Proper oral health for all ages

As science continues to evolve and answer questions about why things are the way they are, we are gaining abundant knowledge on how oral health affects overall health. Though younger generations are getting educated even earlier about the importance of keeping your teeth clean, there is a different generation that has been left untapped... at least until recently. Enter the National Museum of Dentistry - an organization who's goal is to educate everyone on the importance of maintaining that healthy smile.

In an article I read entitled: Museum event focuses on oral health needs, news for older adults, I got to read first hand about how a company called OralLongevity is working to educate the elderly about the importance of oral health. Take some time to read the article and then let me know what you think.

Participants received a guided tour of the museum tracing the history of dentistry from the ancient Egyptians to current scientific breakthroughs in bioengineering; a peek into the museum's vault; a lecture on the mouth/body connection; a rundown of new oral care products designed to meet the needs of older adults; and a panel discussion with experts in dentistry, medicine and science about how advances are changing the face or oral health care.

Retainers - To Wear or Not to Wear

One of the most important things that I stress to my orthodontic patients is that they need to wear their retainer after treatment. I know that this is something that many patients wish weren't true. In fact, I also know that many patients do what they can to convince themselves that they are different and their teeth are different, so they will be fine without the retainer. That is why, when I saw someone post this distressed request for advice on an orthodontic forum, I realized that maybe stressing this need just one more time would be important:

Hi, about 3 years ago i had braces put in and i was very pleased with the results after the 2 year period, so pleased in fact that i refused to wear my retainer, i was so stupid thinking that it would be ok and now my teeth are going back to how they was. Its becoming embarrasing to even smile.

I have found my retainer and put it in, its extremely painful at the moment but i am willing to do this if it means my teeth will be straight again, but my question is... i have gone at least a year without my retainer so will wearing it now still give me a chance or isit too late? and how long will i need to wear it for so they are permanently straight?

If you find yourself in this situation, don't hesitate to give your orthodontist a call. I know that at my LA orthodontic office, I'm happy to help patients out and get a new retainer ready for them.

Students and Braces - Getting Braces in LA

The other day, a patient of mine smiled brightly as she walked away from my office with her new colored rubber bands on her braces. It's amazing how teens today get to view braces as a fun experience because of all the changes and advances in orthodontic technology! Today, braces are more comfortable, convenient, and even pretty. What's even better is Invisalign - Invisalign clear aligners allow patients to straighten their teeth without the look and feel of braces. You can even remove your invisible aligners to eat. So, when you're ready to get braces, don't assume that things are the same as they were even a few years ago. The world of orthodontics has evolved and this article I came across, is proof of it: It’s not wins, but braces helping athletes smile

Learn About Invisalign in LA With This Video

I just came across this video and had to share it. Is there a question you have about getting Invisalign in the Los Angeles area? Contact my office today and we can setup an appointment!

Dog Braces... Really? This LA Orthodontist Opinion

You may have heard something about it in the news lately, or maybe you've always wondered why it hasn't happened yet... or maybe, just maybe, something this weird never crossed your mind... but it's true, there are now animal orthodontists! As an orthodontist in the Los Angeles area, I very much understand the need for a beautiful smile. That's why I became an orthodontist, to make people smile both inside and out. Helping someone achieve perfect teeth is a joy for me and I'm grateful to be a part of such an exciting field. Would I put braces on a dog? That's an interesting question. Apparently, dog braces are all the rage these days. With the choice of having a dog get its teeth pulled vs. a less painful solution like braces, I would say that braces seem much more humane. Still, I'd love to see a picture of a dog in braces and see that proud owner walking around with them. Aesthetically, I think braces on a dog would be hysterical. As one of the leading pet orthodontists says:

"We really don't do it for any kind of aesthetic reason, like we do in people," said Huff, the animal dentist at Alameda East Veterinary Hospital. "Marley has a lower canine tooth that's growing into the roof of his mouth."

When it does become something for aesthetics, I'm sure they'll choose Invisalign! What do you think?

