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.