Welcome to Chicago North Shore Moms weekly Meet a Mom series where we feature one local mama, what they’re up to both personally and professionally.
This week’s Meet a Mom feature is the lovely and bright Highland Park mama of 3 girls, Dr. Jessica Cohen of Dr. Jessica Cohen Orthodontics! Dr. Jessica tells us how her career began at the age of seven (don’t believe us, read on)! And just 11 years ago she went from seeing 60 patients a day + a long commute, to gaining the courage to open up her practice on the corner of St. Johns Ave. and Laurel Ave.–you can’t miss the corner unit with the bright flower decor! Plus, she gives great product advice on her teeth whitening faves that don’t involve long office visits. Welcome, Dr. Jessica!
Photo credit: Nicole Carrow Photography
Hi Dr. Jessica! Please introduce yourself. Where are you from and what town do you live in now?
Hi there, mamas! My name is Jessica Cohen (A.K.A. The Braces Mom). I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. I grew up in the world of dentistry. My dad is a general dentist and my mom ran his practices. I was answering his patient call forwarding by the age of seven!
I went to Madison-Wisconsin for my undergraduate degree in business (go badgers!!). I moved to Chicago after graduation to be with my then boyfriend, now turned husband. Next, we continued a 4 year long distance marriage while I attended Case Western Reserve in Ohio for dental school. Thankfully, 4 years later I matched at the only residency I applied to, UIC -at Chicago.
Fast forward to present day, I now live in Highland Park, IL where my husband was born and raised. We choose Highland Park to raise our family because his business needed him there and my job was more flexible. As an added bonus, Highland Park is an awesome, beautiful city!
You’re a mama! How many kiddos do you have and how old are they?
I am a proud mom to three girls ages 13, 12 and 10 and our Cavapoo, Elle, who is seven!
Photo credit: Jai Girad
What’s your favorite thing about being a mom?
Teaching, hugging, making memories, having fun!
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you…
Every year since I was 12 we have gone to St. Thomas and St. John almost every year, and now we have included our children in this tradition. In another lifetime I would be an event planner, studio Lagree instructor or jewelry designer.
Ha! I hear ya – but there’s always room for hobbies! Do you have any local, favorite takeout restaurants?
Norton’s, can’t go wrong with their salads and ribs. And we LOVE the pizza from Alex’s Washington Gardens.
You’re an orthodontist and you have your own practice! Please tell us more about Dr. Jessica Cohen Orthodontics.
Dr. Jessica Cohen Orthodontics was established in November 2019. I had worked in the city for over a decade prior to opening my practice. In the city I was seeing 60+ patients a day. I wasn’t practicing how I wanted, and knew if I kept practicing orthodontics that way, I wouldn’t keep practicing.
When our daughters got old enough and realized “mommy going to work” meant I would be gone in the city for the entire day, I knew I had to make a change. I wanted to make a difference in the community that we lived. I didn’t want to work corporate anymore. I wanted to work for me! Thankfully, I have an amazing supportive husband that encouraged me to open my own practice.
I searched for almost a year to find the best space. When the “for rent” sign went up on the 1775 St. John’s Ave corner, I knew I had found my spot. I did a full build out, asbestos abatement and all. I know it’s just a saying, but I truly believe that “behind every successful women is a tribe of other successful women who have her back”. The entire community has been so supportive in helping my practice grow. If I could make every smile on the North Shore as big and bright as I could, I would.
Photo credit: Shay James Photography
You opened Dr. Jessica Cohen Orthodontics in November 2019 — just months before the world shut down. Looking back now, how did those early pandemic years shape you as a business owner, and what does the practice look like today compared to what you envisioned when you signed that lease on St. John’s Ave?
Opening just before the pandemic ended up being the ultimate silver lining. With everyone on Zoom and masks everywhere, people suddenly had time—and privacy—to focus on themselves. Staring at their own smiles on screen sparked something powerful: it was finally their moment to make a change.
That moment brought so many amazing adults through my doors. I built trust with them first—and now, they bring me their families. Maybe the timing was luck? Or alignment (no pun intended lol!).
