One of the greatest things about being an orthodontist is the chance to impact a persons life. Its that moment when somebody looks in the mirror for the first time after getting their braces off. They have this feeling, you can see them turn red, their eyes do something different. That smile is genuine. They cant believe what they see. It gives me chills. That moment is something I will never, ever, ever take for granted. I absolutely love it.

I live in Elmhurst with my amazing wife Katherine and our four kids Morgan, Macy, Max, and Marina. Being raised in the Midwest, this is my home, and having a business here means the world to me. As a parent, I want to instill in my kids that what you do has a direct impact in your community. What you do matters. How you treat people matters.

So whenever we find an opportunity to give back and be part of those organizations, we jump on it. We want to support all the people that support us whether its patients, parent teacher organizations, or local events.

Im a board-certified orthodontic specialist and Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. What that means is that Im qualified to treat even the most difficult orthodontic cases to the highest standard. Thats why Im proud to be an active member in these orthodontic organizations:

One recognition that holds a lot of meaning for me is being chosen among a select group of orthodontists nationwide to participate in the Damon System Mentor Program. As a mentor, I get to educate and train orthodontists on passive self-ligation mechanics and the technological advances leading our specialty. Its an incredible honor to support others in my field.

The University of Illinois at Chicago has been a huge part of my life. This is where I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, graduating with the highest distinction. Its where I earned first my Bachelor of Science in Dentistry and then my Doctorate of Dental Surgery finally graduating as the class Valedictorian in 1999. Its where I spent 3 years in my orthodontic residency and where I earned a Masters Degree in Oral Biology in 2002.

In 2003, I joined the orthodontic faculty as a clinical instructor at the University of Illinois at Chicago Dental School. Since then, Ive continued my involvement at the University by lecturing to dental students and residents throughout the year. Im now proud to be recognized internationally as an educator that presents to thousands of orthodontists on subject such as; Treatment processes, Esthetics, Leadership and Creating a culture of Excellence.

Dr. Agarwal received her Bachelors degree in Neuroscience from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She then continued her education by obtaining her Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree with honors from the prestigious Ivy-League school The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. During her time in Philly, she discovered her passion for orthodontics and decided to pursue her specialty training at the University of Illinois in Chicago, where she received her Certificate in Orthodontics and Masters in Oral Sciences.

I absolutely love what I do. I feel like orthodontics is a perfect mix of science and art. Its social, its scientific, its artistic and its fun. I dont feel like Im coming to work every day. I honestly feel like Im going to just do what I love. Dr. Manika Agarwal

Dr. Agarwal got married last summer to her husband Sumit. They live in downtown Chicago but are both originally from New Jersey. During their free time, they love cooking, travelling, skiing, spending time with family, and trying out the amazing restaurant scene Chicago has to offer.

Dr. Agarwal is excited to continue to meet and bring beautiful smiles to all the wonderful families in the community. She loves forming unique relationships with each of my patients and giving them a reason to smile.

Dr. Agarwal is a board-certified orthodontic specialists and Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. She regularly participates in continuing education courses to stay current with all the advancements in orthodontics. Dr. Agarwal also maintains active memberships in professional orthodontic societies in order to provide the highest level of care and to stay up to date with the latest advances in technology.

Dr. Agarwal received her Bachelors degree in Neuroscience from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She then continued her education by obtaining her Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree with honors from the prestigious Ivy-League school, the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. During her time in Philly, she discovered her passion for orthodontics and decided to pursue her specialty training at the University of Illinois in Chicago, where she received her Certificate in Orthodontics and Masters in Oral Sciences.

We believe in creating a personal experience that is not only warm and inviting but also fun and exciting. Everything we do must satisfy the primary question: Will this enhance our patients experience? We accomplish this by educating our team to be the best qualified care providers around and also employ state-of-the art technology.

Its about the way a patient feels when they walk through our doors for the first time, how they feel when they leave with that beautiful smile that theyve always wanted, and every interaction in between. It all matters, and not just to the doctors.

Each and every person on our team understands that they have the ability to enhance or detract from that feeling. Thats why together, we make the conscious choice to treat every patient with kindness, compassion, and honesty.

Tell us about your family. I met my husband at the Southside St. Patricks Day Parade in my last year of college. We didnt exchange phone numbers at the time, because I was headed to Italy for school and he was headed back to the military. But the next day, I ended up in the hospital with food poisoning, and he heard about it through the grapevine. He contacted me in the hospital, we exchanged phone numbers, and the rest is history! Weve now been married eight years and have a wonderful, sassy, 6-year-old daughter. We enjoy spending Sunday Funday at my grandmothers with our extended family and friends.

If you could go anywhere on vacation for free, where would it be, and why? I would take my daughter and grandmother to France. Ive had the privilege of traveling there on occasion with my grandmother and hearing her stories of growing up during World War II. I would love for my daughter to see how my grandmothers experiences have molded her passion for life and love for others. That would truly be a gift.

