GURNEE – Plasma TVs. Digital gadgets. Video games.
Dr. Michael Weinberg thrives on technology. And patients are reaping rewards – literally.
Weinberg opened his office, Prairie Orthodontics, in 1995. But the Gurnee-based facility was not always high-tech.
“I had one computer at the front desk when I started,” Weinberg said. “Now, I think I have about 10.”
The orthodontist and his staff use electronics to perform procedures and to entertain patients while they wait for appointments.
A computer is used for patient sign in. A large plasma TV and video-game consuls are used to entertain guests in the waiting area. Weinberg is certified to use a soft-tissue laser to remove ulcers or other abscesses in the mouth.
And he uses a 3-D computer-imaging system called OrthoCAD IQ when working with patients who needs braces.
OrthoCAD IQ IQ creates a virtual model of a patient’s mouth, which Weinberg can use to determine the optimal location for placing braces.
“It helps in a number of ways,” Weinberg said of the program. “There are fewer adjustments and tightening visits because the braces are set up on the computer, and it’s more accurate. The other advantage is that putting on the braces should become a more pleasant experience because you’re spending less time in the chair with your mouth open.”
Alyssa DeLeon, 13, and her sister, Felicia, 11, both had braces put on using OrthoCAD IQ IQ.
DeLeon said she felt comfortable during the procedure.
“It wasn’t painful at all,” she said. “You barely felt it. Dr. Mike is a good orthodontist.”
The sisters have since had their braces taken off and are happy with their smiles. Each was rewarded for taking care of her teeth with “Prairie Points,” which the orthodontics office gives to patients who keep their braces in good shape and arrive to appointments on time.
Prairie Points can be redeemed at the office for tooth brushes, parties and other prizes.
Weinberg said the incentives served several purposes.
“I want the patients to have a positive experience, and I want them to be motivated,” Weinberg said. “If a patient is motivated, they are more likely to take better care of their teeth. Ultimately, that makes my job easier.”
Dalee Salinas, clinical coordinator at Prairie Orthodontics, said the office’s creative practices made her job more manageable.
Instead of taking an X-ray of a patient’s teeth and then developing it, she can now look at digital images immediately. She also can pull patient records up on a computer, instead of working with paper files.
“I love it,” she said. “I like learning new things and being top notch.”
Using high-tech gadgets together often saves both patients and office employees time, Weinberg said, adding that his practice had consequently become more efficient.
“There’s no question about it,” he said. “I can see more people and provide better service in less time. It’s service of a higher quality, I think.”
Getting to know ... Dr. Michael Weinberg
Age: 42
Occupation: Orthodontist at Prairie Orthodontics, 6121 Washington St., Suite 204, Gurnee
Family: Wife, Janet; two children, Scott, 9, and Lauren, 5
Hobbies: Tennis, computers, videography
To learn more about the orthodontist: Call Prairie Orthodontics at 847-249-8800.
