In this episode of the DOC Podcast, I welcome Dr. Mary Motlagh to discuss one of dentistry's most critical yet overlooked issues: why beautiful dental and orthodontic work fails over time, and what we can do to achieve lasting stability.

Dr. Motlagh, a restorative dentist with over 25 years of experience, shares her transformative journey from creating stunning cosmetic cases that broke down within years to developing a comprehensive physiologic approach that consistently delivers 15-20 year stability. Through compelling patient stories and clinical insights, she reveals the hidden connections between airway health, TMJ function, neuromuscular balance, and long-term treatment success.

This conversation challenges fundamental assumptions in dentistry. From how we diagnose and treat TMD to the extraction debate, early intervention timing, and what "evidence-based" really means. Whether you're an orthodontist frustrated by relapse, a restorative dentist dealing with occlusal breakdown, or any dental professional seeking better outcomes, this episode offers a paradigm shift in how we approach comprehensive care.

Timestamps

[2:27] Meet Dr. Motlagh
[4:43] Why beautiful veneer cases started failing
[5:45] Muscles dominate and airway always wins
[9:54] Why teeth break at the gum line despite perfect crowns
[13:37] Evidence-based dentistry: beyond randomized trials
[16:52] Dentists are trained as tooth mechanics, not doctors
[22:57] How posture affects occlusion
[27:47] Signs and symptoms we miss: scalloped tongue, tinnitus, vertigo
[37:15] The 17-year-old who couldn't open her mouth for 2 years
[42:57] The extraction and airway debate
[48:20] Introduction to MyAligner and the diagnostic phase
[49:30] Ultra-low frequency TENS and neuromuscular CR
[57:27] Case presentation: correcting facial asymmetry in 40 minutes
[1:05:35] Final message: it is essential to screen for TMD and airway issues

Notable Quotes

• "We were trained as tooth mechanics and not the doctors of the oral cavity. We learned to look inside the mouth, not sit back and look at the face, look at the body, look at the connection of the orthopedic alignment of the head and neck." - Dr. Maryam Motlagh
• "When you do the diagnostics more thoroughly, your work gets easier and becomes more profitable because you cut a lot of the noise out, a lot of the headaches. It's not profitable to do a hundred aligners on somebody - you're paying the patient to treat the case at that point." - Dr. Mike
• "This is a complex problem, but once you see it, you cannot unsee it, and it becomes such a simple solution." - Dr. Maryam Motlagh

Links

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, I sit down with Dr. Brett Christiansen, an Army veteran and board-certified orthodontist who has transformed his practice to focus on treating the root causes of malocclusion and sleep-disordered breathing.

Dr. Christiansen shares his remarkable journey from growing up on an Idaho farm to becoming one of only five orthodontists in the country board-certified in sleep medicine. He opens up about surviving a widow-maker heart attack at 45, losing his son in a tragic accident, overcoming depression, getting hit by a car while training for an Ironman, and enduring multiple heart surgeries—all while revolutionizing how he treats patients.

This episode explores Brett's pioneering data collection using rhinometry on thousands of patients, his transition from traditional extraction-based orthodontics to skeletal expansion techniques, and why he believes orthodontists must become true doctors who treat patients, not just symptoms.

TIMESTAMPS:

04:02 - Farm Kid to Orthodontist
06:00 - Military Service & Dental School
09:00 - Discovering Orthodontics
11:00 - Starting Practice in Lewiston, Idaho
14:46 - The Turning Point: Expansion & Snoring
18:20 - Personal Health Crisis: The Heart Attack
24:00 - Dad's Sleep Apnea Discovery
28:00 - Introduction to Sleep Apnea Treatment
32:00 - Collecting Data with Rhinometry
38:00 - Kevin Boyd's Life-Changing Phone Call
42:00 - Transitioning to MARPE & Skeletal Expansion
56:00 - The Key to Sleep Apnea: Nasal Breathing
1:00:00 - Recovery & Becoming an Ironman
1:13:00 - The Bike Accident & Heart Failure
1:18:00 - Everly's Story: Treating a 3-Year-Old
1:21:00 - Parallels Between Dr. Mike & Dr. Brett
1:10:00 - Facing Opposition from the AAO
1:30:00 - Why Orthodontists Must Become Doctors
1:38:00 - The Future of Orthodontics
1:45:00 - Surprise Guest: Everly Visits!
1:51:00 - Final Thoughts & Closing

