Being entrusted with professional care is both a compliment and a responsibility that I do not take lightly. I constantly consider what is best for my patients, both in the short and long term. I strive to get the best results possible by recommending procedures and appliances that I feel are in the best interest of my patient, even when those procedures may require extra time and effort on my part. I enjoy the daily challenge of treating many patients with different concerns and look forward each day to both the functional and aesthetic improvements I see in my patients. Robert M. Peterson, Jr.

Originally from the southwest suburbs of Chicago and a graduate of Marist High School, Dr. Robert M. Peterson, Jr. has been practicing orthodontics in the Park Ridge community for more than 20 years. After attending Loyola University Chicago, Dr. Peterson received early acceptance into the University of Illinois College of Dentistry and started there at the age of 20.

He practiced as a general dentist for a couple of years before training to become an orthodontist, so that gave him experience with and knowledge of how crowns, periodontal problems, decay, and dental skeletal issues can affect orthodontic treatment.

Dr. Peterson decided to continue his education and specialize in orthodontics because he enjoys the reward that a beautiful smile can bring to a patient. He returned to the University of Illinois, and obtained his Master of Science in orthodontics.

Dr. Peterson worked in the Craniofacial Anomalies Clinic at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine Department of Surgery. He treated several types of facial deformities especially Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate. This experience has led Dr. Peterson to treat his orthodontic patients conservatively and using various forms of appliances that work with growth and development. His conservative approach also limits his use of extraction for many patients. He likes to think of his practice as a non-extraction office.

He is dedicated to expanding his knowledge with continuing education through his affiliations with the American Association of Orthodontists, Midwestern Society of Orthodontists, Illinois Society of Orthodontists, and the University of Illinois Alumni Association. By regularly participating in continuing education courses and staying involved with the greater orthodontic community, Dr. Peterson is able to remain current on the latest technology and orthodontic treatments.

Dr. Peterson is committed to providing quality orthodontic treatment while exceeding his patients and their parents expectations with fantastic results. Though he has a strong focus on clinical excellence, Dr. Peterson also enjoys helping both children and adults have a positive and fun orthodontic experience.

Dr. Peterson enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends. You are likely to see him supporting various athletic teams that he sponsors locally.Bike riding and skiing are seasonal activities Dr. Peterson enjoys with his family as well.

Peterson Orthodontics, Ltd. is committed to providing the highest quality of clinical care and personalized service in a warm and compassionate atmosphere. Dr. Peterson and our staff enjoy getting to know each patient and the family and love creating relationships that last multiple generations.

Its more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces, so the teeth and gums are healthy during orthodontic treatment. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning. Adults who have a history of gum disease should also see a periodontist during orthodontic treatment. Watch the two videos below on the proper care of braces during orthodontic treatment.

What can you eat? Lets talk about what you shouldnt eat! For the first day or so, stick to soft foods. Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables. Before long, youll be able to bite a cucumber again. But youll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as youre wearing braces.

When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for 3 5 days. Take Tylenol or whatever you normally take for headache or discomfort. The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the braces. We will supply wax to put on the braces in irritated areas to lessen discomfort.

To successfully complete orthodontic treatment, the patient must work together with the orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the rubber bands or other appliances as prescribed. Lack of cooperation following instructions and damaged appliances lengthen the treatment time so please follow instructions.

If you play contact sports, its important you let us know. Peterson Orthodontics, Ltd. will provide you with one complimentary orthodontic (non custom) mouthguard to our patients who are currently in active orthodontic treatment.