It’s no secret that a majority of those interested in orthodontic treatment are striving for a straighter smile that will give them a better appearance. While Dr. Hook and the team at Hook Orthodontics always deliver beautifully straight smiles to all of our patients, we want to inform those who are looking into orthodontic treatment that there are greater advantages to wearing braces.   One of the biggest and most noticeable advantages of orthodontics, beyond a transformed smile, is the overall improvement in self-confidence that comes from looking one’s best. This is the most anticipated reward that the entire Hook Orthodontics team looks forward to when a patient completes their orthodontic treatment. But the benefits of braces go well beyond pure aesthetics. Braces ensure correct bite and tooth alignment which has many positive side-effects.   Easier Brushing and Flossing - Your teeth may overlap each other and create tight spaces in between when they are crooked o...

Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists cites that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance. Adults everywhere are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care, and now you can too. We promise…you are not too old for braces. The biological process involved in tooth movement is the same for both children and adults. The science of orthodontics relies on placing pressure on the teeth to change their position. Dr. Hook accomplishes this by attaching braces to the teeth to gently push them in the desired position. Although childhood is the ideal time to make changes in the positioning of the teeth, as long as you are healthy your teeth can be straightened at any age. The thought of having braces may be disc...

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.

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...

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...

You better think real hard and/or get a second opinion before you pay $4,000 and commit 1-2 years for Phase I treatment, then do it all over when all the permanent teeth come in. This Phase II will cost $5,000+. Total cost approximately $12,000.  That would commit a parent to take your child to the orthodontist for 3-5 years. That's about 50 appointments. Both parents and kids would be burned out when the REAL treatment is started. No thanks. None of my four children had Phase I.  Their treatment was very short and concise. Even worse would be to spend big money for Invisalign treatment for your eight year old. It is a very cool technology, but with limitations. So peer pressure from other parents and children are going to dictate treatment? Good luck. Your child won't even do their chores and you expect them to wear these things 24/7. Coolness wears off, especially after many years. At Hook Orthodontics, we run a practice, not a business. That means we place the patient ...

When adults think of “orthodontics,” they think of teenagers, hard metal braces in their mouth and an inconvenience in their lives. This could be further from the truth. New technology and experienced orthodontic care have revolutionized the way people can receive orthodontic treatment and achieve a beautiful smile. Age is not a factor in considering orthodontic treatment for adults. Any adult in good general health with healthy gums and good bone support for the teeth is a good candidate for orthodontic treatment. About 25% of our orthodontic patients are adults and that number is still growing! As we grow older, our teeth may begin to shift. There are various ways adults can straighten their teeth without disrupting their lives and fitting every lifestyle. Of course there are the tradition metal braces that lead to a healthier beautiful smile. Choosing to straighten your teeth is a big decision that affects not only your appearance, but your lifestyle as well and the benefits o...