In the years since I became an orthodontist, Ive been able to meet many wonderful people, and see many children grow to adulthood. Ive seen many great triumphs over those years and knowing I contributed to so many lives is really an incredible feeling. When people find out Im an orthodontist in a social function, they will often ask me for an opinion on their teeth or their childrens but apologize for bothering me. I can honestly tell them it is never a bother; I really enjoy what I do.
I knew from an early age that I wanted to spend my life working with people and helping them directly. My father was an orthodontist, and while I was free to choose my own path in life, I was drawn into the fulfilling world of orthodontics by seeing the joy it brought my father.
I started working as a part-time general dentist in 1999, after graduation from dental school at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in Chicago. I graduated with my orthodontic training in 2002 and was awarded a post-doctoral Masters degree in oral biology as well as an orthodontic certificate. That same year I passed the North East Regional Board exam in orthodontics.
Ive never stopped advancing my education in orthodontics and consider myself to be a lifelong learner. I regularly attend continuing education courses in order to stay on the cutting-edge of current technology to benefit my patients, both in providing a more comfortable experience as well as amazing results.
It would be impossible to deliver quality orthodontics to as many people that need or desire it on my own. To do it well requires a special kind of team who has both the ability to work with adults and children, deliver quality care, and works well with each other, sometimes under pressure. I am blessed to have such a fantastic team that allows me to focus all my energy on the most important aspect of our officethe patients!
My wife and I have been together for more than 26 years. We have two (mostly) wonderful children. When not at work, Im a technology enthusiast, and Im working at bringing 3D printing and VR into the orthodontic field. When not being a nerd, I try my best to work out and stay healthy; it has been years since I missed a day at the office due to illness and Im hoping to keep it that way as long as possible!
At Thomas Orthodontics, we are a team of enthusiastic and compassionate people who collaborate with dental care providers, our patients, and our patients families. Together, we achieve optimal oral health and lasting, beautifully confident and happy smiles!
I moved to Yorkville in 2015, from North Carolina, with my husband, a decorated prior service Marine, and our two boys, Connor and Camden. We have two dogs, Heidi, and Rizzo, who is Connors diabetic alert dog. We love the area and how it has a small town feel yet isnt a small town! Connor is involved in baseball and Camden plays soccer, which keeps us busy. Our family likes going to the movies and being outside when its warm.
I enjoy building trust with our patients and seeing how each person changes as they see their smile change. Everyone finishes with great self-esteem and a wonderful smile! I take X-rays, photographs, and impressions, prepare models, and assist Dr. Thomas with procedures. My focus is on making sure our patient is comfortable in the chair.
I like watching treatment progress and seeing how each person changes as their teeth move. When they start smiling without needing to be coaxed, Im thrilled! I make retainers which help patients keep their finished smiles perfect, coordinate with the lab, and provide patient care.
Dr. Robert L. Thomas and our team deliver expert orthodontic solutions in a fun, friendly, and down-to-earth environment. Like the old country doctor, our vision is to always be accessible, approachable, and available to those we serve!
Thomas Orthodontics has served Oswego and surrounding communities since 2008, growing through referrals from current and former patients. Their incredible smiles, and obvious happiness with their orthodontic experience, are the strongest testament to the care we provide!
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has received two to three years of additional training and experience. Your orthodontist is able to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structure, and improve the function of your smile.
If you want to improve the look and feel of your smile, then any age can be a great age to see the orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of seven; however, orthodontic treatment is not exclusive to children and teens, with about one in every five orthodontic patients being over the age of 21. Whether you're considering treatment for yourself or for a child, any time is a good time to visit the orthodontist.
The amount of time spent in braces will vary depending on the individual patient, because every smile responds differently to treatment. Treatment times can take anywhere between six and 30 months, but most standard treatments take about 22 months.
With braces, you should brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught between the braces. You should also floss daily to get in between your braces where your brush isn't able to reach. Your orthodontist can show you how to properly brush and floss once your braces are placed.
Yes! In fact, it's even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up that can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.
Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities. If you play a contact sport, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your braces or appliance.
Reviews
Rating 4.6 out of 5 based on 17 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestRuslan Suerkulov
a year ago
This place is sucks
Jennifer Williams
2 years ago
On my 3rd child here. Staff is great. Scheduling is so easy. Would recommend
Stacey S
3 years ago
Love this office!
Morgan Johnson
3 years ago
I was able to get in some day, quick and reliable service. I would recommend this orthodontist!
Swizzle Tjay
3 years ago
I can't say enough good things about this place, they are very friendly and amazing they know how to fix teeth
Stacey S
4 years ago
Love this office!
