At Dr. Greenberg's office, February Marks National Children's Dental Health Month

With February being National Children's Dental Health Month, our team at Vickie Greenberg Orthodontics thought we'd share a few good oral hygiene tips with our patients, courtesy of the American Dental Association, or ADA.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush, using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.
• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and place between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.
• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as vegetables, fruits and cheese and avoid sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, make sure to brush after doing so.
• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these beverages create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. When drinking one of these beverages, avoid sipping on it throughout the day. Rather, have a drink and then brush your teeth.
• Regular dental visits: in addition to seeing Dr. Vickie Greenberg, you should visit your dentist regularly (approximately every six months).

National Children's Dental Health Month, now in its 61st year, aims to increase awareness about the importance of kids' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with Dr. Greenberg, please feel free to give us a call!

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.

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!

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

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!

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. Vickie Greenberg, wishing you a pleasant and relaxing Memorial Day weekend

The unofficial kickoff to summer—Memorial Day weekend—is right around the corner. It's a time for Americans to remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

For many people in Pasadena, Altadena and surrounding communities, getting out of town for three days after being cooped up in the classroom or office is sweet relief. At Vickie Greenberg Orthodontics, we know Memorial Day weekend is ripe for travel.

After all, Memorial Day means a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories is on the way. Whether you're headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, or just hitting the great open roads of California, Dr. Greenberg and team would like to hear all about it!

Share your experience at Vickie Greenberg Orthodontics with the world!

At Vickie Greenberg Orthodontics, we offer a different kind of orthodontic experience! Yes, we do provide the highest quality care in the Pasadena and Altadena area by using state-of-the-art equipment and treatments procedures. However, our practice believes that the best orthodontic treatment involves a more personal touch.

Whether you've visited Dr. Vickie Greenberg for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our office is faring! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there.

After all, reviews help Dr. Greenberg create more beautiful smiles in Pasadena, Altadena and surrounding communities.

You may write a review here.

Thank you and enjoy your week! Dr. Greenberg and our staff look forward to reading your reviews!

Ask Dr. Vickie Greenberg: What is malocclusion?

Malocclusion, or what Dr. Greenberg calls “bad bite,” is the improper alignment of teeth and/or jaws. When your teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, it may impact your bite, the ability to properly care for your teeth, your gum tissue health and even your appearance.

Most people experience some degree of malocclusion, but it generally is not severe enough to require corrective measures. If your malocclusion is serious enough, however, treatment at Vickie Greenberg Orthodontics may be necessary to correct the issue.

Dr. Greenberg will tell you that untreated malocclusion can lead undesirable mouth problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, chipped and cracked teeth. The most common solution for malocclusion, of course, is orthodontic treatment. The actual course of treatment, including the length of time you will require braces, will be determined by severity of your malocclusion. The goal of your treatment is to move your teeth into the proper position and correct any misalignment in the jaw. If overcrowding is causing the problem, Pasadena and Altadena orthodontist Dr. Greenberg may need to remove one or more teeth as part of treatment.

At Vickie Greenberg Orthodontics, we use the most advanced technology in the field in order to ensure that you receive the best possible results. If you have any questions about malocclusion, please give us a call and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have!

Dr. Vickie Greenberg wants to know: What are you up to in March?

It’s almost springtime. The daffodils and buttercups are on their way, the sun is warming up and the smell of freshly-cut grass is wafting from baseball fields across California. Dr. Vickie Greenberg and team thought this would be a good time to ask: What are your plans for March?

Are you ready for spring? Are you participating in school sports? Do you have exciting plans? We’d love to know them all!

You may share your stories or plans with our team here, on our social networks or by giving us a call!

The Myths and Facts of Orthodontics, From Dr. Greenberg

There are quite a few myths about orthodontists circulating around. Before you buy into those myths, you should get the facts! We came across a great site that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontists, check them out today!

Hope this helps,

--Dr. Vickie Greenberg

Write a Review of Dr. Greenberg!

Whether you have visited us for a week or for years, we love to hear your feedback about Lake Avenue Orthodontics. Now with the internet, it is even easier to write your thoughts and share them with the world. We'd want to encourage you to write a review of us. It only takes a moment!

Thank you!

--Dr. Greenberg & Team

Summer Fun with Dr. Vickie Greenberg!

Its summer here at Lake Avenue Orthodontics, a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you are headed to a barbeque, a camping trip, or just having fun in the sun, we want to hear about it! Leave a comment on our blog and tell us about your summer!

Happy Travels,

-From Dr. Greenberg

More Summer Photos from Greenberg Orthodontics

Check out a few more photos of our office at work! We like to have a fun time at Vickie Greenberg Orthodontics; come and see us to find out for yourself!









-Dr. Greenberg

Aloha from Greenberg Orthodonics!

Its a luau every day at Vickie Greenberg Orthodontics!



At our office, you can journey through the Hawaiian Islands while completing your orthodontic treatment. How convenient!



Thank you, or as the Hawaiians say, "Mahalo" from all of us at Vickie Greenberg Orthodontics!

Soft Drinks: Trouble For Your Teeth From Greenberg Orthodontics

At Greenberg Orthodontics, we know that when you sit down to dinner or grab a sandwich for lunch, you wouldn’t have a side of nine teaspoons of sugar. But that’s exactly what you’re taking in when you pair a meal with a 12-ounce can of soda pop.

