Helpful Orthodontic
Tips and Treatment Information

At Cook Orthodontics of Dublin, we want you to feel confident in your smile journey. Below you will find resources to assist in answering questions that may arise.

Concerned about your braces or orthodontic appliance?

Have a question about your braces? Wonder what that “thing” is called?

Click below to see a diagram of common orthodontic parts to help describe it by name.

What To Expect When Getting Braces

  • Dr. Cook on Getting Braces

    Dr. Cook explains what to expect when having your braces placed.

  • Dr. Cook on Palate Expanders

    Dr. Cook talks about the benefits of palate expansion.

  • Dr. Cook on Creating Space

    Dr. Cook uses the analogy of “smile parking lot” to explain creating space for teeth to come in.

  • Adults get braces too!

    Dawn talks about meeting adults who are thinking about treatment for themselves.

  • Wearing Elastics

    Braces alone cannot accomplish all treatment goals, so it’s necessary to sometimes wear elastics with braces. Click below to learn more.

  • Troubleshooting Wire Pokes

    Wire position changes as teeth move, which is a good thing because it means progress! However, a poking wire can be uncomfortable or annoying. Click below for helpful advice.

  • Loose Brackets or Wires

    Breaking orthodontic brackets or displacing wires is preventable but not uncommon when wearing braces. Click below to learn more about what to do if it happens.

  • Trim wires with fingernail clippers

    Trimming a wire with fingernail clippers is an option for immediate relief until your next appointment. This video will show you how.

Treatment for Children

  • What are Palate Expanders and how do they work?

    Learn about how palate expanders use growth during childhood to create space for permanent teeth to grow in.

  • Palate Expanders for children with thumb and finger habits.

    Learn about how these appliances help break the habit!

  • What are Lower Expanders and how do they work?

    Learn about how lower quad expanders are used to create space for permanent teeth while baby teeth are still present.

  • Phase 1 Transformation Video

    Watch what early orthodontic intervention can do for young children. This patient had upper and lower expanders at age 8. This is the change just from the initial phase of treatment.

  • How does headgear correct overbites in growing children?

    Learn why headgear is used to correct overbites in growing children and why timing matters so much.. Click below to learn more.

  • How do facemasks correct underbites in growing children?

    Learn how orthodontic facemasks correct underbites in growing children and why timing matters so much. Click below to learn more.

  • Standard Braces vs Damon Braces

    Learn about how braces have improved over the years and why we prefer Damon Braces for our patients.

  • Choosing Colors For Your Braces

    Colors on braces are fun but are they functional? It depends on the type of bracket.

  • How long are retainers worn after having braces or aligners?

    How often do you need to wear your retainer to keep a great smile?

Treatment for Adults

  • Standard Braces vs Damon Braces

    Learn about how braces have improved over the years and why we prefer Damon Braces for our patients.

  • Braces vs. Aligners / Invisalign

    Choosing between Invisalign / clear aligners and braces isn’t an easy one. Here are some benefits of each option.

  • How long are retainers worn after having braces or aligners?

    How often do you need to wear your retainer to keep a great smile?

Special Appliances

  • What is a Carriere appliance and how is it used?

    Learn about how Carriere appliances correct dental bites prior to placing braces.

  • What is a Herbst appliance and how does it work?

    Learn about how Herbst appliances can correct severe overbites while children are still growing.

  • How to correct a deep bite with Turbo Bites and when we use them.

    Learn about how Turbo Bites correct deep bites to avoid premature enamel loss.

  • What are Tongue Tamers and How Do They Work?

    Learn about how Tongue Tamers work as reminders for your tongue.

  • Uncovering a tooth to help permanent teeth grow in.

    Here is an explanation as to why it is necessary to uncover a tooth that cannot grow in on its own.

Transforming Your Life Through Your Smile

Exceptional Treatment With Care and Compassion for Kids, Teens, and Adults


We know that you have options when it comes to you and your family’s orthodontic needs. That’s why we understand the importance of treating patients as individuals, which is how our practice has always been run. In a time when the dental market is seeing corporate buyouts and consolidation, we remain a locally owned, locally operated practice involved in the communities we serve.

Every patient that comes to our office has unique needs so we create an individualized, custom treatment plan to meet those needs in a caring and compassionate environment. Knowing that you will see the same doctor, Dr. Cook, and the same staff at each and every appointment offers a level of comfort and expectation that we have become known for. We strive to develop deeper relationships with our patients who then become lifelong friends and love to celebrate all of life’s milestones with you. 

Dr. Cook and his long-term team members are all highly experienced in each area of the practice, ensuring you get the highest level of orthodontic care and patient care.

"We had our first orthodontist appointment the other day not knowing what to expect and it was a great experience! My daughter was nervous going in but left happy and we start treatment next week!"

K.D. COOK ORTHO PATIENT

What To Expect At Your First Visit

Step 01

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation.

Find a time that works best for you to meet our amazing staff, view our space, and talk about your goals.

Step 02

Discuss your concerns and smile goals with Dr. Cook.

We will take complimentary x-rays and photos to determine the best treatment plan for your unique needs.

Step 03

View treatment and financial options that are best for you.

Dr. Cook and his experienced staff will review treatment options designed just for you, along with affordable financial options .

Contact Us

Start Your Smile Journey Today!

Join us for a complimentary consultation where we will discuss your goals, your smile, and the best option for you and your family. Our consultations are hassle-free and informative to give you all of the information you need to make the best choice.


Ready for Special Cases


Dr. Cook and his staff’s combined years of education, training and experience in orthodontics have prepared them to excel in cases within a wide range in level of difficulty. Prospective patients seek out our knowledge and experience when they have been told from other offices that their case is too difficult to be treated at that office. Whether it is early intervention in children with severe overbites, underbites or crowding to adults with surgical or comprehensive restorative needs, we feel confident that we can find a solution together.