牙醫診所
OUR TREATMENTS
Beautiful , Confident Smile
TRADITIONAL BRACES
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In general, there are 2 different types of appliance available to straighten your teeth- fixed traditional braces and removable clear aligners. Dr. Liu or Dr. Wallen will discuss with you which appliance is the best fit for you.
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HOW TRADITIONAL BRACES WORKS?
Traditional braces consists of brackets and wires. Brackets are bonded or cemented on your teeth. They can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. The wires are secured on the brackets with metal or color ties. Color ties come in a multiple colors making it fun for you or your child. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position. Wires are tightened or adjusted at each visit. Nowadays, wires are much more flexible and gentle with faster tooth movement with less discomfort to patients.
Dr. Liu and Dr. Wallen routinely check bracket positions and reposition them over a period of few months. When teeth are gradually moved, doctors will also adjusting your bite by wearing elastics (rubber bands) or other appliances.
DURATION OF TREATMENT
Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the growth of the patient's mouth, face and the severity of the problem. Patients grow at different rates and will respond variously to orthodontic treatment, so the time to case completion may differ from the original estimate. The patient's diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands or headgear is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months.
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
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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
- Terry Wallen completed undergraduate studies at Seattle University.
- He received his dental education at the University of Washington.
- He received numerous awards for academic and clinical excellence.
- Dr. Wallen was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon honor fraternity which is reserved for those graduating in the top 10% of each class.
- At the University of Kentucky, he received his specialty training in orthodontics.
IN ADDITION：
- Wallen was a part-time Clinical Professor of Orthodontics at the University of Washington
- A certified member of the American Board of Orthodontists.
- A recipient of the Edward Hatton Award from the International Association of Dental Research
- An Internationally-known lecturer and widely published author in the specialty of orthodontics
- An editorial consultant to an orthodontic journal