Get to know your braces! From Dr. Greenberg

Should you need to call Dr. Greenberg's office 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.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions or ask Dr. Greenberg during your next visit!

National Smile Week at Vickie Greenberg Orthodontics!

It’s National Smile Week, and a GREAT time to remind our patients at Vickie Greenberg Orthodontics to practice good oral hygiene to keep those teeth shining during your orthodontic treatment! This includes brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding foods that can stain your teeth such as tea and coffee and visiting your general dentist in Pasadena or Altadena as recommended.

And remember to smile at people you come across throughout the week, whether you know them or not. Smiles are contagious, and are a good thing to give and to get. In addition, smiling can actually help you live longer, according to a recent study! We hope you're having a relaxing summer!

- Dr. Greenberg and staff

Oscar's Patient Testimonial for Vickie Greenberg Orthodontics

Recently, Oscar, a patient of Vickie Greenberg Orthodontics, recorded a patient testimonial here in our office. Watch as Oscar describes his orthodontic treatment experience with Dr. Greenberg and her team. Oscar and his siblings are all patients of our office and we are glad to have helped them obtain a better smile!

Our office is located in Altadena, California, and provide comprehensive orthodontic treatment for the whole family. We serve Pasadena and surrounding communities as well!

Visit our web site or give us a call for your free consultation! Happy New Year from the entire team at Vickie Greenberg Orthodontics!