I feel fortunate to be part of a profession that I am passionate about. I grew up in a family of physicians and dentists and early on developed an interest in healthcare. Dentistry and specifically orthodontics attracted me as I saw how people with healthy smiles seemed to have more confidence.

After comprehensive training and working in private practice since 1984 I have developed extensive experience to care for patients with complex dental issues. This perspective has been invaluable when treating patients with the most common orthodontic problems. Having practiced for more than three decades I know the joy of treating not only whole families but children of former patients as well.

I have been a member of the Medical Advisory Board for The Smile Train since 2004 and have traveled to many countries teaching local orthodontists and surgeons treatment approaches for patients with clefts and other craniofacial conditions. I have also coordinated and participated in many surgical missions to treat underserved children with clefts in Guatemala.

After completing dental school, I obtained my Orthodontics Specialty Certificate at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Eastman Institute for Oral Health. I received my Pediatric Dentistry Specialty Certificate at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), where I also earned a Masters of Science degree in Oral Health.

I completed two fellowships: one at the Center for Craniofacial Anomalies at the UIC, and one in Craniofacial Development at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.

I attend meetings to stay current with the latest advances in our profession and to ensure my patients are getting the best care possible. Frequently I am asked to lecture nationally and internationally and have published over 100 research articles and book chapters in the cleft/craniofacial field.

I have been married to Michele for over 30 years and have two wonderful sons: Alex, an orthodontist and partner in our practice, and Aaron, an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon at the University of Iowa.

Our favorite pastime is being with our sons, family and many good friends. Michele and I also enjoy riding our tandem bike, playing golf, tennis, boating and water skiing. I am an avid runner and completed the Maryland marathon.

The best part about being an orthodontist is interacting with our patients and getting to know each one personally. I enjoy building relationships with patients and their families while seeing each patient mature and blossom.

I have worked in our orthodontic practice since I was 15 years old starting as a laboratory technician making retainers. I progressed to being a chair-side assistant, and completing my training, I am now an orthodontist and partner in the practice.

Working in tandem with my father is fantastic and brings an added sense of family to our office. Every person presents his or her own challenges and goals, and therefore 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 Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. In addition, I obtained an Orthodontics Specialty Certificate and a Certificate in Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD) at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Eastman Institute for Oral Health in Rochester, New York.

In addition to our private orthodontic practice, I am actively involved in orthodontic and craniofacial research as a part of the Craniofacial Team at Rush University Medical center. I attend meetings and continuing education programs of the organizations to which I belong to ensure that I stay on top of the latest orthodontic techniques, treatments, technology and research. I have also served on the board of the West Suburban branch of the CDS and lectured both nationally and internationally on various orthodontic and craniofacial topics.

We love to explore all Chicago has to offer including sporting events, the lake front and finding new and unique restaurants. I also try to stay active year round biking, golfing, water and snow skiing.

At Figueroa Orthodontics we are fortunate to have a well-trained, compassionate, and fun loving team that makes for a fantastic patient experience. Each individual brings their unique set of skills to our office and helps to create an inviting family feel in which everyone works well together. Drs. Figueroa

Our caring doctors and the 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. Alvaro or Dr. Alex Figueroa during your visit. In addition to achieving a fantastic smile, what we find most rewarding is getting to know you and your family.

In addition to conventional orthodontic patients, Dr. Alvaro Figueroa 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. Over the years, we have developed an excellent network of dental, medical, and surgical specialists so we can assist patients with complex needs and treatment requirements.

We think you will enjoy stepping into our comfortable, friendly offices where you can relax while waiting with a beverage, the most current magazines, free Wi-Fi, calming music, and an upbeat and positive team.