We know clinical settings and new environments can be tough for patients with special needs and/or high anxiety. As the mom of a child with special needs herself, San Diego orthodontist Dr. Melanie Wang has your back! At Dr. Melanie Orthodontics, we treat patients with a wide variety of conditions, ranging from anxiety to autism spectrum disorder, with extra care and support.
Personalized Orthodontics for Patients with Special Needs
When your child visits us for treatment, you can expect:
- Genuine care and positive reinforcement from a friendly team
- To see the same orthodontic assistant every time
- Accommodations like adjusting appointments into multiple shorter visits at no extra cost
- Cutting-edge technology to make the process fast and comfortable

Book a free consultation with our 4S Ranch orthodontist today!

We believe every patient has a puzzle piece that fits here!
In addition to Dr. Melanie, three of our team members also have kids with special needs, or special abilities as we call it. We translated our experience into creating a calm, happy, empowering environment for patients with a range of emotional, cognitive, physical, developmental and medical conditions. Dr. Melanie is always willing to make accommodations at no extra cost to ensure your child or teen feels safe and secure, because she gets it.
Our inclusive, personalized approach starts at the very first visit. From offering kids a plush toy to hold to taking the time to explain exactly what to expect at each step, our friendly team puts patients at ease. If your child has sensitivities or trouble sitting still, have no fear. We use all digital everything, from x-rays to impressions, for fast, painless diagnostics and care.
Dr. Melanie will work with you to decide on the ideal treatment option for your child’s individual situation. And to ensure their smile journey is stress-free and positive, your child will see the same orthodontic assistant every time, and we can make any necessary adjustments. We’re here to create healthy smiles and healthy self-esteem, and we’ll encourage and champion your child (and you!) from start to finish.




Meet the Doctor
Your San Diego and Rancho Santa Fe orthodontist, Dr. Melanie Wang, grew up in the area she now serves. As the daughter of a dentist, you could say perfecting smiles is in her genes! Dr. Melanie attended UCLA School of Dentistry, a top-tier dental school, before completing her orthodontic specialty training at St. Louis University in Missouri.
Dr. Melanie opened her first practice in 4S Ranch in 2007 and has been offering exceptional, high-tech orthodontic care to her patients ever since. She’s dedicated to making treatment as comfortable, convenient, affordable and, yes, as fun as possible.
Before & After


Excessive overbite and overjet, teenage patient


Early treatment for underbites


Severe crowding in an adult patient

Why Choose Us
You’ll feel right at home at our comfy, welcoming offices in San Diego and Rancho Santa Fe. We treat you like part of the fam and make the experience fun.
From 3D printing to digital treatment planning, we use the latest technology and techniques for more comfortable, efficient appointments and treatments.
Busy life? Challenge accepted! We offer same-day starts, flexible scheduling, and efficient care that fits your lifestyle.
If you’re looking for an experienced San Diego orthodontist for special needs care, look no further! Dr. Melanie Wang, certified specialist in orthodontics, and her highly trained team have been perfecting smiles with braces and Invisalign since 2007 and specialize in treating patients with a variety of healthcare needs.
We accept most insurance and offer flexible financing options. We work with you to make sure treatment suits your budget.
Orthodontics and autism, anxiety, Down syndrome and any other condition can go hand in hand with a tailored treatment plan. Dr. Melanie will create just that, and help you decide on which of our clear aligner and braces options will work best for your child.

