Your Smile Miami - Biscayne Dental Group - 305.572.1600

In the last five years, an amazing new protocol helping people to be comfortable during dental procedures has been developed. In fact, it is being marketed as “sleep dentistry” in many places, even though that is really a misnomer. Using the drug, Triazolam, often in only a single dose, we can safely and predictably relax almost anyone to the point where they can comfortably tolerate the dentistry that they want or need done. In order to administer this treatment, the doctor has to take training and be certified by the State Board of Dental Examiners. The drug Triazolam has been sold as a sleeping pill, but it has a wonderful one-time effect, and it’s one of the safest drugs on the market. Most patients tell us they are calm and relaxed during their treatment, yet still awake. When they return to the office for their next visit, they report having slept a good part of the day, and really don’t remember much about being in the chair! With modern dentistry, there really shouldn’t be any significant discomfort while dental treatment is being performed, but often people who were traumatized as children just can’t shake that fear, and that is where these types of drugs are so wonderful. The only downside is that people who take this medication pretty much are limited for that day; they aren’t allowed to drive or do anything critical; most want to sleep for four or five hours afterwards. If you know of anyone who has significant dental concerns, but is too afraid to take care of them, have them give us a call and we will be glad to explain the whole process. It is a wonderful answer to that long-standing problem.T

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A common type of orthodontic problem seen in our office is some type of a protrusion [the upper teeth are markedly forward of the lower teeth]. In most situations the protrusion is accompanied by other problems ranging from crowding to excessive spacing. The patient could also have an open bite [usually the back teeth touch and the front teeth are vertically open] or a cross bite [the upper teeth fit inside the lower when biting]. Another problem associated with protrusions and all the other types of malocclusions is some form of agenisis [missing teeth] or undersized teeth.

The causes for protrusions can vary, but generally fall into two categories. The first is dental, when the teeth themselves are the problem. A good example might be a youngster who has had a prolonged finger or thumb sucking habit causing the teeth to tip forward. The second cause would involve the jaw bones, when the lower jaw is too far back or the upper too far forward or a combination of the two. Any number of combinations of a teeth/jaw problem can cause a protrusion. Obviously, the treatment in each situation will differ. The diagnostic and treatment skills of our trained orthodontist are critical in any of these malocclusions.

Most often protrusion problems are best treated at an early age. The sooner the teeth can be put into an optimal biting relationship the better the opportunity for proper growth and development. Often times it is best to approach a protrusive problem in two phases of treatment. The goal in the first phase [ages 6-9] is to create the best possible biting relation of the teeth. Then when the permanent teeth come in, [ages 11-13] we will determine how much additional correction is needed to achieve an ideal occlusion and esthetic result. By using this two- phase approach to the correction of a protrusive malocclusion it is often possible to eliminate the necessity for the extraction of permanent teeth and to reduce the total time necessary for the braces to be worn.

The younger the patient the greater the potential for correction to allow for continued normal growth and development. However, if the patient is not seen until all of the permanent teeth have erupted excellent corrections can still be achieved. Seeing the patient for the first time at ages 12-15, when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, will still allow time to work with the patient’s growth. The more potential for continued growth the better.

The approach to the treatment of adults [age 18 or over] with protrusions can be very different. Often, adult problems that are not too severe can be treated with conventional orthodontics. However, many cases of adult protrusions, especially those caused by mostly jaw problems, can only be treated with a combination of orthodontics and jaw surgery. The orthodontics is started first, followed by surgery and then the finishing orthodontic is completed. Spectacular results can be obtained with this treatment modality.

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I’ve often been asked “How did you know you wanted to be a dentist?”
My answer has always been the same: “I always knew I wanted to be a doctor.”
As a child my answer never waivered….it always stayed the same. I had this immense fascination with art, and science. When away from such interests, I spent most of my time socializing with friends…always searching for more people to laugh and have fun with. At the insistance of a close family friend, while paving the way for medical school, I was asked to spend some time at a local dentist’s office. I did, reluctantly! What I saw, and experienced, felt like “home”. The dentist was having so much fun!! He spent his days using the fascinating properties of both art and science to create the beautiful smiles we all look for, in both ourselves, and in our friends and families!!! With this I felt I had found the perfect combination of smiles, laughter, and science!! And…I could still be a “Doctor”!!!!

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Many people ask me why I like to be a dentist. My answer: I was born to do this. I believe you really have to have the right personality to do this job. So many patients come in afraid of the dentist and not wanting to be there. I, on the other hand, usually have an ear to ear smile. My football coach in high school used to call me “Smiley.” I am generally a pretty happy guy and that really helps patients feel at ease. We do a lot in our office to make every patient feel comfortable. We use iPods’ with relaxing music, aromatherapy, warm blankets, and lip therapy. Patients really appreciate it when we go the extra mile for them.
Besides being a happy guy, I’m also a little nerdy. I love studying and learning. I do a lot of continuing education. This gives me a better understanding of different areas of dentistry and a unique edge to really look at my patients as a whole. Besides Cosmetics, orthodontics is one of my favorite areas of dentistry. I did an apprenticeship for four years with an orthodontist. Today, I treat a full range of comprehensive orthodontic cases. This is a whole different area of dentistry that few general dentists explore. Of course, we see lots of kids for braces, but also many adults. The desire to have straight teeth has become so main stream, that more and more adults today are seeking treatment. Invisalign® has also opened the doors today for many adults who have wanted straighter teeth without the use of braces. On the other hand, kids today are begging their parents for braces. I don’t remember every begging my parents. I certainly didn’t look forward to getting them the second time around when I was in college. But today, I’m certainly glad I went through it. I think it is important to be proud of your smile.
I figure, if you’re proud of your smile you’re likely to smile more. Smiling makes you feel happy. Happy people are less depressed, have better relationships, more friends, and less stress. Okay, that is not totally scientific. But, I like to think that I am doing my part to make the world a better place. After all, we all have to visit the dentist. So why not see someone who is generally happy, very knowledgeable, and is going to go out of his way to make you feel comfortable.
Dr. Julio

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