Over the past 6 years, I have had my share of twists and setbacks but truly grew from every challenge to be a stronger business owner. My practice is even more than I had envisioned. Today, 6 years later… I am so grateful to be part of building smile confidence with my amazing team and so thankful for the community’s trust to share in many smile transformations!
Photo credit: Shay James Photography | Dr. Jessica Cohen’s incredible staff.
Do you offer free consultations? What is the process from start to finish when a child begins their braces journey?
Yes, we offer free consultations. We start with photos, sometimes an x-ray and a scan. We have a special 3d scanner which means no yucky impressions!! We see our patients every 6-8 weeks. Once all treatment is completed we move the child to retention when we monitor growth and development and dental stability. Our goal is to give every patient a smile that is esthetic, functional and stable! Most importantly, we want our patients to have a smile they are proud of.
You’ve lectured on Invisalign and run a dental school program focused on it — that’s impressive beyond just running a practice. How has that side of your work influenced how you treat patients day-to-day, and is there anything new or exciting happening in the orthodontics world that North Shore families should know about?
Being a mom, a doctor, a professor, and a business owner—those are the roles that shape everything I do. I believe education is power. The word “doctor” comes from Latin, meaning to teach—and I carry that into every space I’m in. I lead with education because it creates clarity, builds purpose, and sets people up to succeed.
And being a business owner? It’s stretched me in ways I didn’t even know I needed—or was capable of. It’s challenged me, sharpened me, and grown me far beyond the clinical side of what I do.
It’s taught me resilience on the hard days, confidence on the uncertain ones, and how to trust my voice even when the path isn’t clear. It’s pushed me to lead, to listen, to adapt—and to keep showing up anyway. It’s made me better in every role I hold, and more grounded in who I am. No shame. No judgment. Just lifting people up so they can shine—with or without me.
Families on the North Shore should know that as the digital world continues to transform, the orthodontic digital world does, too!
I have implemented advanced technologies in my practice as one of the early clinicians about three years ago, and since then I’ve successfully completed hundreds of cases using indirect bonding and digital planning, allowing for more precise bracket placement, reduced chair time for kids, and ultimately faster, more efficient, and more predictable treatment outcomes.
You mentioned that “the after” — the moment a patient’s braces come off — is one of the most rewarding parts of your work. Can you share a patient moment (without names, of course!) that has stuck with you and reminded you exactly why you do what you do?
I could go on forever with stories like these!!! Patients from the very start of my career still fly in from Europe to see me. College kids send me selfies when they’re back in Highland Park. Some even DM me on my birthday—like family. One patient met me years ago at Northwestern, went to four consults, and came back when he was finally ready. On debond day, he brought his entire family. This is so much bigger than teeth. It’s trust, connection, and confidence that lasts a lifetime. The “after’s” truly are magic!!
I’m endlessly grateful for every patient who lets me be part of their smile story.
Photo credit: Shay James Photography | Dr. Jessica Cohen’s incredible staff.
What are the 2 most common questions that people reach out to ask you with regards to teeth?
Q: When should my child see an orthodontist?
A: The American Association of Orthodontists recommends by the age of 7. This age is recommended to evaluate how a child’s mouth and teeth are growing. This doesn’t mean every child will get treatment by the age of 7, but it is important to have an evaluation for early detection of orthodontic problems.
Q: How do I get white teeth?
A: I am a huge fan of at home whitening. I personally love KöR Whitening® and Opalescence™ Tooth Whitening Systems. I use Colgate® Optic White® Whitening Mouthwash daily!!
Thanks! How can we connect with you for more information?
Check out our website JessicaCohenOrthodontics.com, and IG handle @thebracesmom for great before and afters photos and smiles!
About Our Spotlight Partner
Chicago North Shore Moms is supported in part by Mary Gregory Gifford, a Lake Forest mom of three and owner of Gifford Law, a solo Estate Planning Firm (wills and trusts). Mary, we appreciate your support of local moms in our North Shore communities! Learn more about Mary by visiting her Meet a Mom spotlight here! Contact Mary directly here: [email protected].
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