Our smiles are uniquely ours. However so is our bite. “In orthodontics, “bite” refers to the way the upper and lower teeth come together. A bad bite, called a “malocclusion,” happens when teeth meet improperly, or they don’t meet at all,” according to the American Association of Orthodontist. There are various bites that affect how we speak, eat and our overall mouth. Two common bites, orthodontic treatment can fix is a crossbite and underbite. A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth fit inside of lower teeth. Can be caused by misalignment of teeth or a misalignment of the bone; can affect a single tooth or groups of teeth. Your jaw may shift to one side if not corrected and wears down on your tooth enamel. An underbite happens when the lower jaw sits in front of the upper jaw. An underbite impacts tooth wear and adds a stress on your jaw joints. Through orthodontic treatment, these bites can be corrected and help keep you healthy, beyond an aesthetically pleasing smile.

The Holidays are here and that means endless sweets and of course no school for kids. The holidays in Oahu, are the perfect time to celebrate with family and also a time where we can slip up on certain foods to avoid, especially if we have braces. From sugar to cookies to gingerbread houses, there is no end in the sweet treats. Here are three foods to avoid this holiday season. 1. Candy Canes: These beautiful perfect treats are one to avoid this season if you have braces. The hard candy could damage your braces and the stickiness of the peppermint candy can get stuck in between your orthodontic appliances. 2. Popcorn: If you string popcorn around your tree, you know this how involves eating the popcorn as well. Popcorn is a great treat, however, you may want to stay away from it this year. Popcorn is notorious for getting stuck in between teeth and your braces. 3. Caramel Sweets Who doesn’t love the sweet caramel treats this time of year. From caramel apple to caramel drizzled...

At Hook Orthodontics, you can expect a professional team that will never take you for granted. Our staff is here to help you and your family get the care you deserve. We are highly trained in our area of service and attend continuing education courses to stay current with the latest treatment procedures, techniques and technology. We work as a team to create a warm and caring environment with an emphasis on you, the patient. The adhesive used to attach the braces to your teeth cures rapidly but takes several hours to completely cure. You can eat any time after leaving our office, however, we ask that you remember the list of foods that may be harmful to your braces. Until you become accustomed to eating with your new braces, you may find it beneficial to follow a diet consisting of all soft foods. Initially, the braces feel like they stick out. This is normal. As you become accustomed to your braces and tooth alignment improves, this sensation will cease to be a concern. Although t...

Halloween is right around the corner! The time of sweet treats and endless candies are here. While you may have your pumpkin carved out and Halloween costumes planned out, there is one big reminder you shouldn’t forget when it comes to Halloween and your teeth. If you are in the middle of orthodontic treatment at Hook Orthodontics and wear braces, there are certain types of candies and foods you should definitely avoid. Trade them for a braces-friendly treat such as pure chocolate, a soft cookie or even ice cream. Here are three types of treats to avoid if you have braces. 1. Nut Containing Candies Nut containing treats are very popular on Halloween (and other holidays). Avoid these types of treats because they can damage your braces, causing wires to bend or break. If you have a broken or loose appliance, please call us at (808) 261-4696 to determine if your breakage is urgent and requires immediate repair. If a piece comes loose, save it and bring it with you to the office a...

1)  Pretty simple. I don’t believe or like what I’m hearing. Heck, you may not like what I’m telling you. I was the fifth opinion once. The first four suggested a $4000 procedure, I recommended extracting a primary tooth only. It worked. 2) The fees are too high. Higher does not mean better. 3) Be careful of a hard sell. 4) Most eight year old's do not need treatment. 5) If you do Phase I treatment, your child probably won’t need orthodontic treatment, Phase II) later, or it may be less difficult later. Lie! 6) If you don’t do Phase I treatment, extractions may be necessary later, when the permanent teeth erupt. Lie! Thanks. 7) Do not start orthodontic treatment if you are moving off the island in the very near future. Good luck Dr. Hook

I know, my mom said you should not use the word “hate.” But I really hate social media. Here are the reasons why: 1) You can’t believe everything on the internet. Yelp, Google and Facebook reviews are full of lies. I long for days of old where word of mouth referrals were the gold standard. Paying fees to SEO and consultants are supposed to help place your company on the first few pages of an online search. You can see this when doctors have hundreds on online reviews. It is very common to pay for reviews. I have a tough time getting a few and when a fabulous review is submitted I have noticed that some have been deleted. 2) “Dig a Pony” by The Beatles Well if you write me a great review on my waiting room computer, your son or daughter could win a pony. Attorney's call that “quid pro quo.” 3) Years ago, it was against the ethical bylaws of many local dental societies to even place an ad in the phone book. Look how far we have come. I do have a website with an SEO compan...

Summer is officially here in Oahu! That means summer vacation, kids are at home and some free time for your family. Summer is the perfect time to schedule orthodontic appointments or to begin treatment. Summer can also be a hard time to keep up with oral hygiene routines. According to a nationwide survey by Delta Dental, nearly 30% of parents say summer vacation is the most difficult time to get their children to keep up good oral health. Here are three tips to help keep your smile and teeth healthy all summer long. Replace Your Toothbrush - Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3-4 months, so summer is the perfect opportunity to get a new one. A new toothbrush will help you ensure your teeth are being brushed and cleaned properly. Stock Healthy Snacks - With kids at home and some free time, sugary treats are bound to end up in our diet. Stay ahead of the curve and stock some healthy snacks such as fruits and vegetables already cut up and within reach. Additionally, avoid sugar...