Comprehensive Orthodontic options!

Did you know you have an orthodontist that serves ALL of these areas of California?
• Los Angeles
• Pasadena
• Arcadia
• Eagle Rock
• Glendale
• San Marino
• Alhambra
• San Gabriel
• Rosemead
• Monrovia
• Highland Park
• Azola
• El Monte

Not only does Vickie Greenberg Orthodontics serve these areas yet our office provides comprehensive orthodontic options for you and your whole family!

Here are a few testimonials from what our patients say about our office! These are reviews that are publicly posted on Google reviews.

Here are a few testimonials from what our patients say about our office! These are reviews that are publicly posted on Google reviews.

All of these patients rated our office as a 5 out of 5 star rating!

"It was all worth it!!!‎ - Amanda_06_11‎ - Apr 21, 2008

I was totally ready to get my braces on and i loved having them. Now that there off i feel so much more satisfied with my smile. It looks great and all the people here are so nice.THANK YOU so much!!!!"


"Even autism was not a obstacle...‎ - vervalin‎ - Apr 21, 2008

I owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Greenberg and her staff. My 14-year-old son Zachary has autism. He has tantrums and limited speech. Nevertheless this did not stop my son from getting and tolerating his braces. Thanks to Dr. Greenbergs wonderful and caring staff my son went through this "Journey Through the World of Braces" for two years, and came out with a knockout smile. The girls will be noticing my "handsome son," believe me. Throughout my sons experience they always made accommodations and allowances to make Zachary feel comfortable and at ease. My son is so happy to have his handsome teeth ! With much appreciation, Jeff Vervalin"
How I feel, my great relief,...‎ - davidfonth‎ - Mar 31, 2008


"Without the braces on me, I feel very different, but happy. At first I didn't want to get braces but, when I look back at it, I'm very glad with myself that I did get braces. My advise to people who are planning or not sure if they want to get braces( or if you have them on and want them off) is this: Dr. Greenburg and the staff here is really friendly and will help you out if there is anything bothering you or if something doesn't feel right with your teeth. When they have fixed your problem, (which I am sure that they always will) it will make you glad with relief to have gotten your braces here. So to those people who are not sure, thinking of, or if you want to get your braces off, keep them on or get them on because when you are 21 or 32 or maybe even 43, you'll always be glad to know that you have great teeth, thanks to those braces and that great treatment (and let's not forget Dr. Greenburg and her great, caring staff) from 2035 North Lake Avenue Altadena 91001"

Our office really loves our patients and putting individual time into each one of them. We truly appreciate them not just for business but choosing us to be a part of their lives. So call today and see why so many have come to love Vickie Greenberg orthodontics and staff!!

Emergency Care - Getting Braces in Los Angeles (LA)

True orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you can't take care of yourself. We'll be able to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem.

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you schedule an appointment with our office. When working with your appliances, you need to know the names of the parts of your appliances so you are able to identify what part is broken or out of place. After alleviating your discomfort, it is very important that you still call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem. Allowing your appliance to remain damaged for an extended period of time may result in disruptions in your treatment plan.

The following solutions may help you relieve your discomfort:

Poking Wire

Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it to alleviate the
discomfort.

Loose Bracket or Band

If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it. If the wire comes out entirely, wrap the bracket with a tissue.

Loose Wire

Using tweezers, try to place your wire back into place. If doing this and using wax does not help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If your discomfort continues, place wax on it.

Loose Appliance

If your appliance is poking you, place wax on the offending part of your appliance.

Headgear Does Not Fit

Sometimes headgear discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. Please refer to the instructions provided by your orthodontist. If the facebow is bent, please call our office for assistance. Surprisingly, the headgear may hurt less if it's worn more, so be sure you're getting in the prescribed hours.

General Soreness

When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. Placing Orabase on the affected area may help; this can be found in your local pharmacy. If the tenderness is severe, take aspirin or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain.

The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. We'll show you how!