The best part about being an orthodontist is interacting with our patients and getting to know each of them personally. It is great building relationships with patients and their families, while seeing each patient mature and blossom. I started working in this practice when I was 15 years old as a laboratory assistant making retainers. I progressed to being a chairside assistant, and after ten years of training, I am a board-certified orthodontist and partner in our practice.
Working in tandem with my father, Dr. Alvaro Figueroa, is fantastic and it brings an added sense of family to our office. Every person presents his or her own challenges and goals, and I enjoy making each treatment unique and highly personalized. It is extremely rewarding to see the excitement and improved confidence a great smile brings to our patients.
I received my Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in Cleveland, OH. In addition, I obtained an orthodontics specialtycertificate and a certificate in temporomandibularjoint dysfunction (TMJD) at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, in Rochester, NY.
I grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago and currently reside in Chicago. I enjoy spending time with my wife Jessica, family, friends, and my dog Cody. I love to explore all Chicago has to offer, including any and all sporting events, and finding new and unique restaurants. I enjoy cooking with Jessica, as we try to recreate some of the most memorable dishes we have shared. I also try to stay active biking along the lakefront, golfing, and skiing.
I love being an orthodontist. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people, and the friendships that Ive built with my patients and their families are one in a million. It has always been my focus to make each patient feel at home when they come to me for treatment and I work hard to give my patients the attention they deserve.
By regularly participating in continuing education, I am able to stay current on the latest technology and orthodontic treatments. My patients deserve the best, and continuing education allows me to provide them with more options and better results. I am a member of several professional associations that provide me with opportunities for continuing education.
I am truly blessed to live and work in such a wonderful community. I enjoy getting to know my patients and their families, and it is always such an honor to know that I have made a difference in so many of my patients' lives. I couldn't ask for a better job or for better people sharing their smiles with me. I look forward to working with you.
For most people, achieving a healthy, beautiful smile is the reason for receiving orthodontic care. If you're self-conscious about your smile, correcting your concerns with braces will greatly improve the way you look and feel.
When your treatment is complete, you will have the smile you've always dreamed of and the confidence to show it off! We also want you to feel comfortable and confident throughout your entire orthodontic experience, and our practice is dedicated to making sure that you receive the quality care you deserve.
The smile is the centerpiece of our face, and the beauty of orthodontics is that Dr. Figueroa and our staff are able to transform the alignment of our patients teeth, in addition to creating gorgeous smiles. Doing so allows us to do far more than improve functionalitywe are able to dramatically improve patients appearance and self-esteem. There is nothing more rewarding that removing those braces, or that last Invisalign aligner, at the end of treatment and seeing our patients smiles light up at the sight of a completely transformed smile!
Our mission is not simply about treating bite problems or moving teeth with different kinds of appliancesits about treating people. We want to make your decision to do something good for yourself an easy one. We want you to feel comfortable and to know that braces or Invisalign can help you to look, feel, and live a better life. Therefore, our first step is to get to know you to find out more about you and about your specific concerns and expectations. Once we know exactly what you want and need, we can create a personalized treatment plan to allow you to achieve your goals.
Orthodontic appliances are made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to the proper position.
Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can now choose clear or metal brackets and, in some cases, the color of your appliance. Wires are far less noticeable, and the latest materials are designed to move teeth faster with more comfort. Today, any age is a great age to wear braces!
Treatment time varies and can last between one and three years, depending on several factors including age, treatment method, and how minor or severe your case is. A big factor in a successful treatment is you! The more involved and diligent you are, the more efficient your treatment will be. For children, receiving interceptive or early treatment can also help provide a quicker treatment time.
Our caring doctors and exceptional team are what sets Figueroa Orthodontics apart. We are a friendly family practice with a focus on excellence and detail, and our doctors and staff are eager and available to answer your questions. You will always see Dr. Figueroa during your visit, even if its just a wire change.
Figueroa Orthodontics provides state-of-the-art orthodontics, pre-surgical treatments, and advanced diagnostics. We use digital radiography and are a paperless office, utilizing cloud-based technology.
Another new technology we have incorporated into our practice is AcceleDent. Acceledent speeds orthodontic treatment dramatically; it is clinically proven to move teeth up to 50% faster. Exclusive SoftPulse Technology applied precisely calibrated micropulses to gently accelerate the movement of your teeth as they are guided by your orthodontics. Safe acceleration of the bone remodeling process complements conventional orthodontic treatment.
In addition to seeing conventional orthodontic patients, Dr. Alvaro and Dr. Alex Figueroa are an integral part of several craniofacial teams, both in Chicago and the suburbs, offering treatment to infants with cleft lip and palate, and to children, teens, and adults with all types of craniofacial anomalies. We see special needs patients as well as patients requiring surgical interventions who may present more treatment challenges.
We think you will enjoy stepping into our comfortable, friendly office where you can relax while waiting with the most current magazines, free Wi-Fi, books to read and borrow, calming music, and an upbeat and positive staff.
When you visit our Glenview office, you will meet Dr. Alex Figueroa who will conduct an initial visual exam and provide you with a preliminary diagnosis. Dr. Figueroa and our team will be happy to answer any questions, as well as address any concerns regarding any aspect of your visit: whether or not treatment is necessary, why it is necessary, what options you have regarding treatment, approximately how long your treatment will last, your financial payment plans, which foods to avoid (popcorn!), and other oral hygiene tips during treatment.