Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Orthodontist in Ann Arbor, MI
Since 1953, our practice has been dedicated to transforming smiles and enhancing oral health for generations of patients in Ann Arbor and surrounding communities. Founded by Dr. Robert Aldrich and carried forward by Dr. Daniel Balbach, Dr. Clinthorne, Dr. Kim, and now Dr. Novak, we maintain a legacy of excellence rooted in patient-centered care. Our team of board-certified orthodontists combines decades of collective experience with advanced techniques to address both aesthetic and functional concerns.We prioritize individualized treatment plans, allocating ample time during each visit to ensure comprehensive care. Our philosophy remains unchanged: treat every patient as we would our own family. Located in the Burns Park neighborhood since our inception, we take pride in serving multiple generations of local families while maintaining strong ties to the University of Michigan Department of Orthodontics.
Services
Orthodontic Treatment
Adult Treatment
Conventional Braces
Ceramic Braces
Invisalign
Mouth Guards
Dentofacial Orthopedics
Surgical Treatment
Interceptive Treatment
Conventional Treatment
Details
- Year established: 1953
Highlights and features
- We have over 70 years of combined experience in orthodontics
- Our team provides individualized care to each patient
- We treat every patient as if they were a family member
- Our doctors are board-certified orthodontists
- We serve multiple generations of families in the community
Associations and certifications
- American Board of Orthodontics
- American Association of Orthodontics
Services
Conventional Braces
Traditional stainless steel braces with customizable colored ties offer reliable tooth movement for complex orthodontic cases. Our surgical-grade materials ensure durability while allowing personalization through color choices. This time-tested treatment option remains our most effective solution for significant alignment issues and bite corrections.
Ceramic Braces
Aesthetic ceramic braces provide discreet tooth alignment for patients seeking less visible orthodontic treatment. These tooth-colored brackets blend naturally with enamel while maintaining the effectiveness of traditional braces. Ideal for teens and adults prioritizing appearance without compromising treatment outcomes.
Invisalign
Removable clear aligner therapy offers a nearly invisible alternative for straightening teeth with minimal disruption to daily life. Custom-designed trays gradually shift teeth into optimal positions while allowing unrestricted eating and oral hygiene. Suitable for patients with mild to moderate alignment concerns.
Dentofacial Orthopedics
Early intervention using functional appliances guides proper jaw growth in children to prevent future orthodontic complications. This specialized treatment addresses skeletal imbalances before they become severe, often reducing the need for surgical correction in later years through timely orthopedic intervention.
Surgical Treatment
Combined orthodontic and surgical procedures correct significant jaw discrepancies in adult patients for optimal functional and aesthetic results. Our coordinated approach with oral surgeons ensures comprehensive treatment planning to achieve stable, long-lasting improvements in bite alignment and facial symmetry.
People
Heawon Ludia Kim
Orthodontist
Board-certified orthodontist with over 25 years of clinical experience and 16 years teaching at the University of Michigan. Specializes in comprehensive orthodontic treatment for all ages, maintaining active memberships in leading dental organizations.
Heidi M. Novak
Orthodontist
Navy veteran and board-certified orthodontist trained at the University of Michigan and Seton Hill University. Brings military precision and advanced technical skills to patient care, with experience serving diverse populations in domestic and international settings.
Questions
What age groups do you treat?
We provide orthodontic care for patients of all ages, from children requiring interceptive treatment to adults seeking smile enhancement.
Do you offer Invisalign treatment?
Yes, we provide Invisalign clear aligner therapy for patients with appropriate treatment needs, following a comprehensive evaluation by our orthodontists.
What are your office hours?
Our clinic operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with appointments scheduled to accommodate school and work schedules.
Are emergency appointments available?
We provide guidance for urgent orthodontic concerns and schedule same-day appointments when necessary to address treatment-related emergencies.
How long have you served the Ann Arbor community?
Our practice has continuously operated in the Burns Park neighborhood since 1953, spanning three generations of orthodontic specialists.
What makes your practice unique?
Our legacy of family-centered care, combined with board-certified expertise and University of Michigan affiliations, creates a distinctive patient experience rooted in academic excellence and community commitment.
