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. 

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...

October is here and that means fall, pumpkins, Halloween, costumes and endless amount of free sugar given out. As Halloween approaches, it is important to remember the affects of candy on your teeth and those who recently received orthodontic treatment, such as braces, invisalign and other treatment. Halloween seems like it can be a dreaded time for orthodontist, but in reality it is a perfect time to teach anyone how to prevent cavities, make healthy choices and be responsible for keeping our teeth clean and healthy. There are so many things we can do to ensure Halloween is fun for everyone, event after it has passed. Stick to Your Routine:  It is important to stick to your oral hygiene routine no matter what. If you do not have a morning and nightly routine, I would recommend to create and implement one. This will help your child create a good oral health routine, such as brushing twice a day, flossing and making healthy choices. Whether it is one piece of sweets or ...

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 ...

Can I Prevent Enamel Damage? Are you concerned about damage to your tooth enamel? Well put your worries aside because there are several things you can do to prevent enamel damage such as decaying or discoloring. Preventing enamel decay can be as easy as  cutting out or limiting high-acidic foods  from your regular diet.  High-acidic foods include items such as blueberries, sugar, honey, vinegar, soy sauce, cranberries , and more.  Another thing you can do is  remove high sugar drinks  from your diet in addition to acidic foods is also a good idea. Fortunately, there are several measures you can take to prevent your enamel from discoloring or decaying.  The easiest way to avoid decay is to steer clear of high-acidity foods. This may not always be possible, but eliminating sugary fruit juices and soda from your diet is a good start.  Brushing your teeth after each meal and flossing frequently also preserves your...

Dr. Hook and all the Hook Orthodontics team want to remind you that orthodontic health is much more than straight teeth. When Dr. Hook creates beautiful smiles for our patients, he places all the elements of the face into their perfect alignment for a healthy as well as beautiful smile. Orthodontic treatment at Hook Orthodontics also provides many additional health benefits . Here are just a few you might not realize: Prevent TMJ: TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorders occur from stress on the jaw joint. Often, people who suffer from TMJ have an incorrect bite pattern or a misalignment of their bite. Orthodontic treatment can align the teeth and bite to remove the stress on the joints that causes TMJ Disorder. Aid Digestive Health: Perfectly aligned teeth help you chew your food more effectively, which helps your digestive health. Avoid Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Crowded and misaligned teeth make it difficult to clean your teeth and gums, which can lead t...

Hook Orthodontics Our dedication to providing extraordinary personal service with compassion and consideration to the unique needs of each of our patients is our top priority. We feel open communication is extremely important in creating a positive environment for our patients and insuring a successful treatment outcome. Here at Hook Orthodontics , we consider dental health to be an integral part of overall good health. We believe that good dental health can instill a sense of well-being, provide a lifelong smile, and promote good overall health. To that note, let’s talk about the truth about our teeth. Our bone and gum tissues are supported by our teeth. If this support is lost or is poorly aligned, then our bone and gums can begin to erode. If the teeth are properly aligned the bone and gums are less likely to erode. Your teeth play an important role in digestion. Before your food ever enters your stomach, it has to be chewed by your teeth. This process is called mastica...

Photo provided by oralb.com After getting braces, new patients may develop bad breath from not cleaning their teeth properly. Simply doing a quick job brushing your teeth is not enough to keep your teeth in great shape, especially when you wear braces. Bacteria feeds on food particles leftover after you eat, and this sneaky bacterium creates an unpleasant odor. We certainly understand bad breath can be uncomfortable to talk about, but it happens to most of us. The important thing to do if you’re experiencing bad breath (or know someone who is) is to determine the root of the problem. The most common factor for bad breath our patients is almost typically caused by poor oral hygiene .  It's important to brush immediately after every meal or snack or at least rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash if you aren’t able to brush. Bad breath-causing odors and bacteria can also cling to  removable orthodontics  (like a retainer or   clear aligners ), so be sur...

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...

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 me...