Theresa Karras, D.M.D., M.S.
Orthodontics
About Me
Bio
Dr. Theresa Karras is a board-certified orthodontist, specializing in clear aligner treatment for teens and adults. She feels fortunate to be a part of a profession where she can not only transform people’s smiles, but their self-esteem as well.
Dr. Karras grew up on the North Shore of Chicago, where she attended Deerfield High School. She was one of the select few to be admitted to the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) with a guaranteed seat at the College of Dentistry. During her undergraduate studies, she was also a member of the UIC Swimming and Diving and Track and Field teams. Dr. Karras obtained her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with high honors and earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree with the highest distinction, graduating in the top three of her dental school class. Upon graduating, she was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) National Dental Honor Society and received numerous awards for academic and clinical achievement in dentistry, along with a first-place award for research.
Following her graduation from dental school, Dr. Karras moved to Milwaukee, WI to complete a 26-month specialty training program at Marquette University, where she earned a certificate and Master of Science in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Her research on Invisalign® has been published in the world’s leading orthodontic journal, the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJO-DO). She is an expert in clear aligner treatment and regularly attends continuing education courses to keep up with the newest advances in orthodontics.
Outside of the office, Dr. Karras enjoys traveling, amateur photography, skiing, exploring Chicago’s food scene, and spending time with her “big fat Greek family.” She is fluent in English and Greek and speaks Spanish as well.
Location
Lincoln Park Dental Specialists
1960 Lincoln Park West
Chicago, IL 60614
Education
- Marquette University School of Dentistry, Milwaukee, WI, M.S., Orthodontics, 2019
- University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, Chicago, IL, D.M.D., 2017
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Honors College, Chicago, IL, B.S., Biological Sciences, magna cum laude, 2013
Professional Associations
- American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
- American Board of Orthodontics (ABO)
- Illinois Society of Orthodontists (ISO)
- Hellenic American Dental Society (HADS)
- Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) National Dental Honor Society
American Board Certification
Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics, February 2020
Awards And Honors
- May 2017 Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) Honor Society, Sigma Chapter
- May 2017 Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Restorative Dentistry, UIC College of Dentistry
- May 2017 Delta Sigma Delta Academic Award, Delta Sigma Delta, Rho Chapter
- February 2017 Hellenic American Dental Society Scholarship, Hellenic American Dental Society
- May 2016 Dr. Marshall W. Milnarik Scholarship, UIC College of Dentistry
- March 2016 Best CaseCAT Presentation, UIC College of Dentistry
- May 2013 Departmental Distinction, UIC Department of Biological Sciences
- May 2011 Horizon League Academic Honor Roll, Horizon League, NCAA
- 2009-2013 Guaranteed Professional Program Admissions (GPPA) Dentistry, UIC College of Dentistry
- 2009-2013 Dean’s List Scholar, University of Illinois at Chicago
Research Experience
Karras T, et al. Efficacy of Invisalign Attachments: A Retrospective Study. American Journal of
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics 2021. 160(2):250-8.
Master’s Thesis: Marquette University Department of Orthodontics
“Miniscrew Implant-supported Prostheses as an Interim Restoration for Congenitally Missing Laterals”
Poster presentation: UIC College of Dentistry Clinic & Research Day
Award(s): Best CaseCAT Presentation (1st Place), UIC College of Dentistry
“The Incidence of Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) in the Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) Era
of Treating Head and Neck Cancer”
Poster Presentation: UIC GPPA Medicine and Dentistry Capstone Event