Ronald R Widen, DDS
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Ronald R Widen, DDS
Your health, safety and comfort is always our top priority. Chicago dentist, Dr. Ronald Widen, using innovative technology is dedicated to providing the highest quality TMJ disorder treatment, cosmetic and functional dental care in Lincoln Park! When you need something looked at in a hurry, just call.

Dr. Widen is known to come in on Friday, Saturday or even Sunday to treat his guests' emergencies. Dr. Widen sees only one patient at a time and treatment is completed with few interruptions! We can see you within the week at our Chicago dental office, same day for emergencies! Looking for that personal touch?
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Chicago dentist, Dr. Ronald Widen, a gentle and caring third generation dentist with an eye for detail, attends hundreds of hours of continuing education in the implant, tmj, cosmetic and aesthetic realm to provide exceptional dental care for our guests.

Dr. Widen is a graduate of the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, the world's premier post-graduate training center for cosmetic and neuromuscular dentists and was a sustaining member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
TMJ or more properly TMJ dysfunction or TMD affects the joints of your jaws and can affect your entire body. It has been coined the "Great Impostor" because its symptoms mimic many other issues, such as headaches, migraines, ear infections, among a few. It can be very debilitating and can be treated non-surgically in our office.
TMD can manifest with many different symptoms. Some sufferers have all of the symptoms and some have only a few. Some of the symptoms are headaches, migraines, neck and shoulder pain, facial pain, jaw pair, ear pain, ringing in the ears or tinnitus and click or popping of one or both joints. Some of these symptoms involve just a single joint and some involve both joints.
When a patient's bite is not properly aligned, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunctions and a number of related symptoms can arise. One of these symptoms is facial pain. The jaw area of the face is a complex network of bones, joints, muscles, and nerves. When the jaw becomes unaligned, the surrounding bones, muscles, and nerves are also affected.
Because TMJ is a dysfunction of the jaw joint, jaw pain is a very common symptom. A 'bad bite' in which your upper and lower teeth do not come together in proper alignment also disrupts the placement of the jaw and the surrounding muscles. This imbalance in the bite-jaw-muscle relationship is what causes the pain in the jaw.
Reviews (25)
Zach Wollenschlager
Zach Wollenschlager
Nov 01, 2021
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Widen your smile provided me with the smile of my dreams, did an exceptional job. Dr. Widen and his staff went over and beyond for me I put them through hell with chipping my temporaries yet they remained consistently nice and overwhelming helpful throughout the process. 10/10 would recommend
Tiffany S.
Tiffany S.
Jun 21, 2021
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I spoke with Dr. Widen on Monday; 6/21/2021 and am AMAZED at the conversation he held with me regarding explanation of TMD - and how he can help correct the position of my jaw to help eradicate clicking and popping that occurs when the Condyle discs pop out when opening and closing my mouth!! } He described how he can custom make an Orthotic mouthpiece for me to wear which will be the solution to eliminate this annoying popping /clicking :-)

I am looking forward to sharing my next success story once I begin my journey with his Practice :-) I just wanted to extend my appreciation for his personalized
Laurie Elle
Laurie Elle
Mar 18, 2021
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Dr. Widen and Nichole provided me with exceptional service that went beyond your "normal" trip to the dentist. From the warm welcome you get when walking in the door, to the modern tools doc uses, to his precise diligence in his work, is where it puts him 'a cut above the rest'. I was so comfortable and felt I was in such good hands that all my dental anxiety before I got there, just went away once he started working. It would be a disappointment to have to go anywhere else. WHEN YOU GO HERE, YOU ARE IN THE BEST HANDS YOU COULD BE IN. Thank you FOR WIDENING MY SMILE =D!!!
Stephanie O'Leary
Stephanie O'Leary
Sep 16, 2019
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After a car accident left me with a dislocated jaw joint at the age of 26, Dr. Widen gave me my life back. For several months before I went to him, I was in constant pain, could barely open my mouth, and could not eat solid food. I couldn’t sleep through the night because of the pain. I was exhausted, worried, and avoided social situations because I couldn’t eat and it was difficult and painful to talk.
My father-in-law is a dentist in another state, and was searching for someone in Chicago who could help me out. He called Dr. Widen (who answered even though he was on vacation), and he offered
Kathy Bresler
Kathy Bresler
Aug 25, 2019
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I highly recommend Dr. Widen. He has been a life saver for me. I have been a patient since 2006. In addition to being an excellent general dentist, he has been able to relieve my TMJ and chronic headache, neck and shoulder pain by precisely measuring excessive muscle recruitment, identifying my optimal bite and creating an orthotic that finally allows my jaw to relax and heal. The process was worth every penny for the complete relief of suffering, particularly after trying so many other treatments that did not help – medications, PT, etc…He is a consummate professional and goes above and beyond
Linda Swedberg
Linda Swedberg
Jun 10, 2019
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You better 'Widen your Wallet" to see this dentist...he made me pay $2500 to pay for a bite splint up front for my severe TMJ problem. Gave him a check for $2700 which included a cleaning & impressions/diagnostics/tens & yes a bite splint that would be made while he was away in Hawaii on a so called dental convention. Well Nicole called me 3 weeks later & said that the splint got lost somehow & was shipped & delivered to Dr. Widen's office while he was in Hawaii. They tried to track the splint & could not find it. They wanted me to come back in & do all the impressions/tens/diagnostics all over
T. C.
T. C.
Dec 12, 2018
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A 30-year problem resolved. I suffered with headaches and eye pain for 30 years. I saw many neurologists including doctors at the Diamond Headache Clinic. I received some relief, but ultimately my issues were TMJ, supraorbital neuralgia, and pain medication addiction. During my course of treatment with Dr. Widen, I was given a printout of special x-rays showing substantial deterioration in my TMJ. I later relayed to Dr. Widen that surgeons and specialists at Rush and Edward-Naperville hospitals thought maxillofacial surgery would be necessary to address my TMJ issue. Dr. Widen advised against surgery
Farid Saei
Farid Saei
Aug 19, 2016
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****** The best dental practice in Chicago******
I am a physician in the University of Illinois at Chicago hospitals. I visited Dr. Widen's dental office for the first time about 3 month ago. I am not easily satisfied by something but you can say he has exceeded my expectations in every aspect. He is without exaggeration one of the best dentists I have ever seen and I have seen many! He is meticulous, detail oriented and extremely experienced. For him every patient matters like member of his family. His office is not one of those offices that a dentist works on 5 patients at the same time, going
Spencer B.
Spencer B.
May 14, 2016
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I've been seeing Dr. Widen for a little over a year now, and I wouldn't consider another dentist as long as I live in the Chicago area.

