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Showing posts from 2019

3 Sweets to Avoid this Christmas in Honolulu if You have Braces

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

Hook Orthodontics: First Day in Braces in Honolulu

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

Hook Orthodontics: Avoid these Halloween Treats

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 at ou

Hook Orthodontics: It's Time for a Second Opinion

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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

Hook Orthodontics: I Hate Social Media

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

Hook Orthodontics: 3 Summer Health Tips for Your Smile

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

National Oral Health Month at Hook Orthodontics

June is Oral Health Month. A good oral hygiene routine is the foundation of a healthy smile, especially for young children. For parents, leading by example should establish healthy habits like brushing, cleaning between your teeth and seeing your dentist. This ultimately leads to the big difference in the health and happiness of your entire family and in children, fewer fears about visiting their dentist. Here are 2 tips from the American Dental Association that are a great reminder to enforce. Start a Routine and Stick to It: You may be tempted to let your child skip brushing after a long day or during times when your normal schedule is off (like a vacation), but keep at it. The more second nature brushing becomes the easier it will be to make sure your child is brushing twice a day for two minutes. Kids Need to Floss: It doesn't matter if you clean between ​your child's teeth before or after they brush as long as you clean between any teeth that touch. You can use chi

Facial Protection Month: Types of Mouth Guards:

Did you know from the ages of 7 to 11 years old, children are most vulnerable to sports related mouth injuries? The importance of protecting our smile should be stressed enough and should remind our friends and community how easy it is to protect our teeth. Wearing a mouthguard is the safest way to protect your teeth while playing sports or just enjoying sports related activities. Athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer a teeth related injury if they’re not wearing a mouth guard. Here are the three types of mouth guards you can wear, especially if you are currently in orthodontic treatment. Custom fitted mouth guards - these are made by your dentist and can be molded to fit your smile perfectly Stock mouth guards - these type of mouth guards are  performed and may be a bit bulky Boil and bite mouth guards - are mouth guards that are softened by boiling water and then insert your mouth, to form to the shape of your mouth.

All Transfers Welcomed at Hook Orthodontics

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Why are we a most respected orthodontic practice in Hawaii for over 25 years?  We have always practiced “The Golden Rule” or the principle of treating others as one’s self would wish to be treated. Our fees are thousands less.  All transfers are accepted with reasonable fees. We have been trained in all orthodontic appliances, including Damon and Invisalign.  Call for a consultation, you’ll be glad you did. Please read the two articles by Dr. Peter Greco, Editor for Ethics in Orthodontics.