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!

Connect with Dr. Greenberg on Facebook!

At Vickie Greenberg Orthodontics, we value the relationships we have developed with our patients in New Altadena, Pasadena, L.A. and surrounding communities. Even if you only see Dr. Greenberg for your appointment on a regular basis, did you know that you can now connect with us on Facebook?

There, we share office news, announcements and any updates, so check it out! By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically in your news feed!

See you on Facebook!

Ask Dr. Greenberg: What are "Dentofacial Orthopedics"?

You may have noticed that Dr. Vickie Greenberg specializes in "Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics." While most people have heard of orthodontics, many are confused by the "dentofacial orthopedics" part of the title.

Not to worry - we can explain!

You probably know that orthodontists like Dr. Greenberg straighten teeth, and indeed: "ortho" comes from the Greek for "straight" or "correct," and "dontic" from the Greek for "teeth." But what about dentofacial orthopedics? "Dentofacial" is "teeth" plus "face" while "ortho" again means "straight" and "pedic" is from the Greek for "child."

Essentially, while orthodontics entails the management of tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics involves the guidance of facial growth and development, which occurs largely during childhood. In both cases, appliances are frequently used – the more familiar braces for orthodontics, and other specialized appliances like headgear and expanders depending on what facial abnormalities are present. Sometimes orthopedic treatment may precede conventional braces, but often the two are accomplished at the same time. So if your child gets braces and headgear, he's undergoing orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics!

Because Dr. Greenberg is skilled in both areas, he is able to diagnose any misalignments in the teeth and jaw as well as the facial structure, and can devise a treatment plan that integrates both orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatments.

We hope that helps! Contact our office and schedule a complimentary consultation for your child. Our practice is located in Altadena, North of Pasadena, providing morning, afternoon and evening appointments, It’s never too late to get a great smile, and we can’t wait to help you get started.

Season's greetings from Dr. Greenberg and team!

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as Dr. Greenberg and our team reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2011? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

What's the deal with Halloween candies & treats?

For parents worried about their kids going overboard on candies, sugar and other sweets, Halloween is a dreaded annual event (no pun intended).

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats are known to damage teeth, as well as your braces! With Halloween just two days away, Dr. Vickie Greenberg and our team know all that candy is making its rounds around Altadena, Pasadena and surrounding neighborhoods. Instead of telling kids to avoid candy altogether, one orthodontist decided to show his patients the good kinds of candy to eat with braces and the kind to avoid. We encourage you to check this video out and we hope everyone has a fun, safe and scary Halloween!

Ask Dr. Greenberg: Why visit the dentist during my orthodontic treatment?

Dr. Vickie Greenberg wants to know: Are you brushing your teeth twice a day during your orthodontic treatment? If the answer happens to be yes, that’s what we want to hear! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every six months, in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day (and, of, course, seeing Dr. Greenberg during your treatment). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health while you're in braces!

A dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your doctor can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing.

If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call, ask Dr. Greenberg during your next visit or ask us on Facebook! We'd be happy to recommend a dentist in Pasadena, Altadena and the greater San Gabriel Valley!

Ask Dr. Greenberg: Am I too old for braces?

Absolutely not. At the orthodontic office of Dr. Vickie Greenberg, no one is "too old" for braces. Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. In fact, one out of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21 and - not only that - but our staff recently read a statistic that the number of adults getting orthodontic treatment has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996!

Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Greenberg would love to have you visit for a consultation at our convenient Altadena office. Please give us a call at (626) 768-7766 to set one up!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

For those of our patients who don't know, October is National Orthodontic Health Month. This month-long event is organized by our pals at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Dr. Vickie Greenberg and our staff realize this is a great opportunity for us and to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. National Orthodontic Health Month also aims to recognize the dedicated work of orthodontists like Dr. Greenberg and other dental professional in Pasadena.

The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Taco chips
• Ice

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. Greenberg during your visit this month!

Featured patient reviews for Dr. Greenberg!

Wow, more fantastic reviews have come in during the past month! Check out what our patients in Pasadena, Altadena and greater San Gabriel Valley!

"I Am Very Pleased To Say That My Smile Has Improved 1000000 Times Better:) The Staff, & Dr. Greenberg Have Helped Improve My Smile, They Are ALL Very Nice & Friendly. I Couldn't Have Asked For A Better 0rtho. I Strongly Recommend This 0ffice To Anyone:) I Couldn't Be Happierrr!" ~ Diane

"Went to Doctor Greenberg with braces already on my teeth from a previous Orthodontist. Dr. Greenberg, along with her staff, improved my teeth and gave me a great smile! I am very satisfied and extremely pleased with the outcome! I could not have asked for anything better!‎" ~ Ashley

"I was so pleased with the meticulousness of the entire staff here. They really make sure to do a great job, and it shows in the results. Also, the office has a nice, pleasant ambiance that just makes the entire experience a good one.‎" ~ Anonymous

September is National Childhood Injury Prevention Month!

