The Orthodontic Care Chicagoland Families Have Trusted For More Than 30 Years

Father-daughter orthodontists in Oak Lawn and Berwyn, treating families from all over Chicagoland. Dad teaches orthodontics at UIC, and daughter got the same training, grew up in the practice and came back to do it with him. 30 years, 25,000+ patients, same two doctors every visit.
Free exam. Free 3D X-rays. Free treatment plan.
25-Year Smile Guarantee*.
0% financing and flexible payment plans so cost doesn't stop you.
Kids, teens, and adults. Your whole family under one roof.
Free first visit - no strings attached.
* Learn more about our Smile Guarantee.
Trusted by 25,000+ patients across two generations of care
Dr. Tahir and Dr. Lia

Featured Associations

The Cool Braces Effect

Same-Day Start
Walk in for your consultation and walk out with braces, in one visit
Evening Hours
We are open until 7PM to fit around your busy schedules.

Summer hours may vary
0% Financing
Talk to us about our in-house financing, and we will do our best to accommodate you
Bilingual Care
A team that serves you in English & Spanish

What Some of Our 25,000+ Patients Are Saying

Meet The Orthodontic Experts Behind Your New Smile

Dr. Tahir

Dr. Ejaz Tahir

Dr. Tahir has been straightening teeth in Oak Lawn and Berwyn for over 30 years. More than 25,000 patients, and he's still not bored.

He's adjunct faculty at the University of Illinois Chicago Department of Orthodontics, where he trains the next generation of orthodontists. So yes, the person working on your teeth is the same person teaching other orthodontists how to do it.

He earned his degree and doctorate from UIC, but what sets him apart isn't the credentials, it's how he sees the work. Dr. Tahir treats orthodontics like a craft, and he doesn't settle for anything less than a smile that changes how you carry yourself. The one that makes you stop avoiding photos.

He also takes on complex cases that other practices refer out. If someone else said it was too difficult, bring it to Dr. Tahir.

Dr. Analia Tahir (we call her Dr. Lia!)

Dr. Lia grew up watching her father work. She didn't just admire it. She studied it.

She went through the same rigorous training, came back, and now works alongside him every day. What that means for you: she's learning directly from someone who spent 30 years and 25,000 patients mastering this craft, and combining that foundation with what's coming next in orthodontics.

In April 2026, Dr. Lia published peer-reviewed research on PubMed on AI-driven monitoring in orthodontic treatment. She's not just keeping up with where the field is going. She's contributing to it.

Patients connect with Dr. Lia because she listens before she talks and explains before she acts. Every case gets her full attention. Every smile gets treated like it matters. Because to her, it does."
Dr. Lia

Find The Right Path To Your Best Smile

Every smile is different. Explore our treatment options to find what fits your life, your goals, and your timeline, with expert guidance every step of the way.

Invisalign

Clear, removable aligners for a discreet path to an amazing smile.

Other Treatments

Specialized care to support and complete your smile journey.

25,000 Perfect Smiles and Counting!

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After orthodontic treatment
After
Before orthodontic treatment
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After orthodontic treatment
After
Before orthodontic treatment
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After orthodontic treatment
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The right smile gets you where you want to be. Rockstar, Athlete, Accountant, Astronaut… whoever you are. Teenager, adult, or somewhere in between. Your new smile will open the doors to let you live the best possible version of your life.

Nothing else gives you the confidence boost you get from knowing you have a great smile and sharing it with the world.

If you or your teenager are tired of hiding your teeth in photos, always feeling nervous when you open your mouth to speak or eat, our orthodontic care will help you. Or maybe you’ve got dental pain or just flat out know you’ve got a better smile hiding in there somewhere? We’ve got you.

