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Millennium Park Orthodontics
Chicago, IL
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Thursday: 9:00am - 7:00pm
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Chicago, IL
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SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Orthodontics
Dentistry
Dentistry - Orthodontics
Doctor Q&A
125 Answers
16 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Jaw Joint Pain: Any pain in the area you are describing should be diagnosed. Most often, this pain is related to the temporal mandibular joint (tmj), which has an in... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Teeth Whitening: Absolutely! in fact, invisalign tooth aligners are excellent bleaching trays. You can either purchase dental bleach from your dentist, or at your lo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
1 comment
A 19-year-old male asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Calculus: The yellow deposits you see are called calculus. They are there due to too long a period of not having a thorough cleaning that would remove them. Yo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Tooth Whitening: Actually, colgate offers a "kit" of bleaching products by optic white. They include a tooth paste and a rinse. My opinion is that in combination, th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Invisalign: Many adult patients are interested in treatment using invisalign tooth aligners because they are removable and transparent. In many cases, they are us... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 42-year-old female asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Referred Pain: I would contact the doctor who removed that tooth to examine you and the area of concern. You are taking a lot of medications for many different con... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Retainers: I assume that your orthodontist made retainers for you to wear to prevent tooth movement after your braces were removed. Have you been wearing them, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Baby Teeth: Everything sounds perfectly normal! when a primary (baby) tooth becomes loose, the tooth is only attached to the gum by "threads" of gum tissue. You... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A male asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Periodontal Abcess: Call the dds who performed the root canal immediately so that he can examine you. If you also have a periodontal abcess, you may have a combined per... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Too old for Braces?: Absolutely! orthodontic treatment using invisalign tooth aligners can be performed to treat malocclusions for patients of any age -- as long as the t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 16-year-old female asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Frenum: The symptoms may be related to a few things. Did you burn your tongue eating hot pizza, a hot potato or something similar to those? Or, considering ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Bacteremia: Make an appointment with your dds immediately to be seen tomorrow morning . If you do not get your dental concern diagnosed by a professional, you ar... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Inflamed Papillae: What may appear as a pimple on the back of your tongue could be an inflamed taste bud. Also, tonsillar tissues are located around the throat in this ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Acid Reflux: Not sure what "pre-ulcers" are, but if you are feeling discomfort in that area, contact your physician (pcp) for a diagnosis or referral to a speciali... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Tongue Swelling: Often times, medications that cause the mouth to get dry can lead to tongue biting. In addition, people with sleep and snoring issues often bite thei... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
STD's and Gums: Yes - there are. Gonorrhea, syphilis and herpes can cause gums to swell and hurt when you eat or drink certain foods, particularly those that are acid... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Spots on Tongue: Spots on the tongue can be manifestations of many oral pathologies. I recommend that you make an appointment with an oral surgeon immediately to have... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Canker Sores: It sounds as if you are describing "canker sores". These sores can be very painful, and can migrate around the mouth, aggravating the discomfort. Ov... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Abcesses: Absolutely! it sounds as if you have an abcess. Does the canker sore resemble an elevated blister? The fact that your discomfort is associated with... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 56-year-old female asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Tongue Sensations: Sometimes we do burn our tongue when we eat particularly hot foods, like pizza or baked potatoes, too quickly. That sensation can also be caused by e... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Self Image: Yes. Orthodontic treatment, using conventional metal or clear braces, or invisalign aligners can be beneficial for adult patients in many ways. Teet... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Tongue Tie: Ankyloglossia is commonly called tongue tie. The underside of the tongue is attached to the floor of the mouth by a tendon called a frenulum. Ankylog... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Pain in Neck/Chest: No, a toothache cannot cause pain in the neck and chest, though if it is a long-term abcess or serious dental infection, the associated pain may trave... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Tongues: I recommend that you see your dentist or an oral surgeon to diagnose you immediately. I am not sure that i understand what "bladders" are, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Cavities: Orthodontists can diagnose cavities that are on the chewing surface as well as those between the teeth using the same x-rays and diagnostic images tha... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Brush your teeth!: Do not be afraid to brush your teeth! the material on the outside of our teeth is called enamel, the hardest material in our bodies. It is important... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 60-year-old male asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Absolutely: It is becoming more common these days to make our services "more comfortable" for our patients. Some doctors do perform procedures under nitrous oxid... