Dentistry is my passion. It allows me to help other people while fulfilling the artistic aspect of my personality. Making a difference in peoples lives by giving them ideal oral health and beautiful smiles is very fulfilling; I see on a daily basis that a small change in a smile can make a big difference in regards to a persons self-confidence and appearance.

Education and Continuing EducationSince receiving my degree at the University of Florida, I have stayed current with the changing world of dentistry, completing numerous continuing education courses and attending seminars across the country. I regularly attend courses at several internationally renowned organizations that are dedicated to dental excellence, including the Seattle Study Club, the Pankey Institute, and the Spear Center for Continuing Education in Scottsdale, Arizona. Dentistry is a dynamic, ever-expanding field that requires a commitment to learning on a daily basis. I love learning how I can serve my patients according to the latest protocols and with the latest technologies.

Outside the OfficeA native of Medellin, Colombia, I now reside in Miami with my husband, Juan, and our two young daughters, Gabriela Ann and Elisa Marie. Our two dogs, Tango and Baru, are also important members of our family. My family is the most important thing in my life and they always come first.

I am interested in healthy eating and exercising, and strongly believe in the importance of prevention to make our lives better. My family and I enjoy working out together, scuba diving, and snowboarding. I also like reading and baking healthy desserts.

My community is very important to me as well. I am the leader of a project called TrueSmiles with No Limits in which we serve the dental needs of immigrant children. The Nehemiah Calling non-profit organization also partners with me to assist those in need.

Dr. Barbara Llanes graduated from the University of Florida in 2011. She is also certified in dental implant placement, helping people throughout our area regain confidence, better nutrition, and better oral health through this permanent solution to missing teeth.

We recognize that all of our patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice. We are pleased to welcome you and your family, and we look forward to working with you.

Kristen is a proud graduate of Miami Dade College. Shes been working in dentistry for about 1.5 years but joined our practice in the summer of 2021. She has become an integral part of the team, scheduling patients, assisting with paperwork and financial information, and keeping the office running smoothly in general.

Marlene is originally from Chicago but moved to the Miami area back in 2013. She has been working in the field of dentistry since 2006, and we were lucky enough to gain her as our Office Manager in early 2019. She loves the interaction that she gets to have with every single person that comes into the office. She gets to see the smiles on peoples faces after someones life has been transformed by fixing or enhancing their smiles. She especially loves to help special needs patients achieve healthier smiles.

Outside of work, Marlene loves spending quality time with her husband and two kids. Her son plays travel basketball and her daughter dances. Her greatest joy is seeing her children doing the things they love. She also enjoys camping and RV-ing.

Outside of work, Nataly likes to spend quality time with her family, including her husband and two children. She loves watching her son play football, and the family loves to go have a bite to eat at Prime 112.

Wendy is a graduate of Compu-Med Vocational Careers. As a Dental Assistant, youll find her helping patients feel comfortable both during and after their treatment. She loves that she has the possibility to help people with their dental health, and loves the way that someones self-esteem and confidence can be changed even after one treatment.

Yamile has been working in the dental industry for about 14 years after graduating from Miami Dade Medical Campus. Shes a people person and loves to help others, so her position is perfect as she gets to educate people about bettering their oral health. Shes here to help you with everything you might need from your exams to advanced treatments.

Yipsy is originally from Cuba but received her education from CompuMed in Miami. Shes been working in dentistry for about 11 years and is in change of assisting the doctors with whatever they might need during a procedure. She loves helping patients to get back their confidence and smile more, and she loves how our practice genuinely cares about the individual needs of each patient.

Rober joined our practice in 2020, but it truly feels like hes been part of our family for many years. A graduate of Miami Dade College, he also holds certification in Anesthesia. If you ask him what a hygienist does, he will say, Changes peoples lives. He has a ton of compassion for people and loves being able to help them achieve better oral and overall health. Outside of work, Rober loves to spend time with friends and family, exercising and reading, as well as having a great meal with a great view at Mile 88 Restaurant.

Philosophy of CareOur team at TrueSmiles believe in the importance of preventative care. We focus on keeping patients in good oral health so that they can live a full, healthy, and enjoyable life that is free from oral pain. This starts by educating our patients on what they can do to stay healthy at home. In our family dentist office we recommend that patients eat a healthy diet that consists of green leafy vegetables, lean protein, nuts, dairy products, and crunchy fruits and veggies. Eating these foods along with drinking water can help to keep teeth healthy and make them stronger. By simultaneously reducing sugar intake, patients can also reduce their risk of cavities.

It is also important to brush and floss throughout the day. Instead of waiting for bedtime to brush teeth, carry a small toothbrush and use it after meals and snacks. This makes it possible to remove sugar and bacteria from the teeth and gums before it has the opportunity to turn into acid that can attack the teeth. This preventative step can greatly reduce a persons risk of getting a cavity or gum disease. We understand the importance of taking these steps at home and will spend the time necessary to educate and inform patients so that they can stay healthy overall. Education, after all, is essential for living a long and healthy life.

Understanding the importance of these regular dental exams, the staff at TrueSmiles work to make each patient extremely comfortable. This includes being welcoming and kind while performing dental treatments in a way that is painless and relaxing. Patients visit our dentist office because they trust us to do just that take care of their teeth and gums, gently. The majority of our patients are local and come from the greater Miami area, we also see patients that are looking for gentle dental care.

Seniors, on the other hand, often struggle with gum disease and oral infections. As people age, their teeth can become weaker and infected more easily. Bone loss is incredibly common with seniors and by conducting regular dental exams, our team at TrueSmiles can help seniors to have strong teeth and reduce the risk of them falling out. Since over seventy percent of U.S. adults suffer from tooth loss, preventative care is important.

Q: Are baby teeth really that important to my child?A: Primary, or baby, teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to come in.

Q: What should I do if my child has a toothache?A: First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Give the child acetaminophen for any pain, rather than placing aspirin on the teeth or gums. Finally, see a dentist as soon as possible.

Q: How do dental sealants work?A: Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years.

Q: How do I know if my child is getting enough fluoride?A: Have your family dentist evaluate the fluoride level of your childs primary source of drinking water. If your child is not getting enough fluoride internally through water (especially if the fluoride level is deficient or if your child drinks bottled water without fluoride), then we may prescribe fluoride supplements.

Q: What can I do to protect my teeth during sporting events?A: Soft plastic mouthguards can be used to protect teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sport related injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard will protect your teeth from injuries and even provide protection from severe injuries to the head.

Q: How safe are dental X-rays?A: There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Family dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which you and your family are exposed. Lead aprons and high-speed film are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation. Digital x-rays provide an even greater level of protection by using up to 90 percent less radiation.