Adult Orthodontics in Glendale CA
Are you happy with your appearance except for your smile?
People with naturally straight, white smiles may not understand the embarrassment of having crooked, overcrowded, protruding, or gapped teeth. They may not realize how often people smile with closed mouths or hide their teeth behind their hands.
If you are an adult who is unhappy with the appearance of your smile, you might think it's too late to correct it. But you have the rest of your life to think about. It’s an investment in yourself to be the best version you can be, and an attractive, polished, straight smile is a solid foundation. At our Glendale, CA dental office, we offer a number of orthodontic treatments that fit into the adult lifestyle.
Amazing Progress in Adult Orthodontics
Have you heard about all the fantastic advances in adult orthodontics?
Whether you would like to correct minor crowding or address more complex orthodontic issues, we can help you find the best solution that takes your unique needs into account. We know you want a smile that creates a positive first impression and makes you feel good about the way you look.
Do you want to renew your appearance for a wedding or other special event? Or do you simply desire a more youthful, healthy-looking smile? At the dental office of Lucio H. Kim, DDS, we offer adult orthodontic treatments that easily correct alignment issues and enhance the natural beauty of your smile. Contact your Glendale, CA, dental office today to schedule an appointment to transform your entire appearance.
- Is It Too Late to Get Adult Braces?
- Adult Braces Improve Your Oral Health
- Efficient Adult Orthodontic Options
- How Long Do Adults Wear Braces?
- Orthodontic Solutions That Fit Your Needs
- Contact Your Glendale Dentist to Arrange a Consultation
Is It Too Late to Get Adult Braces?
You may be surprised to know that it’s never too late to straighten your teeth. Braces may seem to be an orthodontic solution just for teenagers, but currently, more and more adults are opting for orthodontics.
Whether you never got braces as a child or your teeth have become crooked or overcrowded over the years, adult braces can improve your appearance along with your oral health. Straight teeth are more natural to clean, keep your bite aligned, and look healthy and robust. Professionally, wanting to improve your look and life can improve your morale and confidence. No one ever regretted investing in straighter, perfectly aligned teeth—and neither will you.
Adult Braces Improve Your Oral Health
Getting your teeth straightened by your Glendale, CA, dentist Dr. Lucio H. Kim affords you many benefits—starting with your oral health. For example, if you suffer from TMJ, which is a misalignment of the temporomandibular joint, you can suffer from severe headaches and jaw pain. If you have TMJ disorder because of bite problems and misalignment, Dr. Kim can use adult orthodontics to reposition your teeth to proper alignment, which may reduce your symptoms and reduce stress and pain.
Additionally, crooked or overcrowded teeth are simply harder to brush and floss properly. Food particles and debris can easily hide in hard-to-reach spots and gradually become tooth decay. Straight, properly aligned teeth, contribute to maintaining your oral health. Having straight teeth can also reduce the risk of tooth decay, infection, gum disease, and even tooth loss. The most common reasons adult orthodontic treatment are considered are:
- Misaligned bite or malocclusion, where teeth do not fit together correctly
- Overcrowded or misspaced teeth
- Jaw pain caused by TMJ
- Desire for an attractive smile
- Incomplete orthodontic procedure as a child
- Wear and tear on teeth
Efficient Adult Orthodontic Options in Glendale CA
Dr. Kim understands that different patients have different needs—but most of them have busy schedules. At Lucio H. Kim, DDS, in Glendale, CA you can choose from different adult orthodontic options that align with your smile needs and schedule.
Inman Aligners in 91207
Inman Aligners are an affordable orthodontic innovation that provides a discreet option for straightening the teeth that are visible when you smile. The aligners are placed on the inside and outside of your teeth. The inner section pushes teeth forward, and the outer section pushes teeth inward. This gentle opposing force moves your teeth quickly into the proper position.
Inman Aligners are popular because they can achieve the desired aesthetic results quickly (in some cases, as little as six weeks!). Treatment is efficient because the goal of Inman Aligners is not to correct a misaligned dental bite, which can take years with traditional braces. Another benefit that our patients really appreciate is that the aligners can be removed easily for brushing, flossing, and eating.
Powerprox Six Month Braces
Another popular adult orthodontic treatment that focuses on correcting the alignment of teeth that show when you smile is Powerprox Six Month Braces. Traditional braces are useful for correcting alignment issues that include problems with the dental bite. However, most adults who want to straighten their teeth don’t need to have their bite adjusted. Since Powerprox Six Month Braces at our Glendale, CA dental office are not used to alter your dental bite; but with them, we can straighten your teeth quickly and comfortably in as little as six months.
Another advantage of Powerprox Six Month Braces is that treatment is discreet. Clear brackets and tooth-colored wires blend in with your natural teeth, so no one will notice you’re wearing them.
How Long Do Adults Wear Braces?