THREE SIGNIFICANT QUOTES:

"We need orthodontists to become doctors. Most orthodontists out there that are straightening teeth, taking out teeth and lining teeth are tooth technicians. We need to become doctors of our patients. We need to be treating the patient, not the symptom of the crooked, crowded teeth."

"The key to sleep apnea is not worrying as much about the tongue, it's worrying about getting the nasal passage opened. When we expand that maxilla and the nasal passage opens up and that pathway of airflow is just smooth, that patient can now breathe through their nose."

"My daughter changed my life. She looked at me and said, 'Dad, you say that you're the airway doctor. Kids die on the operating table from general anesthetic. I don't feel right about sending her. What are you gonna do?' That's when I started treating 3-year-olds."

KEY TOPICS: Early orthodontic intervention • MARPE for adults • Rhinometry data on thousands of patients • Nasal volume changes (3-8 cubic centimeters) • Treating children as young as 2-3 years old • The connection between sleep apnea and heart disease • Overcoming professional opposition • The future of orthodontics

CONNECT:

• Dr. Brett Christiansen - Christiansen Orthodontics (Lewiston, Grangeville, Moscow, ID): https://christensenbraces.com/
• Dr. Mike DeLuke - TheOrthoCoach.com | 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 website: https://theorthocoach.com/

Episode Description:
Join me for an in-depth conversation with sleep medicine specialist and quadruple Board Certified Physician (Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care Medicine, Sleep Medicine), Dr. Sima Tahir, as we discuss the critical role that sleep plays in overall health. Dr. Tahir shares her journey from working on the COVID-19 frontlines to opening her own boutique sleep practice in Manhattan, and why she believes sleep should be at the forefront of medical care.

Key Topics Covered:
Why Sleep Medicine Matters

• The lack of sleep education in medical schools and residencies
• Why sleep disorders are missed by traditional healthcare systems
• How sleep affects every aspect of health, from mood to chronic disease

Recognizing Sleep Disorders

• Warning signs in children AND adults (headaches, jaw pain, teeth grinding, brain fog, irritability)
• Why children should NEVER snore
• The connection between sleep disorders and ADHD/behavioral issues
• How sleep problems manifest differently in kids vs. adults

The Diagnostic Challenge

• Limitations of polysomnography (sleep studies)
• Why a normal AHI doesn't rule out sleep disorders
• Understanding upper airway resistance syndrome
• The importance of reviewing raw sleep study data

The Multidisciplinary Approach

• Why "sleep takes a team" - collaboration between physicians, dentists, orthodontists, and specialists
• How dental providers can detect sleep and breathing issues
• The role of orthodontics in addressing airway problems
• Breaking down silos between medical and dental

Sleep Quality vs. Quantity

• Why 7-9 hours isn't enough if quality is poor
• Understanding sleep architecture and circadian rhythms
• How weekend sleep schedule changes affect your entire week
• The one-hour-per-day recovery rule

Practical Sleep Hygiene

• The importance of consistent sleep/wake times
• How hormones (especially in perimenopause) affect sleep
• Why waking up multiple times per night is NOT normal
• Red flags that indicate you need a sleep evaluation

Perfect For:

• Healthcare providers (medical and dental)
• Parents concerned about their children's sleep
• Anyone experiencing chronic fatigue, brain fog, or sleep issues
• Professionals interested in the intersection of sleep and overall health

