“Feel-good focus” is a series of feature articles celebrating local residents who are doing good things for others

By Trent Modglin
Publisher of The Real Park Ridge

I was first introduced to Dr. Milena Bulic a couple years ago when my son was referred to her practice, MPowered Smiles Orthodontics, by our dentist (Davis & Engert) here in town. Incredibly pleasant and informative from the very start, she offered to discuss every aspect of our son’s teeth and what may — or may not — be needed down the road during the first of several free consultations. As someone who wore braces for a good chunk of his childhood, I can appreciate the preventative approach she takes with patients, as well as the confidence that comes with a nice smile, which is something we’d love for him, as I think any parents would. It’s also something Milena strives for after struggling with self confidence herself due to crooked teeth when she was a child.

“Kids made fun of me, and that made it a ton worse, to a point where I would never smile without covering my mouth with my hand first,” Milena says. “Thankfully, my parents recognized what was happening and took me to an orthodontist who truly changed my confidence by changing my smile. Since then, I’ve always felt that I have to pay it forward.”

Thankfully, my parents recognized what was happening and took me to an orthodontist who truly changed my confidence by changing my smile. Since then, I’ve always felt that I have to pay it forward.”

Straightening teeth and improving confidence is not the only way Dr. Milena and her husband, Nemanja, having been paying it forward here in Park Ridge. They make a habit of giving back to the community that welcomed them in five years ago. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find another small business in town that has made helping others and strengthening the community fabric as much of a focal point as MPowered.

They’re simply everywhere, playing a crucial role in sponsoring events and organizations such as the Park Ridge Newcomers Club’s annual Labor of Love fundraiser for a local family in need, Trucktoberfest benefiting the Park Ridge Park District, and various youth sports teams like the Maine South Hawkettes and Park Ridge baseball and softball programs.

Their involvement doesn’t stop at sponsorship though. They also support the Park Ridge Youth Commission by providing gift cards as prizes for tournaments and contribute to several PTO initiatives, including walkathons that raise funds for inclusive playgrounds and end-of-school parties.

Maybe what truly sets MPowered Smiles apart the most is their proactive approach to understanding and meeting the evolving needs of the community. How do they do that? Simple. They ask.

Yet maybe what truly sets MPowered Smiles apart the most is their proactive approach to understanding and meeting the evolving needs of the community. How do they do that? Simple. They ask. They encourage open dialogue with their patients, with community leaders, even with neighbors and friends about which causes and organizations they should support and how they can make the most impact.

Paying it forward. It’s what Dr. Milena does not only with improving the confident smiles of her patients, but by casting a wide net in the Park Ridge community as well. And this is where you come in. Do you have a cause or organization that is important to you that could use additional support? Click on the email below and let Milena and Nemanja know about it. And then do what you can to pay it forward, too. You won’t regret it.

Email them at: in**@***********ho.com

MPowered Smiles Orthodontics
137 Vine Ave. in Park Ridge
(847) 823-5010
ParkRidgeBraces.com