Soft drinks are a poor choice for your overall health, since they have no nutritional value, and they contain sugar and caffeine. And when it comes to your teeth, soft drinks can cause big trouble. The steep servings of sugar create the perfect condition for cavities to form, while the phosphoric and citric acids in soda pop can erode and weaken your enamel – the outer coating on your teeth – making it tougher for your teeth to withstand the onslaught of sugar.

Both the Canadian and American Dental Associations recommend limiting your intake of soft drinks. And if you do occasionally indulge in a fizzy beverage, it’s a good idea to drink it with a straw, to reduce exposure to your teeth. Brushing your teeth afterward, or at least swishing with water, can help remove the sugar from your teeth.

Having trouble cutting back? Try these tricks to help wean yourself from a steady diet of soft drinks:

--Don’t quit cold turkey: Start by swapping one soda each day with an alternate drink, preferably water. Gradually increase your swaps until you’re down to one soft drink a day, then one every two days, then one a week, and so on.

--Switch to tea: If you’re looking for a source of caffeine, tea is much healthier than soda pop. Just remember not to add nine teaspoons of sugar to it.

--Switch to seltzer: If it’s the fizz or the flavor you’re after, try a sugar-free flavored water or seltzer.

--Remember your goals: If you’re wavering in your commitment to cut back on soda pop, remember the health problems it can cause.

--Be patient: Adjusting a habit doesn’t happen overnight. Give yourself a reasonable amount of time to change your diet.

Dr. Greenberg Talks Thumb Sucking

Along with favorite blankets, teddy bears, and nap time, thumb-sucking can be one of the most comforting aspects of childhood. According to a recent report, between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs, so chances are there's a thumb-sucker (or a former thumb-sucker) in your family. Is this cause for worry? Dr. Greenberg tells all.

In most cases, no. However, it's important to pay attention to your child's habits, in case his behavior has the potential to affect his oral health.

What Is Normal Thumb-Sucking Behavior?

The majority of children suck a thumb or a finger from a very young age; some even start inside the womb. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and it serves an important purpose. Sucking often provides a sense of security and contentment for a young one.It can also be relaxing, which is why many children suck their thumbs as they fall asleep.

According to the American Dental Association, most children stop thumb-sucking on their own between the ages of two and four. They simply grow out of a habit that is no longer useful to them.

However, some children continue sucking beyond the preschool years (although studies show that the older a child gets, the lower his chances of continuing to suck his thumb). If your child is still sucking when his permanent teeth start to erupt, it may be time to take action to break the habit.

What Signs Should I Watch For?

First, take note of how your child sucks his thumb. If he sucks passively, with his thumb gently resting inside his mouth, he is less likely to cause damage. If, on the other hand, he is an aggressive thumb-sucker, placing pressure on his mouth or teeth, the habit may cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. Extended sucking may lead to a need for orthodontic treatment in the future.

If at any time you suspect your child's thumb-sucking may be affecting his oral health, please give us a call at Greenberg Orthodontics or bring him in for a visit. We can help you assess the situation.

Marvelous Molasses Cookies for Everyone in Orthodontic Care

The wisdom of the ages tells us that necessity is the mother of invention. Brenda Waterman, age thirteen, offers new proof of this proverb. When getting braces mandated cutting a list of foods out of her diet – including her much-loved treat of caramel apples – she devised a work-around recipe that let her indulge her craving. This clever replacement for caramel apples was the inspiration for The Braces Cookbook: Recipes You (And Your Orthodontist) Will Love, which Brenda created along with her mom, Pam Waterman.

Anyone with braces knows that it's important to avoid sticky foods, crunchy foods, hard foods, chewy foods, and so on. It's easy to look at the list and think, "What can I eat?" The Watermans' new book tackles that question with creative and thorough answers in the form of 50 braces-friendly recipes, plus additional tips and advice – enough to reassure any doubter.

Neatly divided into chapters such as Definitely Deserved Desserts and Be-Nice-To-Me Beverages, The Braces Cookbook offers a broad assortment of recipes from main courses and sides to breakfasts and snacks. An all-around guide, the book also offers suggestions for packing lunches, preparing quick meals, and handling parties and restaurants, where the food selection isn't under your control. There's even a section of tips for dealing with the soreness that can arise in teeth and gums when braces are adjusted.

Purchase The Braces Cookbook for your kitchen, and pick up an extra copy or two – they make great gifts!

Get a sneak peak with the following recipes:

Marvelous Molasses Cookies

They smell wonderful even before baking, they melt in your mouth, and they never harden up. Yum – the best of gingerbread and ginger snaps in one!

* 1 cup shortening
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 1 egg
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/2 cup molasses
* 1/2 cup warm water
* 1 tsp baking soda
* 1 tsp cinnamon
* 1/2 tsp ginger
* 2 1/2 cups flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Baking time 11 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine shortening, brown sugar, egg, salt and molasses, using an electric mixer and beating until fluffy. Add cinnamon and ginger. In a small bowl or measuring cup, stir the baking soda into the warm water; add water mixture to the molasses mixture alternately with the flour until well blended.

Drop by tablespoons onto greased cookie sheets. Bake for 11 minutes at 350 degrees. Makes about four dozen. Store in a covered container.

Gum Disease Can Sneak Up on You! - Altadena Orthodontist

It’s easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Signs to watch for:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position
• Any change in the way partial dentures fit

If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, make an appointment right away by calling 626-768-7775. We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give you back a healthy mouth!