Three Steps To Get Started

First step
Book Your Free Consultation With Us
Pick a time. Show up. We'll do a full exam, take 3D X-rays, and actually look at what's going on with your teeth. Takes about an hour, and costs you nothing.
Second step
We Show You Our Experts' Suggestions For Your Best Possible Smile
Once we know what you’re looking for, we’ll walk you through exactly how to get it with our 30+ years of experience.
Third step
Start Treatment (Even That Same Day)
Ready to go? We can place braces the same visit. Want to think about it? Take the plan home, and come back when you're ready. Either way, you leave with answers.
Click below to book your free consultation now - we’d love to speak to you!

How Our Orthodontic Services Will Unlock
Your Best Possible Smile

Most people have no idea how much their new smile will improve their life until they experience it. It’s like opening a whole new world of possibilities! Our unique 3 step process makes sure we’re building the smile you want and we guarantee that smile for 25 years!
Woman smiling, wearing a Cool Braces shirt, and making the shape of a heart with her hands
Smiling doctor with woman and child, plus three photos of people with a dolphin, a woman outdoors, and a couple dancing.

Ready to Start?
Book Your Free Consultation Today!

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Why Cool Braces Is Different From Old-Fashioned Orthodontic Solutions

When Dr. Tahir opened Cool Braces in 1995, he quickly learned that every patient is different. People need orthodontics for wide ranging reasons. Maybe it’s health related, or maybe you want your child to have the best possible prom photos. Since 1995, our main focus has been understanding each patient and giving them the best care for their individual needs.
Cool Braces Family
We don’t give cookie cutter answers or push you to generic treatments. We’re focused on the long term, so we help create the smile that still looks great even years from now. That’s why we have our 25-Year Smile Guarantee. If it doesn’t still look amazing twenty five years from now, we’ll work to fix it!
More than 30 years experience providing expert Orthodontic care in Oak Lawn and Berwyn
Fully customized strategies for each patient
25-year Smile Guarantee*
Cutting edge technology for faster and more reliable results
Flexible payment options for every budget
Fun, friendly practice - our patients become our friends!
Regular, reliable, ongoing care when you need it
* Learn more about our Smile Guarantee.
Father-Daughter Ortho Duo, Family Owned, Not a Corporate Chain
Two smiling kids holding origami

But Wait - We Need To Talk about The Origami

Dr. Tahir has long been known as the Origami Orthodontist. If you bring your child or teen to visit us at either our Berwyn or Oak Lawn locations, chances are Dr. Tahir will make them a personalized Origami creation!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

A dentist handles the general stuff: cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals. An orthodontist is a dentist who did three extra years of training focused entirely on straightening teeth and fixing bites. Same starting point, different specialty. Like a family doctor versus a heart surgeon.

When should a child first see an orthodontist?

Age 7. That's what the American Association of Orthodontists recommends, and we agree. Most kids that age don't need treatment yet. We're just looking at growth, spotting early issues, and planning ahead. At Cool Braces, the first evaluation is always free. If your kid isn't ready, we'll keep checking every 6 to 12 months at no cost until they are.

Are braces better than Invisalign?

Both work. But differently. Braces give us precise control at every stage, which is why Dr. Tahir and Dr. Lia recommend them for most patients. Invisalign is there when the case calls for it. We don't pick the trendier option. We pick the one that gets you the best result. At your free consultation, Dr. Tahir or Dr. Lia will tell you which one your mouth needs and why.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

18 to 24 months for most patients. The exact timeline depends on your case, your age, and a few other things. At your free consultation, Dr. Tahir or Dr. Lia will give you a real timeline based on your mouth, not a generic range off a website.

Do orthodontists offer free consultations?

At Cool Braces, always. Your first visit includes a full exam, 3D digital X-rays, and a real conversation with Dr. Tahir or Dr. Lia about your options, timeline, and cost. No referral needed. No strings attached. Just answers.

We're Ready When You Are.

Every confident smile begins with one decision. If you are ready to see how orthodontic treatment can transform your look, your confidence, and your life, we are ready to help.
Smiling family of five with a small dog behind a banner reading 'Cool Braces Family.'