Traditionally, metal braces can take anywhere from 12 months to three years to straighten your teeth. However, with clear aligners, you can speed up the process to as little as six weeks. If spending a year or more wearing an orthodontic treatment makes you hesitate, consider Powerprox Six Month Braces or Inman Aligners. If you are in Glendale, CA, contact our dental team to learn more about your adult orthodontic options.
Orthodontic Solutions That Fit Your Needs
At our Glendale, CA dental office, we offer adult orthodontic treatment options that provide an efficient solution and fit your busy lifestyle. You have a lot to consider when deciding on your personalized dental treatment. We’re here to make it easy for you to evaluate your options and find the one that addresses all your needs. Before we make any decisions, Dr. Kim will talk to you about your expectations and discuss various treatments so that we can be sure to help you achieve the outcome you’re looking for.
We hope that you take the time to ask Dr. Kim any questions you may have, as well as read up on your different adult orthodontic options. Our dental team is here to help you make an informed decision.
Contact Your Glendale Dentist to Arrange a Consultation
At Lucio H. Kim DDS, we believe that most effective treatment is the one that supports your unique oral health needs and moves you a step closer to a healthier smile. We have a variety of dental procedures that you can choose from to make the most of your smile and bring out the beauty of your pearly whites. Please contact our Glendale, CA dental office to arrange a complimentary consultation with Dr. Kim.
We look forward to helping you achieve your dental goals!
Frequently Asked Questions
If your dentist suggests a complicated and costly procedure like a dental implant with complex pretreatments or braces, you may be considering a second opinion dentist in Glendale, CA. You are not alone!
A second opinion dentist will agree with the original diagnosis or may present alternatives that better suit your goals and budget.
Reasons to Visit a Second Opinion Dentist in Glendale, CA
#1 Being Your Own Advocate
Seeking a second opinion is natural, so don't feel bad about advocating for yourself. You're not the first patient to seek a second opinion by far, and you'll not be the last.
#2 Differences in Dental Training
All dentists and dental practices are different. Even the treatment options offered and the technologies utilized will be different as well as the education level of the dentist. One dentist may be limited in what they can offer, but another dentist has the skill and technologies to give you more options. This is the case at our dental practice. A second opinion dentist here means seeking the opinion of a top dentist in the field.
#3 A Second Opinion Dentist for Your Peace of Mind
Sometimes you're given a diagnosis or treatment plan, and something about it nags at you. You wonder if there is an easier way to restore your oral health. In this case, a second opinion dentist is crucial. You never want to wonder if you made the right choice for your smile.
#4 Considerations for Your Budget and Time
Perhaps a suggested treatment is expensive, or it means a lengthy recovery. Often another dentist can recommend a similar, less expensive, and less invasive treatment to restore your oral health. Less invasive dentistry typically means a shorter recovery time.
For your convenience, our dental office is happy to work with third-party financing like CareCredit.
#5 You're Feeling Unsure About Your Dentist
Maybe you're not feeling good with your current dentist and team. Perhaps, they push you to undergo expensive dental treatments regularly, or something is always wrong. If you're unsure about your dentist, we strongly encourage a second opinion dentist in Glendale, CA.
#6 You Feel Something Is Wrong Following Treatment
Maybe you've had dental work done and still have pain. Perhaps a restoration or prosthetic is uncomfortable, and your current dentist dismisses your concerns and does not solve the problem. This is an excellent reason to seek a second opinion.
#7 Your Current Dentist Says You Are Not Suitable for a Certain Treatment
This goes back to skill and technology. Remember, all dentists and practices are different. For example, one dentist may say you are not a good candidate for dental implants. Another dentist may provide treatments to bring you into candidacy.
Contact a Top Second Opinion Dentist Near Me
Your oral health is crucial to your well-being, and your smile was meant to last a lifetime. When something is this important, it only makes sense to be sure and seek another opinion when you are not.
Dr. Lucio Kim wants the best for you and does not mind offering a second opinion, especially for advanced procedures that may be unnecessary, costly, or mean a long recovery for you. Second opinions also help verify that you made the right choice if a procedure has already been performed.
For a second opinion dentist near me, give us a call at (818) 242-3739 to arrange a consultation with Dr. Kim.
This is one of the most common questions we hear from orthodontic patients! If you’re a busy adult who’s thinking about orthodontic treatment, of course you want to know just how much and for how long it’s going to impact your life!
Book a Consultation to Know Your Exact Case
Unfortunately, until we meet with you, it’s hard to say with any accuracy how long your treatment will take. Keep in mind that every adult in who has orthodontic treatment starts with unique needs. It is only during the planning stage that Dr. Lucio Kim will be able to tell you generally how long he predicts your treatment will last.
But both our adult orthodontic systems are designed to move your teeth as quickly as possible. For some people, treatment with Inman Aligners can take as little as six weeks and PowerProx Six Month aligners reliably take about six months.