Timestamps:
3:08 (188s) - Meet Dr. Sima Tahir: From COVID Frontlines to Sleep Medicine
3:45 (225s) - Dr. Tahir's Background: Quadruple Board Certified Physician
8:08 (488s) - Why She Left Traditional Medicine to Open a Private Practice
13:25 (805s) - The Shocking Lack of Sleep Education in Medical Schools
22:17 (1337s) - Warning Signs of Sleep Disorders: Head-to-Toe Assessment
27:15 (1635s) - How Dentists & Orthodontists Can Detect Sleep Issues
33:52 (2032s) - The Truth About Sleep Studies: Why Normal Results Don't Rule Out Problems
45:22 (2722s) - Hormones, Aging, and Sleep: What Your Doctor Isn't Asking
53:30 (3210s) - What Does Good Sleep Actually Look Like?
60:38 (3638s) - Sleep Quality vs. Quantity: Waking Up During the Night
66:30 (3990s) - Wearables for Kids & The Future of Sleep Monitoring
70:59 (4259s) - Closing Thoughts & How to Connect with Dr. Tahir

Connect with Dr. Sima Tahir:
Website: https://drsaematahirmd.com/

Episode Description
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Susan Maples, a pioneering general dentist who has practiced in Holt, Michigan, for over 40 years. Dr. Maples shares her revolutionary approach to dentistry, which goes far beyond traditional "drill and fill" methods, focusing on total health, the oral-systemic connection, and empowering patients (especially children) to take control of their own health journey.

From her personal story of overcoming chronic illness as a child to developing the nationally recognized Hands-On Learning Lab for children, Dr. Maples demonstrates how dentistry can be the last bastion of hope for preventive healthcare in America.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The oral-systemic health connection and America's growing health crisis
• Why traditional "preventive" dental visits aren't actually preventing disease
• The revolutionary Hands-On Learning Lab approach for children
• How to implement root cause analysis in dental practice
• The role of Health Relationship Coordinators in patient care
• Airway health, sleep hygiene, and the gut microbiome
• Breaking free from insurance-driven dentistry
• Practical strategies for implementing holistic care in any practice setting

Episode Timeline
[3:43] - Dr. Susan's personal health journey - Overcoming chronic illness as a child
[13:00] - The bubble wrap moment - How one doctor changed everything through hands-on learning
[22:00] - Creating the Hands-On Learning Lab - 27 years of science experiments with kids
[37:00] - The paradigm shift dentistry needs - Moving from reactive to proactive care
[43:00] - Dropping all insurance contracts - Achieving true clinical independence
[55:00] - Facilitation vs. education - Getting curious with patients instead of telling
[1:05:00] - Mouth breathing and the oral microbiome connection
[1:10:00] - The Health Relationship Coordinator role - Bridging dentistry and medicine
[1:17:30] - Sleep hygiene fundamentals - Creating sleeping sanctuaries for children
[1:22:30] - The definition of a healer - Helping others see their wholeness
[1:25:00] - How to connect with Dr. Maples - Resources and final thoughts

Resources Mentioned

• Brave Parent - "Raising Healthy, Happy Kids Against All Odds in Today's World"
  • https://a.co/d/2OoBGle
• Blabbermouth - "77 Secrets Only Your Mouth Can Tell You to Live a Healthier, Happier, Sexier Life"
  • https://a.co/d/ajei0r5
• Total Health Academy - https://totalhealthacademy.net/
  • Online learning platform for dental professionals
• https://selfscreen.net/
  • Screening questionnaires for patient assessment
• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
• Outlive by Peter Attia

Connect with Dr. Susan Maples

• Email: susan@drsusanmaples.com
• Phone: (517) 819-6330
• Website: DrSusanMaples.com

Subscribe & Follow
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Episode Overview
In this episode, I welcome Dr. Svitlana Koval, an orthodontist based in Boca Raton, Florida, renowned for her expertise in airway-focused orthodontics and the diagnosis and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing in both children and adults. The conversation explores Dr. Koval’s professional journey, her clinical protocols, and the broader implications of airway health in orthodontics.

Key Topics Discussed
Dr. Koval’s Journey:
Dr. Koval shares her path from Ukraine to the U.S., her early exposure to advanced diagnostic tools (like T-Scan and EMG), and her growing interest in TMD and airway health.

