Los Dentistas
Pediátricos
y Ortodoncistas
de San Diego — Cuidado Completo, Un Lugar
Divertido. Fácil. Diferente.
Porque Su Hijo Se Lo Merece.
Reunimos a dentistas pediátricos y ortodoncistas bajo un mismo techo — para que el cuidado de su hijo nunca esté fragmentado. Un equipo. Múltiples especialistas. Una visión completa de la salud de su hijo desde el primer día.
Cada visita comienza con calidez. Nos adaptamos a cada niño — ansioso o emocionado — y hacemos que la silla sea un lugar al que realmente quieran regresar.
Nuestros especialistas se consultan mutuamente en cada paciente. Su hijo recibe la experiencia colectiva de dentistas pediátricos y ortodoncistas — no solo una opinión.
Buscamos la certificación de la junta, invertimos en educación continua y nos mantenemos a la vanguardia de la atención pediátrica — porque su hijo merece lo mejor, no solo lo estándar.
Pensamos como
maestros del ajedrez.
La mayoría de las visitas dentales son reactivas — algo duele, lo arreglas. Nosotros trabajamos diferente. Leemos hacia dónde van las cosas: cómo respira su hijo, cómo se forma su mandíbula, cómo se está desarrollando su mordida. Los buenos maestros del ajedrez no responden al último movimiento. Ya están diez movimientos adelante. Eso significa que detectamos señales tempranas de caries y entramos en modo de prevención antes de que alguna vez necesite un empaste.
Cuando el dentista pediátrico y el ortodoncista están en el mismo consultorio — compartiendo registros, el mismo historial de crecimiento, hablando entre ellos — eso no es un traspaso. Eso es un plan construido alrededor de su hijo.
Conoce nuestra historiaDetectamos enfermedad de las encías y caries tempranas antes de que se conviertan en un problema.
Ahora podemos detectar las primeras señales de enfermedad de las encías y descalcificación dental — el inicio de una caries — antes de que se produzca el daño. Con la tecnología actual podemos detener ese proceso. Y en muchos casos, realmente revertirlo.
Sí, eso significa ayudar al esmalte a regenerarse. Es posible ahora, y es exactamente por qué estamos tan enfocados en la atención pediátrica especializada. Cada niño merece un plan hecho para él.
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She graduated magna cum laude and received a BS degree in Biology at UC Riverside. In 2006, Dr. Kim received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery at UCLA School of Dentistry. Following dental school, she went on to complete her pediatric dental residency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital where she served as chief resident of the department during her final year. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and is currently a member of the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, and American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Kim is dedicated to building long lasting relationships with her patients and creating a lifetime of healthy smiles. She has enjoyed mission trips to Nicaragua and the Philippines. In her free time, she and her husband, Brian, love traveling, spending time with family and friends, and playing with their dog, Mochi.
While teaching at the dental university, he practiced in a pediatric dental office where he discovered his passion for children’s dental health. He completed his Pediatric Dental Residency training at St. Barnabas Hospital, a Level I trauma center in New York City. Dr. Macaoay has been featured in publications of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association and local newspapers. He is a volunteer for UCSD’s Predental Society Student Run Dental Clinic and has participated in international humanitarian dental missions in Fiji, Jamaica, and Jerusalem.
When Dr. Macaoay is not helping children achieve healthy smiles, you can find him reading, traveling, hiking, training for triathlons, and spending quality time with his family.
His calm and patient manner with children allows the team and parents to have an enjoyable and thorough visit, ensuring a lifetime of beautiful, healthy smiles.
Dr. Chris is actively involved in the dental community. He serves as a chairman for the San Diego County Dental Society. He also serves on the Ethics Committee for the Dental Society. He continues in academia as adjunct faculty at UCSD Medical School – Department of Preventative and Family Medicine. He is also affiliated with, and an advisor to, Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego State University, and UCLA. He is also a published author for his research in children’s dentistry.
Dr. Chris has enjoyed dental mission work in Vietnam, Guatemala, Mexico, and other under-served areas.
Dr. Chris enjoys the outdoors and is an avid skier. He spends his free time with his wife, Katherine, and their two dogs, Lilly and Winston. They enjoy the beach and surfing.
Putting children at ease and alleviating their fear of going to the dentist is one of Dr. Sam’s top priorities, as he recognizes the importance of establishing good oral healthcare habits early on in life. “Recently, I had a patient with severe dental anxiety come to me in pain. She had to get through multiple visits and at the end of her treatment, she told me, ‘You’re the best dentist ever because I never feel anything.’ That’s what makes it all worth it,” said Dr. Sam.
