Happy New Year from Magic Smiles!

The year is almost over, and as we reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask all our patients what was memorable about 2009 for you, and what are you looking forward to in 2010? Do you have a new years resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, from Dr. Doleac and the rest of the team at Magic Smiles.

Orthodontic Treatment Basics

Check out this great video from the American Association of Orthodontists about the basics of orthodontic treatment. Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a dentist and an orthodontist? Did you know orthodontic treatment works for all ages? Watch the video to learn more about what makes orthodontic treatment important!

Have a great weekend,

--The Magic Smiles Team of Portland, Beaverton and Scappoose

What do you like best about your orthodontist?

Check out a few responses our patients provided when we asked them "What do you like best about Dr. Doleac?"

Friendly atmosphere and people. The feeling that Dr. Doleac is very experienced and very knowledgeable about my treatment. ~ Thomas P.

Dr. Doleac and his staff are always very pleasant. We are always greeted with a smile when we walk into the office. We have never had to wait for our appointment. We are always taken ontime or if we are there early then we go back early. They treat their patients as if they have a busy schedule as well. Thanks for the great service. ~ Darryn S.

Clean bright office, very helpful staff, and a friedly, professional orthordonist. The whole experince was pleasant :) ~ Stella S.

On our 1st visit to your office my daughter and I both felt very at ease there. Everyone was helpful and nice and it made what could have been a scary experience for her very welcoming. ~ Shaelin T.

He was honest about what he thought treatment would and would not achieve. I appreciate that he referred me to a tongue therapist for an additional consultation before I consider pursuing further orthodontic treatment. His treatment coordinator is very personable, caring, knowledgeable, and confident. ~ Michelle T.


Have you shared your experience with Dr. Doleac and the Magic Smiles? Leave a review for us by clicking here!

When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary?

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – but in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat. Examples include an upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in.

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has “baby teeth.” Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly, such as a retainer. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent the patient’s permanent teeth have come in. Phase two often does involve braces and sometimes headgear.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit an orthodontist even sooner. For more information about two-phase orthodontics, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Doleac please call 503-200-2536.

What are you thankful for?

Thanksgiving is almost here, and we at Magic Smiles are thankful for all our wonderful patients and friends that make our each day extraordinary!

Since the holiday season is about to begin, what are you thankful for?

Share a response in the comments here, or head over to our Facebook Fan Page to join the conversation!

Have a wonderful weekend,

--Dr. Doleac & Team

Don't forget to share your Halloween photos on our Facebook and MySpace pages!

Remember, for your contest entries this week, post a photo of you in your Halloween costume or the jack-o-lantern you carved! Just as a reminder, each week marks another chance to write on our Facebook or MySpace walls for another entry to win the $100 prize. We will draw the winner on December 15th!

Head over to Facebook or Myspace today to enter into the contest!

GOOD LUCK!

From the Magic Smiles Team

Dr. Doleac and Magic Smiles host retirement party for two long-time employees

Magic Smiles celebrated Halloween with a retirement party for two long time employees, Carolyn Kautz and Sue O'Neal (both over 30 years). Debbie Wakeling, a 15 year employee is also retiring, but she was sick and unable to attend. Carolyn has been our bookkeeper and the mother hen of the Portland office. Carolyn will now have more time for her many crafts, especially her painting. Sue O'Neal has been our hygienist and myofunctional therapist for many years before going part time several years ago. She has been tracing our cephs for the past few years.


Shan and Ann prepared Retirement Books with photos of office events of the past 30 years--the books brought back many memories--primarily of how young we used to be. Former employee Barb Hansen and husband Tony stopped by with their twins.

For more of our photos from the party and other cool stuff, please visit our Facebook fan page.

Boo!

We know you are excited about Halloween, and we at Magic Smiles want to wish you a fun, safe, and spooky good time this weekend! If you have been on our Facebook or MySpace pages recently, then you know that we are holding a contest that you can participate in each week by posting a message on these sites.

For the next two weeks (November 2-15th), you can enter the contest by posting a photo of your Halloween costume or pumpkin carving on our Facebook wall or MySpace page. Remember, we will be drawing a winner on December 15th to win $100, and every week is another opportunity to enter into the contest!

Happy Halloween from all of us at Magic Smiles!

Bottled Water May Be Behind Tooth Troubles

We at Magic Smiles want you to know that as more families turn to bottled water and away from the tap, they may be missing out on one important ingredient that most brands of bottled water fail to include: fluoride!

