Education
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) & Master of Science in Oral Biology, University of California, Los Angeles
- Certificate in Orthodontics, Roseman University of Health Sciences
In-house orthodontist at Downey Family & Cosmetic Dentistry.
Dr. Rachel Lee earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from UCLA, where she also earned a concurrent Master of Science in Oral Biology -- she was the only graduate in her class to receive this dual degree. She completed her orthodontic specialty training at Roseman University of Health Sciences in Henderson, Nevada, where she earned her Certificate in Orthodontics. Orthodontics is a recognized dental specialty focused on tooth alignment, bite correction, and jaw development through braces, clear aligners, and other appliances.
Dr. Lee treats the full range of orthodontic cases at our Downey office, including traditional metal and ceramic braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and early intervention treatment for children. Her clinical work includes case planning, bracket placement, adjustment appointments, retention, and ongoing monitoring. Most general dental practices send orthodontic patients to a separate office, often miles away. Dr. Lee treats patients in the same Downey location where the rest of their dental care happens.
Working in the same office as Dr. Hadis Reyhani and Dr. Kiro Farag means orthodontic treatment is integrated with general dental care. Cleanings during braces, cavity treatment between adjustments, and coordinated planning when orthodontic work needs to happen alongside cosmetic or restorative dentistry. All of it stays under one roof, with one familiar team.
A Pasadena native, Dr. Lee takes time with every patient and parent to walk through treatment plans clearly. She believes orthodontic decisions, especially for children and teens, should be made with the family fully informed about timing, options, and what to expect at each stage. Outside the office she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and playing with her puppy.
Orthodontics is a recognized specialty requiring two to three years of additional training beyond dental school. Here is the academic and professional foundation behind Dr. Lee's care.
All credentials reviewed and verified by California Dental Board licensure ([License number on file]).
Dr. Lee provides metal, ceramic, and self-ligating braces for patients of all ages. Traditional braces remain the gold standard for complex cases involving severe alignment issues, bite correction, or jaw growth modification.
Dr. Lee is Invisalign Provider-trained and treats both adult and teen patients with mild to complex alignment issues. Most cases are completed in 6 to 18 months.
For children with developing bites, early orthodontic intervention can prevent more complex treatment later. Dr. Lee evaluates kids starting around age 7 and recommends timing carefully. Many patients do not need treatment yet, but early evaluation makes a difference for those who do.
Orthodontics is not just about straight teeth. It is about timing, function, growth, and how a smile fits a face. Doing the right treatment at the right time, sometimes that means waiting, sometimes that means starting now, makes the difference between a result that holds and one that has to be redone.
Metal, ceramic, and self-ligating options provided in-house by Dr. Lee at our Downey office.
Learn moreDiscreet orthodontic treatment for adults and teens, treated by Dr. Lee at our practice.
Learn moreMeet all five doctors at Downey Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, including our in-house specialists.
Learn moreNew patients welcome. Same-week appointments available for most visits.