Collaboration with colleagues is also an important part of Dr. Sam’s treatment philosophy. He is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), the California Dental Association (CDA) and the San Diego Dental Society. Dr. Sam is also proud to have been inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society and to have provided care to an underserved community at the Southern Indian Health Center in Alpine.
Dr. Sam earned a BA in Biology from San Diego State University and went on to the UCSF School of Dentistry, where he received his DDS degree. From there, he returned to Southern California and completed his pediatric residency at the University of Southern California. “I was a resident at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles where I treated medically compromised and developmentally delayed children,” explained Dr. Sam, who takes great pride in his experience treating children with special needs.
A native San Diegan, Dr. Sam was born and raised in Southeast San Diego. His parents came to the U.S. as refugees, and he is the first of his family to graduate from college. He has an older sister and a younger brother, and is very close to his two nieces. In fact, much of his free time is spent babysitting! A self-described nerd, Dr. Sam loves going to coffee shops to read science fiction and fantasy novels, as well as comics. He also enjoys basketball, volleyball, and hiking.
Dr. Olga grew up in New York, and then headed west for the beautiful weather and outdoor activities year-round. She is fluent in English and Russian, and conversant in Spanish. Her favorite activities are going paddle boarding with her labradoodle, Micah, and riding beach cruisers around Mission Bay.
After earning an undergraduate degree from Azusa Pacific University and a dental degree at Loma Linda University, Dr. Buzz completed his residency at New York University. He also holds a master’s degree in public health and is the fourth generation in his family to pursue education in this field. He is also a proud Veteran. Dr. Buzz served on active duty in the United States Navy for six years and is currently a member of the Active Reserves. He has received numerous accolades from the military, including the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
Dr. Buzz belongs to many professional organizations including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), San Diego County Dental Society (SDCDS), the American Dental Association (ADA) and the California Dental Association (CDA). He is especially proud to be a member of the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry (CSPD), a nationally recognized leader in organized pediatric dentistry.
Serving the less fortunate is close to Dr. Buzz’s heart, and he has helped countless children locally and internationally. He is a co-founder and co-creator of the Cura Smiles free dental clinic in the City Heights area of San Diego. He is also dedicated to inspiring young people to make a difference in the world and is a professional mentor for students at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), as well as an adjunct faculty member on the campus. According to Dr. Buzz, working with children and college students and serving those in need gives him a unique perspective on life. It is his goal to always look at the world through the eyes of a child.
A self-described “beach bum”, Dr. Buzz can often be found at the beach with his family. Dr. Buzz loves sports, electronic dance music (which includes Friday night dance parties with his kids), and is always in pursuit of the perfect breakfast burrito. Dr. Buzz resides here in San Diego with his wife and three young children. The “Buzz” family welcomed their third child to the world in late 2021 so Dr. Buzz has now mastered life with three kids (barely) and looks forward to the day when he and Mrs. Buzz are no longer changing diapers.
Having recently retired from active duty service in June 2022, Dr. Curtice now exclusively works at our office providing the outstanding level of care that he also gave towards our service members. Dr. Curtice joined our practice in 2018, working on his days off even though he was still serving our country. Dr. Curtice and Dr. Buzz have known each other for almost 15 years, having first met while stationed overseas in Yokosuka, Japan. They have developed an incredibly unique team approach to orthodontics and pediatric dentistry, a very successful practice model that is a compliment to their attention to detail and commitment to the highest standards of care.
Dr. Curtice and his wife reside here in San Diego with their two husky fur-babies. They have two adult children who are currently both pursuing their undergraduate and professional degrees. Dr. Curtice is your quintessential San Diegan, raised here growing up surfing, skateboarding, and growing his hair super long. When he’s not creating perfect smiles, he’s likely enjoying a San Diego IPA while cheering on his beloved Padres (we won’t talk about the Chargers). He also loves country music and you can find him at most country music festivals with his cowboy hat, cut-off jean shorts, and boots. In fact, if you hear country music playing in our office it’s likely because Dr. Curtice is seeing patients that day.
Giving back to the community is another way in which Dr. Anna uses her dentistry and people skills to make a difference. She volunteered at the Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh and participated in the “Give Kids a Smile” program. Dr. Anna has also worked with a mobile dental service to provide free dental care to veterans and others in need.
