Treatments
Adult Orthodontics
More adults are in orthodontic treatment than ever before — and at our Evanston practice, we treat the whole person, not just the teeth.
It's Not Too Late
Adult orthodontics is different — in the best ways
Adults come to orthodontic treatment for all kinds of reasons. Some never had treatment growing up. Some did, and their teeth shifted after years without a retainer. Some are addressing bite issues that have started to affect their jaw, their sleep, or how they feel. Others simply reached a point in their lives where they're ready to invest in themselves.
Whatever brought you here, adult treatment is genuinely different from what you might remember from childhood. You're motivated, you understand the process, and you're making a deliberate decision — not just going along with what your parents scheduled. That changes everything about the experience.
At Smile Suite, Dr. Kim approaches every adult case with an understanding of what's actually at stake: your confidence, your function, your long-term dental health, and how you show up in your life. The goal isn't just straighter teeth — it's a result you'll be glad you went after.
What Brings Adults In
The reasons vary. The approach doesn't.
Every adult case starts with a full evaluation — because the right treatment depends on what's actually going on, not just what you can see in the mirror.
Relapse after previous treatment
Teeth shift throughout life, especially without consistent retainer wear. If your teeth have moved since treatment ended, you have options — from a new retainer to a short course of treatment to correct the drift.
Treatment you never had
Plenty of adults never had orthodontic treatment as kids. It's not too late. Adult bone is denser, which means treatment moves more deliberately — but the results are just as achievable.
Bite issues affecting comfort or function
Jaw discomfort, uneven wear on teeth, difficulty chewing — these can all have an orthodontic component. Addressing the underlying bite often improves symptoms meaningfully.
Airway and sleep concerns
Orthodontic treatment can play a meaningful role in addressing snoring, sleep apnea, and airway restriction. Dr. Kim evaluates airway as part of every comprehensive assessment.
Aesthetic goals
Wanting a smile you feel confident in is a completely legitimate reason to seek treatment. You don't need a clinical diagnosis to decide your smile is worth investing in.
Pre-restorative alignment
Before veneers, crowns, or implants, orthodontic treatment can position teeth optimally — often producing a better restorative outcome and reducing the amount of work needed.
What to Know
How adult treatment differs
Bone density
Adult bone is denser and more stable than adolescent bone. Teeth move more deliberately — treatment may take somewhat longer than a comparable case in a teenager. The tradeoff is that results tend to be highly stable once achieved.
Existing dental work
Crowns, bridges, implants, and missing teeth all factor into treatment planning. Dr. Kim will assess your existing dentistry and coordinate with your general dentist where needed before recommending a plan.
Gum health
Orthodontic treatment requires healthy gums. If there's existing periodontal disease, that needs to be addressed and stable before treatment begins. We'll let you know if that's a step you need to take first.
Compliance advantage
Adults are significantly more consistent with treatment than teenagers. If you choose clear aligners, you'll likely wear them exactly as directed — which means treatment tends to go as planned.
Retention for life
Teeth move throughout life. After treatment, a retainer isn't optional — it's the thing that protects the investment you just made. We plan for retention from the start and support you in maintaining it long-term.
Your schedule
We keep appointments efficient and infrequent. Most adult patients are seen every 6–10 weeks. We respect your time — and we won't schedule you in more than your treatment actually requires.
Next Step
See what's actually possible for your case.
A consultation with Dr. Kim will give you a clear picture of your options, realistic timelines, and honest costs. No pressure, no obligation — just information you can make a real decision from.