Meet Rodrigo Viecilli, DDS, PhD, Provider of Surgical Orthodontics Austin TX Residents Trust
Dr. Rodrigo Viecilli is a world-renowned orthodontic biomechanics scientist, a Professor and Lecturer at two of the best dental schools in the country, and loves Northwest Austin. He has a long track record as a surgical orthodontist, with hundreds of patients treated with surgical orthodontics for 20 years.
We partner with Periodontists and Orthognathic Surgeons for the following surgical orthodontics modalities:
- Surgically Accelerated Osteogenic orthodontics (also called Wilckodontics in the past): This is a procedure that can lead to tooth movement 3-4x faster than conventional orthodontics. It is especially recommended in patients with previous bone loss, as bone and gingival grafting is also done in conjunction with the procedure. But it can be performed in any adult interested in faster treatment. The accelerated effect is limited to less than 4 months.
- Orthognathic surgery: He currently works with Dr. Edward Ellis III, DDS, MD, with over 20 years of experience, from UT Health San Antonio to treat cases that involve severe jaw size discrepancies involving a severe underbite or overbite that greatly compromise the esthetic appearance of the patient, extremely narrow dental arches and/ or long face syndrome, among other problems. Severe malocclusions including skeletal underbites and overbites (bad bites that severely affect esthetics and function) and jaw bone irregularities may require surgical orthodontics or orthognathic surgery. Dr. Viecilli has worked with teams to correct dentofacial deformities of severe level, including cleft lip and palate and syndromic malformations. His skill level is unparalleled in Austin with Orthognathic surgery Orthodontics. If you think your condition needs surgical treatment, call us.
- Mini-implant anchorage: Dr. Viecilli has placed hundreds of mini implants for orthodontic anchorage. These mini implants are tiny stainless steel screws that we use as anchors to move other teeth in cases where patients have missing teeth or more complex malocclusions that require them.
Education + Background
Orthodontists with aerospace engineering training aren’t too common, but Dr. Viecilli’s unexpected background helps him appreciate the combination of physics, materials science, and biology that orthodontia entails, in the form of scientific biomechanics.
After his undergrad, Dr. Viecilli attended dental school in Brazil, where he completed his first orthodontic training. During his orthodontic residency there, he published a paper in the prestigious American Journal of Orthodontics.
His paper was held in such high regard on an international level that he was invited to pursue a Ph.D. in Oral Biology (Biomechanics) and attend residency in the United States at Indiana University (which means that he’s a double-trained orthodontist!).
There, he studied the effect of genetics and mechanical stimulation on tooth movement and cell biochemistry. Dr. Viecilli conducted his own engineering simulations, histology, and 3D analysis for his award-winning work.
Board-Certified Orthodontist
During his residency at Indiana University, he treated six arduous cases with excellence, one of which was chosen for display in an American Association of Orthodontists meeting for study by other orthodontists.
Due to this honor, and his hard work and contributions to the field, he was approved as a prospective member of the Angle Society of Orthodontists, and has been board-certified since 2011.
Award-Winning Work
Dr. Viecilli is one of two orthodontists from Indiana to ever win the prestigious Milo Hellman Award, the highest North American research award in orthodontic science.
He’s also the only orthodontist from Indiana to ever complete the American Board of Orthodontics patient case requirements within two years.
Professor + Inventor
Dr. Viecilli taught for eight years in faculty positions at New York University College of Dentistry and Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, where he trained hundreds of dentists and orthodontists. Dr. Viecilli is still a Professor and lecturer for both schools.
As a result of his many achievements, including 25+ peer-reviewed publications, numerous book chapters, and countless contributions to the field of orthodontic science, he is considered one of the top world experts in orthodontic biomechanics.
He lectures regularly at American Association of Orthodontists meetings and other orthodontic associations around the world. His lectures are about how to move teeth and model facial bones scientifically, without following cookbook techniques.
In addition to his many academic accomplishments, he invented the most sophisticated orthodontic wire ever designed: the SmartArch™.
Following the success and implementation of this invention, he played a part in devising technologies related to clear aligner treatment (such as Invisalign).
Outside the Office
Dr. Viecilli loves the Northwest Austin area and looks forward to exploring the city and making personal friendships with his patients.
In his free time, Dr. Viecilli is a certified sommelier and enjoys various hobbies, including cooking, collecting fragrances, espresso and latte art, weightlifting, traveling, and reading philosophy. Dr. Viecilli also developed the fragrances that are signature to the environment at Limestone Hills Orthodontics.
Click here for a list of peer-reviewed publications.