Dr. Anna was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, and came to the United States when she was twelve years old. She grew up in Maryland and Northern Virginia and moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for college. Upon earning her B.S. in biology from the University of Pittsburgh, as well as her dental degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, she moved to Youngstown, Ohio, where she completed her General Practice Residency at St. Elizabeth Hospital. Dr. Anna also completed a one-year implant fellowship at University of Pittsburgh.
Now that she is settled in sunny San Diego, Dr. Anna is able to take advantage of her love for outdoor activities year-round. She enjoys spending time with her husband and her two young children. “I was lucky to marry my best friend, with whom I share a son and a daughter. I especially enjoy baking with my little ones,” said Dr. Anna. She also enjoys traveling and is fluent in English and Russian, and is in the process of learning Farsi and other languages.
Dr. O’Donnell spent time training at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, and the Los Angeles County Medical Center. He regularly attends continuing education courses and meetings through the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry, and the California Dental Association. He has also been taking courses with the American Laser Study Club and learning more about airway dentistry, and the impact of oral health on the way children breathe. He is proudly recognized as an American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Diplomate, California Society of Pediatric Dentistry Member, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Member, San Diego County Dental Society member, California Dental Association member, and American Dental Association member.
Dr. O’Donnell has a rich career history that includes volunteer work throughout central and southern California and Baja California, Mexico. Since joining our practice in 2023, Dr. O’Donnell has enjoyed being able to care for children and provide quality treatment. He takes great pride in being able to help children who are suffering from dental anxiety. Caring for those with special health care needs is also one of his passions. He particularly enjoys how dental and oral health is integrated with the rest of our body and health and is interested in our oral health’s impact on our upper airway and the way we breathe. This can have a profound impact on our lives, especially those of children.
Overall, nothing brings more joy to Dr. O’Donnell than helping a child, who has had difficult experiences at another office, overcome their anxiety and find comfort in their new dental home. He loves seeing their smiling faces, especially as they grow! Dr. O’Donnell enjoys hearing about the newest things in their lives and the exciting activities they are trying, from their first t-ball game to their first girl scout cookie sale! Additionally, he enjoys being a part of a wonderful team here at the San Diego office, who all share a passion for providing a positive experience for the patients and their families.
Dr. Evelyne finished her specialty training at Rady Children’s Hospital, where she became a guest lecturer for several groups. She continued her humanitarian dental work in Vietnam and Mexico and served on the Oral Health Initiative Board for the San Diego Health and Human Services. She is a volunteer professor at the specialty Pediatric Dental Program at Rady Children’s Hospital and is active in many San Diego County Dental Society committees.
Dr. Evelyne’s mission is to make each child smile and ensure a positive experience at the dental office. She believes every child should flourish and thrive in a loving, caring dental home and look forward to their dental visits.
Her passion is her family with her two young girls, volunteering, and serving as a military spouse to her husband, a Captain in the US Navy with over twenty years of service. When the family is not visiting him on port visits during deployments, she is raising her rescue animals and finishing her master’s in business administration at the University of San Diego. You can find her on off days hiking with her dogs, enjoying yoga, or attempting cooking.
He earned a BA from University of California Berkeley in film studies and decided post graduation to pivot to studying dentistry. After graduating dental school at University of Nevada Las Vegas in 2018, pediatric dentistry seemed like a natural path to apply his skill sets. He earned his pediatric specialty certification at NYU affiliate Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. He aims to provide quality, friendly care to improve the lives in his community.
Dr. Wong recently moved to San Diego with dreams of starting his own family with his wife, Debbie. They are expecting a daughter this spring! In his free time, he enjoys diving, fishing, cooking, and backpacking.
Her journey in dentistry is deeply rooted in her public health background, where she discovered that tooth decay is the most common childhood disease in the United States – and entirely preventable. This revelation sparked her dedication to pediatric dental care, where she could make a lasting impact on children's oral health through early intervention and education.
Dr. Shih's approach to patient care is built on creating positive, comfortable experiences for children while empowering them to take ownership of their dental health. She believes in explaining dental concepts in age-appropriate ways, making each visit both educational and enjoyable. Her patience and compassion have helped countless young patients overcome their dental anxiety, transforming fearful first visits into confident, routine care.
One of her most rewarding experiences involved helping a particularly anxious 10-year-old patient develop confidence and comfort in the dental chair. Through building trust and maintaining a gentle approach, she witnessed his transformation from a fearful patient to one who now jokes during his appointments – a testament to her philosophy that trust and compassion are essential elements of pediatric dental care.
