FOR PATIENTS
Beautiful , Confident Smile
PROMOTION
ORAL EXAM
All exams, x-rays, and consultations are complimentary. During your first visit, evaluate your profile, alignment of your teeth, jaw positions, functional shift, and health of your joints.
When you bring your child in for an evaluation, it is important to know that treatment may not be needed at that time. In some cases, early treatment can help your child avoid extraction of teeth, jaw surgery, or even the need for later treatment. However, it will be a great opportunity to get the information about any future problems and when would be the best time to intervene.
X-RAYS AND IMAGING
We will take X-rays and images to evaluate your overall tooth development, jawbone sizes and positions, and other potential issues. These images can help us develop a personalized treatment plan for you or your child. If the required x-ray images are already taken by your dentist or other dental specialists, please let us know. We can request to have the images send to our office.
DISCUSSING TREATMENT OPTIONS AND ANSWERING QUESTIONS
After Dr. Liu or Dr. Wallen complete the exam and evaluate the images, we will discuss all treatment options. We encourage you to ask any questions or concerns you might have. With your questions answered, we can begin treatment with confidence.
If treatment is not recommend at this time, we can schedule follow up appointments to monitor tooth and jaw development. If you do have any questions or concerns please give us a call.
BREAK OR RESTING PERIOD
Once finishing phase I treatment, braces will be removed. Patients usually wear retainers until all the permanent teeth erupt. Tooth eruption will be monitored. Dr. Liu or Dr. Wallen will see them usually every 6 months and supervise retainers wear or determine if removal of certain primary (baby) teeth is necessary during this break period.
SECOND PHASE TREATMENT
The second phase is initiated after all permanent teeth have erupted for an average of 12-24 months. In the second phase, tooth position will be finalized and detailing using braces or clear aligners. A harmony, healthy, beautiful smile is created with balance of facial structures.
RETENTION PHASE
Retainers must be worn after this phase to ensure you retain your beautiful smile. At Liu Orthodontics, we usually use upper clear retainer and lower fixed retainer with or without clear retainer. It is very important for you to wear your retainers as instructed. Otherwise, teeth will move back where they were. You can click link to learn how retainers work. https://vimeo.com/40747990
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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