If you’re considering braces, you may have heard the term arch wire used. But you probably have no idea what that means!
In this article, explain what orthodontic arch wires are, the purpose they serve, and what types may be used in your braces. And if you’re interested in straightening your teeth without the use of wires, we can fill you in on that as well. Read more
https://www.mcbiermann.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/all-about-archwires.jpg300702mbiermannhttps://www.mcbiermann.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/lgoo.pngmbiermann2025-03-18 00:00:532025-06-24 17:42:22All About Arch Wires in Orthodontics: Purpose, Types, Stages, and Recommended Uses
Achieving a healthy and beautiful smile with braces is an exciting journey — but also a journey that comes with discomforts and unexpected symptoms, including dry mouth.
If you have braces and experience some side effects such as a dry, cottony feeling in your mouth, there are solutions that can allow you to remain more comfortable until the braces are off.
https://www.mcbiermann.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/dry-mouth.jpg300702mbiermannhttps://www.mcbiermann.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/lgoo.pngmbiermann2024-02-02 00:00:142025-06-24 17:43:07Dry Mouth With Braces: What’s the Deal?
https://www.mcbiermann.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/headgear.jpg300702mbiermannhttps://www.mcbiermann.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/lgoo.pngmbiermann2024-02-02 00:00:112025-06-24 17:43:32Headgear Braces for Adults & Youth: Important Things To Note When You Need Headgear
https://www.mcbiermann.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Biermann-Award-Blog-Header.jpg300820mbiermannhttps://www.mcbiermann.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/lgoo.pngmbiermann2017-01-10 21:11:482025-06-24 17:46:512016 Beaverton Small Business Excellence Award in the Orthodontists
Attention Moms and Dads – Most Teenagers Feel Self-Conscious Wearing Traditional Braces
At an age when image is so important, for a teen the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to teeth may exacerbate the already-delicate self-esteem of today’s teens. Read more
https://www.mcbiermann.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/invisalign-teen.jpg250600mbiermannhttps://www.mcbiermann.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/lgoo.pngmbiermann2016-05-26 02:11:202025-06-24 17:45:06What Parents Should Know: Invisalign From a Teen Perspective
Dear Doctor,
I have lost my four upper front teeth and would like to have them replaced with dental implants some day. In the meantime, I don’t want to use the type of partial denture known as a “flipper.” Is there something else I can use, at least temporarily?
Dear Doctor,
I just had my braces removed, and I noticed several white spots on my teeth near where the brackets were. What are they — and how can I get rid of them?
https://www.mcbiermann.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/white-spot-on-braces.jpg300702mbiermannhttps://www.mcbiermann.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/lgoo.pngmbiermann2016-02-26 10:22:272016-02-26 10:36:16White Spots on Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment
Maintaining the Right Balance in the Fight Against Disease
Imagine a world without antibiotics: The cut on your finger might lead to serious infection; the simplest operation could be a perilous undertaking; there would be no effective cures for tuberculosis, cholera, strep throat or sexually transmitted disease; and bacterial meningitis in a child would likely be fatal. It may seem hard to believe, but a century ago — before antibiotic drugs became widely available — these risks were very real.
These omnipresent drugs have been hailed as one of the most significant medical achievements of the 20th Century. However, in recent years, a disturbing trend has been noted throughout the world: The life-saving drugs we once relied on are now less effective at fighting the organisms that cause disease.
https://www.mcbiermann.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/too-much-anibiotics.jpg300702mbiermannhttps://www.mcbiermann.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/lgoo.pngmbiermann2016-02-22 22:04:232016-02-22 22:04:23Antibiotics: Use And Abuse
Replacing a missing tooth — particularly in a highly visible area of the mouth — can do a lot to restore your smile and self-confidence. Today’s options for tooth replacement include state-of-the-art dental implants; crown and bridgework; and removable partial dentures. However, sometimes orthodontic treatment is recommended before a tooth or teeth can be replaced. Why would this be necessary?
If a tooth has been missing for a while, the teeth that were on either side of it can gradually drift into the space it occupied — taking up the room for the replacement tooth. This necessitates moving the neighboring teeth back into correct position. In addition, teeth that are not properly aligned might require dental restorative work, such as capping (dental crowns), to camouflage their poor position or orientation before any new teeth are placed.
https://www.mcbiermann.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/clear-aligners.jpg300702mbiermannhttps://www.mcbiermann.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/lgoo.pngmbiermann2016-02-18 03:06:502016-02-18 03:08:57Straightening a Smile Before Replacing Lost Teeth
All About Arch Wires in Orthodontics: Purpose, Types, Stages, and Recommended Uses
/in About Orthodontics, Living With BracesIf you’re considering braces, you may have heard the term arch wire used. But you probably have no idea what that means!
