Dr. Meenakshi Balakrishnan, DMD, MS
OrthodonticsNPI: 1245445964
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About This Provider
Dr. Meenakshi Balakrishnan is a board-certified orthodontist and founder of Downers Grove Orthodontics. She graduated as valedictorian from the University of Pennsylvania Dental School and completed her orthodontic residency and Master of Science in Oral Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago. A member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honor society, Dr. Balakrishnan has transformed more than 10,000 smiles since 2007. Downers Grove Orthodontics is built on precision and efficiency, combining advanced Damon System braces, computer-generated clear aligners, laser gum therapy, and airway-focused orthodontics to address not just alignment but whole-body breathing health. Dr. Balakrishnan has published in peer-reviewed journals, and her work has been featured in People and Parents magazines. She backs every treatment with a satisfaction guarantee. Beyond clinical care, Dr. Balakrishnan is a trained meditation and yoga instructor, bringing a whole-person, patient-centered philosophy to every appointment. Patients consistently note her deep expertise in complex cases, her thorough treatment explanations, and her ability to deliver results faster than expected.
Specialties
- 1
Education & Training
- Master's in Oral Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago
- DDS, University of Pennsylvania Dental School (Valedictorian)
- Orthodontic Residency
Credential: DMD, MS
NPI registered: 05/14/2007
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Areas of Focus
Technology & Equipment
- Digital X-rays
- Digital impressions
- In-house 3D printer
- Advanced braces
Professional Memberships
- Omicron Kappa Upsilon (national dental honor society)
- American Association of Orthodontists
- Midwest Society of Orthodontists
Awards & Recognition
- Gold Medals for 1st rank in Orthodontics from Bangalore University
- Gold Medal for 1st rank in Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics from Bangalore University
- Gold Medal for 1st rank in Periodontology from Bangalore University
- Gold Medal for 1st rank in Prosthodontics from Bangalore University
- Master Carver of the Clinic and Research Day at University of Illinois at Chicago
- Merit Award for Periodontology in 2003 from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
- Keynote Speaker at 41st Indian Orthodontic Society Annual Conference (Chennai, India)
- Recognized by Excellence in Orthodontics (EIO) to represent Chicagoland
Beyond the Office
Teacher for the Art of Living Foundation (largest volunteer non-profit organization in the world)
Faculty positions held in multiple countries
Professional presentations to American Academy of Dental Research Annual Conference
Trilingual (English, Hindi, Tamil)
Hobbies include running, biking, cooking, reading, and yoga
Also a meditation and yoga instructor
Married for over 20 years to Dr. Balu Natarajan (Sports Medicine physician)
Husband won the National Spelling Bee in 1985 and is the only Chicagoan to win the title
Has two sons: Atman (competed in National Spelling Bee) and Advaith (aspiring speller)
Both she and her husband are proud Chicagoans
Author of 'Grin And Wear It: The In-Depth Guide to Your Child's Orthodontic Care'
Provider information is sourced from the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) maintained by CMS. Information may not reflect the most current data. Providers can claim their profile to update and verify their details.