What do you love about your job, and why? I love that our team develops their own leadership positions based on their skills and the needs of the practice. I love that they promote growth as a professional and as a person. I love that we guide employees as they transition through new journeys in life. I love Dr. Bicknells optimistic approach when tackling hurdles, and I couldnt be more proud to call each team member an extension of my family.

Do you have any strange fears or phobias? Im afraid of getting things stuck in my ears specifically flying insects. Even mid-conversation, I will cover my ears if I see anything flying around me! But dont worry if I do it, Im still paying attention to you!

What do you love about your job, and why? There is so much to love! I love that I come and go every day feeling as if I am truly making a difference. I love that I work for someone who empowers me, educates me, shares his knowledge with me, and invests in me. I love that they allow me to pour my passion and knowledge of inventory and purchasing into this field and that they have allowed me to grow my career past being a clinical specialist. I came into the field not realizing that my extensive retail background would translate into orthodontics. I can credit our workplace for much of my personal growth. I love that our culture is about kindness, honesty, and happiness. That is the type of environment and the type of people I want to be surrounded by daily.

Who or what inspires you, and why? I am truly inspired by nature and creation. I am faith-driven, which brings meaning and purpose into my life. Im very connected to the outdoors, whether tending my garden and cooking the things I grow, or being outside for any reason, from boating, snowboarding, or hiking to just watching the sunrise or sunset. I feel the most in-tune with myself, and I feel fulfilled and at peace.

If you could go anywhere on vacation for free, where would it be, and why? I would go to the Arctic Bath Hotel and Spa in Sweden. I need to see the Northern Lights before I leave this Earth. That is my biggest bucket list item. I probably would also tackle some snowboarding while there.

What TV show are you most likely to binge-watch, and why? Friends! I love each character in the show, and they all have something different to add, which makes it entertaining and funny and keeps me watching.

Who or what inspires you, and why? My inspiration is my mother. She has nine children and hasnt lost it. As an adult, I now understand a lot of the decisions she had to make, and it inspires me not only to be the best mom but also to be the best human I can be.

Who or what inspires you, and why? Im inspired by people who dont give up despite their circumstances, people who always push for more despite the weight already on their shoulders, people who make my life brighter every day just by smiling, such as my parents, my boyfriend, friends and even strangers.

Who or what inspires you, and why? My mom has always been my inspiration. She has always been so selfless, loving and strong. Im blessed to have a mother with all those attributes. Hopefully, it has rubbed off on me.

What do you love about your job, and why? I am fortunate to work in a profession with amazing patients who are excited about the services we offer. We also have an amazingly kind and talented team, with whom I love working. I get to work with my best friend and husband every day.

What TV shows are you most likely to binge-watch, and why? King of the Hill. I grew up catching the beginning of a few episodes right before bed. I always knew it was time for bed because that boring show was on. Now that Im a little older, its the right amount of dry humor. I enjoy getting to know all of the characters and their quirky personalities.

What do you love about your job, and why? I love working here because everyone shares the same vision and is dedicated to exceeding our patients expectations. This truly cultivates a family environment in which everyone is there for one another and where knowledge is limitless.

What do you love about your job, and why? I love making retainers. It is an art form for me. There is something so rewarding about knowing that I can use my hands to create something that will be so beneficial for someone else.

What was your favorite TV show growing up, and why? The Powerpuff Girls! I loved how their dad was a scientist and created them with a special chemical that gave them superpowers and allowed them to fight criminals and save the world.

What sports do you love to watch? I love to watch tennis and baseball. I started playing tennis in high school and fell in love with the sport. I grew up watching The Cubs so I have always been a fan of baseball.

If you could choose anywhere to go on vacation, for free, where would it be? I would love to go to Paris because I took French in high school and learned about their cuisines. So what better way to reconnect with what I learned by ordering food in French.

To be certified by the American Association of Orthodontists, each of our team members has achieved a minimum of 2,250 hours of experience, graduated from an accredited program and also had to score highly on a rigorous test.

At Advanced Orthodontic Specialists, we require every member of our clinical team to be a Certified Specialized Assistant. Not because its required by the state its not. Simply because we strive to be the best! And were proud to say that you wont find another orthodontic office around with such a highly-trained team.

When people come through the door, they immediately have a sense of warmth and inclusion. Youre part of the family here, and we want you to feel comfortable. Thats why weve always gone to great lengths to ensure we have an extremely clean and safe environment, for both our patients and our team.

Whether you visit our office in Elmhurst or Forest Park, youll see that we invest in the best proven technologies, and not just when it comes to your treatment. Every detail, from our advanced air filtration system to the pens we use, was chosen with you in mind.

Its a privilege to live and work in this community! Were here to serve the families in and around Elmhurst with braces, Invisalign, and high-quality orthodontic care and also to give back to the people and organizations that support us.