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 4.6 out of 5 based on 10 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMaryMargaret Ridge
3 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. I highly recommend Peterson Orthodontics for all of your orthodontia needs!
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. I highly recommend Peterson Orthodontics for all of your orthodontia needs!
Merrill Essex
4 years ago
This place used to be run by Joseph T Hicken, one of the kindest and most talented health care professionals I've ever known. He worked on my teeth and on both my daughter and son from the time they were tiny kids until they went to college. When Dr. Hicken retired, Peterson bought him out and it doesn't remotely resemble the previous practice. The first time I went for a repair to my permanent retainer they informed me that the fee was $150 for a repair that was previously $35."This is what we charge all our patients", the receptionist said , as I objected to the huge difference in fees. I refused to pay 5x the price I had been paying and Peterson said he would offer me a discounted price as a transition, $75! He tried to sell me on taking out the permanent retainers that have been holding my teeth in place for nearly 20 years with periodic minor repairs and replacing them with some undoubtedly expensive removable retainers. The second time I needed a repair it was the same deal. Same sales job too, same repair priced at double. A very strange atmosphere prevails here. The staff are stilted, officious and unfriendly, in contrast to the light hearted and upbeat atmosphere when Dr. Hicken ran the practice. One assistant who remained after the practice changed hands told me under her breath how horrible the work environment had become. But today I decided I would never come back. I had an appointment for a small retainer repair. I mentioned while I was seated in the waiting area that I needed special support for my head due to a medical condition. The assistant ushered me back saying they would try to help me out. I took a seat. The examination chairs were very uncomfortable with no head support. I asked for a pillow but none was supplied. The dr came in, put his mirror in my mouth to try to see the problem, then announced he couldn't work on me in my condition and I should come back when I'm better. He promptly left through the back door. On the way out the receptionist informed me there was a $75 charge for today. She says, "we charge for any office visit." I said he did nothing and I wasn't going to pay for nothing and furthermore I wasn't coming back. What an opportunist! They had an opportunity to make me into a satisfied customer transitioning from the prior practice but clearly only saw me as a source of revenue. It's clear to me that this guy only cares about making a buck and has no customer relationship skills. Avoid this practice at all cost!!
Kirsten Stumpf
4 years ago
My husband and I have both used Peterson Orthodontics as adults, and were very impressed with them. Their office is courteous and professional. Dr. Peterson and the staff explained all the options of installing braces, care during the treatment, and the followup after removal very well. They have up-to-date procedures, are comparable in price to others we estimated, and are good at filing any insurance coverage and payments for us. We now have our 13-year old son receiving treatment from them and are very happy with their services. He does not mind the visits. He has had them on for almost 2 years, and should be getting them off soon!
Stephanie Peterson
4 years ago
I was very pleased with my treatment at Peterson Orthodontics. I previously had orthodontic treatment during my teenage years at a different practice in California. I failed to wear my retainer regularly and as a result my bottom teeth became very crooked. I was so embarrassed by my smile that I decided to get work done with Dr. Peterson. He fixed my smile in less than a year and installed a permanent retainer. Dr. Peterson was very knowledgeable, professional and honest. I highly recommend him to anyone considering orthodontic treatment.
pooja sharma
4 years ago
Dr. Peterson and his staff are very friendly and great to work with. I hight recommend their practice for your Orthodontist needs!
Tina "Tina A" Arpino
4 years ago
I'm a dentist and whenever a patient needs an orthodontist in Park Ridge or near Wilmette he is definitely my go-to. He does such a great job clinically and is such a nice man. He is so fair with his fees and always goes the extra mile for his patients. I HIGHLY recommend!!!
Jean Martino
4 years ago
All of our children have been patients of Dr. Peterson, who is professional and courteous. The office staff is friendly and helpful in maneuvering insurance, appointment changes, and unexpected issues with wires, brackets or retainers. The care has been great, even alerting us to other oral conditions that we needed to monitor or treat, whether with our own doctor, or a recommendation to an oral surgeon, etc. Dr. Peterson welcomes patients to contact him with any issues that occur, even after the course of treatment is completed. Totally recommend!
Mindy Heidekat
4 years ago
Dr. Peterson combines engineering and artistry. As an adult who finally bit the bullet to have braces again, I was very happy with the results. I wasn't a candidate for Invisalign, so went with conventional "clear" braces. Did I enjoy having braces? NO! Would I do it again? YES! Dr. Peterson and his staff are personable and professional. He listened to me and worked with me to achieve a smile that I'm very happy with. My only regret: I should have done my bottom teeth too!
