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.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 53 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestBridget Sweeney Marino
2 years ago
Wonderful! Didn't prematurely recommend braces. Dr. Peterson made a thorough and honest assessment and will base his recommendations on what is best for the patient.
Amie Doctolero Ramirez
2 years ago
Staff were very friendly. Dr. Peterson was very kind and professional, and explained things patiently. This is our second time visiting the dental clinic , we haven't started my daughter's tx yet, but my daughter is at ease and comfortable dealing with Dr. Peterson, so she's looking forward to the start of her tx.
Rose Mancini
2 years ago
Dr. Peterson and his staff make the appointments comfortable and relaxed. They explain what they are doing. My braces came off this week. I am delighted with the results! My teeth are now perfectly straight and feel more comfortable in my mouth. I should have gotten braces years ago. I am very happy with the results!!!
Kathryn Kelly
2 years ago
Everyone in the office was so kind. Dr Peterson had wonderful chair side manner and was extremely thorough and patient with my child. Looking forward to working with everyone there and highly recommend!
Randy Dill
2 years ago
Very friendly staff, punctual & easy to schedule. Great atmosphere for families especially.
Adam Allchin
4 years ago
Super nice staff and two office locations makes scheduling easy and convenient.
Christopher Galicia
4 years ago
This review is in regards to a consultation for braces for my daughter: we checked in waited for 10 minutes and we went into the dental room. They looked at my daughter's teeth and told me the dentist was going to be in shortly. Dr Peterson was great. He explained everything my daughter needed and explained the process of getting braces. He told me that another person was going to come in to talk to me about cost and payment plans. This is where this location earned it's one star. The lady(Mary I believe)came me she was trying to get me the best deal possible. Which was great for me. She came back with 2 price points. One was slightly higher than the other one. I told her if I could get a copy of the estimate to review and discuss with my spouse and I had another consultation somewhere else the next day. This where her attitude changed completely. She became very agitated. She said she couldn't give me a copy because she was understaffed and asked me where my other appointment was. I told her and she immediately began to put the other place down and began to tell me the benefits of their location. She also asked me how I decided where I would go for my primary dental work and I said that the location I go to had great reviews. She then said they probably paid for reviews by giving people Starbucks gift cards. I told her well I like their service so I don't know if it's true or not. I asked for the copy all she needed to do was make a photo copy and she said no because she had so much work. So I said okay when can I get it...she said by the end of the week. She sent it a week and half later. I will not be going back to this location even if they gave me a Starbucks gift card.
Sharon Peterson
4 years ago
Dr Bob Peterson is a knowledgeable and skilled orthodontist and very easy to talk to-both for patients and the parents! Very friendly staff, and it's easy to make appointments at either office. All of my children have the straightest teeth and beautiful smiles from Peterson Orthodontics!
Augusto B
4 years ago
My daughter's teeth look great. She now smiles with confidence. I highly recommend this doctor.
Rose Mancini
4 years ago
Dr. Peterson provided the braces for my 2 children. He was always very professional yet put the kids at ease. He thoroughly and clearly explained the process and expectations. The kids never minded going for their periodic visits. Dr. Peterson was always cheerful and positive. The staff were also friendly, informative and helpful. Both children ended up with beautiful teeth and great smiles.
MaryMargaret Ridge
4 years ago
Dr. Peterson helped create beautiful smiles for my three daughters! My daughters would share with me how nicely Dr. Peterson and his staff would treat them at their appointments, and there was always almost no wait time at the time of their appointment. From a parent perspective, Mary Jo and Gretchen were always very helpful with explaining procedures and appointments. The office is very clean and has good street parking with additional parking in the back of the office. I highly recommend Peterson Orthodontics for all of your orthodontia needs!
Jeff Flyke
4 years ago
Great practice and even better people.
pooja sharma
5 years ago
I came to Peterson Orthodontics after several years. They did a great job on my braces, retainer and teeth in general. They are all very kind and I felt right at home when I returned after so many years! I would highly recommend!
Amy Fisher
5 years ago
Peterson Orthodontics did a wonderful job on my daughters teeth!! She had to come in a bit younger at age 10, due to teeth not coming down/in and one coming in backwards. Her teeth are now beautiful and she is very happy with how they look. At the time we started coming, I had a 5 month old so waiting for an appointment at length was not an option. After doing my research, and now from experience I can attest that their appointments are on-time and the staff is very helpful. They know who you are when you call and scheduling is a breeze. I couldn't be happier with the experience or think it could have been better given where we started with my daughters teeth. Thank you so much!!
claire s
5 years ago
I would not hesitate to recommend Peterson Orthodontics. Recently, my permanent wire retainer came loose- (after staying in place for 18 years). Thankfully, Dr. Peterson was able to see me within two days of calling to remedy my situation. He was very patient with me and explained the next steps to be taken. Everyone in the office is very friendly and they always work hard to make sure that you are comfortable and that your needs are being met. Some days are busier than others, as is the case with any Dr.'s office, but Dr. Peterson and his entire staff are attentive and through no matter what. They've been there for many years and they woudn't be if they did not provide exemplary service.
Laura Martino
5 years ago
Overall, my experience at Peterson Orthodontics has been extremely positive. From the time I started my orthodontic treatment, I noticed that Dr. Peterson always looked out for my best interest. He takes pride in his work and was often available on short notice when I had a question or needed an additional appointment. Recently, I noticed there was a crack in my clear, post-braces retainer (after nearly 4 years of daily use). I was quickly brought in for an appointment and given a new retainer less than a week later! Before leaving, I was told that if I had any questions I just had to give them a call and they would help me set up an appointment. The entire staff is lovely and I would highly recommend Peterson Orthodontics. I couldn't be happier with my smile and their service!
Nickolas Georgiopoulos
5 years ago
I've practiced General Dentistry in Lincoln Park for almost 30 years but when it was time for my daughter to be screened for orthodontic care, I realized we needed someplace closer to home. We consulted at three offices and felt most comfortable with the treatment plans presented by Dr. Peterson. The plans were all comprehensive but varied from conservative treatment to more modern and cutting edge ortho alternatives, or combinations of both. Once treatment began is where the true value of this practice became evident. The front office and assistants are integral to the office and are all very pleasant and more than competent at their tasks. Dr. Peterson was also very impressive in dealing with the pivoting that occurs during treatment in any long-term dental procedure as well as ensuring the results are maintained through the retainers and guards. As we near the end of our care we are all extremely pleased with the results and this office, happy we know where our younger daughter will go for her ortho, and I am reassured that I can continue to confidently refer my northern based patients to Dr. Peterson. Thank you all again for your care.
Chloe Wells
6 years ago
As a kid you don't have much say in who you see when it comes to your health. Dental health is no different. I was in middle school when my horribly crooked teeth began to give me social anxiety. My mom took me to see Dr. Peterson and right away he started to fix my teeth and help lift my anxiety. As an adult you take for granted having straight teeth, it's almost like you can't remember a time without them. When my retainer broke a few months back I did not think anything of it. Until my bottom teeth started to move again. I had no idea they could do that! When my dentist said I needed to see an orthodontist again to have them fixed and make a new retainer I knew exactly who I was going to. I knew i wanted someone I trusted. Someone who was the best of the best and who was going to treat me right from the start. As soon as I called up and stated my name I received the most heartwarming "Hello, how have you been? How can we help you?" In that moment I knew I made the right choice. Dr. Peterson and his team were a perfect fit!
Tina Smith
8 years ago
The doctor really takes the time with the kids and doesn't let the assistants do everything. The staff is warm and friendly and they are always in time! I was very pleased.
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