The Bernstein Orthodontics Story

In 1979, a young freckle faced boy was dragged by his parents to see an orthodontist in South Africa because he had big “buck” teeth and a huge overbite. Five years of orthodontics, which sometimes felt like torture, with a headgear and all, left the young boy with a contagious smile, and a newly acquired feeling of self worth and esteem.

The young lad was not very cooperative and feared going to the dentist. At one visit his orthodontist told him that if he put more effort into wearing his headgear then he would be rid of this torture device and that it was up to him alone, to put in the necessary effort. No one else could or would do it for him. The young boy had an epiphany and began to put in the necessary effort that soon the headgear was removed. The orthodontist told him that if he continued to think and act this way that he could achieve anything – even becoming an orthodontist himself one day.

After moving to the USA to follow the dream of becoming an orthodontist, Dr. Rael Bernstein (Dr. B as he is affectionately known to his patients and staff) started Bernstein Orthodontics in 2003 in 1 room of a friend’s dental office in Santa Rosa, CA. His aims where simple although his standards were high.

He wanted to make a difference in the smiles he would create, to make a difference in the lives he would touch, just as his orthodontist had done for him. He also wanted to make a difference in the communities he would be fortunate to serve, the very same communities that gave him a chance to live out his dream. 

Fearing dental treatment from an early age, he vowed to make the experience a fun and pleasant adventure for his patients- far removed from his own childhood experiences. He wanted treatment to be more engaging and educational for his patients. He also wanted to pass on the the inspiring life lesson he had learnt from his orthodontist, which was that effort equals rewards.

Bernstein Orthodontics is committed to providing the life-altering benefits of a great smile in a unique and caring way. Dr. B and all the professionals that work at Bernstein Orthodontics share the same dedication to being “Wild” and “Passionate” about making someone’s day, making them smile, changing their lives and enriching the community.

This is the essence of Bernstein Orthodontics.