CARRIE THANGAMANI knew she wanted to be an orthodontist as a young girl when she was fascinated and thrilled with the changes to her own smile after significant orthodontic treatment. Now as an owner of CHT Orthodontics, Dr. Carrie says, “Putting my team and patients first are the two most important elements of having a successful practice, result, culture, and experience.” While it took years of education that culminated in her orthodontics residency at University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, she says it was so worth it. “I came to appreciate the unique blend of art and science involved in creating a patient’s new smile and improving his or her overall facial aesthetics, from braces for children and adolescents to Invisalign for adults and teenagers.” She balances being compassionate yet firm, serious but silly when appropriate. Dr. Carrie’s role model is her mother who managed to strike that elusive work-life balance. “She was a working woman in the 80s, and I always remember her being there for me and being present,” she says. “She was a wonderful mother and now it is such a joy to see her as an amazing grandmother to my children.” Care and compassion come naturally to Dr. Carrie, who donates her orthodontic services to Chicago area teenagers in need through Smiles Change Lives. Dr. Carrie changes lives for the better every day.

CHT Orthodontics is located at 1 Grant Square, Suite 101, in Hinsdale, 630-323-1201, chtortho.com.