Meena Balakrishnan, DMD, MS

Over 5,000 smiles have been transformed at Downers Grove Orthodontics since 2007 by Dr. Meena Balakrishnan. Congenially referred to as Dr. B. by her patients, she has created a patient-centric orthodontic practice that is affordable. She is passionate about orthodontic care being within reach of everyone.
“Our practice exists in a category of one,” says Dr. B. “I take pride in our dedicated staff and myself to provide all of our patients with the latest orthodontic technology while creating a comfortable and relaxed environment.”

Currently a resident of Hinsdale and proud mother of two boys and wife to Dr. Balu Natarajan, Dr. B. graduated as valedictorian from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and completed her orthodontic residency and her Masters in Oral Science at the University of Illinois Chicago.

“My husband went to high school at Downers Grove North, and we love being part of this community. It is important to me to deliver high quality, accessible care to the people that mean so much to us.”

Dr. Balakrishnan is a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, a national dental honor society, the American Association of Orthodontists, and the Midwest Society of Orthodontists. She has held faculty positions in several countries and has spoken at national and international conferences.

She currently gives back by teaching dental students and orthodontic residents at the University of Illinois-Chicago, College of Dentistry.

And the list goes on. In fact, she is a published author as well. Her book “Grin and Wear It: The In-Depth Guide to Your Child’s Orthodontic Care” offers a mandatory checklist of things to consider before starting orthodontic treatment. But despite her busy professional schedule, Dr. B. also finds time outside the office to pursue her passions. She is a certified meditation and yoga instructor as well as a teacher for the Art of Living Foundation, the largest volunteer non-profit organization in the world. She is also an avid skier.

How does she balance it all? “A truly great smile reflects the balance of mind, body, and spirit. That is a big reason why I teach meditation and yoga. I do everything I can to practice what I preach.”

Visit downersgroveorthodontics.com for more information. ■