Orthodontic Consultations in Glendale
The only way to know how long your treatment might last is by arranging an appointment with Dr. Kim. He will evaluate your needs and recommend the approach that will achieve the best outcome in the shortest amount of time.
If you would like to learn more about how Glendale orthodontics can transform your life, please call our office to arrange a consultation.
Believe it or not, teeth have memory. This means that after orthodontic treatment, if you don't regularly wear a retainer, your teeth will gradually shift back into their previous position.
If you have an old retainer that you haven't worn in a while, it may no longer fit properly due to drifting. If it's an old retainer that you've been regularly wearing, your dentist can help you decide if it's still serving the purpose and keeping your teeth protected and aligned properly.
Glendale dentist, Dr. Lucio Kim, may also recommend a nightguard if you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching) at night. This is an appliance that fits over your teeth, much like a retainer, to protect them from the clenching and grinding that sometimes takes place while you sleep.
Bruxism can prematurely wear your teeth down, and it can also result in painful jaw joint problems. A nightguard protects your teeth while helping you to sleep comfortably at night.
The best way to determine if you have a viable retainer, or if you need a nightguard is to schedule an examination with Dr. Kim. He can recommend the best appliance to protect your teeth and help you meet your smile goals. Contact our Glendale dental office at (818) 242-3739 for more information.
If your teeth are not straight, it is not just an aesthetics issue. In addition to giving you confidence and making it easier to laugh and speak freely with others, straight teeth also promote better oral health.
When your teeth are not straight, your bite is not aligned, which typically means wear on specific teeth. Wear leads to cavities and sometimes fractures as well. Straight teeth that do not overlap are also easier to brush and floss adequately.
Our dentist in Glendale, CA uses Inman Aligners, which are an affordable orthodontic option similar to Invisalign. Inman Aligners offer a discreet way to straighten your teeth.
Inman aligners are placed on the inside and outside of your teeth. The opposing force gently nudges your teeth into their naturally straight positions over the course of treatment. Also, unlike Invisalign, Inman is known for its shorter treatment time—sometimes as short as six weeks! You can remove your aligners when eating and during your oral hygiene routine.
Following clear orthodontics in Glendale, your dentist creates a retainer to help keep your teeth straight.
Learn More About Orthodontic Options in Glendale
If you’re looking for a straighter smile, schedule your consultation for clear orthodontics today.
Too often, adults think that braces and orthodontics are only for kids and teens—not the case! We treat adults who have longed for straight teeth, but who thought they missed their opportunity. The reality is, you are never too old to straighten your teeth and love your smile.
Our Glendale, CA dental office offers a variety of orthodontic options for adults.
Our orthodontic options include Inman aligners and Six Month Smiles. Inman relies on clear plastic aligners to straighten your smile, sometimes in as little as six weeks. Six Month Smile is also a faster alternative compared with traditional braces. Our orthodontic options concentrate on your smile line—meaning the teeth that are visible when you speak, smile, or laugh.
Our adult patients have been thrilled with their adult orthodontics at Lucio H. Kim, DDS, and we think you’ll be pleased too.
The first step is a consultation and smile chat with your Glendale dentist. Together, you and your dentist can come up with an adult treatment plan that helps you achieve your dream smile.
Contact Our Dental Team for Adult Orthodontics in Glendale
It’s never too late to love your smile. Get in touch with a team member today to schedule your consultation.
Meet Our Doctor:
Lucio H. Kim DDS
Dr. Kim obtained his Bachelors of Science degree at UC San Diego in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Dr. Kim attended dental school at the University of Southern California.
After obtaining his DDS at USC, Dr. Kim went on to complete a residency at the highly competitive UCLA Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) postgraduate program, where he focused on reconstructive, restorative, and implant dentistry.
He has also received advanced training for dental implants at the Misch International Implant Institute and at the Global ...
Featured Blog Posts - Adult Orthodontics
A Guide to Adult Orthodontics: It’s Never Too Late for a Straight Smile
If you’re considering adult orthodontics but think it’s too late to straighten your teeth, we want to assure you that it’s not! With today’s orthodontic options, more and more adults are undergoing treatment and achieving the smiles they’ve always wanted.
Your Glendale dentist can evaluate your teeth and help you ...
How Do Adult Orthodontics Work?
Updated in October of 2025
As an adult with misaligned or gapped teeth, you might assume orthodontics are just for kids and teens. But that’s no longer the case. Thanks to modern technology, adult orthodontics can discreetly and comfortably straighten your teeth—often in less time than you’d expect.
If crooked, crowded, or ...
3 Questions You Should Ask at Your Orthodontics Consultation
If you have spent most of your life wishing for a straighter smile, adult orthodontics can be a game-changer. Treatment is fast - in many cases faster than metal braces - so you can achieve your goals in less time and with less inconvenience than you thought possible.