D Cardale

Pros

• The staff at Candlewood Smiles is magnificent, friendly, professional, and courteous.
• The office is clean, on-time, and consistently welcoming.
• Dr. Boutros is incredibly patient, helpful, and explains everything clearly to put patients at ease.
• Nayeli is kind, informative, and supportive throughout the process.
• The team works with patients to make treatment affordable.
• The Invisalign journey with Ricardo has been positive and informative.
• Juliana provides excellent customer service and helps schedule appointments smoothly.
• The doctors, hygienists, and assistants are excellent, professional, and caring.
• The front desk staff create a warm, helpful check-in to checkout experience.
• The clinic is beautiful, clean, and inviting.
• Patients leave highly likely to recommend Candlewood Smiles to peers.
• The appointment process is quick and easy, with helpful staff guiding patients every step.

Cons

• One reviewer described the service as terrible and reported being kept waiting for hours.
• Another reviewer called a dental hygienist the worst they had encountered, describing painful injections, inadequate suction causing coughing or swallowing debris, and rough handling that caused gum pain.
• A reviewer observed that a checkup was scheduled without a cleaning, making the visit feel like a partial waste of time.
• A reviewer noted that they had to ask for an appointment card, viewing it as a minor issue.

Review

Candlewood Smiles stands out in the dental world as a place where care, efficiency, and warmth meet every time you walk in. Across numerous reviews, patients consistently praise a spotless, well-organized office that runs on time and treats everyone with genuine courtesy. The overall feel is of a friendly, professional team that makes even routine visits feel comfortable and stress-free. Many patients emphasize that the experience is not just about dental work but about feeling truly cared for from the moment they check in to the moment they leave.

The clinicians at Candlewood Smiles are highlighted repeatedly for their expertise and patient-centered approach. Dr. Brar earns high praise for his skill and efficiency, while Dr. Nguyen is described as both highly professional and compassionate. Dr. Bach is singled out as outstanding for addressing patients' needs with thoughtful explanations, and Dr. Boutros is commended for taking the time to make patients feel at ease throughout treatments. In some reviews, patients specifically note that a doctor's clear communication, patience, and reassuring demeanor helped them feel safe during sensitive procedures like deep cleanings, extractions, or root canals. There are even powerful testimonials about feeling heard and guided step by step through complex treatment plans.

A large portion of the praise centers on the staff who make the visits smooth and welcoming. Front desk team members like Nayely, Julie, and Perla are mentioned for friendliness, efficiency, and helpfulness in handling scheduling and x?rays. Juliana's support with pricing, insurance, and appointment coordination is repeatedly described as exemplary, and Jocelyn, Kimberly, and the rest of the team assisting doctors contribute to a calm, confident environment. Patients frequently note that the staff answers questions clearly, walks them through costs and coverage, and works with families to accommodate busy school and work schedules. The overall message is that the Candlewood Smiles team is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in every patient's comfort and understanding of their care.

For families and those pursuing orthodontic work, Candlewood Smiles earns especially strong praise. Reviews mention braces for kids and Invisalign journeys handled with clear guidance and ongoing support. The team's willingness to work with school schedules and other commitments stands out, helping families stay on track with treatment. Patients also remark on practical touches, such as informative discussions about pricing and coverage, which makes long-term treatment plans more approachable. There are even personal anecdotes about celebrations and small wins - free giveaways or milestones - that contribute to a sense of ongoing support beyond the dental chair.

The environment itself receives frequent accolades. Descriptions like "beautiful office," "cleaner than soap," and "on-time" emphasize a professional setting that reduces anxiety and elevates trust. Several patients comment on the office culture as one where staff are not only skilled but also kind and empathetic, with doctors who are careful and attentive to pain management and comfort. One reviewer specifically notes that a clinician has a "strong hand" and excellent expertise, while another highlights a "quiet confidence and compassion" that makes even difficult procedures feel manageable. The tone across these reflections is consistently one of high satisfaction with both the clinical outcomes and the experience.

Of course, no community review is without a shadow. A handful of reviewers describe negative experiences, noting long wait times and occasional scheduling mishaps, such as a checkup not including a cleaning or a hygienist who did not meet their expectations. These comments are relatively rare compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback; when they appear, they are often followed by reminders that the team remains professional, and many patients still express willingness to return or recommend Candlewood Smiles to others despite past hiccups. This balance offers a fuller picture of a practice that mostly excels while acknowledging there is room for continued improvement in a few isolated cases.

In the end, Candlewood Smiles emerges as a dental home for many - one where patients repeatedly describe the staff as amazing, the clinicians as personable and skilled, and the overall experience as comforting and effective. The combination of clean, well-run facilities, attentive front desk support, and a team of doctors who take time to explain, reassure, and plan with families has inspired numerous five-star endorsements and a sense of loyalty that goes beyond a single visit. For those seeking comprehensive dental care with a focus on kindness, clear communication, and dependable outcomes, Candlewood Smiles is consistently portrayed as a top choice - and many intend to return for ongoing treatments, orthodontic work, and future dental needs.

This part of Lakewood, California offers convenient access to essential amenities such as pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS, as well as healthcare facilities like Kaiser Permanente Hospital and VA Long Beach Healthcare System. There are also a variety of dining options for residents to enjoy, including In-N-Out Burger and Chick-Fil-A. Additionally, the area features recreational spaces such as Cerritos Regional County Park and Bixby Park, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. With a mix of healthcare services, dining options, and recreational areas nearby, this neighborhood offers a well-rounded environment for seniors looking to settle in Lakewood.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• Costco Vision Center (1.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.6 miles)
• Bopomofo Cafe (4 miles)
• Starbucks (5.7 miles)
• Starbucks (5.9 miles)
• Starbucks (7.8 miles)
• Lees Sandwiches - Gard (8.5 miles)
• Donut King 2 (9.2 miles)

Physicians

• Paramount Physicians (2.2 miles)
• Dostzada, Ghulam Dr - Los Alamitos Cardiovascular (7.5 miles)
• Harbor Ucla Medical Center - David Durkovich Do (8.1 miles)
• Monica B Espiritu M.D. | Kaiser Permanente (9.1 miles)

Transportation

• Komar Aviation Group (2.5 miles)
• Long Beach Airport (LGB) (2.5 miles)
• Metro - Willow Street Station (3.7 miles)
• Port Of Long Beach (8.3 miles)
• Metro La Mirada & Alondra Bus Stop (9.4 miles)

Restaurants

• In-N-Out Burger (3.3 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.7 miles)
• McDonald's (5.8 miles)
• Falcon (6 miles)
• McDonald's (6.4 miles)
• Hooters (6.5 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (6.6 miles)

Theaters

• Harkins Theatres Cerritos 16 (3.6 miles)
• AMC Norwalk 2 (6.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Kaiser Permanente Hospital (4.8 miles)
• Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center (5.2 miles)
• VA Long Beach Healthcare System (5.7 miles)
• PIH Health Hospital (5.8 miles)
• Martin Luther King Jr / Drew Medical Center (6.8 miles)
• Department of State Hospitals (7.2 miles)
• Del Rio Convalescent Center (8.3 miles)

Parks

• Cerritos Regional County Park (5.5 miles)
• Shadow Park Hoa (5.7 miles)
• Rossmoor Park (5.9 miles)
• Bixby Park (6.1 miles)
• Temple Park (6.1 miles)
• Bluff Park (6.3 miles)
• Rainbow Lagoon Park (6.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Saint Hedwig Catholic Church (6.3 miles)
• Cottonwood Church (6.8 miles)