Having lived in Taiwan, Thailand, and various parts of the United States during her childhood, Dr. Shih brings a multicultural sensitivity to her practice that helps her connect with families from diverse backgrounds. This unique upbringing, which included attending eight different schools from pre-K to high school, has shaped her adaptable and understanding approach to patient care.
When she's not creating healthy smiles, Dr. Shih can be found enjoying the outdoors – golfing in the summer months and snowboarding during the winter. She values quality time with family and friends and enjoys exploring San Diego's local brewery scene, particularly Pure Project Breweries, with her husband and their dog.
Dr. Shih is committed to providing comprehensive dental care that goes beyond treating immediate concerns to foster lifelong healthy dental habits. She looks forward to partnering with families in their journey toward optimal oral health and creating positive dental experiences that last a lifetime.
A graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and a proud recipient of the Leo M. Davidoff Society “Award for Excellence in Teaching,” Dr. Zaki’s passion for education extends far beyond the classroom. She believes that even the youngest patients can understand their oral health when it’s explained with kindness, creativity, and a little silliness. Whether it’s tailoring instructions to a toddler’s favorite cartoon or answering a parent’s every question with care, Dr. Zaki strives to make every visit empowering—for the child, the parent, and even the stuffed animal in the chair.
Her love for pediatric dentistry comes from its beautiful unpredictability. “No two kids are the same,” she says. “You constantly have to think outside the box and plan thoughtfully. That’s what makes it so rewarding.” She once treated a medically complex, nonverbal child who had broken his front tooth. Through patience and compassion, she and her team helped him through his first filling—restoring not only his smile, but his mother’s hope. Moments like that remind her why she chose this field.
Lived in England for a few years and raised in a mix of places like Pennsylvania, New York, and Wisconsin, Dr. Zaki now feels most at home in this tight-knit community where she can build meaningful relationships with families over the years. To her, a dental office should feel like a safe and familiar place—where kids feel known, celebrated, and genuinely excited to return.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Zaki is a devoted foodie, an amateur artist, and a big fan of staying active—whether it's hiking with friends or cycling around town. She loves relaxing by the beach (especially if there’s ice cream nearby!) and never says no to a string cheese snack, a childhood favorite she’s still perfecting into miniature sculptures.
Family plays a central role in Dr. Zaki’s story. Inspired by her mother, who gave up her own dental career to raise her and her sister, Dr. Zaki brings that same spirit of sacrifice and support into her practice every day. Her husband Anthony, a loyal San Diego Padres fan, keeps her grounded (and entertained), and she cherishes weekly virtual hangouts with cousins across Canada, Egypt, and beyond.
In her spare time, you might also find her volunteering at her local parish with college students, where she pretends to stay up to date with what’s trending.
Dr. Zaki’s superpower of choice? X-ray vision—though she’s already mastered the art of seeing what kids really need: patience, laughter, and someone who truly listens.
If you’re lucky, you might even catch her impersonating an elephant in the name of making dentistry a little more magical.
Dr. Le earned his dental degree from the prestigious University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. With a strong foundation in dental science and a genuine love for working with children, he is committed to making every visit a positive and comfortable experience. Dr. Le believes that a trip to the orthodontist should be fun and anxiety-free, and he strives to create an environment where kids feel heard, understood, and excited about their smile journey.
As a self-proclaimed “kid at heart,” Dr. Le connects easily with young patients—whether it’s chatting about the latest video games, sports, or superhero movies. He believes in empowering children by explaining each step of their treatment, setting clear expectations, and answering all their questions. By making the process transparent and approachable, Dr. Le helps reduce anxiety and builds trust with his patients and their families.
One of Dr. Le’s most memorable experiences was helping a young patient who was initially anxious and self-conscious about her crowded teeth. Through reassurance and personalized care, Dr. Le guided her through treatment without extractions, and after 15 months, she left with a radiant smile—and a newfound dream of becoming an orthodontist herself.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Le enjoys golfing (including a memorable round with Samuel L. Jackson!), traveling, and exploring new activities. You might find him relaxing at La Jolla Beach or trying out local eateries. He’s always eager to connect with the community and is open to participating in local events and charities.
Dr. Le’s love for dentistry runs in the family—his parents are physicians, his brother is training as a medical doctor, and more than a dozen relatives are in the dental field, including his fiancée, who is an endodontist. This strong family tradition in healthcare inspires him daily to provide compassionate, high-quality care.
