San Marcos
Rancho Bernardo
Our Mission: Where Precision Meets Confidence
At North County Aesthetics & Implants, we know too many patients receive fragmented, insurance-driven care — passed between providers, treated with outdated methods, and left wondering if the recommendation was truly in their best interest. That’s why we’ve built a practice where comprehensive, evidence-based dentistry meets advanced digital technology under one roof — with complete transparency at every step. As a result, our patients receive predictable, lasting outcomes and the confidence that comes from knowing their care was never compromised.

Trust Your Smile in Experienced Hands
Dr. Khizer Hafeez
Dr. Hafeez comes from a family that’s deeply rooted in medicine, which inspires him to bring his absolute best to his patients, no matter what their needs are.
Accolades:
- Extensive Research Background That Informs Evidence-Based Care
- New York University College of Dentistry- Doctor of Dental Surgery
- Internationally recognized researcher published in Cardiovascular disease research with awards in both National and International Levels.
Dr. Nelson Howard
Dr. Howard is happy to continue offering high-quality dental care to his existing patients and transition his practice to the capable hands of Dr. Hafeez and Dr. Ayazi.
Accolades:
- Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- Founding Member of the West Coast Society for Cosmetic Dentistry
- Over 2,000 Continuing Education Hours Completed
- One-Year General Practice Residency – V.A. Medical Center in West LA
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept appointments?
Yes, we do accept appointments at our dentist’s office. In fact, we highly recommend that you schedule an appointment with us in advance to ensure that you receive the best possible care.
Do I need to arrive early for my first appointment?
Yes, please arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to fill out any patient forms.
How many dental appointments do I need each year?
Every one of your family members should be visiting the dentist at least twice a year. Biannual checkups and cleanings are crucial for preventing tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. We’ll let you know if you need more frequent appointments depending on the state of your oral health.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept checks, cash and credit cards. Please bring your insurance information to your appointment or submit it online in advance to find out if we accept your plan at our office.
How can I improve my smile?
That depends on what’s bothering you about your smile’s appearance in the first place. Our cosmetic dentists in San Marcos have many ways to transform your teeth, from veneers that can correct several imperfections at once to professional whitening that can remove stains on and beneath your tooth enamel. We can plan your smile makeover during an initial consultation where you tell us all about the improvements you have in mind.
Do I need to fill a gap from a missing tooth in my smile if no one else can see it?
Yes! You need your teeth for more than smiling. They also play an important role in chewing and speaking, and they prevent your jawbone from eroding over time due to a lack of blood flow. Your oral health will suffer no matter which tooth is missing, which is why it’s important to find a replacement as soon as you can. We generally recommend dental implants for the best-looking and longest-lasting results.
What can I do if my teeth are spaced unevenly?
Closing a small amount of space in your smile could be a lot simpler than you might think. In some cases, it can be done in just one visit with the strategic application of composite resin. Veneers can also be used to hide such gaps, although they usually take at least two visits to place.
What does a dental emergency look like?
A dental emergency is usually characterized by severe or persistent oral pain and/or visible damage to your teeth. Let us know right away if you’re suffering from a broken or knocked out tooth, a toothache that does not get any better, visible swelling in your mouth, or a loss of a dental restoration. These issues all need to be dealt with immediately if you don’t want them to grow worse.
Why Patients Choose Us
A Legacy of Trust – Evolved
Dr. Howard established his practice for the past 40 years, and we look forward to carrying on his legacy of outstanding dentistry and service.
Technology that Improves Outcomes
Our state-of-the-art office has a warm atmosphere that will help you feel right at home. It’s equipped with the latest dental technology to ensure you receive high-quality results and have a comfortable experience.
Personalized, Comfortable Care
With a commitment to providing patient-centric, gold standard care, we make sure that you enjoy personalized and comfortable visits.
Evidence-Based Dentistry
Our dentists remain up-to-date with the latest research and are committed to using techniques and materials that offer proven success.

Continuing Our Legacy of Excellence
As I reflect on this upcoming year, it marks a meaningful milestone for me—my 40th year in dentistry and the 34th year that my dental practices have had the privilege of serving the San Marcos and Rancho Bernardo communities.
Over the past few years, many of you have asked whether I am planning to retire. While I am not retiring, I have given thoughtful consideration to how best to ensure that the level of care, trust, and excellence you have come to expect continues well into the future. With that goal in mind, I began exploring the idea of bringing in partners who share my philosophy, values, and commitment to patient-centered dentistry.
Nelson Y. Howard, DDS, AAACD
Comprehensive Suite of Dental Services
- Implant Dentistry
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- General Dentistry
- Sedation Dentistry
- Facial Esthetics
- And more!
Advanced Technology. Better Dentistry.
We practice innovative dentistry that employs the latest proven technology so you can enjoy a more comfortable experience and unmatched precision in treatment planning.
- Trios 6 Scanner
- 3D Printers
- Laser Dentistry
- Intraoral Camera
Find Our Rancho Bernardo Office
- Located near Oaks North Golf Course & Lawn Bowling Club.
- Next to San Diego Highland Dance Academy.
- Minutes from Rancho Bernardo Inn and Bernardo Winery.
- A short drive from Saddle Club Estates & Maderas Golf Club.
Find Our San Marcos Office
- At the intersection of S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd. and W. San Marcos Blvd.
- In San Marcos Plaza shopping mall near Albertsons.
- Across from Rancho San Marcos Village & Eugenio Italian Ristorante.
- Close to California State University – San Marcos & Kaiser Permanente.