In this article, explain what orthodontic arch wires are, the purpose they serve, and what types may be used in your braces. And if you’re interested in straightening your teeth without the use of wires, we can fill you in on that as well.
Read more
Dry Mouth With Braces: What’s the Deal?
/in Living With BracesAchieving a healthy and beautiful smile with braces is an exciting journey — but also a journey that comes with discomforts and unexpected symptoms, including dry mouth.
If you have braces and experience some side effects such as a dry, cottony feeling in your mouth, there are solutions that can allow you to remain more comfortable until the braces are off.
Read more
Headgear Braces for Adults & Youth: Important Things To Note When You Need Headgear
/in Life After Braces, Orthodontic RetentionHeadgear — if you’re anyone who’s had braces or considered braces, the thought of possibly needing headgear has likely crossed your mind.
Is headgear still commonly used in orthodontics? And why might an adult need headgear?
We’re summarizing these answers as well as how to find relief from the discomforts of wearing headgear below.
Read more
2016 Beaverton Small Business Excellence Award in the Orthodontists
/in Updates From Biermann2016 Beaverton Small Business Excellence Award in the Orthodontists
Matthew C Biermann, DMD, MS selected for 2016 Beaverton Small Business Excellence Award Beaverton, OR
Read more
What Parents Should Know: Invisalign From a Teen Perspective
/in Invisalign, Teens & BracesAttention Moms and Dads – Most Teenagers Feel Self-Conscious Wearing Traditional Braces
At an age when image is so important, for a teen the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to teeth may exacerbate the already-delicate self-esteem of today’s teens.
Read more
Flexible Partial Dentures
/in About Orthodontics, Cosmetic DentistryA Consultation with Dr. Richard Hyder | Article & Images Featured on Dear Doctor
Dear Doctor,
I have lost my four upper front teeth and would like to have them replaced with dental implants some day. In the meantime, I don’t want to use the type of partial denture known as a “flipper.” Is there something else I can use, at least temporarily?
Read more
Dental Implants & Smoking
/in Dental Education, OrthodonticsArticle by Richard Kraut, DDS | Featured on Dear Doctor
Dear Doctor,
I want to have some missing teeth replaced with dental implants, but my dentist said it could be slightly risky because I smoke. Why?
Read more
White Spots on Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment
/in All About Braces, Caring For Your Braces, Dental Education, General CareArticle Featured on Dear Doctor
Dear Doctor,
I just had my braces removed, and I noticed several white spots on my teeth near where the brackets were. What are they — and how can I get rid of them?
Read more
Antibiotics: Use And Abuse
/in General Care, Healthy LivingArticle By Dr. Ving J. Lee | Featured on Dear Doctor
Maintaining the Right Balance in the Fight Against Disease
Imagine a world without antibiotics: The cut on your finger might lead to serious infection; the simplest operation could be a perilous undertaking; there would be no effective cures for tuberculosis, cholera, strep throat or sexually transmitted disease; and bacterial meningitis in a child would likely be fatal. It may seem hard to believe, but a century ago — before antibiotic drugs became widely available — these risks were very real.
These omnipresent drugs have been hailed as one of the most significant medical achievements of the 20th Century. However, in recent years, a disturbing trend has been noted throughout the world: The life-saving drugs we once relied on are now less effective at fighting the organisms that cause disease.
Read more
Straightening a Smile Before Replacing Lost Teeth
/in Do I Need Braces?, Implants, InvisalignClear Aligners Can Offer Advantages Over Traditional Braces
By Dr. Robert Boyd | Article & Images Featured on Dear Doctor
Replacing a missing tooth — particularly in a highly visible area of the mouth — can do a lot to restore your smile and self-confidence. Today’s options for tooth replacement include state-of-the-art dental implants; crown and bridgework; and removable partial dentures. However, sometimes orthodontic treatment is recommended before a tooth or teeth can be replaced. Why would this be necessary?
If a tooth has been missing for a while, the teeth that were on either side of it can gradually drift into the space it occupied — taking up the room for the replacement tooth. This necessitates moving the neighboring teeth back into correct position. In addition, teeth that are not properly aligned might require dental restorative work, such as capping (dental crowns), to camouflage their poor position or orientation before any new teeth are placed.
Read more