Fun Facts About Dr. Le:
- Favorite children’s book: Harry Potter series
- Favorite childhood snack: Spam Musubi
- Favorite activity with family and friends: Golf
- Favorite way to make kids laugh: Finding out their favorite YouTuber and sharing a laugh
- Dream superpower: X-ray vision (to make dental exams even easier!)
Dr. Le is proud to serve such a diverse and welcoming community, and he looks forward to meeting new families and helping every child discover the power of a confident smile.
Education & Professional Achievements
Dr. Aclan earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU), where he distinguished himself both academically and as a leader among his peers. His dedication to pediatric dentistry is reflected in his numerous honors, including:
- CSPD Warren Brandli Leadership Intern (2024-2025)
- American Student Dental Association Award of Excellence (2020)
- WesternU College of Dental Medicine Class of 2021 Award (2020)
- East West Scholarship for Clinical Excellence (2019)
Dr. Aclan is also actively involved with the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry, serving on the board for the Foundation that supports dental education for faculty and residents.
Why Pediatric Dentistry?
For Dr. Aclan, pediatric dentistry is more than a profession—it’s a calling. His mission is to be a positive role model and play an active role in the wellbeing of young people. From mentoring high school students from underrepresented communities to leading after-school dance programs and organizing Special Olympics dental events, Dr. Aclan has always found ways to empower and uplift children and youth. His journey in dentistry began as a pediatric dental assistant, and his experiences have fueled his passion for providing education, prevention, and compassionate care to every child he meets.
Philosophy of Care
Dr. Aclan’s approach is simple: treat every patient as if they were his own family. He believes in patient- and family-centered care, leading with empathy and understanding. He strives to meet each child where they are, helping even the most anxious patients feel comfortable and safe. For Dr. Aclan, the greatest reward is seeing a child’s fear of the dentist transform into confidence and trust.
A Memorable Experience
One of Dr. Aclan’s most impactful experiences was caring for a young boy from Mexico who needed all 20 teeth extracted due to severe decay. Despite the challenges, Dr. Aclan’s compassion and encouragement helped the child through the process. The gratitude and hug he received from the boy and his family reinforced his purpose and commitment to making a difference in children’s lives.
Fun Facts & Personal Touches
- Surprising Talent: Dr. Aclan danced competitively on a hip hop team during college.
- Favorite Children’s Book: Curious George
- Favorite Snack: Nerd’s Rope
- Favorite Local Spots: Walking around La Jolla or Balboa Park
- Favorite Way to Make Kids Laugh: Talking to them as a friend and meeting them at their comfort level
- Dream Superpower: Hypnosis—to help kids feel calm and at ease during dental visits
Outside the Office
When he’s not caring for patients, Dr. Aclan enjoys working out, golfing, hiking, picnicking, and sharing good meals with family and friends. He cherishes time spent with his wife, whom he married in Kauai, and his extended family, including his young niece and nephew.
Community Involvement
Dr. Aclan loves the diversity of the local community and is passionate about learning from other cultures. He is actively involved in professional organizations and local initiatives that improve dental education and access to care.
Family Inspiration
Dr. Aclan credits his family as his greatest support system, always believing in him and inspiring him to give back. Their encouragement has been instrumental in his journey to becoming a trusted pediatric dentist.
Her approach to orthodontics is built on trust — trust that accumulates over years of monthly appointments and translates into outcomes that change how patients carry themselves. She involves kids directly in their own care, speaks to them during appointments (not just around them), and walks them through milestones so they understand exactly how far they’ve come. Kids who feel in control of their treatment, she’s found, tend to take much better care of it.
She is an ABO certified orthodontist, an Invisalign Provider, a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, Phi Kappa Phi, and Tau Kappa Omega — the academic honor society trifecta — and a volunteer faculty member at UCSD’s Pre-Dental Society free clinic. Her most memorable case: a patient with sleep apnea, breathing issues, and an asymmetric bite who transformed completely through orthodontic expansion — finishing treatment early with full resolution of her bite and dramatically improved breathing.
When she’s not in the office, Dr. Patel lifts weights, kayaks in La Jolla Cove, oil paints (since age 12), and explores Temecula’s wine scene. Her favorite San Diego spot: the Cliffhanger Cafe at the Torrey Pines glider port. She also eats a Babybel with lunch every single day and has never had a cavity, which she considers her greatest personal credential.
