Business Details
20 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Orthodontic Care for All Ages in Carlsbad
La Costa Orthodontics, founded in 2006 by Dr. Bernadette DeSantos, has dedicated over 15 years to transforming smiles in Carlsbad, California. Our practice combines advanced orthodontic technology with personalized care, offering treatments like traditional braces, Invisalign, and cutting-edge LightForce custom braces. Dr. DeSantos brings extensive expertise from her academic achievements and collaborations with dental specialists, ensuring comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient. We prioritize patient comfort and satisfaction, evidenced by our state-of-the-art facility and testimonials highlighting successful outcomes. Our team fosters long-term relationships, emphasizing transparency and advocacy throughout the orthodontic journey.With flexible scheduling and emergency care availability, we accommodate diverse patient needs while maintaining a commitment to excellence. Recognized for embracing technological advancements, we provide efficient treatments that minimize office visits. Our community-focused approach extends beyond clinical care, creating a welcoming environment for families. Through continuous education and adherence to industry standards, we maintain authority in orthodontic solutions. Trust in our experience and dedication to deliver results that enhance both dental health and confidence.
Services
Braces
Invisalign
Invisalign Teen
LightForce Custom Braces
Emergency Care
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of orthodontic expertise with advanced treatment options.
- Our office utilizes state-of-the-art 3D-printing and digital scanning technology.
- We create personalized treatment plans for optimal dental alignment results.
- Emergency orthodontic care is available to address urgent patient needs.
- Our team collaborates with dental specialists for comprehensive care solutions.
What people say
Love the results
Amazing job
Professional and caring
Advocates for patients
Embraces technology
Services
Braces
Traditional metal braces provide effective tooth alignment for complex dental issues. Our customized treatment plans ensure gradual, precise movement of teeth using high-quality brackets and wires. Patients benefit from regular adjustments and durable materials that withstand daily wear while achieving optimal bite correction and aesthetic improvement.
Invisalign
Invisalign offers discreet, removable aligners that straighten teeth without traditional brackets. Using iTero scanner technology, we create precise digital treatment plans with predictable outcomes. Patients enjoy the convenience of removable trays for eating and cleaning, combined with virtually invisible correction for mild to moderate alignment issues.
LightForce Custom Braces
LightForce uses 3D-printing to create fully customized braces that match each tooth's unique shape. This technology reduces treatment time and office visits through optimized bracket placement. Patients experience enhanced comfort and efficiency while achieving precise dental alignment with aesthetically designed, patient-specific orthodontic solutions.
Emergency Care
We provide prompt solutions for urgent orthodontic issues like broken brackets or wires causing discomfort. Our emergency protocols ensure immediate pain relief and treatment continuity. Patients receive guidance for temporary fixes before appointments, maintaining progress while addressing unexpected complications with professional care.
Invisalign Teen
Invisalign Teen addresses adolescent dental development with growth-friendly clear aligners. Specialized features accommodate erupting molars and include compliance indicators for parents. This solution offers teens confidence during treatment while effectively correcting bite issues and spacing problems through removable, nearly invisible aligner technology.
People
Dr. Bernadette DeSantos
Orthodontist
Dr. DeSantos earned her dental degree from the University of Texas and completed orthodontic residency at Oregon Health Sciences University. With membership in the American Association of Orthodontists, she combines academic excellence with 20+ years of clinical experience. Her practice philosophy emphasizes personalized care and technological innovation for optimal patient outcomes.
Questions
What orthodontic treatments do you offer?
We provide traditional braces, Invisalign clear aligners, LightForce custom braces, and specialized Invisalign Teen options using advanced digital technology.
Do you treat patients of all ages?
Yes, we specialize in orthodontic care for children, teenagers, and adults with customized treatment plans.
What technology do you use?
Our office features iTero scanners for digital impressions and LightForce 3D-printed custom braces for precise, efficient treatment.
Is emergency orthodontic care available?
We provide emergency services for urgent issues like broken brackets or wires causing discomfort outside regular appointments.
How long are typical appointments?
Adjustment visits usually take 15-30 minutes, while initial consultations and scans require 60-90 minutes for comprehensive evaluation.
Reviews (7)
Peter D.
Mar 16, 2022
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We have trusted Dr. DeSantos and La Costa Orthodontics with the alignment and health of our son's teeth. In under a year and a half with an Invisalign treatment our son (age 11) has a winning smile with his teeth now aligned and ample room in his mouth. By using Invisalign, we were able to avoid further damage to teeth that had repairs from an unfortunate bike accident. Appointment availability is timely and flexible.
The team is caring and tries to make patients feel comfortable. Second, Dr. DeSantos is honest, thorough and has a strong attention to detail. She understood the sensitivity our son's teeth and made her treatment recommendations accordingly. We have completed one phase of treatment with our son and expect to continue with them with our second son's orthodontic care.
The team is caring and tries to make patients feel comfortable. Second, Dr. DeSantos is honest, thorough and has a strong attention to detail. She understood the sensitivity our son's teeth and made her treatment recommendations accordingly. We have completed one phase of treatment with our son and expect to continue with them with our second son's orthodontic care.
Amber Payne
Dec 23, 2021
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Dr. DeSantos and her team went above and beyond to make our anxious kiddos feel comfortable and safe. They explained everything in a kid friendly manor before they did anything and made sure both of our twin boys understood what was happening and if they felt scared or unsure, they took their time explaining things even more and helping them through the moment. I highly, highly recommend Dr. DeSantos and her team! Exceptional care!
Sheila Wilkins
Sep 29, 2021
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From The first time I met Dr. Desantos I knew there was something special about her. She makes sure that everything is clear and understood before going forward. She takes great care with her patients and the parents! I had the pleasure of meeting her family today and they are super. If your shopping around for an orthodontist. Look no further! I am looking forward to getting braces for myself someday soon.
Nate B.
Aug 20, 2021
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Fantastic service! I was a patient with braces for over a year and it was such a smooth ride. Now that I have my braces off I can say I am very pleased with how my teeth turned out. The entire duration of my braces care was incredibly easy and painless.
Linda Wolff
Aug 17, 2021
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Going to the orthodontist is not just for kids! At the age of 70, I decided to straighten my teeth that had become very crooked over time. I am so pleased with the outcome! I would highly recommend this office! The staff is very professional and caring and the result is amazing!
Erin S.
Jun 14, 2021
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Dr. DeSantos is very experienced and she listened very carefully to me when I described what I wanted and needed. My orthodontics journey began in the third grade, continued through high school, and needed to be addressed a couple of years ago again. Needless to say, my teeth are complicated. Prior to this most recent phase, I had other orthodontists in the state of Washington, so I had to look for someone new since I now live near Carlsbad. La Costa Orthodontics (LCO) was highly recommended by my much trusted dentist. Dr. DeSantos did a great job of coordinating with my dentist, communicating with me, setting expectations and working efficiently.
I am 40 years old, but I imagine LCO is great with kids too. Dr. DeSantos and her staff are very warm and friendly, gentle and reassuring. I would not hesitate to strongly recommend Dr. DeSantos to anyone, including family and friends.
I am 40 years old, but I imagine LCO is great with kids too. Dr. DeSantos and her staff are very warm and friendly, gentle and reassuring. I would not hesitate to strongly recommend Dr. DeSantos to anyone, including family and friends.
Laura West
Mar 23, 2021
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We couldn't be happier with Dr. DeSantos and her lovely staff. They have been nothing but kind and patient during our daughter's time with braces. We are lucky to have been with them during this experience Hands down we would recommend this office to anyone. They truly care about their patients and their work. Thank you, Dr. DeSantos and staff!
