans accepted, plus financing options
Experience a More Thoughtful Approach to Dental Care
Holistic dentistry gives you a gentler, more thoughtful way to care for your smile and your health. From mercury-safe filling removal to ozone therapy and metal-free crowns, every step is designed to protect your body and preserve your natural teeth. If you live in Santa Rosa Beach, Panama City Beach, DeFuniak Springs or anywhere along the Emerald Coast, we would love to help you take the next step toward a healthier smile. Schedule your consultation with us to find out how holistic dental care can benefit your overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Great Florida Smiles & Orthodontics offer holistic dentistry in Santa Rosa Beach?
Yes. Great Florida Smiles & Orthodontics provides holistic and biological dental care at our Santa Rosa Beach office on US Highway 98. Holistic services are also available to patients at our Panama City Beach and DeFuniak Springs locations.
2. Who provides holistic dental care at Great Florida Smiles & Orthodontics?
Dr. Courtney Wright leads our holistic care. She has trained extensively in esthetic and biological dentistry and is a member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. She works alongside Dr. Mike O’Donnell, who founded the practice in 2005 and has advanced training in laser dentistry and dental sleep medicine.
3. Can I have my old silver fillings removed safely near Panama City Beach?
Yes. Patients from Panama City Beach and throughout Bay County visit Great Florida Smiles & Orthodontics for SMART amalgam removal. This protocol uses protective barriers, high-powered suction and air purification to reduce mercury exposure during the process.
4. What is ozone therapy and is it available in DeFuniak Springs?
Ozone therapy uses ozone gas, water or oil to disinfect teeth and gums and support healing. Great Florida Smiles & Orthodontics offers ozone therapy for patients in DeFuniak Springs, Santa Rosa Beach and Panama City Beach as part of a gentle, conservative approach to care.
5. Is holistic dentistry covered by dental insurance?
Many holistic treatments, such as fillings, crowns and gum care, are covered in part by dental insurance. Great Florida Smiles & Orthodontics accepts most major insurance plans and offers financing. Our team will review your benefits before treatment so you know what to expect.
6. Can children receive holistic dental care at Great Florida Smiles & Orthodontics?
Yes. Our Emerald Coast offices welcome patients of all ages. We focus on prevention, minimally invasive care and gentle techniques that help children build healthy habits and feel comfortable at the dentist.
7. How do I schedule a holistic dental consultation on the Emerald Coast?
Call Great Florida Smiles & Orthodontics or book online. We have offices in Santa Rosa Beach, Panama City Beach and DeFuniak Springs, to fit patients from surrounding area.
