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 ...

At Hook Orthodontics, we believe in running a practice, not a business. We will provide all the information and recommendations necessary to parents, for making the best decisions they feel is best for their child or themselves. So you just received braces, woohoo, congrats! But a wire just became loose or is poking out? What do you do? First, let’s not panic, If it is an orthodontic emergency, definitely give us a call to set up an appointment as soon as possible. We will accommodate you and schedule an appointment for your comfort. Even if it is something you can take care of yourself, still call the office to schedule a time to repair the problem. Allowing the problem to remain for a long period of time may lengthen your treatment time. Loose Bracket or Band?  However there are a few things you can work with at home, that can help you ease your discomfort, while your in between your next visit with us. The wires and bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, pl...

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...