Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Orthodontist in Adelaide
The Smiling Orthodontist is a specialist orthodontic practice dedicated to delivering exceptional orthodontic care across southern Adelaide and the Riverland. Founded by Dr Berna Kim, an Australian Orthodontic Board-certified specialist, our team combines extensive clinical expertise with a commitment to patient-centred care. With over a decade of combined experience in orthodontics, our clinicians provide tailored treatment plans for children, teenagers, and adults. We utilise advanced technologies and evidence-based practices to address a wide range of orthodontic needs, from traditional metal braces to discreet Invisalign solutions.Our team actively contributes to dental education, teaching at the University of Adelaide and consulting at the Adelaide Dental Hospital. We prioritise transparency, offering clear guidance on treatment options, insurance coverage, and emergency care. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures collaboration with general dentists and specialists to achieve optimal long-term outcomes. With multiple locations and a focus on community engagement, we aim to make high-quality orthodontic care accessible and comfortable for all patients.
Services
Metal Braces
Invisalign
Ceramic Braces
Accelerated Treatment
Adult Orthodontics
Early Treatment
Emergency Care
Highlights and features
- Australian Orthodontic Board-certified specialists with teaching and hospital experience
- Personalised treatment plans for children, teens, and adults
- Multiple convenient locations across southern Adelaide and Riverland
- Emergency orthodontic care and patient support resources
- Award-winning team with postgraduate clinical recognition
Associations and certifications
- Australasian Orthodontic Board
Services
Metal Braces
Metal braces offer reliable orthodontic correction using medical-grade stainless steel brackets. These braces provide predictable results for complex alignment issues while allowing easy removal at treatment completion. Patients can personalise their treatment with coloured elastic rings, making this option popular among teenagers seeking both functionality and style.
Invisalign
Invisalign provides a discreet alternative to traditional braces using custom-made clear aligners. This treatment utilises 3D imaging technology to create sequential aligners that gradually straighten teeth. Ideal for patients seeking aesthetic solutions, the removable aligners allow normal oral hygiene routines while delivering effective orthodontic results over 6-24 months.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces combine functionality with aesthetics, featuring tooth-coloured brackets that blend naturally with teeth. These braces offer similar effectiveness to metal braces while maintaining visual discretion. Particularly suited for adults and older teenagers, this option balances treatment efficiency with cosmetic considerations through advanced ceramic materials.
Accelerated Treatment
Accelerated treatment delivers focused orthodontic correction for specific dental concerns, typically completing in 6-9 months. This option suits adults with minor alignment issues or those preparing for special events. The treatment maintains clinical standards while streamlining processes to achieve rapid yet lasting results for targeted tooth movement.
Early Treatment
Early orthodontic intervention addresses developing dental issues in children around age seven. This preventive approach manages crossbites, oral habits, and jaw development to reduce future treatment complexity. By addressing problems during growth phases, early treatment can prevent more invasive procedures later while promoting proper dental alignment.
People
Dr Berna Kim
Orthodontist
Dr Berna Kim is an Australasian Orthodontic Board-certified specialist with postgraduate clinical awards. She teaches at the University of Adelaide and consults at Adelaide Dental Hospital while maintaining private practice.
Lucy
Orthodontic Assistant
Lucy brings over 10 years' experience in dental healthcare, specialising in patient support throughout orthodontic treatment. She provides practical guidance based on personal experience with braces.
Jess
Dental Assistant
Jess completed her dental assisting traineeship through TAFE SA and offers firsthand insights into modern orthodontic treatment having undergone recent orthodontic care herself.
Nikki
Orthodontic Nurse
Nikki transitioned to orthodontic nursing after personal treatment experience. She provides localised care in Loxton, combining clinical expertise with understanding of patient needs.
Questions
What orthodontic options are available for adults?
We offer Invisalign clear aligners, ceramic braces, and accelerated treatment options specifically tailored for adult patients seeking discreet solutions.
How do I handle orthodontic emergencies?
Contact us during business hours for urgent issues. For after-hours emergencies involving trauma, visit your nearest hospital emergency department.
Are payment plans available for orthodontic treatment?
We discuss flexible payment options during consultations. Private health insurance may cover orthodontic treatments depending on your policy.
What is the recommended age for children's orthodontic assessments?
We recommend initial orthodontic evaluations around age seven when most adult front teeth have erupted.
Can I get treatment for just my front teeth?
Accelerated treatment options may focus on specific areas like front teeth, typically completing in 6-9 months for suitable candidates.
How do I maintain oral hygiene with braces?
We provide specific cleaning instructions and recommend regular dental check-ups to maintain optimal oral health during orthodontic treatment.
Reviews (4)
Austin
Aug 10, 2021
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Thank you Dr Berna Kim and her team for an amazing pleasant experience! I had my braces done with Dr Berna Kim in straightening my teeth. She did an amazing job and I am really happy with it. I highly recommend anyone requiring orthodontic treatment to see Dr Berna Kim!
Samantha Cullen
Sep 16, 2020
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Dr. Hearn was my Orthodontist here, I highly recommend his services, I had full extractions of my teeth due to medical. Very calm doctor, which helped my anxiety greatly.
Aussie Opal Diggers
Jan 28, 2020
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Berna is fantastic, the improvement in my sons teeth in the 6 months hes had his braces on is AmAzInG
Anastazia Jae
Jan 01, 2017
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The two women that work there are so kind, very easy to talk to and they make things easy to understand. Extremely happy with how my teeth have turned out! 10/10 would recommend