• Airway Orthodontics & Sleep-Disordered Breathing:
  The discussion covers the importance of screening for airway issues in orthodontic patients, the spectrum of sleep-disordered breathing (from snoring to obstructive sleep apnea), and the role of orthodontists in early detection and intervention.
• Diagnostic & Treatment Protocols:
  Dr. Koval details her approach to diagnosis, including the use of 3D imaging, CBCT, and comprehensive intake questionnaires (like the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire). She emphasizes the need for individualized treatment, including expansion techniques and myofunctional therapy.
• Educational Gaps in Orthodontics:
  Dr. Koval and I discuss why airway health is underrepresented in dental and orthodontic education, and the need for curriculum reform to better prepare clinicians.
• Genetics vs. Environment:
  The conversation delves into the debate over genetic vs. environmental factors in malocclusion and airway issues, referencing key studies and the concept of epigenetics.
• Collaboration & Subspecialization:
  Dr. Koval advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration among dental and medical professionals and suggests that subspecialization within orthodontics may be beneficial for managing complex airway cases.
• Advice for Clinicians:
  Dr. Koval encourages clinicians to critically assess literature, stay open-minded, and prioritize patient well-being over dogmatic adherence to traditional protocols.

Memorable Quotes

• “We as providers are here to serve our community. What matters most is the voice of our community and the needs of our patients.”
• “It’s not just about straightening teeth—it’s about improving overall health and well-being.”
• “Screening for airway issues should be a standard part of orthodontic care, starting as early as age three.”

Resources & Links

• Dr. Koval Orthodontics: https://www.drssk.com/
• Dr. Koval on Instagram: @drsvitlanakoval
• Dr. DeLuke on Instagram: @theorthocoach
• 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/

Episode Summary

In this powerful and candid episode, I welcome Dr. Brett Gilbert for an honest conversation about mental health, burnout, and the journey to personal and professional fulfillment. Together, they explore the challenges of balancing career ambitions with personal well-being, the impact of perfectionism, and the importance of self-care and emotional intelligence. Dr. Gilbert shares his own story of overcoming burnout, the lessons learned along the way, and practical strategies for living a more joyful, purpose-driven life.

About Our Guest

Dr. Brett Gilbert is a board-certified endodontist, educator, and founder of Access Endo and the Dental Yogi Academy. With a passion for both clinical excellence and personal growth, Dr. Gilbert is recognized for his contributions to dental education and his advocacy for wellness in the healthcare profession. He is a frequent speaker, podcast host ("On the Cusp"), and mentor dedicated to helping others thrive both in and out of the operatory.

Key Topics & Highlights

• The reality of burnout and mental health struggles in high-pressure professions
• Why achieving “balance” is more complex than it seems
• The generational shift in career expectations and definitions of success
• The role of trauma, perfectionism, and self-limiting beliefs in professional life
• The importance of vision, self-reflection, and designing a life with purpose
• Strategies for self-care: gratitude, mindfulness, and setting healthy boundaries
• The power of community, mentorship, and supportive relationships
• How to reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth
• The ripple effect of self-love and a positive mindset on others

Notable Quotes

1. “The most important love affair you will ever have in your life is within your own skin.”
   — Dr. Brett Gilbert
2. “Life is happening for you, not to you. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.”
   — Dr. Brett Gilbert
3. “We’re trained in perfection, but the reality is, we are never perfect. The goal should be excellence, not perfection.”
   — Dr. Mike DeLuke

Dr. Gilbert’s Programs:

• Access Endo – Clinical education and mentorship for dentists

Connect with Dr. Brett Gilbert

• Instagram: @drbrettgilbert
• Website: accessendo.org

Join the DOC Community

• Facebook: Search for “The DOC Community” to connect with peers, access exclusive content, and join the conversation.

Call to Action

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or colleague who could benefit from these insights. For coaching, CE courses, or to be a guest on the show, visit theorthocoach.com or email Dr. Mike at dr.mike@theorthocoach.com.

Remember: You have been blessed with the ability to do amazing things—take care of yourself so you can continue to make a difference!