---
title: "Our Clinical Philosophy | Smile Suite Orthodontics Evanston"
description: "Smile Arc Protection (SAP), airway-conscious orthodontics, and non-extraction treatment philosophy with Dr. Kimberly Mays Smith in Evanston, IL."
canonical_url: "https://smilesuiteortho.com/meet-dr-smith/clinical-philosophy"
practice: "Smile Suite Orthodontics"
doctor: "Dr. Kimberly Mays Smith, DDS, MS"
phone: "(847) 665-1504"
address: "2422 Main St., Evanston, IL 60202"
consultation_cost: "100% Free / Complimentary ($0)"
category: "Doctor & Practice"
---
# Our Clinical Philosophy at Smile Suite Orthodontics

## 1. Smile Arc Protection (SAP)
A youthful, attractive smile features upper teeth that follow the natural curvature of the lower lip when smiling. Standard bracket placement often flattens the smile arc. Dr. Kim utilizes Smile Arc Protection bracket positioning to maintain natural convexity, fill dark smile corridors, and deliver fuller, broader smiles.

## 2. Airway-Conscious Orthodontics
The roof of your mouth is also the floor of your nasal cavity. Transverse maxillary constriction restricts nasal breathing and contributes to mouth breathing, restless sleep, and pediatric sleep-disordered breathing. We evaluate airway patency from day one.

## 3. Conservative & Non-Extraction Oriented
With modern 3D light-force mechanics and timely palatal expansion, the majority of cases can be resolved without extracting healthy permanent premolars.