Dr. Bernadette DeSantos was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She became interested in orthodontics while wearing braces herself during her middle school years. It was at this point that she decided to focus on her goal of becoming an orthodontist.
She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology, graduating Summa Cum Laude, from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. She then got her dental training at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Texas. Immediately after dental school, she moved to the Pacific Northwest for her orthodontic residency training at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, Oregon. Upon her completion of her two-year orthodontic residency, she received her specialty certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.
While attending the University of Texas, Dr. DeSantos was recognized with various awards such as the Academy of Dental Materials Award, Margaret Jones Chanin Award, Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement Restorative Dentistry, American Association of Public Health Dentistry Award and the American Association of Orthodontists Award.
Dr. DeSantos practiced orthodontics in the Pacific Northwest for about seven years before moving to Southern California. It was there that she gained experience with the multi-disciplinary approach. This approach includes working along other dental professionals. She worked side-by-side with general dentists, dental hygienists, pediatric dentists, periodontists, oral surgeons and endodontists. This experience has helped her provide the best possible treatment for her patients. She moved to California in 2006 and two years later opened her orthodontic practice, La Costa Orthodontics, in Carlsbad.
Dr. DeSantos and her husband, Stephen, and her two children, Haley and Hayden and their corgi named Hazy live in San Elijo Hills. They love living in North County San Diego. Besides her passion in orthodontics, Dr. DeSantos enjoys family time, traveling, the beach, water sports, and reading.
Invisalign is an alternative orthodontic treatment tobracesthat uses a fundamentally different methodology to move the teeth. Instead of stainless steel brackets and archwires, Invisalign utilizes a series of clear, removable orthodontic aligners to move the teeth. The aligners sit directly on the dental arch, are virtually invisible when worn, and are removable for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
The aligners are worn 22 hours a day, with removal only as necessary for eating and oral hygiene. Each set of aligners is worn for about 1-2 weeks before moving to the next set. With each new pair of aligners, the teeth move closer to their final alignment in a beautiful smile. At the end of the treatment, the patient achieves a gorgeous smile.
Invisalign is a fundamentally different alternative to braces, and patients who choose Invisalign receive a number of benefits. While not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign, advances in the technology mean most patients can receive Invisalign and achieve a gorgeous smile. Some of the benefits of Invisalign include:
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 30 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestSangeetha Satheesan
a year ago
Dr De Santos and her team of professionals are awesome! During our first visit for Phase 1 treatment for my daughter, she did additional diagnostics and took the time to explain everything and put both my daughter and me (parent) at ease. It was a big decision for us and I knew I could trust her from day one, which was a great relief especially as the treatment plan was bit complicated. Dr De Santos and her team (special shout out to Melissa and Lily) are genuinely caring and kind and are always willing to work with you and your schedule. We were so happy with their exceptional service that we decided to continue with her even when we had to move out of town due to a job change We are truly blessed to have found her and my daughter had a wonderful experience on her Phase 1 even though it was a long road. We are very pleased with the outcome and highly recommend Dr De Santos and her team for orthodontic care. Thank you so much for your excellent service, Dr De Santos!
Amber Payne
2 years ago
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!
Nate B
2 years ago
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.
Smitty Family
2 years ago
Great results for both my kids. Dr. DeSantos and staff are friendly and caring. Between 2 kids we've been going for 5 years.
Sheila Wilkins
2 years ago
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.
Linda Wolff
2 years ago
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!
Nate B
3 years ago
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.
Smitty Family
3 years ago
Great results for both my kids. Dr. DeSantos and staff are friendly and caring. Between 2 kids we've been going for 5 years.
Laura West
3 years ago
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!
Sheila Wilkins
3 years ago
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.
Linda Wolff
3 years ago
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!
Natalie Gomez
3 years ago
I could not be more pleased with my experience at La Costa Orthodontics. I am an out-of-state patient (residing in Arizona for school and visit home in Carlsbad for the holidays). Dr. DeSantos and staff were ALWAYS an email or phone call away if I had any questions. Doing Invisalign was the best option for me and this incredible staff helped me gain the smile that I wanted! Not to mention, they always made sure that I would be able to come in for any type of appointment when I was home for a holiday or special occasion. I could not have had a better experience with La Costa Orthodontics and would highly recommend it to others!
Gabrielle Hart
3 years ago
I have been a patient of la costa orthodontics for about 10 years. I used to have crooked teeth and an underbite which was fixed with phase one regular braces. A few years later I had Invisalign and I just got it removed and I love the results. It was amazing to see how much technology has improved and how the office wholeheartedly embraces it! Always advocates for her patients!
Laura West
3 years ago
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!
Tyler Holmes
3 years ago
I just recently finished my last Invisalign set which fixed my under bite. La Costa Orthodontics and I can full heartily say that my smile has never looked better than it does at the moment. I am very astounded with the results and it has been an enjoyable journey. Thanks to Dr. De Santos, I cant stop smiling:) I am going to miss going into the office every 4 weeks through my high school and college career.
Auxy Jacobo
3 years ago
I use to have braces in the past but teeth have an amazing memory And as for myself my teeth shifted back to how they use to be. I was recommended the 3M aligners and I can honestly say that I love them. I'm 25 yrs old so the last thing I wanted was a second round of visible brackets. During my treatment I was able to take them off when ever needed, they were very easy to clean, and were not visible during any photo that was taken for any special occasions. The treatment went very fast with very minimal to no pain at all. Would recommend This office and staff to my friends and family. Also recommend the 3M aligners with the V-Pro.
Tenley Webb
3 years ago
We continue to have such a wonderful, positive experience with Dr. DeSantos and the entire staff. They provide quality service with heart and kindness. My 10 year-old-son has enjoyed each visit through Phase 1 of his braces.
Joey Padilla
3 years ago
The most friendly and flexible orthodontist out there. If you're thinking of getting braces they have fast service fitted for you it's the best
Auxy Jacobo
4 years ago
I use to have braces in the past but teeth have an amazing memory And as for myself my teeth shifted back to how they use to be. I was recommended the 3M aligners and I can honestly say that I love them. I'm 25 yrs old so the last thing I wanted was a second round of visible brackets. During my treatment I was able to take them off when ever needed, they were very easy to clean, and were not visible during any photo that was taken for any special occasions. The treatment went very fast with very minimal to no pain at all. Would recommend This office and staff to my friends and family. Also recommend the 3M aligners with the V-Pro.
Gabrielle Hart
4 years ago
I have been a patient of la costa orthodontics for about 10 years. I used to have crooked teeth and an underbite which was fixed with phase one regular braces. A few years later I had Invisalign and I just got it removed and I love the results. It was amazing to see how much technology has improved and how the office wholeheartedly embraces it! Always advocates for her patients!
Load more