As of 2005, bottled water is second only to soft drinks as the most popular drink in the United States, beating out milk, juice, and – more significantly – tap water. Between 2001 and 2006, the amount of bottled water sold in the U.S. rose an average of 10% per year. And many dental health specialists point to bottled water’s increased popularity as the culprit behind rising rates of cavities.

Because fluoride helps strengthen teeth, it is an important component of maintaining good oral health. The benefits of fluoride were noticed in the early part of the twentieth century, when researchers found communities with low levels of tooth decay. It turned out that these towns had measurable levels (around 1 part per million) of fluoride in their drinking water.

Beginning in the 1940s, communities have fluoridated their water supplies, and dentists have seen a significant decline in cavities ever since. The American Dental Association endorses both community water fluoridation and the use of fluoride-containing products as a safe means of preventing tooth decay. Between tap water and toothpaste, most of us get sufficient amounts of fluoride.

But if your family avoids fluoridated tap water in favor of ever-more-popular bottled water, you could be missing out on the levels of fluoride necessary to make a difference in your oral health.

If bottled water is your water of choice, check the label to make sure that your brand contains fluoride. As of a 2006 decision, the FDA allows bottled water containing .6 to 1.0 milligrams per liter of fluoride to carry a label stating that fluoridated water may reduce the risk of dental cavities or tooth decay. The ADA has backed this decision.

Of course, simply drinking fluoridated water is not a magic ticket to perfect teeth. To keep your choppers in tip-top shape, it’s also important to brush and floss daily and avoid too many sugary sweets.

Softly Brushing Your Way to Clean Teeth

Just as there are so many different types of toothbrushes to choose from, each brush also has a different type of bristle! There are generally three different types of bristles; hard, medium, and soft. We always recommend that our patients, especially children and seniors, use a soft bristled toothbrush.

Using a hard and medium bristled brush can actually harm your teeth and gums by stripping the enamel from the teeth and irritating the gums so that they become red and sore, and can even cause gum recession. If you do use a hard or medium bristled brush as a personal preference, we recommend using an electric toothbrush.

Soft bristles are much gentler on your teeth and gums, and while patients of all ages are recommended to use soft bristled brushes, they are particularly great for children, seniors, patients recovering from a dental procedure, and patients wearing braces.

Soft bristles, and even extra-soft bristles are every bit as effective when it comes to cleaning your teeth; in fact, if you currently use a hard or medium bristled brush, try a soft bristled brush next time you buy a toothbrush and we bet you won’t even notice a difference!

--Dr. Doleac

Imagining Your Life With Invisalign

Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Following are a list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment.

How exactly does Invisalign work?

Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience pain during treatment?

Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

Can I smoke during treatment?

We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored.

Are there any foods I cannot eat while in treatment?

You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.

What about chewing gum?

We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.

How often must I wear my aligners?

Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.

Will my speech be affected by the aligners?

As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.

How can I clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I visit your office during treatment?

For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. Dr. Doleac will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.

Win $100 from Magic Smiles

We have just started our fall patient contest! Here are all the details:

Become our Fan on Facebook or Friend on MySpace then write on our wall (Facebook) or add a comment (MySpace). For each comment (favorable, of course, and limited to 1/week on each site) you will be entered into the drawing for $100.

There are approximately 10 weeks before Dec 15th, so if you made 1 entry on each site every week, you would have 20 entries in the drawing. Head over to the Magic Smiles Fan Page or Dr. Doleac's MySpace profile. If you are not registered on those sites, you will need to do that before you can add a comment.

Thanks and GOOD LUCK!

--Dr. Doleac & the Magic Smiles Team

More About Orthodontics From Dr. Doleac

There are so many questions about orthodontics that we never ask, so Dr. Doleac took some time to explain the most common concerns.

At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?

Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age seven or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist or the child's physician.

What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander, Herbst, Facemask, headgear, or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment, because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?

Absolutely!! Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Between 30-40% of our patients are adults.

How does orthodontic treatment work?

Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the arch wire that connects them are the main components. When the arch wire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping your treatment time on schedule.

Do braces hurt?

The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the arch wires, you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.

Will braces interfere with playing sports?

No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?

No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers or wax can be provided to prevent discomfort.

Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?

Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleaning and dental checkups, or more frequently as recommended.

Got more questions? Give us a call at Magic Smiles. We'd love to hear from you.