With fall sports beginning for a lot of our patients at Vickie Greenberg Orthodontics, we thought we'd remind our young athletes wearing braces to take care of both their mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports (and non-contact sports) this fall.

Dr. Greenberg will tell you that you should ALWAYS wear a mouth guard when playing sports, but especially this month. Why? September is National Childhood Injury Prevention Month.

More than half of the seven million sports and recreation-related injuries that occur each year are sustained by youth between ages 5 and 24. Sixty-seven percent of parents say their child does not wear a mouth guard, yet, 70 percent say their biggest fear when their child plays is that they will get hurt. Despite the risks, many kids are still not wearing mouth guards and facial protection during games and practices.

Our staff strongly encourage you to head over to the American Association of Orthodontists' website for a quick primer on the importance of mouth guards and facial protection.

We hope this helps you remember to always wear a mouth guard and other forms of protective gear when participating in fall sports around Pasadena! We encourage you to give us a call if you have any questions! Have a great weekend!

August featured patient reviews for Dr. Vickie Greenberg!

Did you know Dr. Vickie Greenberg serves ALL of these areas of southern California?

• Los Angeles
• Pasadena and South Pasadena
• Arcadia
• Eagle Rock
• Glendale
• San Marino
• Alhambra
• San Gabriel
• Rosemead
• Monrovia
• Highland Park
• Azola
• El Monte

Check out what a few of our patients have said about their treatment at Vickie Greenberg Orthodontics!

"I had a phenomenal two years here at Vickie Greenberg Orthodontics. The staff has been super nice and friendly to me and they have been a great help. I am very satisfied with my end result; I feel like a different person with my new smile. I loved coming into the office every month and seeing the new decorations; this office is always decked out with memorabilia depending on the season or nearest holiday and it would always brighten my day. I would definitely recommend this office for anyone who wants to get their teeth straightened because it was an successful and worthwhile experience.‎" ~ Elaine

"When I first came to Dr. Greenberg I had partially completed treatment from another orthodontist that I was not pleased with. I was so happy that she was able to get me back on track toward having a perfect smile. My treatment with Invisalign was easy and painless and my experience at her office was always great. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Thank you Dr. Greenberg and team - I now have the smile I have always wanted!‎" ~ Lawrence

"My experience has been amazing! The staff has been the sweetest! They look out for you by asking if you need anything when experiencing discomfort! Compared to other orthodontists, the experience here has been the best so far when talking to my friends about how painful and disrespectful the braces and staff are, but mine are great! I am sad to be done here but at the same time excited about my amazing new smile! I would recommend this to any of my friends or family members because they can be assured that they will have to most amazing smile when their treatment is through! I am so grateful for their work on my teeth because they look beautiful!‎" ~ Lauren

Back to school with Dr. Vickie Greenberg!

Now that many of the schools in Pasadena, Altadena and surrounding neighborhoods are back in session, Dr. Vickie Greenberg would like to remind all of our patients about the importance of scheduling appointments in advance. With school, clubs, sports and family duties to consider, we know that it can be challenging to find time to visit Vickie Greenberg Orthodontics this fall. In order to accommodate all of our patients' busy schedules, it is important that you plan ahead for your appointments so that we are able to provide you with an appointment time that is convenient for you.

As always, please remember to give us advanced notice if you're unable to make your regularly-scheduled appointment. If we receive enough notice, we might be able to schedule another patient for that time. Feel free to give us a call at (626) 768-7766 if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your fall appointment.

We'll see you soon and hope summer is winding down nicely for all our patients!

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

Share your summer adventures with us!

It's summer here at Dr. Vickie Greenberg's office, and that means a season full of adventures, vacations and great memories is here for another two months. Whether you're taking in a family barbecue, flying to Italy, going on a camping trip, spending time at a Dodgers game or just having fun in Pasadena this summer, Dr. Greenberg and our staff want to hear about it! Share your plans and experiences on our Facebook page as the summer rolls along!

Happy and safe travels everyone! We hope you're having an outstanding summer so far!

Dr. Greenberg wants to know: Will you be a part of the Braces Brigade?

Calling all our wonderful current and former patients at Pasadena's Greenberg Orthodontics: how would you like to blog about your experience in braces AND come away with a cool $100 American Express gift card? Thanks to the American Association of Orthodontists' Braces Brigade campaign, you can do just that!

To complete your Braces Brigade application, you'll need to provide:

* Name
* Age – Must be 14 years of age or older
* E-mail
* Phone number
* Stage of orthodontic treatment
* A photo of your braces/smile
* A sample blog post – picture yourself as a member of Braces Brigade and show off those blogging skills! (100-word minimum)

In your blog, feel free to answer questions such as:

• Why did you decide to get orthodontic treatment at Dr. Greenberg's office?
• What advice would you share with other orthodontic patients?
• What does it feel like to get braces on?
• What foods do you miss the most?
• What new foods have you discovered?
• Do your friends have braces or retainers?
• Where is the first place you’re going to show off your new, beautiful smile?
• How has your new smile changed your life?