Dr. Coffler earned her Biology degree from UCLA before attending the USC School of Dentistry, where she graduated with the highest honors. While at USC, her compassionate nature led her to volunteer with the Mobile Dental Clinic, traveling across California to provide quality dental care for children in underserved communities. Her educational journey culminated in advanced training in pediatric dentistry at Yale University, where she honed her skills treating children of all ages, including those with complex medical conditions.
Outside the office, she stays active with pilates, enjoys the beach, and loves experimenting with new recipes. Dr. Coffler looks forward to welcoming your family and leveraging her elite training to help your kiddos maintain their healthy, happy smiles.
Juntos Somos Mejores, en Cada Visita
En Coastal Kids, practicamos juntos. Nuestros doctores comparten ideas, consultan en casos complejos y se mantienen mutuamente al más alto estándar — porque creemos que la mejor atención nunca se brinda solo. Esta es la base de nuestra Experiencia Integral del Paciente: cada niño que atendemos se beneficia de la sabiduría colectiva de todo nuestro equipo. Hemos reunido clínicos excepcionales de los mejores programas del país y seguimos comprometidos con la educación continua, para que pueda estar tranquilo sabiendo que su hijo recibe la atención más segura y predecible posible.
Instituciones Académicas Representadas en Coastal Kids
Nuestros Servicios
Aceptamos Seguro y Sunbit↗
Nos encargamos de su seguro para que usted no tenga que hacerlo.
Nuestro equipo de seguros trabaja en su nombre — presentando reclamaciones, verificando cobertura y asegurándose de que su familia reciba todos los beneficios a los que tiene derecho.
La Excelencia Tecnológica Debe Ser el Estándar de Todos
Especiales para Nuevos Pacientes
Blog
Arraigados en las Comunidades que Servimos
Nuestro compromiso con los vecindarios que servimos va mucho más allá del sillón dental. Nuestros médicos tienen — o están activamente obteniendo — certificación de junta en sus especialidades, reflejando un estándar de excelencia clínica que los coloca entre los profesionales más rigurosamente capacitados del país. Muchos sirven como presidentes y directores de organizaciones sin fines de lucro locales y nacionales, dando forma al futuro de la odontología pediátrica y la defensa de la salud infantil al más alto nivel. Estamos profundamente comprometidos tanto con la profesión como con las comunidades que llamamos hogar.
Affiliations & Institutional Partners
Conócenos
Preguntas Frecuentes
La AAPD recomienda la primera visita dental antes del primer cumpleaños de su hijo — y en Coastal Kids seguimos esa guía y vamos más allá. La mayoría de los consultorios la tratan como una visita introductoria breve, pero nosotros la usamos para construir una imagen completa de la salud bucal de su hijo. Nuestros dentistas pediátricos evalúan los hábitos de alimentación, la dieta, la exposición al flúor, el riesgo de caries y el desarrollo oral, y crean un plan de atención personalizado — no un folleto genérico. También le explicamos técnicas de cuidado en casa para que sepa exactamente qué hacer entre visitas. Venir temprano nos permite conocer a su hijo antes de que comiencen los problemas, lo que hace que cada visita futura sea más cómoda y efectiva.
El cuidado dental comienza antes de que aparezca el primer diente. Después de cada alimentación, limpie suavemente las encías de su recién nacido con un paño húmedo y suave — esto elimina los residuos de leche y bacterias y establece el hábito diario más importante en el primer año. Cuando erupcione el primer diente (generalmente alrededor de los 6 meses), comience a cepillar dos veces al día con un cepillo de dientes infantil suave y una cantidad del tamaño de un grano de arroz de pasta dental con flúor. En Coastal Kids, la primera visita de su bebé — que recomendamos antes del primer año — es mucho más que una revisión de dientes. Nuestros dentistas pediátricos realizan una evaluación completa de orientación anticipada: evaluamos patrones de alimentación, dieta, riesgo de caries, exposición al flúor y etapa de desarrollo, y le damos un plan de atención personalizado. La prevención temprana es cómo detectamos pequeños problemas antes de que se vuelvan mayores, y es cómo comenzamos a construir la relación con su hijo para que cada visita sea cómoda y familiar desde el primer día.