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Safety first!: An abcess should be treated immediately before the infection spreads to other parts of the body via the bloodstream. I would be sure that the doctor ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Paresthesia: I assume that you had a lower wisdom tooth removed and that the doctor who removed your tooth gave you an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Dental Pain: I would make an appointment with your dds immediately for a diagnosis and treatment plan. While your description is helpful, the exact site of the sw... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Gingivitis: No, as long as you are sure that it is only a "little bit". At this point, get on the right track by seeing a dentist for a thorough examination, cle... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old male asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Dental Tx./Pregnancy: Please consult with your wife's ob-gyne to get the answer to your question. It is important that your wife minimizes all painful episodes during the ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Chemical Burns: If you are speaking about a medicinal form of alcohol, such as in mouthwash, that should not be a problem, though it is quite strong and can irritate ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Malaise: If your symptoms persist beyond today, contact your physician for a comprehensive exam. You may just be overworked, tired and "drained". Also could ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Pneumonia: It sounds to me as though you have the flu or a form of pneumonia. Contact your md immediately for a diagnosis and medicine. The discomfort that you ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Tonsils: Yes. Her bad breath may be caused by allergies that produce post-nasal drip. She may also have enlarged tonsils that trap bacteria in our mouths or ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old female asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Trauma: This discomfort may be due to the trauma from the insertion/removal of your partners penis against the soft palate and/or where your hard palate and s... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old female asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Healing Factors: Extreme pain means that your body is speaking to you! that is not normal! contact the doctor who removed your tooth immediately for an evaluation of... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old male asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Referred Pain: If your md or an oral surgeon said no fracture or cbct, then that is good. Clearing your throat can affect the posterior part of the hard palate, and... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 16-year-old male asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Gingival Lesions: It sounds like you may have bit your lip during contact, or another piece of your oral tissues if you were wearing a mouth guard while you were playin... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Referred Dental Pain: Make an appointment with your dds. If you are experiencing pain, that is a clue that there is a problem with that tooth. Pain around your eyes may be ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Oral Surgery Healing: Go see the doctor or dentist who treated you! swelling after surgery is always to be expected, but swelling that spreads well beyond the surgical sit... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Canker Sores: Canker sores are usually of viral origin. In most cases, they take 4-5 days to heal and go away. The best inexpensive remedy is to rinse with warm s... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Hypodontia: The medical term for the congenital absence of a permanent tooth with a retained baby tooth still in place is "hypodontia".
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Anxiety: I assume that he is not having wisdom teeth removed! other types of surgical procedures can be treated using topical anesthetics that are numbing to t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
They can be..: That depends on what type of sore(s) you have. Herpes lesions are viral in origin and can definitely be transmitted during sexual relations. Be care... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Tooth Whitening: There are various at home bleaching methods available, and some do cause sensitivity while others don't. Whitening strips can confine the bleach to a ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Invisalign Kisses!: Yes--you certainly can kiss with invisalign tooth aligners in place. However, just as orthodontists recommend that they be removed when eating or dri... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Burning Tongue: These symptoms are consistent with 'burning tongue syndrome'. You may also want to check for 'adverse reactions' of any medications that you are taki... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Howard Spectoranswered
Orthodontics 42 years experience
Missing Teeth: Absolutely. The congenital absence of a permanent tooth can leave spaces that may be unsightly, if in the front of the mouth. These spaces can be fi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
5
Recommendations
120
Thank you notes
Nov 30, 2012
Doctor Howard Spector is a leader in his field, he is a progressive orthodontist practicing most current clinical techniques. He has treated for decades children and adults, making the most complex ca...Read More
Nov 30, 2012
I endorse Dr. Spector. He is a leading dentist in our area and very well established. LynAnn Mastaj, DMD
HealthTap member
Dec 16, 2012
My treatment with Dr. Spector began close to a year ago. During this time, I have found him to be very approachable with my questions and concerned about all aspects of my treatment. He often goes b...Read More
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Thanks a bunch, will call the doctor, she does suffers from allergies.
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! I was so worried the extraction gave me recession. Thank you so much!
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! This relueved me quite a bit! Still being cautious. Thank you! :)
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, IL
Graduated 1983MD
Medical/Graduate school
Northwestern University Dental School
Graduated 1981MD
Medical/Graduate school
State University of New York, Stony Brook
Graduated 1977MD
Awards
"Top 1%" Elite Status, Align Technology
Honorary Master Diplomate, National Academy of Dental Sciences
"Top Dentist in the Field of Orthodontics", Consumers Research Council of America 2006-2014
Affiliations
Illinois Society of Orthodontists
American Lingual Orthodontic Association
Illinois Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped
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