Episode Overview

In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I’m joined by Doctors Claire Ferrari and Allie Larios of Ferrari Larios Orthodontics in Kensington, California. Together, they discuss transforming patient care through a proactive, whole-body approach to orthodontics.

Topics include the need to integrate overall health into orthodontic residency programs, early diagnostic and treatment for pre-adolescent patients, the benefits of CBCT imaging, the relationship between tooth extraction and airway issues, building a trusted medical network, and the impact of corporate entities in dentistry. We also delve into the future of orthodontics and their decision to pursue a traditional business model to better serve their patients.

Don't miss this insightful conversation on advancing orthodontic care. Enjoy the show!

Timestamps

00:27 Meet the Guests: Dr. Claire Ferrari and Dr. Allie Larios

03:06 Dr. Ferrari’s Early Influences and Mentorship

04:14 Educational Path and Career Decisions

07:14 The Importance of CBCT Imaging

13:40 Dr. Larios' Experience and Insights

18:10 Holistic Approach in Orthodontics

19:44 Challenges and Rewards of Early Treatment

21:36 The Future of Orthodontics

30:33 Addressing Airway Issues in Orthodontics

34:30 Treating Young Patients: A New Perspective

42:36 Challenges in Pediatric Dental Diagnostics

43:52 Approaching Treatment for Young Children

44:40 Parental Involvement and Patient Management

46:34 The Importance of Early Intervention

48:41 Debating Traditional vs. Modern Orthodontic Practices

50:44 Evidence-Based Medicine in Dentistry

01:06:57 The Business of Orthodontics: Corporate vs. Private Practice

01:19:50 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

LINKS:

Dr. Mike’s Orthotown Article on Pediatric Sleep Disordered Breathing: https://www.nxtbook.com/farran/orthotown/orthotown-march-2025/index.php?startpage=36#/p/34

Dr. Claire Ferrari’s email:claire@ferrariortho.com
Dr. Allie Larios' email: drlarios@ferrariortho.com

Practice Website:www.FerrariOrtho.com
Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/

In this episode, I welcome Dr. Joseph Yousefian for an in-depth discussion on pediatric airway disorders and innovative orthodontic treatment approaches that can change lives.

🎯 Episode Highlights

Dr. Yousefian's Personal Journey

• His son Ryan's severe sleep apnea diagnosis and dramatic academic decline
• Ryan's transformation from a struggling student to a Washington University scholarship recipient after treatment

The Pediatric Airway Crisis

• Why pediatric sleep-disordered breathing has become a pandemic
• Evolutionary changes in jaw development due to modern diet and lifestyle
• The connection between crowding, malocclusion, and airway disorders

Revolutionary Treatment Concepts

• Teledontics & Telegnathics: Non-restrictive, airway-focused orthodontic treatment approaches
• Mandibular symphyseal expansion: 200+ successful cases over 23 years
• Early intervention strategies (ages 2-4) for prevention

Clinical & Professional Insights

• Why traditional orthodontic approaches may be inadequate for airway patients
• Interdisciplinary collaboration strategies with medical providers
• The future of orthodontics: paradigm shift vs. pendulum swing
• Insurance considerations and making airway treatment financially viable

The Future of Orthodontics

• Why this is a paradigm shift, not a pendulum swing
• The need for specialized training in airway-focused orthodontics
• How the profession needs to evolve to address the 1.3 billion people worldwide suffering from sleep apnea

💡 Key Takeaways

1. Pediatric airway disease is treatable and preventable when caught early
2. Untreated sleep-disordered breathing can cause ADHD-like symptoms, academic decline, behavioral issues, and long-term health complications
3. Orthodontists are uniquely positioned to be leaders in airway treatment
4. Early intervention (before age 7) can prevent a lifetime of complications
5. Treatment requires an interdisciplinary approach combining medicine and dentistry

LINKS:

• Comprehensive Treatment Seminars: https://www.ctseminars.org/
• ApnoMed: https://www.apnomed.com/
• Pediatric Treatment of Sleep Apnea with Teledontics and Telegnathics: https://www.routledge.com/Pediatric-Treatment-of-Sleep-Apnea-With-TeledonticsTelegnathics/Yousefian/p/book/9781032978994
• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/)
• Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/

Thank you for your support of The DOC Podcast! Please remember to share the show with others and, if you feel we've earned it, we'd love to receive a 5-Star Review on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube.

Episode Description:

Join me for an in-depth conversation with husband-and-wife dental team Drs. Jeffrey Hindin and Jill Meyer, who are pioneering a whole-health approach to dentistry that addresses the root causes of disease rather than just treating symptoms.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Building an etiology-focused practice that treats underlying causes, not just symptoms

• Early orthodontic intervention and airway-focused care in children

• The significant overlap between TMD and sleep-disordered breathing

• Heart rate variability (HRV) and objective physiologic measurements in treatment

• Oral appliances for athletic performance enhancement

• Common signs of sleep disorders in children and adults

• Navigating resistance from traditional orthodontic approaches

• The future of sleep medicine, including emerging pharmacological treatments

Key Takeaways:

• Early intervention in children can prevent the need for invasive treatments and sleep appliances in adulthood
• Mouth breathing is a critical early indicator of sleep-disordered breathing and should not be dismissed
• The airway affects the autonomic nervous system, impacting everything from athletic performance to mental health
• Depression and anxiety are the #1 comorbidities associated with sleep-related breathing disorders
• Orthodontists are uniquely positioned to prevent adult TMD and sleep issues through early treatment
• Treatment should focus on normalizing anatomy and addressing root causes, not just straightening teeth

Resources Mentioned:

• Hindin Center: https://hindincenter.com/
• American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry: https://aapmd.org/
• AAPMD Collaboration Cures Meeting: May 15-16 in Pittsburgh

Connect with Dr. Mike:

• Website: https://theorthocoach.com/
• Email: dr.mike@theorthocoach.com
• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/
• Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/

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