Treatments
Teen Orthodontics
The teenage years are the ideal window for orthodontic treatment — and at our Evanston practice, we plan around development, not just alignment.
The Right Time to Treat
Growth is a tool. We use it.
The teenage years offer something that adult treatment can't replicate: active growth. While the jaw is still developing and permanent teeth are settling into position, orthodontic treatment has more to work with. Corrections that would require significant effort — or even surgery — in adulthood can often be accomplished more simply during adolescence.
At Smile Suite, Dr. Kim approaches teen treatment with that developmental window in mind. That means evaluating the jaw, the airway, the bite, and the face — not just the alignment of the teeth. A treatment plan that considers how a teenager is still growing produces better long-term results than one that only looks at where teeth are right now.
We also understand that the teenage experience matters. How treatment fits into your teen's life — their sport, their confidence, their routine — is part of how we plan. We'll be honest about options, honest about tradeoffs, and honest about what's actually worth doing.
What We're Looking At
More than just the teeth
A thorough teen evaluation looks beyond crowding and spacing. Here's what Dr. Kim assesses before making any recommendation:
Jaw development
How the upper and lower jaws relate to each other — and to the face — is central to any long-term treatment plan. Jaw discrepancies caught during growth are often correctable without surgery.
Airway
Mouth breathing, snoring, or signs of airway restriction in teens can affect sleep, energy, focus, and facial development. Dr. Kim screens for airway concerns as part of every evaluation.
Bite function
Crossbites, deep bites, and open bites have functional consequences beyond aesthetics. Addressing them during growth produces more stable outcomes than waiting until development is complete.
Facial aesthetics
Orthodontic treatment affects not just the smile but the profile and the face overall. Dr. Kim considers facial balance and long-term aesthetics — not just how teeth line up.
Tooth eruption
The sequence and timing of permanent teeth coming in affects treatment planning significantly. Some interventions are most effective at a specific point in development — we track this over time if needed.
Whether treatment is actually warranted
Not every teen needs treatment right now. If watchful waiting is the right call, that's what we'll recommend — even if it means you leave without a treatment plan.
An honest note on clear aligners and teens
Clear aligners are an excellent option for teens who will wear them as directed. The problem is that compliance varies significantly — and aligners only work when they're in. Before recommending aligners for a teen, Dr. Kim will have a direct conversation with both the patient and the family about whether this is a realistic fit. If there's meaningful doubt, braces are the more reliable path to the result you're after. We'd rather set your teen up for success than set them up with the option that sounds better.
Schedule an Evaluation
The right time to start is when growth is on your side.
A consultation with Dr. Kim will tell you exactly where things stand — what's developing normally, what warrants attention, and what treatment would actually accomplish. No pressure, no obligation.