
The Science of Smiles: How Archwires Actually Move Your Teeth
When you look at a set of braces, the brackets—those small squares bonded to your teeth—usually get all the attention. They are the “handles” that hold onto your teeth. However,

The Science of Correcting Crossbites: Why Early Treatment Matters
Parents often view orthodontic treatment as a rite of passage for teenagers—a milestone marked by high school dances and yearbook photos. However, when it comes to structural issues like crossbites,

Why Portland Families Trust Magic Smiles
Did you know that the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends all children have an orthodontic check-up by age seven? It’s a surprising statistic for many parents, who often associate

How Magic Smiles Applies the 2026 AAO Guidelines for Superior Care
When it comes to your family’s smiles, you want more than just straight teeth—you want the peace of mind that comes from knowing your care is backed by the highest

Palate Expanders 101: A Complete Guide to a Wider Smile
Hearing that your child needs orthodontic treatment can bring up a mix of emotions. You might be picturing years of metal wires, or perhaps you are worried about the cost.

The Best Food for Healthy Teeth & Preventing Tooth Decay
We all know the drill: brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your orthodontist regularly. These habits are the cornerstones of a great smile. However, there is a silent

Do Braces Make Your Breath Stink? A Guide to Staying Fresh
Getting braces is an exciting step toward a perfect smile. But along with the excitement can come a few challenges, one of the most common being the dreaded “braces breath.”

Save Time with Virtual Orthodontic Consults
Fitting orthodontic appointments into a busy schedule can be a challenge. Between work, school, and family commitments, finding time for in-office visits is often difficult. That’s why Magic Smiles Orthodontics

Will Braces Change My Face Shape?
One of the most common questions people have before starting orthodontic treatment is, “Will braces change my face shape?” It’s a valid concern. After all, your smile is a central

The Best Color Combinations For Braces: Our Recommendations
Getting braces is an exciting milestone that marks the beginning of your journey to a perfect smile. For many teens and young adults, choosing the right colors for their braces

Overbite After Braces? Here’s How to Fix It
You’ve gone through months, or even years, of wearing braces. You’ve followed all the rules, and finally, the day comes when they’re taken off, revealing a perfectly straight smile. But

Most Comfortable Orthodontic Treatment in Portland
Getting braces or aligners is a big decision, and it’s natural to wonder about the process. While you’re probably excited about achieving a perfect smile, you might also be concerned

How Often Should You Change Rubber Bands on Braces?
If you’ve recently gotten braces, you’ve probably been handed a small bag of colorful rubber bands and instructions that might seem overwhelming at first. One of the most common questions

Overbite Pain: What Causes It and How to Find Relief
Waking up with jaw pain, persistent headaches, or the telltale sound of grinding teeth at night? These symptoms might point to a common dental condition that affects millions of people:

Different Types of Wires for Braces: A Complete Guide
Getting braces is a significant step toward achieving your dream smile, but have you ever wondered what makes those metal brackets actually work their magic? The secret lies in the

Fastest Orthodontic Treatment in Portland
Getting a straighter smile doesn’t have to take years. With advanced orthodontic technology now available in Portland, you can achieve your dream smile faster than ever before. Modern treatment options

How Often Can You Change the Color of Your Braces?
Braces are more than a dental tool to straighten your teeth; they can also help express your personality! Choosing the colors of your braces can be a fun way to

How to Find the Best Orthodontist in Portland
Finding the right orthodontist is an important decision that can make a lifelong impact. Whether you’re looking to straighten your teeth, fix alignment issues, or simply enhance your smile’s aesthetics,

What Do Dental Retainers Look Like?
If you’re nearing the end of your orthodontic treatment, you’ve likely heard about retainers and their importance. While they may be one of the final steps on your path to

How Much Do Braces Cost in Oregon With and Without Insurance?
Are you considering braces but aren’t sure about the costs involved? You’re not alone. Many Oregon residents wonder how much braces cost, especially when considering factors like insurance coverage and

What Happens if I Get a Cavity When I Have Braces?
Getting braces is an exciting step toward achieving a straighter, more confident smile. But what happens if you get a cavity with braces? Many orthodontic patients worry about tooth decay while undergoing

What Do Orthodontic Elastic Bands Do?
If you’re undergoing treatment with braces, chances are you’ve come across orthodontic elastic bands. These tiny, stretchy rings might seem insignificant, but they play a crucial role in achieving that

Do Your Teeth Keep Moving When You’re Older?
Many orthodontic patients, teens, and adults alike often ask if their teeth keep moving when they get older. It’s a fair enough question, and we’re going to answer it today.

