Treatments
Clear Aligners
Custom, removable trays that shift your teeth gradually — without wires, brackets, or compromising how you look along the way.
What They Are
Orthodontics that fits your life
Clear aligners are a series of custom-fabricated, nearly invisible trays worn over your teeth. Each tray is slightly different from the last — moving your teeth a small amount at a time, over a treatment period tailored to your case.
You switch to a new tray roughly every one to two weeks. The trays come out for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing — which means no food restrictions and no compromise on oral hygiene.
At Smile Suite, Dr. Kim evaluates more than just your teeth — your bite, your airway, your facial profile, and your long-term health are all part of the picture. For the right patient, clear aligners are a genuinely different orthodontic experience: comfortable, discreet, and designed around your life.
Is This Right for You?
Who does well with clear aligners
Clear aligners work well for a wide range of patients — from mild crowding and spacing to more complex bite issues. They're particularly well-suited to:
Adults in professional settings
Nearly invisible in most social and professional contexts. No one will know you're in treatment unless you tell them.
Teens who can commit to the wear schedule
Clear aligners work — but only when they're in. For motivated teens, they're an excellent option.
Patients with active lifestyles
No wires to avoid or broken brackets to worry about. If you play sports or an instrument, aligners adapt to your life.
Anyone who values comfort
No metal, no friction. The smooth plastic trays are significantly more comfortable than fixed appliances for most patients.
We'll also tell you honestly if clear aligners aren't the best fit for your case. Some bite issues are better addressed with braces — and we'd rather tell you that up front than start you on a plan that won't get you where you want to go.
What to Expect
Your treatment, step by step
Consultation & records
We take digital scans of your teeth — no impressions — along with photos and any necessary imaging. Dr. Kim evaluates your bite, your face, and your goals before recommending anything.
Treatment planning
Your custom aligner series is designed using 3D modeling software. You'll be able to see a simulation of how your teeth are expected to move before treatment begins.
Aligners fabricated
Your full series of trays is manufactured to the exact specifications of your treatment plan. In some cases, small tooth-colored attachments are bonded to specific teeth to help the trays grip and move them more precisely.
Active treatment
You wear each tray 20–22 hours per day, removing them for meals and brushing. Progress appointments are typically every 6–10 weeks — efficient and minimal.
Refinements (if needed)
Teeth don't always move exactly as planned. If refinements are needed, additional aligners are ordered — this is a normal part of treatment, not a setback.
Retention
When active treatment is complete, you'll transition to a retainer. We plan for retention from day one — because protecting your result is part of the treatment.
The Details
What you should know
Wear time
20–22 hours per day. Aligners only move teeth when they're in. Inconsistent wear is the most common reason treatment takes longer than expected.
Treatment length
Typically 12–24 months, depending on the complexity of your case. Simpler corrections can be as short as 6 months.
Appointments
Progress visits are less frequent than with braces — every 6–10 weeks for most patients. We won't schedule you in more than you need.
Cost
Clear aligner cost is comparable to traditional braces and varies by case complexity. We discuss all fees transparently before treatment begins — no surprises.
Insurance
Most orthodontic insurance benefits apply to clear aligners the same way they apply to braces. Our team will verify your coverage before treatment starts.
Brands
We offer Invisalign and other leading aligner systems. Dr. Kim selects the best fit for each patient's case at our Evanston practice — not a one-brand-fits-all approach.
Next Step
Find out if clear aligners are right for you.
A consultation with Dr. Kim will give you a clear picture of what's possible — and whether this is the right path for your case. No pressure, no obligation.