Meet Dr. Nancy Le, DDS, MS
Dr. Le loves the critical-thinking side of orthodontics. “Every patient is unique and can be treated in multiple different ways,” she says, adding, “I am passionate about finding the treatment plan that best suits each person’s wants and needs.” That plan also has to fit the person in the chair. Dr. Le tailors treatment to what each patient can comfortably handle, and she and the team walk patients and parents through it step by step. If someone feels nervous, they keep working with them at every visit until coming in feels easy.
Expertise:
Dr. Le brings an airway-focused approach to orthodontics, looking at how a patient breathes and grows along with how their teeth line up. At Sheffield & Le Orthodontics, she treats children, teens, and adults in Antioch and Brentwood with Damon braces, Spark clear aligners, and expansion when a jaw needs more room. She hopes every patient will remember her by name, and she works hard to make each visit one of the best parts of their day.
A Proud Member of the East County Community
Dr. Le was born and raised in San Francisco, and after residency, she returned to the Bay Area with her husband to be close to family. She loves being a part of the East County area, adding that the families here are “genuinely good people” and that she feels blessed to give back to her own community.
Through the practice’s Sharing Smiles scholarship, they award up to 12 scholarships a year for braces to local kids whose families couldn’t otherwise afford treatment, and more than 150 children have received one so far. Dr. Le hopes they’ll pay that kindness forward. Local readers may also know her from the Brentwood Press, which interviewed her in June 2026 for its article, “Is Sparkling Water Bad for Your Teeth?”
Dr. Le serves patients at both of our orthodontic offices in Antioch and Brentwood. Click the links below to learn more about these locations:
Dr. Le’s Airway-Focused Approach to Orthodontics & Research Recognition
After residency, Dr. Le spent seven years practicing alongside Drs. Eric Phelps and Jason Cohen, where airway patients became a big part of her work. That experience changed how she looks at children’s health. She’s come to believe that some problems that seem unexplained can trace back to breathing issues no one has diagnosed yet. “I truly believe that orthodontists are the clinicians who are best equipped with the tools and knowledge to screen for sleep-related breathing issues,” she says.
Dr. Le uses 3D X-rays (CBCT) to look at the airway, including the adenoids, tonsils, turbinates, and nasal passages. When she sees signs of risk, she may recommend expansion or moving the lower jaw forward, and she refers families to sleep physicians, ENTs, and myofunctional therapists when they need a closer look.
Dr. Le’s passion for orthodontics is also backed by a strong foundation in scientific research. As a published researcher, Dr. Le has studied how bone cells communicate and contribute to bone remodeling, the natural process that makes orthodontic tooth movement possible. Her work includes a lead-author publication in the Journal of Dental Research and a co-authored publication exploring the biological mechanisms behind bone breakdown. This research experience reflects her dedication to understanding the science behind orthodontics and providing thoughtful, personalized patient care.
You can read her research work below:
Learn More About Dr. Le’s Experience
Dental Degree
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Undergraduate Degree
- Bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley
Specialty Training
- Master of Science (MS) and Orthodontic Residency, University of Florida College of Dentistry
Awards
- American Association of Orthodontists, Exceptional Interest in the Development of the Oro-Facial Complex Awards, University of Michigan School of Dentistry (2011)
Associations
- Damon Ultima metal braces
- Damon Clear braces
- Spark clear aligners with Dental Monitoring
- Phase I early treatment
- Airway Treatment
- Palatal expansion, including MARPE for older teens and adults
- Herbst and Carriere appliances for bite correction
- Surgical orthodontics
Staff Working Alongside Dr. Le
At Sheffield & Le Orthodontics, Dr. Le works alongside Dr. Robert Sheffield, as well as a terrific support staff. Each member of the Sheffield & Le team is chosen first for being kind, because kindness is the one thing the practice can’t teach. Everyone is cross-trained, so there’s always someone ready to help, and the team keeps the mood light and fun. Parents are always welcome to join their child’s appointments, too.
Dr. Robert Sheffield, DDS
What Patients Appreciate About Dr. Le
Families often describe Dr. Le as kind, welcoming, and easy to talk to, and they notice how carefully she and the team explain each step. Parents of nervous kids write about first appointments that ended with a relaxed, comfortable child. Some parents have even started treatment themselves after watching their kids go through it.
Life Outside the Office
When she’s not helping patients at the office, Dr. Le enjoys remaining active. She lifts weights, goes for walks and hikes, and travels whenever she can. She also loves spending time with family and friends. Additionally, Dr. Le speaks conversational Cantonese, which helps her connect with more of the families she serves.
