Orthodontist in Kailua, Hawaii



Welcome to Hook Orthodontics in Kailua, Hawaii! At Hook Orthodontics, we run a practice, not a business. This means that we treat every patient with respect and believe in giving them the best option. We believe in giving quality orthodontic care that meets every patients individual needs. Unlike most Orthodontic practices in the state that encourages unnecessary orthodontic treatment, we take every patient and asses them individually.

Not every patient is a “one-size-fits-all” situation. Despite what other Orthodontic practices have recommended, in most situations, early treatments are not necessary. For example, almost 95% of the kids we examen at Hook Orthodontics, in Kailua, we do not do orthodontic treatment. We will instead monitor and recommend they return if need be.

Choosing to get orthodontic care is a big decision for anyone. At Hook Orthodontics, we understand and respect your reasons for wanting to improve the way you look and feel. Our practice will work with you every step of the way to make sure your orthodontic care is an amazing experience. Our office utilizes the latest technology while offering a variety of safe and gentle treatment options to give you the customized, individual care you deserve.

About Dr. Hook:

Kailua is one of the most beautiful places in the world! What excites us about serving our Kailua residents and community, is that the smiles we create, are out in our community making a difference. “My personal philosophy is running a practice not a business. My staff and I look out for each of our patients. We will not do unnecessary phase 1 (early) treatment and pride ourselves on charging reasonable low fees,” explains Dr. Hook. 

Dr. Hook received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kansas, graduating in 1975. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1979 from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. After 12 years of general dentistry practice, Dr. Hook furthered his education by attending the University of Texas at Houston, receiving his Master of Science degree and Certificate in Orthodontics in 1993. Dr. Hook has become involved in many professional Orthodontic and Dental Organizations. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Hawaii Dental Association and the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontics.

Orthodontist vs. Dentist:

So if you’re confused and wondering if you need to see a dentist or an orthodontist in Kailua, Hawaii,  or don’t know which healthcare professional treats what, here are a few similarities and comparisons. At the foundational level, both an orthodontist and a dentist are health care professional that work on teeth. Both health care professional help patients have a good oral health care and both should be dental school graduates. All Orthodontist are dentist, but only a small percentage of dentist are orthodontist. 

A dentist specializes in the overall of your oral health, such as checking for diseases, prevention of oral health diseases, checking for and treating cavities and cleaning teeth. A dentist will treat decayed teeth and is able to extract a tooth. A dentist will also provide services that improve a smile based on appearances such as crowns, veneers, or fix broken teeth. Dentists look for abnormalities in the mouth and teach patients how to prevent dental disease.

Dentist, specifically in Kailua, are fantastic and extremely knowledgeable, however there are specialists that require much more knowledge. That is where a specialist, such as an orthodontist comes in.  An orthodontist graduates from dental school and enters an accredited specific specialty program full time for two years or more in their specific area of study. 

An orthodontist in Kailua differs significantly from a dentist based on the specific treatments for an individual, area of specialty and the types of services an orthodontist offers. An orthodontist is a specialist in straightening teeth through various methods. The most common methods are Invisalign aligners or braces. An orthodontist also specializes in aligning jaws and can make health recommendations beyond that of a dentist, based on the needs of their patients.

Orthodontist ultimately specialize in the alignment of teeth and services include treating misaligned teeth, crowded teeth, overbites and underbites. Dentist encourage good oral hygiene and focus on preventative oral health care. They tooth decay, root canals, gum disease, crowns, veneers, teeth whitening and other services.  Additional issues  with the jaw will need to be treated by an orthodontist. Similarly, a periodontist is essential for treating gum disease in some instances. 

Your first visit to our office in Kailua, is a time for us to get to know you and determine what your main concerns are. We will ease your fears by giving you as much information as needed to help you feel comfortable. Each member of our team is friendly and accessible and we encourage our patients or parents to ask questions. To schedule a free complimentary exam call us at our Kailua office at (808) 261-4696. Be sure to visit us on Facebook and Instagram 



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