Merrill Essex
5 years ago
This place used to be run by Joseph T Hicken, one of the kindest and most talented health care professionals I've ever known. He worked on my teeth and on both my daughter and son from the time they were tiny kids until they went to college. When Dr. Hicken retired, Peterson bought him out and it doesn't remotely resemble the previous practice. The first time I went for a repair to my permanent retainer they informed me that the fee was $150 for a repair that was previously $35."This is what we charge all our patients", the receptionist said , as I objected to the huge difference in fees. I refused to pay 5x the price I had been paying and Peterson said he would offer me a discounted price as a transition, $75! He tried to sell me on taking out the permanent retainers that have been holding my teeth in place for nearly 20 years with periodic minor repairs and replacing them with some undoubtedly expensive removable retainers. The second time I needed a repair it was the same deal. Same sales job too, same repair priced at double. A very strange atmosphere prevails here. The staff are stilted, officious and unfriendly, in contrast to the light hearted and upbeat atmosphere when Dr. Hicken ran the practice. One assistant who remained after the practice changed hands told me under her breath how horrible the work environment had become. But today I decided I would never come back. I had an appointment for a small retainer repair. I mentioned while I was seated in the waiting area that I needed special support for my head due to a medical condition. The assistant ushered me back saying they would try to help me out. I took a seat. The examination chairs were very uncomfortable with no head support. I asked for a pillow but none was supplied. The dr came in, put his mirror in my mouth to try to see the problem, then announced he couldn't work on me in my condition and I should come back when I'm better. He promptly left through the back door. On the way out the receptionist informed me there was a $75 charge for today. She says, "we charge for any office visit." I said he did nothing and I wasn't going to pay for nothing and furthermore I wasn't coming back. What an opportunist! They had an opportunity to make me into a satisfied customer transitioning from the prior practice but clearly only saw me as a source of revenue. It's clear to me that this guy only cares about making a buck and has no customer relationship skills. Avoid this practice at all cost!!
Kirsten Stumpf
5 years ago
My husband and I have both used Peterson Orthodontics as adults, and were very impressed with them. Their office is courteous and professional. Dr. Peterson and the staff explained all the options of installing braces, care during the treatment, and the followup after removal very well. They have up-to-date procedures, are comparable in price to others we estimated, and are good at filing any insurance coverage and payments for us. We now have our 13-year old son receiving treatment from them and are very happy with their services. He does not mind the visits. He has had them on for almost 2 years, and should be getting them off soon!
pooja sharma
5 years ago
Dr. Peterson and his staff are very friendly and great to work with. I hight recommend their practice for your Orthodontist needs!
Jean Martino
5 years ago
All of our children have been patients of Dr. Peterson, who is professional and courteous. The office staff is friendly and helpful in maneuvering insurance, appointment changes, and unexpected issues with wires, brackets or retainers. The care has been great, even alerting us to other oral conditions that we needed to monitor or treat, whether with our own doctor, or a recommendation to an oral surgeon, etc. Dr. Peterson welcomes patients to contact him with any issues that occur, even after the course of treatment is completed. Totally recommend!
Stephanie Peterson
5 years ago
I was very pleased with my treatment at Peterson Orthodontics. I previously had orthodontic treatment during my teenage years at a different practice in California. I failed to wear my retainer regularly and as a result my bottom teeth became very crooked. I was so embarrassed by my smile that I decided to get work done with Dr. Peterson. He fixed my smile in less than a year and installed a permanent retainer. Dr. Peterson was very knowledgeable, professional and honest. I highly recommend him to anyone considering orthodontic treatment.
Mindy Heidekat
5 years ago
Dr. Peterson combines engineering and artistry. As an adult who finally bit the bullet to have braces again, I was very happy with the results. I wasn't a candidate for Invisalign, so went with conventional "clear" braces. Did I enjoy having braces? NO! Would I do it again? YES! Dr. Peterson and his staff are personable and professional. He listened to me and worked with me to achieve a smile that I'm very happy with. My only regret: I should have done my bottom teeth too!
Tina Arpino
5 years ago
I'm a dentist and whenever a patient needs an orthodontist in Park Ridge or near Wilmette he is definitely my go-to. He does such a great job clinically and is such a nice man. He is so fair with his fees and always goes the extra mile for his patients. I HIGHLY recommend!!!
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