Dr. Terry is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. She earned her DMD degree from Southern Illinois University Dental School in 1995, graduating with honors. Dr. Terry was awarded the Alpha Omega Award for highest academic standing, and was inducted into the OKU Dental Honor Society at Southern Illinois University Dental School in Alton, Illinois. Prior to earning the dental degree, she had already earned a Master's degree in Education from Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia, and a Master's degree in Chemistry from St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri.
In 2004 Dr. Terry completed an intensive two-year orthodontic specialty program at the University of Missouri Dental School in Kansas City and was awarded the Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.
After several years of orthodontic practice in San Antonio, Texas, and because of her previous exposure to the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, Dr. Terry in 2007 decided to open Smiles for Colorado Orthodontics in Colorado Springs.
She is currently a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, American Board of Orthodontics, Charles H. Tweed International Foundation for Orthodontic Research and Education, Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontists, Colorado Dental Association and Colorado Springs Dental Society. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family outdoors, cooking, gardening, and travel.
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry specializing in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of jaw, face and bite irregularities (malocclusions*). Orthodontic treatment is provided by an oral health care provider known as an Orthodontist, who has typically completed two to three years of additional training beyond dental school.
Recent years have brought about many changes within the dental industry, specifically with regards to orthodontic treatment and care. Now more than ever patients are experiencing fewer incidences of cavities and missing teeth due to the heightened awareness of fluoride use and preventative dentistry. This increasing awareness on the health and look of a patients smile has fueled the desire for many to seek out orthodontic treatment not only as a medical necessity, but for cosmetic reasons as well.
*Malocclusionis the technical term for teeth that dont fit together correctly. Malocclusions not only affect the teeth, but also the appearance of the face. Most malocclusions are inherited; however some are due to acquired habits such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting. The spacing left from an adult tooth being extracted or an early loss of a baby tooth can also contribute to a malocclusion.
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that is concerned with diagnosing, treating and preventing malocclusions (bad bites) and other irregularities in the jaw region and face. Orthodontists are specially trained to correct these problems and to restore health, functionality and a beautiful aesthetic appearance to the smile. Though orthodontics was originally aimed at treating children and teenagers, almost one third of orthodontic patients are now adults. A person of any age can be successfully treated by an orthodontist.
A malocclusion (improper bite) can affect anyone at any age, and can significantly impact the individuals clarity of speech, chewing ability and facial symmetry. In addition, a severe malocclusion can also contribute to several serious dental and physical conditions such as digestive difficulties, TMJ, periodontal disease and severe tooth decay. It is important to seek orthodontic treatment early to avoid expensive restorative procedures in the future.
Orthodontic dentistry offers techniques which will realign the teeth and revitalize the smile. There are several treatments the orthodontist may use, depending on the results of panoramic x-rays, study models (bite impressions) and a thorough visual examination.
Fixed dental braces can be used to expediently correct even the most severe case of misalignment. These braces consist of metal or ceramic brackets which are affixed to each tooth and an archwire which is used to gradually move the teeth through the duration of the treatment.
Removable appliances include headgear (which consists of a metal wire device attached to customized braces), retainers, Invisalign aligners (which are almost invisible to the naked eye), palate expanders and tooth movers. Faceguards are generally used to correct developmental delays in both the upper and lower jaw, and palate expanders are used to combat overcrowding.