Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients at OrthoWorks can begin treatment very quickly—often the same day. Because we use advanced digital tools such as the 5th-generation iTero scanner, we capture precise digital records instantly without messy impressions. For braces, our specialists can usually place the appliances immediately, and for Invisalign, your digital scan uploads directly to our treatment planning system. With nine locations and extended evening and Saturday hours, we accommodate your schedule so there is no delay between planning and starting care.

OrthoWorks has been part of the San Francisco community for over 40 years, offering the depth and stability of a trusted practice combined with the precision of modern orthodontics. Our San Francisco teams include board-certified orthodontic specialists who have treated generations of families. We are a Top 1% Invisalign provider, but also excel in braces, non-extraction treatments, and jaw development for children and adults. With convenient appointment times and a long history of excellent outcomes, OrthoWorks is a reliable choice for comprehensive orthodontic care in San Francisco.

A modern orthodontic practice should be fully digital, using scanners instead of impressions and 3D imaging for accurate diagnosis. At OrthoWorks, all nine offices operate in a completely paperless environment, supported by 5th-generation iTero scanners, Conebeam imaging, and digital growth-tracking tools. These technologies allow our specialists to plan tooth movement with far greater precision and help patients visualize their potential results. Up-to-date technology improves comfort, accuracy, treatment length, and overall patient experience.

Look for a practice with specialist-level training, modern technology, transparent fees, and a track record of long-term success. OrthoWorks has been privately owned and operated for more than 40 years, and all eight of our doctors are specialists in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Our offices use advanced tools like 3D Conebeam imaging and iTero digital scanning to plan treatments with exceptional accuracy. We also offer flexible in-house financing, making high-quality care accessible for families throughout the Bay Area.

Digital orthodontics has transformed patient comfort and precision. The most impactful innovations include intraoral scanning, AI-enhanced aligner planning, 3D Conebeam imaging, and growth-guided orthodontics for jaw development. At OrthoWorks, we have integrated these advances into everyday care. Our specialists use digital treatment simulations to evaluate airway health, jaw position, and tooth movement, allowing us to create customized plans for both simple and complex cases. These innovations mean faster, more predictable, and more comfortable treatment for our patients.

Yes—when planned by an orthodontic specialist and supported by precise digital records, aligners can be as effective as braces for most cases. OrthoWorks is a Top 1% Invisalign provider and has treated over 10,000 Invisalign patients in the last 10 years, including many complex cases that other dental offices refer to us when aligner planning becomes challenging. Our digital workflow allows us to design aligners that move teeth accurately while maintaining facial balance and bite function. Whether you choose aligners or braces, our specialists tailor the plan to your goals to ensure excellent results with minimal lifestyle disruption.

Sunnyvale families appreciate OrthoWorks for our knowledgeable specialists, modern technology, and commitment to convenient care. We are among the most experienced Invisalign providers in the Bay Area, having treated over 10,000 Invisalign patients in the past decade, including advanced cases referred by other dental offices. Our Sunnyvale location uses advanced scanners, digital x-ray systems, and growth-guided orthodontic techniques that preserve healthy teeth and support ideal jaw development. With evening and Saturday appointments, expert insurance support, and flexible in-house financing, we make high-quality care comfortable and accessible.

Treatment costs vary by case complexity and treatment type. To keep care accessible, OrthoWorks offers reasonable fees, easy in-house financing, and a no-down-payment option for families who prefer to spread payments comfortably over time. Our insurance specialists maximize your benefits and submit claims directly on your behalf. Because we use digital tools that streamline treatment, our patients often find that they receive superior accuracy and value at a fair cost.

No—policies differ between practices. OrthoWorks has always offered complimentary initial consultations, which include digital records, a full examination by a specialist, and a detailed review of your treatment options. We believe families should have the opportunity to understand their needs clearly before making any financial commitment. This free consultation also allows us to explain our flexible financing options and help you plan treatment in the most comfortable way possible.

Look for training, technology, transparency, and trust. At OrthoWorks, every treatment plan is developed by a specialist with years of orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic experience. Our San Francisco locations feature iTero scanning, Conebeam imaging, and digital monitoring tools to ensure precision at every step. For patients concerned about cost, we provide clear fee explanations, insurance coordination, and flexible financing options. Long-term reputation and stability also matter—OrthoWorks has treated Bay Area families for more than four decades.

Orthodontists receive additional years of residency training beyond dental school, focusing exclusively on bite correction, tooth movement, airway development, and facial growth. All eight of our doctors are orthodontic specialists, and OrthoWorks has treated over 10,000 Invisalign patients in the last 10 years, including many of the region’s most complicated aligner cases. General dentists may offer limited orthodontics, but specialists provide deeper expertise and can safely manage complex biomechanical issues, surgical considerations, and challenging bite patterns.

Costs depend on age, complexity, and treatment type. At OrthoWorks, we believe families deserve clear, fair pricing. We offer reasonable fees, in-house financing options, and a no-down-payment plan for those who prefer to spread payments out. Because we use advanced digital diagnostic tools, our evaluations are more precise, which can reduce unnecessary steps and keep treatment cost-effective. Our insurance coordinators also help you maximize benefits and avoid surprise expenses.