Gummy Tummy

We know the rumors going around – mostly among young people – that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing! from Dr. Doleac & Team

A Sour Smile is not a Happy Smile

It’s no secret that sweet, sugary candies and drinks have an adverse effect of the health of your smile, but what about sour or tart candies? We at Magic Smiles thought you might want to know what kind of an effect does eating or drinking something sour have on my smile?

Recent research from the Minnesota Dental Association suggests that the amount of acid in sour candies is enough to eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. Here are a few souring facts about sour candies, and some helpful tips on how to protect your teeth from Dr. Doleac(even if you cannot give up sour candies all together).

Facts

-Sour candies can be very acidic, and may actually burn the gums and cheeks, while weakening and wearing down the enamel on your teeth. (Check the acid levels in some of your favorite candies)

-It can take almost 20 minutes for the acid in sour candies to become neutral. Holding the acid in your mouth by sucking on sour hard candies or chewing sour gummies can keep the acid active for more than 20 minutes.

-The acid in sour candies can cause cavities and severe tooth decay.

Protect your teeth

-Limit the amount of sour candies that you eat on a daily basis, and if you do indulge, remember not to suck or chew on sour candies for long periods of time.

-After eating sour candies, rinse your mouth out with water, drink milk, or eat a couple slices of cheese. This will help neutralize the acid in your mouth (wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth)

-If tooth erosion has already begun, ask your dentist about ways you can help reduce sensitivity and continue to protect your teeth.

Hope this helps! From Dr. Doleac.

Braces 101 With Dr. Doleac

Should you need to call Dr. Doleac in case you sustain any damage to your braces, we can help you more effectively if you can tell us exactly which piece is in trouble! Here’s a handy diagram and corresponding list of all the parts that make up your braces.



Elastic Tie: Tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.


Archwire: The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Loop in Archwire: Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires don't have a loop.

Bracket: Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube: Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Coil Spring: Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.

Tie Wire: Fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Band: A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Hook: Welded or removable arm to which elastics (rubber bands) are attached.

Elastic (Rubber Band): Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

Why Is It So Important To Have Straight Teeth? Dr. Doleac explains

Some people wonder why we work so hard to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime.

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque – the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, give us a call at 503-200-2536 to set up a consultation. Dr. Doleac can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Dr. Doleac at West Point

Dr. Doleac was recently back at West Point with his wife, Marge, for an Advisory Board meeting of the Association of Graduates. While he was there, General Patton's statue, which had been in hiding since the new library, Jefferson Hall, was under construction, was just relocated to its present position with Patton's back to the library. That is appropriate as Patton, who graduated last in his class, probably never entered the library while a cadet. For that matter, neither did Dr. Doleac.



Dr. Doleac will be back at West Point in October for the annual National Conference on Ethics in America (NCEA) which is sponsored by his class (The Class of 1970). Please ask Dr. Doleac about West Point when you are in the office, especially if you have an interest in applying for admission. The time to open a file for admission is during your junior year of high school!

Magic Smiles Around The Web

If you've ever visited us at Magic Smiles, you already know that Dr. Doleac and the rest of the team love connecting with their patients. We love the ability to communicate with all of you online too! Besides our website and our blog, Dr. Doleac is on many other networks too!

• Share a video with us, or watch one of ours on Youtube

• Become a "fan" of Magic Smiles on Facebook

• View and comment on our photos on MySpace

• Write a review about your Magic Smiles experience on Yelp

See you around the web!

--Dr. Doleac

Summer Fun with Dr. Doleac!

Its summer here at Magic Smiles, a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you are headed to a barbeque, a camping trip, or just having fun in the sun, we want to hear about it! Leave a comment on our blog and tell us about your summer!

Happy Travels,

-From Dr. Doleac

What’s so special about an Orthodontist? Dr. Doleac Explains

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" At Magic Smiles we hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Doleac started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Doleac decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics; which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

--Dr. Doleac

Dr. Doleac Asks: Are There Teeth Grinders in Your House?

Grind, grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, especially a night grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Other symptoms of teeth grinding (technically called “bruxism”) include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

People frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, so taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. Here are some things you can try to stop grinding:

• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower
• Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum)
• When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit

If grinding goes untreated, it can lead to chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, make an appointment to see us by calling (503) 255-1694. Dr. Doleac can help determine the cause of the problem and possibly even prescribe a custom mouthpiece to help break the habit.

Is Invisalign® Really Customized for Each Patient? Dr. Phil Doleac

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.



Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Doleac is a Premier Invisalign provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, give us a call at 503-200-2536.