La mayoría de los niños va bien con chequeos cada 6 meses, pero en Coastal Kids no aplicamos un horario fijo a todos los pacientes. En cada visita, nuestros dentistas reevalúan el perfil de riesgo individual de su hijo — historial de caries, dieta, hábitos de cuidado en casa, etapa de desarrollo y cualquier preocupación ortodóncica emergente — y recomiendan el intervalo correcto para ese niño en ese momento de su crecimiento. Un niño con caries activa o mayor riesgo puede necesitar visitas cada 3–4 meses; un niño con excelente salud oral y bajo riesgo puede quedarse cómodamente en 6. Nuestros dentistas pediátricos y ortodoncistas también coordinan los hallazgos en estas visitas, para que nada se pierda entre disciplinas. Cada chequeo en Coastal Kids es un punto de control integral — no solo una limpieza.
Las radiografías son una de las herramientas de diagnóstico más importantes en la odontología pediátrica — y una de las más subestimadas. El punto clave es: para cuando una caries, infección o problema estructural es visible a simple vista, generalmente ha estado desarrollándose durante meses o años. Lo que se puede ver ya está avanzado, y las opciones de tratamiento se reducen en consecuencia. Las radiografías nos permiten encontrar problemas cuando todavía son pequeños — cuando un simple empaste sigue siendo la respuesta en lugar de un canal, o cuando un problema de mordida en desarrollo aún puede guiarse en lugar de corregirse quirúrgicamente después. En Coastal Kids, las radiografías son parte de un diagnóstico completo, no una casilla de rutina. Sobre la radiación: un conjunto completo de cuatro radiografías digitales de aleta de mordida entrega aproximadamente la misma radiación que absorbe de una hora caminando al aire libre. Nuestros sensores digitales entregan hasta un 90% menos de radiación que la película tradicional, y usamos delantales de plomo y protectores de tiroides como estándar en cada paciente. Tampoco tomamos radiografías en un horario fijo — nuestros dentistas evalúan a cada niño individualmente y recomiendan imágenes solo cuando hay una razón clínica clara.
La prevención es la base de todo lo que hacemos en Coastal Kids — y es mucho más personalizada que un recordatorio estándar de cepillar y usar hilo dental. En cada visita, nuestros dentistas realizan una evaluación de riesgo de caries: evaluamos la dieta, el cuidado en casa, la exposición al flúor, el historial de caries y el riesgo familiar para construir un perfil de riesgo específico para su hijo. De ese perfil, creamos un plan de prevención individualizado que puede incluir tratamientos profesionales de flúor, selladores en los molares vulnerables, orientación dietética específica o un monitoreo más frecuente para pacientes de mayor riesgo. Un niño de alto riesgo recibe un plan diferente al de bajo riesgo — y ambos reciben un plan que realmente se adapta a su situación. Nuestros dentistas pediátricos y ortodoncistas también trabajan juntos, para que si una preocupación de alineación hace más difícil limpiar ciertas áreas, ambos equipos lo tomen en cuenta. El objetivo es una boca sana en cada etapa del crecimiento de su hijo, no solo dientes limpios hoy.
El flúor sigue siendo una de las herramientas más estudiadas y efectivas en la odontología pediátrica — fortalece el esmalte, reduce el riesgo de caries y es seguro cuando se usa en las cantidades correctas para la edad y el tamaño de su hijo. En Coastal Kids, los tratamientos profesionales de flúor son parte de nuestro kit de prevención estándar y están respaldados por décadas de evidencia clínica avalada por la AAPD y la AAP. Dicho esto, reconocemos que las familias tienen diferentes niveles de comodidad, y lo respetamos. Para los padres que prefieren alternativas o para casos donde el uso de flúor necesita manejarse con cuidado, también ofrecemos terapias de remineralización que incluyen tratamientos de nano-hidroxiapatita (nano calcio) que apoyan la fortaleza del esmalte a través de una vía sin flúor. En Coastal Kids, personalizamos nuestro enfoque de prevención para adaptarse a los valores de su familia y al perfil de riesgo individual de su hijo — porque una buena atención significa una conversación real, no un protocolo único para todos.
La Asociación Americana de Ortodoncistas recomienda una primera evaluación ortodóncica a los 7 años — y en Coastal Kids, este hito está integrado en el cuidado de su hijo desde el principio, no se trata como una referencia separada que hay que recordar programar. Nuestros dentistas pediátricos rastrean el desarrollo ortodóncico en cada chequeo mucho antes de los 7 años, para que cuando su hijo llegue a esa primera evaluación formal, ya tengamos un historial de crecimiento con el que trabajar. La evaluación en sí es una evaluación integral de la mordida, el espaciado, la posición de la mandíbula y la trayectoria de crecimiento — nuestros dentistas pediátricos y ortodoncistas revisan los hallazgos de cada niño juntos y hacen una recomendación unificada: tratamiento temprano cuando la evidencia lo apoya, monitoreo activo cuando el momento no es el correcto, o un camino claro hacia el tratamiento futuro. Cada familia sale con un plan que refleja las necesidades reales de su hijo, desarrollado por un equipo que ya los conoce.