All applicants must either be an orthodontic patient of Dr. Greenberg or the parent of a patient. If you're under 18, your parent must fill out a consent form along with your application.

We strongly encourage you to apply for the Braces Brigade this summer! Have a GREAT rest of the week!

Pasadena's Vickie Greenberg Orthodontics present: Five summer traveling tips

Dr. Vickie Greenberg and team know most of our patients take a much-needed vacation during the summer. We also know that most times, folks forget to pack the most important of things. Recently, we came across an interesting article from ParentsAsk.com that outlined five important tips for summer travel with children. We strongly encourage you to give this article a read if you’re heading out with the family this summer. Here are even more tips you can use to ensure your vacation packing—and the traveling itself—goes as smooth as possible this summer!

Happy (and safe) traveling everyone! Share your photos with us on our Facebook page!

Featured patient reviews for Dr. Vickie Greenberg

Once in a while, Pasadena orthodontist Dr. Vickie Greenberg and our team get patient reviews that make us really proud to do the work we do: creating beautiful smiles. Recently, we received testimonials from patient, whose awesome reviews made US smile! Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our Altadena office!

“I want to thank all the people at Vickie Greenberg’s orthodontics office for helping me get through this long process, I want to thank specially Dr. Greenberg for guiding me through all the steps that took me so long to get me where I’m at with my smile. I’m so happy about the way my teeth look and I think it’s made a big change in my life. I think Dr. Greenberg is one of the best doctors that I’ve ever had. Out of all my visits with many offices, I think this one helped me out the most, and again I can’t explain how thankful I am with the results of my teeth. Thank you Dr. Greenberg and staff, and if I ever have any problems with my teeth I know who to go to because Dr. Greenberg’s Orthodontics is the best.” ~ Guimer D.

“OK! Here it is: Dr. Greenberg and her staff rock. I totally recommend them to the world. They have actually have become very personal friends of mine so that means I'll be coming back to visit when i get a chance. I have come a long way with my teeth. At first I had a real hard time smiling but after all their hard work they have made a really BIG difference in my smile and now I can smile again.” ~ Vincent T.

“I cannot believe the amazing transformation of my teeth over the past couple of years! All of the staff here are so nice and caring that I was actually excited to come to my appointments! When I first started coming here, I was a little hesitant because I was only about 13 and was scared of what they would do to my teeth. Then I met Dr. Greenberg and she was so nice to me about it and assured me that everything would be fine. She's always had such a joyful spirit and I trusted her because she knows exactly what she's doing! Due to the excellent service here, my teeth are just as perfect as I wanted them to be. I can't stop smiling!” ~ Christy M.

Dr. Vickie Greenberg and team, wishing you a safe & happy Fourth!

For many of our patients at Pasadena's Vickie Greenberg Orthodontics, the Fourth of July is a day of fireworks, picnics, playing at the lake or spending quality time with family. Most people recognize Independence Day as a time to celebrate and commemorate the anniversary of the signing of our Declaration of Independence while spending the day with loved ones with friends.

What about you? What are your Fourth of July plans? Are you heading to a barbecue? Hitting the open road with family? Are you planning on using fireworks to light up the night sky?

Share your July 4th adventures with us on our Facebook page! We even encourage you to post your photos! Have a GREAT weekend everyone!

Pasadena's Greenberg Orthodontics, reminding you to enter the Invisalign Teen Choice sweepstakes!

Pasadena orthodontist Dr. Vickie Greenberg and team wanted to share this Invisalign Teen Choice Sweepstakes information with our wonderful patients. The sweepstakes run through Sunday, July 11th, and you could even win a trip to the Teen Choice Awards in August, along with several other great prizes. We encourage you to check it out!

Dr. Greenberg is a Certified Invisalign provider in Altadena, Pasadena and the greater San Gabriel Valley.

Please give us a call for more info!

Dr. Vickie Greenberg, helping you save face this summer

Can you believe summer is officially three days away? We can't! At Vickie Greenberg Orthodontics, our staff knows that the summer months bring with them an increase in outdoor activities, as well as a greater chance of our young athletes in treatment damaging their teeth. If you're playing sports this summer, it's important that you consult Pasadena's Dr. Vickie Greenberg for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. Mouth guards are advised for playing spring sports such as baseball, soccer, lacrosse and many, many others.

In case of any accident involving the face this summer, we want you to check your mouth and appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances are damaged, please schedule an appointment to see Dr. Greenberg immediately. And don’t forget to ask us—Dr. Greenberg will be more than happy to provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment!

Our team will always tell you that only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can people with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call at (626) 798-7645 if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment with us.

Enjoy your weekend everyone!