Photo provided by oralb.com Even though you are careful, you may occasionally damage your appliances . We want our patients to be informed of problems that may occur, and understand how to solve them, at least temporarily, until it is possible to return to our office .   You can temporarily fix the loose wire by using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully and gently push the wire back into place. If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, put wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain. If a band or bracket comes loose from the tooth, call our office for an appointment .  While a tight band or bracket actually protects a tooth from decay, a loose band or bracket is extremely dangerous and decay can occur under it very rapidly. If the band or bracket is still attached to a wire, leave it in place and apply wax if there is discomfort. If the band or bracket comes completely out, place it in an envelope

With cold and flu season starting, germs seem to be lurking everywhere! While it’s difficult to avoid catching the office cold or flu bug, you can help keep your number one oral hygiene accessory in great shape by replacing your toothbrush regularly. Toothbrushes help keep your teeth and mouth clean, but how long should you a keep a toothbrush? It is recommended that you switch out that old toothbrush for a fresh new one every 3 to 4 months, and directly after any cold or flu. Replacing your toothbrush is essential since they are constantly being exposed to germs and bacteria. If you notice the bristles of your toothbrush have become worn, that is a clear sign that you need a new toothbrush. People who wear braces will likely need to replace their toothbrushes frequently, as braces break down and fracture bristles which makes the toothbrush lose its effectiveness. It's helpful to keep a pack of toothbrushes available in the house at all times for easy replacement. You may be

With Fall in full swing and with it the hectic holidays just a step further down the road, we thought we’d put together a list of a few fall-themed smoothies that can serve as a great (and easy!) breakfast or after school snack. Pumpkin Banana Smoothie If you’re a pumpkin fan, this smoothie is for you! While pumpkin is a trendy item, especially this time of year, what you might not know is pumpkin has both fiber and protein which makes for a healthy and filling smoothie. 2 tablespoons canned pure pumpkin 5 tablespoons milk 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt 1 banana, frozen ½ teaspoon honey ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon pinch of nutmeg ¼ cup ice Helpful tip: If you’re finding that you have several over ripened bananas that you aren’t able to eat in time, toss them in a freezer bag! Frozen bananas are the perfect addition to smoothies and help make preparation even easier for those hectic weekday mornings.  Cranberry, Pear, & Orange Smoothie That’s quite a mouthful,

Hook Orthodontics Whether you’re considering Invisalign treatment for yourself or someone you love, knowing more about the entire process can help you be more confident in your decision to choose Invisalign.  During your initial consultation, you and Dr. Hook will discuss your concerns in detail to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign. We will take x-rays, pictures, and impressions of your teeth, which will be used to create a digital 3-D image. From these images, Dr. Hook will map out a precise treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth and tell you the approximate length of treatment.  While every case is unique to each patient, treatment typically takes approximately 12 to 18 months. Based on your individual treatment plan, a series of custom-made, clear aligners are then created specifically for you. These aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable, BPA-free plastic that won't irritate your cheeks and gums like traditional metal b