Can You Get Canker Sores From Braces?
Canker sores are small but mighty nuisances that can make eating, drinking, or even smiling feel like a challenge. If you’ve recently started orthodontic treatment, you might be wondering, “Can braces

Why Are My Braces So Low On My Teeth?
Braces are an essential part of orthodontic treatment, helping create healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime. While wearing braces, you may notice that the brackets—those small metal or ceramic pieces

Can I Drink Alcohol With Braces?
Wearing braces comes with many important rules, and one question many orthodontic patients have is whether or not they can drink alcohol with braces. If you’re looking to maintain your

10 Benefits of Braces
Braces are often associated with the teenage years, but their benefits go far beyond simply correcting crooked teeth for aesthetic reasons. Whether you’re a parent considering braces for your child

Can Clear Aligners Help with Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea affects over 30 million adults worldwide, significantly impacting their quality of sleep and overall health. Characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep, this condition can lead to daytime fatigue, cardiovascular

Top 5 Myths About Braces Debunked: What Every Parent Needs to Know
When it comes to getting braces for your child, there’s a surprising amount of misinformation out there. Should you worry about the pain? Are braces only for teens? Can they

Why Wear A Retainer After Braces
Braces are an important step in achieving a straight and beautiful smile, but the process doesn’t end once they come off. Retainers play a crucial role in maintaining the hard

Myths About Getting Braces As An Adult
If you think braces are just for kids and teenagers, think again! More adults than ever are choosing to straighten their smiles, and there are so many benefits to doing

What Is the Best Age to Begin Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic care for children is an essential step toward ensuring good lifelong oral health. While many parents often wonder about the right time to start orthodontic treatment, early detection and

How The Damon System Creates The Biggest, Fullest, Most Esthetic Smile Possible
Achieving a radiant and beautifully aligned smile is a goal for many seeking orthodontic treatment. Traditionally, the journey to a perfect smile has involved using metal braces, which can often

How To Clean Your Retainer
In the world of orthodontics, few things are as crucial yet often overlooked as maintaining the cleanliness of your retainer. It’s not just about keeping it sparkling clean; it’s about

How To Brush Your Teeth With Braces
Keeping your teeth clean is always important, but it becomes even more crucial when you have braces. Braces can trap food particles and create more nooks and crannies for plaque

Why You Don’t Need A Referral To See An Orthodontist
There’s a common misconception that you need a referral from your dentist to visit an orthodontist. This belief often leads to delays in getting the necessary treatment, causing potential issues

The Top 7 Questions to Ask During Your Orthodontic Consultation
Stepping into the world of orthodontics can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you’re an adult considering braces or a parent exploring options for your child, asking the right questions

What Can I Eat With Braces?
If you or your child have recently begun orthodontic treatment, you may be wondering, “What can I eat with braces?”. Adjusting to new eating habits can be challenging but crucial

How To Get My Braces Off Faster
Orthodontic treatment can be a lengthy process, but many of us are eager to speed it up and achieve that perfect smile as soon as possible. While there’s no magic

7 Signs You Might Need Orthodontic Treatment as an Adult
Orthodontic treatment is often associated and thought of as teenagers wearing awkward sporting metal braces. However, more and more adults are recognizing the benefits of achieving a straighter, healthier smile.

When Can I Stop Wearing Retainers?
Kudos on finishing up your orthodontic journey! You’ve put in the effort, navigated through the treatment, and now you’ve got that dazzling, straight smile to show for it. But before

The Stages of Braces: What To Expect
Hey there, and welcome to the ultimate braces journey guide! Kicking off your adventure toward a straighter smile and a healthier grin is exciting, and getting familiar with the ins

Six Hidden Benefits of Braces
Improving More than just Aesthetics At Magic Smiles Orthodontics, most of our patients associate braces with achieving a picture-perfect, straight smile. But the cosmetic transformation braces bring to your smile

How to Care for Your Braces Over the Holiday Break
Parents, are you ready for the holiday season to be in full swing? Our team at Magic Smiles Orthodontics is excited to spend some quality time with family and celebrate

Elastics for Braces – Everything You Need to Know
Are you ready to begin orthodontic treatment? Are you ready for the Magic Smiles team to transform your smile? While orthodontic treatment will improve the look of your smile, it

How to Prepare for Braces
At Magic Smiles in Portland and Beaverton, OR, we know that even though most people have braces or clear aligners at some point in their life, getting braces can still

5 Habits That can be Harmful to Your Teeth
Hello, Dr. Jason Doleac here with Magic Smiles Orthodontics in Beaverton, Scappoose, and Portland, OR. As your orthodontist, I want to teach you how to properly care for your teeth

5 Tips to Step Up Your Home Dental Care
Hello again! Dr. Phil Doleac here with Magic Smiles Orthodontics and today we’d like to talk to you about cavities and your at-home dental care routine. We all dread finding

Why Straight Teeth Matter
Several patients pursue orthodontic treatment at Magic Smiles so they can have an aesthetic, straight smile, but straight teeth provide more than just a pretty smile. Your teeth are meant

