Meet Dr. Rodrigo Viecilli, DDS, PhD
Science-Driven Smiles, Tailored for You
With over 14 years immersed in academic research combined with extensive clinical experience, Dr. Viecilli builds treatment plans on a foundation of evidence, supported by advanced diagnostics like 3D CT scans for ultimate precision. As a Professor teaching biomechanics at Loma Linda University and New York University, he brings PhD-level expertise in genetics, craniofacial growth, and the physics of tooth movement directly to your care. Patients benefit from the same level of knowledge sought by orthodontists training at the highest levels of the field.
A Unique Path to Orthodontic Mastery
Innovator: Inventor of SmartArch™ Technology
Expertise in Growth & Early Development
Dr. Viecilli emphasizes the critical importance of early diagnosis. He encourages parents to schedule their child’s orthodontic evaluation by age 7, focusing on jaw development, breathing patterns, and habits that may affect future facial growth. Early interceptive treatment, when necessary, can transform a child’s growth trajectory, often preventing the need for more invasive interventions later.
Comprehensive Care for All Ages
Whether you are looking for traditional metal braces, self-ligating clear ceramic braces, or Invisalign clear aligners for yourself as an adult, or for children, Dr. Viecilli provides a full spectrum of options tailored to your individual lifestyle and goals.
Educator and Global Leader
As a respected lecturer at major international orthodontic conferences and contributor to the field, Dr. Viecilli helps shape the future of orthodontics. He has authored 27+ peer-reviewed scientific papers and multiple textbook chapters, and his experience training hundreds of orthodontists ensures you benefit from proven techniques in smile design and bite correction. For instance, he was recently one of three US-based Professors invited to lecture at the World Biomechanics Meeting in Doha, Qatar. He lectures regularly at AAO meetings and other orthodontic associations around the world.
Beyond the Practice: Precision and Passion
Outside the office, Dr. Viecilli applies his pursuit of excellence to diverse passions: he is a certified sommelier, barista, and mixologist; studies marketing (CXL) and Japanese swordsmanship (Iaijutsu); and enjoys gourmet cooking and philosophy. Dr. Viecilli designed his own website and coordinates marketing for 45+ practice locations nationwide. None of them are part of private equity or private corporate chains, in the best interest of patient care. Above all, the collection he cherishes most is the thousands of confident, healthy smiles he has helped create right here in Austin.
Personalized Orthodontic Care in Austin
Ready for care that combines globally recognized innovation with attentive, individualized treatment? As the owner and primary orthodontist at Limestone Hills Orthodontics, Dr. Viecilli invites you to discover the difference his expertise makes. Schedule your complimentary consultation, including a 3D CT scan, today.
From Aerospace Engineering to Orthodontic Innovation
Technological Institute of Aeronautics (ITA)
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Orthodontic Specialty Certificate
Orthodontic Specialty Certificate plus PhD in Orthodontic Biomechanics and Craniofacial Genetics
Combined PhD and orthodontic residency program at Indiana University School of Dentistry. Pioneered 3D finite element modeling of orthodontic force systems. 2009 Milo Hellman Award (AAO highest research honor in North America). Trained under Dr. Charles Burstone (biomechanics) and Dr. W. Eugene Roberts (bone biology).
Craniofacial genetics and molecular biology training at the PhD level: the combination that now shapes every treatment plan.
Board Certification (Diplomate, ABO)
University Professor at NYU and Loma Linda University
Limestone Hills Orthodontics, Owner and Operator
Published. Cited. Applied to Your Treatment.
What Does This Mean for You or Your Child?
His 27+ peer-reviewed publications include landmark studies on root resorption, the #1 risk of moving teeth too aggressively. He knows exactly how much force is safe. That is why SmartArch™ reduces treatment time by up to 40% without root damage. He trained under Burstone (biomechanics), Dr. W. Eugene Roberts (bone biology), and received craniofacial genetics and molecular biology training at the PhD level. Which is why dentists and orthodontists refer their most complex cases to him, including craniofacial deformities.