Magic Smiles Patient Testimonials

Dr. Doleac has been building magic smiles in the Portland area for nearly 20 years. Take a look at what some of his patients have said!




Dr. Doleac did a great job, professional but friendly. The office staff does an excellent job, appointments on time, great customer service. ~ Corey B.

Dr. Doleac is very nice and seems very patient. Also the girls that help are nice too and my son really liked all of them on his first visit. Made him very comfortable and not nervous at all. Thanks! ~ Austin Z.

What I like best about Dr. Doleac is his great attitude that he has every time I go to my appointment. He explains everything related to my treatment and answers all the questions I have. The service is EXCELLENT and they are all nice people and very professional. I am very happy about that!!! ~ Fidel F.

Dr. Doleac is very friendly and treats my daughter like she is special, which she needs! ~ Bruce D.

Dr. Doleac is really great - he answers all of my questions and makes sure I understand. ~ Dolores C.

Cardiodontics: The Heart Mouth Connection from Dr. Doleac

If you have been told you have periodontal disease (also known as gum disease or periodontitis), you're not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease! Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

Gum disease is a threat to your oral health. Research is also pointing to health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth. So we at Dr. Doleac's want to let you know some interesting facts and ways to treat the disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

"Perio" means around, and "dontal" refers to teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums and the bones that hold the teeth. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis – an infection of the gums. In more severe forms of the disease, all of the tissues are involved, including the bone. Bacteria that live and reproduce on the teeth and gums cause periodontal disease.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Symptoms may include the following:
--redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth or using dental floss
--halitosis, or bad breath
--gum recession, resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth
--"pockets" between the teeth and gums indicating that the bone which holds the teeth in the mouth is dissolving
--loose teeth
Gum inflammation and bone destruction are largely painless. Hence, people may wrongly assume that painless bleeding after teeth cleaning is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing periodontitis. If your hands bled when you washed them, you would be concerned. Yet, many people think it's normal if their gums bleed when they brush or floss.

Periodontal Disease Affects Your Health

Periodontal disease is a putrid, festering infection of the mouth. Bacteria and inflammatory particles can enter the bloodstream through ulcerated and bleeding gums and travel to the heart and other organs. In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems. Researchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:
--Heart disease: Gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease. Gum disease also is believed to worsen existing heart disease.
--Stroke: Gum disease may increase the risk of the type of stroke caused by blocked arteries
--Diabetes: People with diabetes and periodontal disease may be more likely to have trouble controlling their blood sugar than diabetics with healthy gums.
--Premature births: A woman who has gum diseases during pregnancy may be more likely deliver her baby too early and the infant may be more likely to be of low birth weight.

Combating Periodontal Disease

--See your dentist! See your dentist every six months for a checkup! Regular professional cleanings and checkups make you feel good, look good, and could be a lifesaver!
--Brush and floss daily. Take your time and do it right!
--Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Daily use of an anti-bacterial mouthwash helps to disinfect the teeth and gums, and reduces the number of bacteria.
--Straighten your teeth. Crowded teeth are nearly impossible to keep clean. Orthodontic treatment can greatly reduce inflammation and periodontal disease.

--Dr. Doleac

Meet Dr. Doleac

Hello, I’m Dr. Phil Doleac. I started my orthodontic career as a military orthodontist in Germany, Texas, and Alaska. My military service began when I earned my bachelor degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point. While still enlisted in the US Army, I attended the University of Texas Dental School in San Antonio. I then earned my Orthodontic Degree from the University of Missouri in Kansas City in 1981. After nine years as a military orthodontist, I brought my family to Portland to start my private practice.

My wife, Marge, and I have four children. Our son Jason lives in Seattle with his wife, Meredith and their three children Kendal, Carter, and Addison. Our son Michael lives in Park City, Utah. He and his wife, Shannon, have a new baby boy, Taylor. Kenny, our third son, followed in my footsteps and graduated from West Point. He is now serving his second tour in Iraq while commanding a blackhawk helicopter company. Our daughter, Suzanne, graduated from Carroll College in Helena, Montana, with a degree in Biology and French. She is now applying to Medical School. I have tried to convince Suzanne and Michael to change their focus from medicine to dentistry and orthodontics, but they cannot be swayed!

I try to see my family as often as possible, and love it when they participate in outdoor activities with me. I like to golf, fish, snow ski, water ski, bike, work out, and play a little basketball. I am also fascinated by computers and how technology advances, and I love to read.