Los alineadores transparentes usan una serie de bandejas de plástico removibles y personalizadas para mover gradualmente los dientes hacia la alineación. Son casi invisibles, removibles para comer y cepillar, y diseñados sin alambres ni brackets — lo que muchos adolescentes y familias aprecian. Si son la opción correcta depende del caso específico de su hijo, y aquí es donde nuestro proceso en Coastal Kids difiere. Nuestros ortodoncistas no recomiendan tratamiento basándose en una consulta rápida — completan una evaluación diagnóstica completa con registros, fotografías, radiografías y una evaluación de crecimiento para entender el panorama completo de la mordida. Algunos casos responden mejor a los frenos tradicionales; otros son ideales para alineadores transparentes; muchos se benefician de una combinación. Nuestros dentistas pediátricos también son parte de esa conversación, para que tanto el panorama dental como el ortodóncico informen el plan. Su hijo recibe el tratamiento correcto para su mordida — no lo que sea más simple de ofrecer.
La Fase 1 — tratamiento ortodóncico temprano — se enfoca en una ventana breve e irremplazable entre los 7 y 10 años cuando la mandíbula todavía está creciendo activamente. Durante este período, las fuerzas guiadas pueden remodelar los arcos, expandir los paladares estrechos y corregir las discrepancias de la mandíbula de maneras que simplemente no se pueden lograr una vez que los huesos han madurado. Para niños con dientes apiñados, mordidas cruzadas o una discrepancia significativa de la mandíbula, actuar durante esta ventana puede reducir dramáticamente la complejidad del tratamiento posterior — y en algunos casos eliminar la necesidad de extracciones o procedimientos más complejos. Esperar más allá de la pubertad para estos casos típicamente significa un tratamiento más largo y complejo. Dicho esto, no todos los niños necesitan la Fase 1 — muchos tienen suficiente espacio y un desarrollo saludable que puede esperar cómodamente. En Coastal Kids, nuestros dentistas pediátricos y ortodoncistas evalúan a cada niño juntos, rastreando el desarrollo de la mandíbula y los dientes en cada chequeo. La recomendación de la Fase 1, cuando llega, está respaldada por una imagen longitudinal del crecimiento de su hijo — no una sola instantánea.
La Fase 2 es el refinamiento completo de la mordida que sigue a la Fase 1 una vez que todos los dientes permanentes han erupcionado — típicamente en la adolescencia temprana. Piense en la Fase 1 como la arquitectura y la Fase 2 como el trabajo de acabado: la Fase 1 da forma a la mandíbula, crea el espacio adecuado y posiciona la mordida para que los dientes permanentes entren lo más favorablemente posible; la Fase 2 alinea cada diente en su posición final y lleva la mordida a su función completa. Dado que los dientes permanentes llegan en su propio calendario después de la Fase 1 y pueden necesitar ajustes finos a medida que se asientan, la Fase 2 es casi siempre parte del plan de tratamiento completo. La buena noticia: los niños que completan la Fase 1 generalmente tienen un tratamiento de Fase 2 más corto y sencillo de lo que habrían necesitado de otra manera. En Coastal Kids, ambas fases son manejadas por el mismo equipo ortodóncico en estrecha coordinación con el dentista pediátrico de su hijo — para que cada decisión en la Fase 2 esté informada por todo lo que hemos observado desde el primer día.
Respuesta honesta: los frenos en sí no duelen al colocarse. Los primeros días después de la colocación — y después de cada cita de ajuste — pueden sentirse como presión o leve sensibilidad a medida que los dientes comienzan a moverse. La mayoría de los pacientes lo describen como notable, no doloroso, y generalmente se calma en 2–3 días. Los analgésicos de venta libre lo manejan bien para la mayoría de los niños. En Coastal Kids, explicamos a los pacientes exactamente qué esperar antes de cada ajuste para que no haya sorpresas. Si su hijo ya está nervioso por el malestar, mencionelo en la consulta — planificaremos en torno a eso.