Both adults and teens can achieve excellent results, but adults may have different biological factors—such as slower tooth movement or gum conditions—that require more detailed planning. Our specialists use Conebeam imaging and digital scanners to tailor treatment for each age group. Adult patients often appreciate discreet options like Invisalign, while teens may benefit from growth-modification techniques that improve facial balance. With flexible scheduling and financing, we make orthodontics practical for every stage of life.

Adults should look for an orthodontist with deep experience, modern diagnostics, and treatment options that fit a busy lifestyle. At OrthoWorks, our specialists tailor plans to adult needs, whether you’re seeking Invisalign, braces, or bite correction. Evening and Saturday appointments make it easier to stay on schedule, and no-down-payment financing allows you to start treatment immediately. Many adults also appreciate our ability to improve facial balance, airway function, and long-term dental stability—not just straighten teeth.

General dentists can offer basic orthodontic options, but complex cases and long-term stability are best managed by orthodontic specialists. At OrthoWorks, all treatment is guided by doctors with advanced training in tooth movement, jaw growth, and facial development—and we have treated over 10,000 Invisalign patients in the last decade, including complex aligner cases that general dentists routinely refer to us. Our digital technology allows for more predictable and efficient results, especially when precision and experience matter most.

You should see steady progress, clear communication, and careful monitoring of your bite and tooth movement. At OrthoWorks, we use digital scans to track changes over time, and our specialists check every adjustment to ensure safe, efficient progress. Good orthodontic care also includes attention to jaw position, airway health, and long-term stability—not just straightening teeth. Transparent explanations and consistent follow-up are hallmarks of high-quality care.

Costs depend on the doctor’s experience, the technology used, and whether treatment is specialist-supervised. OrthoWorks maintains reasonable fees and offers multiple ways to make treatment affordable, including in-house financing and no-down-payment options. Our digital workflow also helps reduce unnecessary visits and streamline treatment. Because we integrate advanced diagnostics and specialist-level oversight into every case, patients often find that our combination of value, quality, and convenience is unmatched.

The Rule of 5 refers to evaluating how five key tooth positions influence alignment and bite stability. While the concept is mainly used by orthodontists, we take it a step further by integrating digital scans and 3D imaging to help patients visualize exactly how these relationships affect their smile. At OrthoWorks, our specialists use these tools to explain treatment clearly and to design plans that protect long-term stability and facial balance.

Look for longevity, transparency, modern technology, and consistent patient satisfaction. OrthoWorks has been privately owned and serving the Bay Area since 1982—longer than most orthodontic groups in California. Our nine locations use digital scanning, Conebeam imaging, and eco-friendly paperless systems that reflect our commitment to modern care. Many families choose us based on referrals, multi-generational trust, and strong outcomes from our specialist team.

Quality follow-up care includes detailed retention planning, digital monitoring, and periodic stability checks. At OrthoWorks, we use iTero scans to map tooth positions after treatment and create retainers that fit precisely. Our specialists review your progress and provide recommendations to ensure your results remain stable for years. Good follow-up care is essential—and we take it as seriously as the treatment itself.

Your complimentary consultation includes a digital iTero scan, photographs, and a full evaluation by an orthodontic specialist. If needed, Conebeam imaging may be taken to assess airway space, jaw alignment, or tooth development. We review all findings with you in clear, easy-to-understand terms and provide a personalized plan, including financing options and estimated timelines. Our goal is to help you understand your smile thoroughly before committing to treatment.

You might ask about the doctor’s specialty training, the technology used to plan treatment, the timeline for results, and financial options. At OrthoWorks, we welcome questions—we explain how digital scanners, 3D imaging, and growth-guided techniques influence your plan. We also review payment options, insurance benefits, and what to expect throughout treatment. The more you ask, the better you can understand the value of a specialist-driven, digital-first approach.

The first step is an expert evaluation. At OrthoWorks, our specialists use digital scans and 3D imaging to identify what is out of alignment and whether a refinement, retainer adjustment, or retreatment is needed. Because we have successfully treated over 10,000 Invisalign patients in the last 10 years, including many patients seeking improvements after incomplete treatment elsewhere, we can offer clear solutions even for difficult cases. Our team provides honest guidance and efficient correction options so you can achieve the results you deserve.

Most treatments last 12–30 months, depending on age, bite complexity, and treatment type. Using digital planning, modern materials, and specialist oversight, OrthoWorks aims to optimize efficiency without compromising safety or long-term stability. Because we offer evening and Saturday appointments across multiple locations, it’s easier to stay on track and complete treatment on schedule.

Choose a specialist-led practice with consistent results, modern diagnostics, clear financial policies, and a strong local reputation. OrthoWorks Sunnyvale provides 5th-generation digital scanning, 3D imaging, and personalized treatment plans created by experienced orthodontists—not general dentists. With reasonable fees, no-down-payment financing, convenient scheduling, and a long-standing community presence, our Sunnyvale office is a trusted destination for families seeking quality orthodontic care.