May 2009 - Innovative Orthodontics

BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE
Mommy, Wife and
Orthodontist
The Juggling Act of One Working Mom

Known as mommy to her two handsome boys, Vincent (3.5 yrs) and Angelo (2 yrs); wife to her wonderful husband, Dr. Anthony LaVacca (of Naperville Dental Specialists); and well known by many as their caring orthodontist, Dr. Manal Ibrahim juggles the infamous act of a working mom. Every day is a balance of family and love, while providing exceptional orthodontic treatment for her patients.

Although these three areas may seem like very separate parts of Dr. Ibrahim’s life, each is an extension of her very own home. At every office, whether it is Naperville, Plainfield or Chicago, her patients are welcomed as if they were walking into her own private living room for Thanksgiving dinner.

Most mornings, Dr. Ibrahim takes Vincent to school at Kensington Pre-school where he has made quite a few friends. She then heads to the office where coffee is made, hugs are exchanged, and pictures are shared. It is not uncommon for her young patients to be eagerly awaiting their chance to sing her their new favorite song or show her their new dance moves. The best part of it all is that Dr. Ibrahim will kneel on the floor right there with them and clap her heart out, sharing her love with them as if they were her own. It truly is the warmth she exchanges with her patients that make each and every day so special!

Throughout the office, there are family pictures displaying the mommy side of Dr. Ibrahim which many patients have been lucky enough to see, literally! Some days, Vincent and Angelo stop by the office for a visit. Everyone enjoys their company, from patients and parents to Dr. Ibrahim’s staff and most of all Dr. Ibrahim. Vincent can even tell you all about Invisalign; soon he will be doing consultations in preschool!

Dr. Ibrahim’s sense of family is extended not only to her patients but to her staff as well. Birthdays are celebrated, thank yous are given and everyone is treated with a great deal of respect.

Outside of work, Drs. Ibrahim and LaVacca are busy house hunting throughout Naperville so they can live close to work and enjoy more family time. Dentistry is a shared hobby and profession of theirs. Somewhere in between family gatherings, social functions and attending church (where she is more than happy to provide on the spot consultations), dentistry is often the topic of discussion. In spite of everything, everyday no matter how busy, this couple always makes time to play with their boys, lead tubby time, read books and tuck them into bed…just in time to rest up for the new day ahead.

Everyday, the juggling act continues. Whether, Dr. Ibrahim is running errands on lunch to restock the never-ending need for pull-ups, stopping by a patient’s house to give them their next Invisalign tray, or searching for Dr. LaVacca’s birthday present…all are done with the same kindness and love. She will even go so far as picking up a Chicago patient in the city and driving them out to one of her suburban practices for their orthodontic appointment, coffee in hand!

Dr. Manal Ibrahim of Innovative Orthodontic Centers provides braces and Invisalign for adults, adolescents and children. She has 3 offices conveniently located in Naperville, Plainfield/Joliet and Chicago. Visit www.OrthoCenters.org or call 630.848.6960 for more information.

Too many alike, Dr. Ibrahim is an exceptional person, wife, mother, sister and friend who just so happens to be an amazing orthodontist!

Submitted by: Ashley Brown, Heather Wilson & Cindy Young of Innovative Orthodontic Centers.