Dr. Viecilli’s Clinical Philosophy
Six principles guide Dr. Viecilli’s clinical decisions. Recommend treatment only when it moves the needle. Anchor every decision in published biomechanics research. Combine specialist credentials with a single-doctor relationship from records to retainer. Price treatment to reflect the science, not what the local market can be persuaded to pay. Offer the specialized treatments Austin patients struggle to find elsewhere. Conduct every consultation directly with the doctor in the office. No phone, text, or email diagnoses.
What Makes This Practice Different
A Clinical Decision Shaped by Training
When Treatment Is Not Recommended
On Pricing
Treatments Offered That Others Don’t
The First Consultation, in Detail
The first consultation is completely free, and patients spend up to 30 minutes with the doctor. For complex cases that require a follow-up consultation to finalize the treatment plan, a $150 fee applies. Dr. Viecilli does not make treatment decisions remotely or discuss treatment via text or email.
Board Certification: What It Means for You
Dr. Viecilli has been a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics since 2011, most recently recertified in 2020. Only about one in three practicing orthodontists achieve board certification, an entirely voluntary process that demands years of documented, peer-reviewed clinical work.
Exam format: Traditional. Dr. Viecilli presented 6 patient cases to a panel of examiners, defending every treatment decision in real time. Dr. Viecilli was the only graduate in Indiana University’s orthodontic program history to complete all ABO case requirements within two years. The 6 cases were high-difficulty selections approved as excellent by his ABO peers, and one of them, a complex open bite case treated with TADs, was selected for display at the American Association of Orthodontists annual meeting that year. Since 2011, the quality of treatment at Limestone Hills has only continued to grow.
For you, this means the orthodontist designing your treatment has voluntarily held their work up to the highest standard in the specialty and passed.
The SmartArch™ Story
SmartArch™ is the world’s most advanced orthodontic wire, conceptualized and designed by Dr. Viecilli in collaboration with Prof. Charles Burstone, widely considered the most important biomechanics scientist in orthodontic history. The patent was later purchased by Smarter Alloys and licensed to Ormco, which manufactures it today.
SmartArch™ uses Finite Element Analysis (FEA) modeling, the same engineering method used in aerospace and structural design — to deliver calibrated, continuous forces to each individual tooth. The result: up to 40% faster braces treatment compared to conventional wire systems, without compromising root safety.
Limestone Hills Orthodontics is the only practice in Austin where patients are treated by the inventor of this technology. SmartArch™ is provided to all braces patients at no additional charge.
Teaching & Faculty Appointments
Dr. Viecilli has held continuous university appointments since 2010. His teaching and research roles span biomechanics, biomaterials, craniofacial development, and computational tooth-movement modeling.
Fellowships
Prospective member, Midwest Component of the Angle Society.
Awards & Recognition
Professional Memberships
Dr. Viecilli maintains an active membership in the major orthodontic specialty organizations. These memberships require continuing education hours and active participation in the specialty community.
Languages & Cultural Background
Multilingual care without a phone translator. Consultations, treatment plans, and clinical conversations can all be conducted in any of the following languages. Dr. Viecilli speaks: English (fluent), Portuguese (native), Spanish (conversational). Consultations can be conducted in any of these languages.
Dr. Viecilli is a native Portuguese speaker. He earned his initial training in South America before completing his second orthodontic specialty and PhD at Indiana University. The practice proudly serves Austin’s diverse multilingual community.
Outside the Practice
Aerospace engineering background (Technological Institute of Aeronautics, ITA, pre-dentistry). Reserve Lieutenant in the Brazilian Air Force medical corps. Certified sommelier, barista, and mixologist. Studies marketing (CXL) and Japanese swordsmanship (Iaijutsu). Enjoys gourmet cooking and philosophy. Dr. Viecilli designed his own website and coordinates marketing for 45+ practice locations nationwide. None of them are part of private equity or private corporate chains, in the best interest of patient care.