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Orthodontics for Children and Teens
Timing is everything, especially when it comes to your child’s orthodontic treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children get their first check-up with an orthodontist by age 7. Around that age, children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. If crossbite, crowding, excessive overbite, and other problems exist, Dr. Liu is able to advise you on whether treatment is recommended, when it should begin, what form of treatment that is needed.
When treatment is started at the correct time, Dr. Liu can guide the growth of the jaw and incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment.
Here are some examples provided by American Association of Orthodontists that help you understand what kind of common problems that can be corrected by an orthodontist in the early stage.
Protruding teeth
Crossbite
Open bite
Posterior crossbite with functionals
Education and professional background
My passion in orthodontics has driven me to receiving many years of education and pursing professional development. Being born and raised in Taiwan, I attended Taipei Medical University, where I earned my DDS and Master’s degree of Orthodontics in 1999 and 2003. I received my PhD degree from Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas, Texas in 2008. Shortly before graduation, I was appointed as Assistant Professor of Orthodontics in the Indiana University School of Dentistry. Meanwhile, I completed my second Master’s degree in Dentistry and Orthodontic certificate from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. Later in 2015, I was promoted to tenured Associated Professor and became a certified orthodontist by American Board of Orthodontists.
I love practicing, researching, and teaching orthodontics. There are more 40 scientific papers I published in American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, European Journal of Orthodontics, Angle orthodontists, and Bone. I am also a coauthor of “Basic and Applied Bone Biology”. In 2010, I was honored the Beni Solow Award because my article was selected the best paper of European Journal of Orthodontics. After serving as Director of Orthodontic Fellowship Program for 3 years, my enthusiasm of teaching was well recognized and honored the Outstanding Faculty Award in 2013.
Outside the office
Outside my professional life, I am also a loving husband and father of 2 boys. We love to travel and explore the outdoors. We enjoy clamming, camping, and hiking in state parks. My older son, Ryan, plays soccer all year round. You might run into us in the soccer fields of Washington Cup. My little boy, Jaylen, loves art. You might see us doing some craft projects together at school festival nights.
Professional Honor and Awards
Resident’s Choice- Outstanding Orthodontic Faculty Award
Indiana University School of Dentistry 2013
Beni Solow Award
European Orthodontic Society 2011
Albert P. Westfall Memorial Teaching Fellowship Award
American Association of Orthodontists 2010
Orthodontic Faculty Development Award American
Association of Orthodontists Foundation 2010
Faculty First Award
American Association of Orthodontists 2009
Outstanding Research Award
Congress of Taiwan Association of Orthodontics 2003
Best Graduate Resident
Taipei Medical University 2003
Dr. Terry R. Wallen, DDS, MS
Dr. Terry Wallen, the founder of our office, is one of the pioneer orthodontists in the northwest. He established our practice in 1974 and has treated more than ten thousand patients.
Academics and Accomplishments
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