What is an Orthodontist?  An orthodontist is a dental specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists must first attend college, followed by a four-year graduate dental program at a university level dental school accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). They must then successfully complete an additional two to three-year residency program of advanced dental education in orthodontics accredited by the ADA. Only dentists who have successfully completed this advanced specialty education may become an orthodontist. What Causes Orthodontic Problems? Most malocclusions are inherited, but some are acquired. Inherited problems include crowding of teeth, too much space between teeth, extra teeth, congenially missing teeth and a wide range of discrepancies of the jaws, teeth and face. Acquired problems can be caused by trauma; thumb or finger sucking; airway obstruction by tonsils and adenoids; premature loss of b...

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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. Our staff and Dr. Hook, are always available to answer questions and help you understand every aspect of your orthodontic treatment. If you are unsure about anything, let us know at your next appointment or give us a call with a question, one of our staff members will give you the tools and knowledge to help you understand everything during your treatment. So, you now have braces! Congratulations, your on your way to a healthier beautiful smile. When you first get your braces, you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! Discomfort and soreness is normal especially after receiving orthodontic treatment of any kind. Your teeth may be tender to biting press...

Choosing to get orthodontic care is a big decision for anyone. It means your ready for a lifetime change that will affect your smile in a positive way. 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. 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. If a patient is still developing and is not yet ready for treatment, we will recommend the patient be placed into an observation phase where we will follow growth and development to determine the appropriate time for treatment....

How do I know if my child needs orthodontic treatment?  It is usually difficult for you to determine if treatment is necessary because there are many problems that can occur even though the front teeth look straight. Also, there are some problems that look intimidating and complex which will resolve on their own. Asking your general dentist is a good reference, but we are your best resource since orthodontics is all we do. Our complimentary initial exam is comprehensive and informative and we would be more than happy to see your child and make any necessary recommendations. What are the early signs of orthodontic problems?  Although determining if treatment is necessary is difficult for you to assess, the following signs may help in prompting you to seek orthodontic advice: crowded or overlapping teeth, gaps between the teeth, front top teeth not lining up with the bottom teeth, top front teeth not meeting with bottom teeth and top front teeth covering more than 50% ...

Summer is officially here! Summers mean BBQ’s, spending time with friends and family, family vacations and tons of fun for everyone. With all the adventurous excitement of summer, it might be easy to forget a few of our regular simple tips that keep your smile healthy. 1. Stay on Routine:  Summer screams vacation and fun times for children. It is also the time where it is easy for routines to slip and forget. Don’t forget the nightly and morning routines from simply brushing your teeth to flossing to getting check up from both your dentist and orthodontist, if it falls during the summer. 2. Resist Sugary Drinks: Say no to the sugary drinks that have a high volume of sugar. Not only is it bad for your teeth, it is also bad for your health. Instead stay hydrated with water. This summer watch your intake of lemonade, soda and sports drinks - which are summer staples.  3. Traveling: When in Doubt - Use Bottled Water : Summer means family vacations for most f...

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...

Photo provided by oralb.com Even though you are careful, you may occasionally damage your appliances . We want our patients to be informed of problems that may occur, and understand how to solve them, at least temporarily, until it is possible to return to our office .   You can temporarily fix the loose wire by using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully and gently push the wire back into place. If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, put wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain. If a band or bracket comes loose from the tooth, call our office for an appointment .  While a tight band or bracket actually protects a tooth from decay, a loose band or bracket is extremely dangerous and decay can occur under it very rapidly. If the band or bracket is still attached to a wire, leave it in place and apply wax if there is discomfort. If the band or bracket comes completely out, place it in an...

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...

With Fall in full swing and with it the hectic holidays just a step further down the road, we thought we’d put together a list of a few fall-themed smoothies that can serve as a great (and easy!) breakfast or after school snack. Pumpkin Banana Smoothie If you’re a pumpkin fan, this smoothie is for you! While pumpkin is a trendy item, especially this time of year, what you might not know is pumpkin has both fiber and protein which makes for a healthy and filling smoothie. 2 tablespoons canned pure pumpkin 5 tablespoons milk 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt 1 banana, frozen ½ teaspoon honey ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon pinch of nutmeg ¼ cup ice Helpful tip: If you’re finding that you have several over ripened bananas that you aren’t able to eat in time, toss them in a freezer bag! Frozen bananas are the perfect addition to smoothies and help make preparation even easier for those hectic weekday mornings.  Cranberry, Pear, & Orange Smoothie That’s quite a mouth...