How Orthodontics Have Improved Over the Last 20 Years
When you think about orthodontics, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Our potential patients here at Magic Smiles Orthodontics in Portland, OR, say that they think of

Three Reasons to Avoid Mail-Order Aligners
At Magic Smiles, we know that braces and clear aligners are basically considered an essential part of growing up for kids and teens, and the popularity of orthodontic treatment for

Five Perks of Following Your Orthodontist on Social Media
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok are all social media apps we find ourselves, and our teens, browsing throughout the day. These social media platforms provide easy access to our friends,

Everything You Need to Know About Overbites
Many people think the sole purpose of braces is to provide a straight, aesthetic smile. While braces definitely correct crooked teeth, they are also imperative for fixing misaligned bites. It

5 Tips for Keeping Track of Your Retainer
After months of wearing braces or clear aligner trays, you finally have the smile of your dreams! And now that you know what your best ‘Magic Smile’ looks like, you

83 Year Old Patient Talks About Her Adult Orthodontic Experience
Orthodontics isn’t just for kids and teens anymore. At Magic Smiles, we are big believers that – young or old – it is never too late to have a beautiful,

Have your candy and eat it too
With the #awesome spark clear aligner system, you can eat your candy without having to worry about breaking wires and brackets! Are you ready to get started? Give us a

Dr. Phil Doleac has been an orthodontist for more than 30 years
Dr. Phil Doleac has been an orthodontist for more than 30 years and has created thousands of beautiful smiles in the Portland, OR community! Patients of all ages have come

Water Flossers and Braces
You devote a lot of energy to your orthodontic treatment. Appointments, rubber bands, adjustments, cleaning (so much cleaning)—and why? Because you know that your attractive, healthy smile will be well
Orthodontic Treatment: Does a Missing Tooth Mean Missing Out?
You’ve decided—now’s the time to talk to Dr. Doleac about straighter teeth and a better bite. So what’s holding you back? If you are concerned because you have a missing
Power Chains
By now, you’re very familiar with the basic building blocks of your braces. Brackets, wires, and ligatures are no mystery to you. But suddenly, you’re hearing a brand new term—“power

Planning Your Vegetarian Diet with Your Oral Health in Mind
If you’ve been following a vegetarian or vegan diet, you know that there’s much more to living a healthy life than simply avoiding meat products. Making sure your diet includes
Gums and Braces
“Yes,” you’re thinking, “I shouldn’t be chewing sugary, sticky gum while I’m wearing my braces.” Or perhaps, “I should check with my orthodontist to see if this sugar-free gum is

Time to Brush Up on Brushing and Flossing
If your child has just gotten braces, chances are it’s a good time to brush up on dental hygiene! Why now? What’s different? And how can you help? Let’s take
Great Gifts for Grandparents
Our grandmothers and grandfathers, our moms and dads—we’ve known them our whole lives. So, why are they so hard to shop for? If your older family members have all the
Spot Check
After all your hard work, and months of orthodontic treatment, the big day is finally here—your braces are coming off! What you want to see: beautiful, straight teeth perfectly aligned

I Only Have One Crooked Tooth. Should I See an Orthodontist?
Your smile is just about perfect. There’s just that one tooth that’s out of place. So, do you really need to see an orthodontist? Absolutely! Why? There are several good

Toothbrush Science
Let’s talk science! From the vastness of the cosmos to sub-atomic particles, science helps us understand the world around us and how it works. So, let’s take some familiar scientific

Speech! Speech!
If you are a student of Speech or Drama, you know how important it is to be clear and articulate. You’ve worked on pronunciation and projection, and the audience in
Digital X-rays
Modern orthodontic technology has changed the way you wear braces. Brackets are smaller and come in a variety of shapes and colors. Wires are more efficient. Clear aligners can eliminate
Braces Repairs—Should You Try This at Home?
No matter how careful you are, accidents can happen. Perhaps it’s a slice of apple that was a little bit larger than it should have been. Or you were chewing
Five Ways You Won’t—And One Way You Will—Get Your Braces Off Faster
It’s only natural when you’re waiting for something good—you count down the weeks until your birthday, or until the summer holidays, or until your braces come off. But while your
Common Braces Problems
It’s useful to know some of the common problems that can arise when you get braces. Even if you take great care of your braces and teeth, you might not
New Ligatures? Some Things to Consider When You Choose Your Hues
Colorful elastic ligatures (the official name for those tiny bands around your brackets) are often replaced when you come in to have your braces adjusted. Which is great! Now you
What Are Adjustments?
If you’ve just gotten braces at our Portland, Beaverton, or Sacappoose, OR office, you’ve probably also learned a whole new vocabulary. Malocclusion, brackets, archwires, ligatures, elastics—you’ve got the definitions down.