Morgan Johnson
4 years ago
I was able to get in some day, quick and reliable service. I would recommend this orthodontist!
Swizzle Tjay
4 years ago
I can't say enough good things about this place, they are very friendly and amazing they know how to fix teeth
Suzi Loeffelholz
5 years ago
We have been patients of Thomas Ortho from his start in Oswego (my son was patient either 6 or 7). Both my kiddos needed double treatments. We recently moved to North Carolina while my son was in the middle of his braces treatment. This was a huge worry to us because you never know what doctors in the new area are going to be like. We went today to have the braces removed. There were several comments made on the quality of work that had been done to my son's mouth. From the perfect alignment to the fact that the brackets were exceptionally fitted to his teeth. So much so that they warned him that it would probably hurt to take off. It is so nice to hear from another medical professional that the choice I made was not only a good one but perfect. Thank you to Doc Thomas and his staff for taking such good care of my kids and the health of their teeth.
Suzi Loeffelholz
5 years ago
We have been patients of Thomas Ortho from his start in Oswego (my son was patient either 6 or 7). Both my kiddos needed double treatments. We recently moved to North Carolina while my son was in the middle of his braces treatment. This was a huge worry to us because you never know what doctors in the new area are going to be like. We went today to have the braces removed. There were several comments made on the quality of work that had been done to my son's mouth. From the perfect alignment to the fact that the brackets were exceptionally fitted to his teeth. So much so that they warned him that it would probably hurt to take off. It is so nice to hear from another medical professional that the choice I made was not only a good one but perfect. Thank you to Doc Thomas and his staff for taking such good care of my kids and the health of their teeth.
Elizabeth Kanneh
7 years ago
I was very scared going in for my braces, because I have been watching youtube video about braces, but my experience at Thomas Orthodontics was very comfortable. The staff was amazing very friendly and sweet, I need that. I recommend Dr. Thomas 100% for a great smile.
Elizabeth Kanneh
8 years ago
I was very scared going in for my braces, because I have been watching youtube video about braces, but my experience at Thomas Orthodontics was very comfortable. The staff was amazing very friendly and sweet, I need that. I recommend Dr. Thomas 100% for a great smile.
Spring Whipple
8 years ago
We went to Thomas Orthodontics for a second opinion ( they did not know that) for my daughter. The other orthodontist wanted to start "right away" with getting 4 teeth pulled then started going through "phase 1, phase 2, phase 3..." and so on which included oral surgery to pull a tooth up that was under the gum line. We went to Dr. Thomas and they re did the xrays and told us they wanted to the least evasive and least painful way of taking care of the situation. They explained what and why they wanted to do what they wanted to do and encouraged questions. Scheduling is pretty easy. The office is clean. The staff is friendly and professional. My daughter has had braces for about 3 years now, but other than a few teeth being pulled, there was no need for the surgery the other ortho wanted to do and her teeth and her bite look amazing!
Spring Whipple
9 years ago
We went to Thomas Orthodontics for a second opinion ( they did not know that) for my daughter. The other orthodontist wanted to start "right away" with getting 4 teeth pulled then started going through "phase 1, phase 2, phase 3..." and so on which included oral surgery to pull a tooth up that was under the gum line. We went to Dr. Thomas and they re did the xrays and told us they wanted to the least evasive and least painful way of taking care of the situation. They explained what and why they wanted to do what they wanted to do and encouraged questions. Scheduling is pretty easy. The office is clean. The staff is friendly and professional. My daughter has had braces for about 3 years now, but other than a few teeth being pulled, there was no need for the surgery the other ortho wanted to do and her teeth and her bite look amazing!
Gabriel Ortiz
10 years ago
Great Service + Friendly Staff. I have been working with so many other Orthodontics offices trying to get my little brother braces for the past 2 years and I have always gotten the run around for basic information. On our first appointment here they looked at everything. They did the X-Rays and told us the whole procedure beginning to end along with pricing. Other places would make like 3-4 appointments just to get what this place does in one. Wait time was great, environment and cleanliness was also spectacular. If you're looking around for an Orthodontic don't waste your time looking just go here! I definitely recommend this place!
Gabriel Ortiz
11 years ago
Great Service + Friendly Staff. I have been working with so many other Orthodontics offices trying to get my little brother braces for the past 2 years and I have always gotten the run around for basic information. On our first appointment here they looked at everything. They did the X-Rays and told us the whole procedure beginning to end along with pricing. Other places would make like 3-4 appointments just to get what this place does in one. Wait time was great, environment and cleanliness was also spectacular. If you're looking around for an Orthodontic don't waste your time looking just go here! I definitely recommend this place!
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