I first came to Dr. Widen in a lot of discomfort from TMD. First with a night guard and then with an orthotic, he gradually helped me feel better. My chronic pain was causing me a lot of anxiety at a time when I really needed my jaw to feel comfortable, and Dr. Widen went absolutely above and beyond to fit in appointments with me and help me out.

Although he's been doing this for a long time, Dr. Widen actively keeps up with the latest in the industry
Jerrell F.
Jerrell F.
Mar 16, 2016
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Words cannot express what a change dr widen did in my life. The attention to detail in my smile has truly made me a different person. I get a ton of compliments every where i go and i know its truly because of dr widens expertise. He is the only dentist i will ever go to. He changed my smile. But really he changed my life!!! And for that i will always love him. Thanks dr widen.
Hannah Griswold
Hannah Griswold
Oct 11, 2015
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By far the best dentist I have ever had! Dr. Widen takes his time to understand your problems and takes you step by step through various solutions. He has late night appointments as well for those who are not available during working hours. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for anything from a simple cleaning to TMJ relief.
Mark E.
Mark E.
Jul 30, 2015
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This dentist is phenomenal! I got to the office early to do paperwork. The doctor was there, let me in cause I was stupid early...I did my paperwork and was let in by Nicole the front office person...

I honestly didn't know what to expect, a dental hygienist? a quick consult? The mad rush we all face going to the dentist to have physical and emotional torture laid upon us patients?

What I got was an experience I have NEVER received before from a dental office...ACTUAL MEDICAL SERVICE With answers!!!!!!

Dr Ronald Widen was referred to me by my periodontist and after my visit, which I felt
Andreana D.
Andreana D.
Apr 09, 2015
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The stars are for the charges, not the service. Dr. Widen is not in-network with any insurance companies. You will have to pay upfront and be reimbursed. I came across Dr. Widen looking for a TMJ specialist. His reviews sounded great and my fiance needed a teeth cleaning since we decided traveling to the suburbs to his childhood dentist was becoming a problem. I set up the appt. and knew he was out-of-network, but spoke to my fiances insurance and they said they would reimburse up to 100% of the average going amount in the area. That was fine I thought.
My fiance returns home after the appt. so
Katie P.
Katie P.
May 27, 2014
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Oh the dentist. I am not a comfortable dentist-goer. Even worse, I haven't had much (okay, any) dental work, including cleanings (I know, I know...I'm flogging myself right now) for about 10 years. So of course, the longer I went without, the worse my anxiety got.

When I finally did bite the bullet, Dr. Widen came with a HIGH recommendation from a co-worker of mine and her commentary was enough to convince me to go.

I'm really glad I did.

As others have said, I was impressed with Dr. Widen from the get-go. First, you should know he schedules patients one at a time, so you
Beth M.
Beth M.
May 27, 2014
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I have been a patient of Dr. Widen's for many years, and I have been very pleased with the work he has done and the customer service provided by him and his office team. He is very knowledgeable, in fact, he will explain in detail what the procedure entails or what your options are. He doesn't recommend anything that doesn't need to be done. He is very experienced (with quality work), is very thorough and his office is equipped with the most updated technology and equipment. I can sit in the chair and know confidently, I am in good hands.