How Long Will I Wear My Braces?
How long? Well, a beautiful smile is both science and art—proper teeth and jaw alignment united with aesthetically pleasing results. Orthodontists achieve both these outcomes with a careful analysis of

Awesome Archwires
When we think braces, we can’t help but think of the brackets on each tooth and the colorful ligature bands that surround them. But actually, the whole point of those
Snacks that are Healthy for Your Body and Your Braces
You know the school day’s over when you hear these seven little words: “I’m home! Is there anything to eat?” And before your child got braces, you had the answer:

Not-So-Sweet Sweets
Birthdays. Valentine’s Day. Halloween. A trip to the movies. There are just some occasions where a sweet treat is on the menu. Now that you are getting braces, does that
Safety of Dental X-Ray Radiation
We all want to live our healthiest lives. We know that part of keeping ourselves healthy is regular visits to our Portland, Beaverton, or Sacappoose, OR office for checkups and
Orthodontics: From Tooth Fairy to Retainer
You might be surprised to learn that Dr. Doleac and our team recommend an orthodontic appointment even before your child has had that last visit from the Tooth Fairy. In
Wax Facts
In the long run, wearing braces is so worth it. Whether you’re working toward straight teeth, an improved bite, or both, you’ll end up with a beautiful smile! But sometimes,
Oral Health Tips: Travel Edition
When you leave on a trip, you probably double-check that everything’s ready: your clothes are packed, your ticket is handy, and your passport waits patiently on top of your bag

Things You Probably Didn’t Know About New Year’s Eve
It’s no secret that New Year’s Eve is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world. Dr. Doleac and our team love it too. It’s a fresh start,
What Band Color Is Right for Your Astrological Sign?
For centuries, many have believed in messages written in the stars and constellations. Some people look to their astrological sign to understand their personalities and preferences better, and even to

Magic Smiles Orthodontics is Ready for Fall
The time has come for pumpkin everything. Pumpkin coffee, pumpkin scented candles, pumpkin patches, and, of course, our very own annual pumpkin carving contest! We are so lucky to have
Taking Care of Your Toothbrush
Did you know your toothbrush could be covered with almost ten million germs? We know … it’s gross! That’s why you should know how to store your toothbrush properly, and

The Benefits of Damon™ Smile Braces
You have several options for orthodontic treatments that effectively straighten teeth. Damon™ Smile braces are a good option for patients who desire a method that is quick, convenient, and discreet.
How Do I Care For My Pet’s Teeth?
Our pets are a valued part of the family, but dogs and cats are not regularly known for their minty-fresh breath. Did you know that bad breath can be a

Adults and Braces
Nowadays, many adults are taking advantage of getting straighter teeth with braces. Dr. Doleac and our team love to help patients create the dazzling, confident smile they’ve always wanted. Our
What if I Miss an Appointment Over the Summer?
If you are planning on taking a vacation this summer, we ask that you let us know ahead of time so that we may schedule your summer appointments more efficiently.
iTero® Digital Impressions
The iTero® Intraoral Scanner has revolutionized the way orthodontic impressions are taken. Now there’s no need for messy, uncomfortable molds. Getting high-quality and accurate impressions has never been easier or

Emergency Care for Orthodontics
It’s vital to understand the difference between an orthodontic emergency and minor orthodontic issues. Minor issues can be handled the next day, or at your next scheduled appointment. When a

Help! My Gums Hurt When I Floss!
By no stretch is it rare for your gums to hurt during and after flossing. Even some bleeding is to be expected. This is especially true if you have not
Curing the Nail-Biting Habit
Do you ever find yourself gnawing at your nails? Nail-biting is a very common and difficult to break habit which usually has its beginnings in childhood. It can leave your
Everything You Need to Know About Palatal Expanders
If Dr. Doleac and our team at Magic Smiles have recommended a palatal expander, you might be wondering what it is and how it will help you. A palatal expander

Not-So-Sweet Sweets: The Five Worst Candies to Eat During Orthodontic Treatment
Sticky, hard, and gooey: these candies fill your dopamine receptors with spasms of sugar-filled joy, but if you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment at Magic Smiles to straighten your teeth, then these
The Hazards of Smokeless Tobacco
Many smokers believe that chewing tobacco is a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes. This simply isn’t the case! In fact, smokeless tobacco can cause serious health concerns. Smokeless tobacco comes
How a High-Tech Office Helps Your Orthodontic Treatment
Our office strives to bring you the latest and greatest in orthodontic techniques and technologies. Being on the cutting edge of the industry is important—it ensures you, as our patient,

My Teeth Don’t Line up Any More. Why?
If your teeth don’t line up like they used to any more, you may be suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder, often called TMD. This is a term that can actually
Electric Toothbrush: How do you choose?
Since the introduction of the power toothbrush in the 1960s, this tool has undergone many technological advances, from design and bristle motions to rotation oscillation and sonic vibration. What is