You may park free in the back lot (only
Avi N.
Avi N.
Aug 08, 2013
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Dr Widen did a good job filling a cavity for me. However, I was far more impressed with Dr. Widen's salesmanship skills than his follow-through treatment for TMJ. He explained that my jaw pain was the result of my bite being off. He made me bite plate at a cost of $930, but it did nothing to correct my bite alignment and only exacerbated my jaw pain. Why did he charge me $930 when other dentists offer bite plates for ~$600? I am still wondering. Why didn't he follow up with me to make sure his expensive treatment solved the problem? I feel that he was more concerned with making money
Joseph F.
Joseph F.
May 02, 2013
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Dr. Widen's work is amazing. As a medical doctor I did a lot of research before I chose a cosmetic dentist to work on my teeth. Now, I have at least 2 compliments per day since 2010 when he fixed several of my teeth. Random people stop me on the street and ask me who my dentist is. Unfortunately, I live over 1,200 miles away from Chicago. I have seen the work of many other dentists. I have even had other cosmetic dentist work on my teeth in the past. However I have only been very disappointed by the other dentists work cosmetic outcome. When I need to have work on my teeth I fly back to Chicago
Theresa D.
Theresa D.
Mar 19, 2013
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I have been seeing Dr. Widen for a few years. Like many, going to the dentist is not my favorite thing to do....But Dr. Widen is AMAZING! He is super gentle and does solid work. I have had the best cleanings of my life there, great experience with the teeth whitening, his fillings, and I am super impressed with my Invisalign results.
Both he and Nichole are very nice and accommodating. Highly recommend!
Mark S.
Mark S.
May 22, 2012
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The best dentist I have ever had. Dr. Widen and his staff are super friendly and his service is the best. Everyday I have at least two people say WOW! You have the most perfect white teeth! I have seen over 20 dentist in the past but Dr. Widen clearly was the best! I would recommend him to anyone who wants excellent dental service.
Amy M.
Amy M.
Apr 19, 2012
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Good cosmetic service, but very poor personal, customer service. I agreed to pay the balance of an invoice one week after service, and indicated the specific date. Six weeks later, and unbeknownst to me, the funds were removed from my account. No warning, no message, nothing! When I was upset about this, the receptionist and dentist blamed me for not having my current address. I was told by the dentist that I got to hang onto the money for six weeks--as if it was in an interest-bearing account. Really?! The receptionist argued with me, then hung up the phone on me. I called back to talk
Camille R.
Camille R.
Feb 16, 2012
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I hadn't been to the dentist in a few years and I needed a dentist and an orthodontist. I only wanted to go to one person. I was referred to Dr. Widen by a friend who had recently had a dental appointment. He is out of network for everyone and that made me hesitant but when I spoke with Dr. Widen on the phone, I said okay, why not.

I am incredibly happy with my experience. I walk in and am seen right away; Nicole and Dr. Widen are incredibly friendly and have made me feel very comfortable with my decision to have Dr. Widen as my dentist from here on. He explained everything and any question
Matthew R.
Matthew R.
Aug 03, 2011
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I recently moved to Chicago right out of school and had to find a dentist near where I live, in Lincoln Park. I was referred by a friend to Dr. Widen, and I couldn't have been happier. He offers excellent service at manageable prices.

He has all the latest technology on tap and offers detailed explanations of what he recommends and why he recommends it. He doesn't pressure you into any extra service, he is just a friendly family man that made me feel comfortable the second I walked into his office. You may get a corny joke or two... so be prepared.

I recommend Dr. Widen for all ages
Elizabeth M.
Elizabeth M.
Jul 06, 2009
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Dr. Widen and his staff are AH-mazing! I've been to several dentists in the past and am sooooo happy to have found Dr. Widen. He doesn't overbook like every other dentist I've ever been to so you don't have to designate a 3-hour block for a thirty minute appointment. He's super thorough, to-the-point, and informative. He even makes having your teeth drilled seem like a walk in the park. Major kudos for that.
Sheila B.
Sheila B.
Aug 26, 2008
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I'm a person that has always had an extreme fear of dentist. When I was a very young child I was taken to the University of Illinois College of dentistry and that's when I was traumatized. I think over half of my teeth were filled. It started when I was four years old! So, I researched and researched, so I could find a dentist that I could trust and one that could do everything I needed and I needed a lot.

Personally, I feel that you can never, ever pay too much for dental work. I've learned in life you get exactly what you pay for. Dr. Widens entire team are professional
Carol Ann D.
Carol Ann D.
Jan 03, 2008
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Dr. Widen is a God-send when it comes to dentistry...please see my other review of Perfect Smile Dental Spa for Dr. De Mars and you will certainly see why.

First and foremost, yes, Dr. Widen is expensive and you must pay up-front for your procedures. Nichole the dental receptionist will be certain to submit your claim to your PPO provider for you, but please be reminded that you will most likely not get reimbursed for the full appointment amount. Dr. Widen is considered 'Out-of-Network' when it comes to most insurance providers.

I admittedly strayed from his care in search of a lower