Knowledge base
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How long is a consult and is it free?★ top answer
Yes, the first consult is complimentary. Plan on about 60 minutes — we'll do a panoramic X-ray, a 3D scan, and walk you through your treatment plan and pricing.
Do you offer payment plans?★ top answer
We do. Our in-house plan is 10% down and 24 months at 0% APR with autopay. We also work with CareCredit, Sunbit, and Cherry, including a no-credit-check option.
What insurance do you take?★ top answer
We're in-network with Delta Dental PPO, Aetna PPO, Cigna DPPO, MetLife, Blue Shield CA PPO, United Concordia, Guardian, and Anthem Blue Cross PPO. We do not accept HMO/DMO plans.
How much does Invisalign cost?★ top answer
For teens, our Invisalign cases typically range $5,200–$6,800. For adults, $4,800–$7,200 depending on complexity. We give you an exact number at your free consult.
How long does treatment take?
Invisalign cases usually run 10–18 months. Traditional braces are 18–30 months. We'll give you a personalized timeline at your consult.
Where are you located?
We have two San Francisco locations: 2840 24th Street in the Mission District, and 1417 Castro Street in Noe Valley.
My retainer broke — can I get a new one?
Yes. Replacement retainers are $350 (Essex) or $450 (Hawley). We can usually get you a new scan and have the retainer ready in 5–7 days. Bring the broken one if you still have it.
Do you treat adults or only kids?
Both. Roughly 40% of our active patients are adults. Dr. Rivera specializes in adult Invisalign cases.
Do you accept FSA or HSA cards?
Yes. Both FSA and HSA funds can be used for orthodontic treatment. We provide an itemized receipt with diagnosis codes so reimbursement and substantiation are straightforward.
Is there a discount for paying in full?
We offer a 5% pay-in-full courtesy on cases paid upfront at the start of treatment. It stacks with any insurance benefit your plan covers.
What if my insurance is out-of-network?
Out-of-network PPO plans are usually still partially reimbursable. We file the claim for you and you pay the difference. HMO/DMO plans (like Kaiser Dental) we unfortunately cannot accept.
Does insurance usually cover braces or Invisalign?
Most PPO plans include a lifetime orthodontic maximum of $1,500–$3,000 that applies whether the patient is in braces or aligners. We verify exact benefits before your consult once you share your member ID.
Do you take walk-ins or only appointments?
Appointments are strongly preferred so we can give each patient a full 60-minute consult. For broken-bracket or wire emergencies during business hours, call us and we'll usually fit you in same-day.
Are evening or weekend appointments available?
Yes. Our Noe Valley location runs late Tuesdays and Thursdays until 7:00 PM. We also offer Saturday appointments by request.
What's the difference between Invisalign and braces?
Invisalign is a series of clear removable trays you swap every 1–2 weeks — discreet and easy to clean. Traditional braces are bonded brackets and wires — they handle the most complex cases and cost slightly less. Your treatment plan at the consult will tell you which is right for your bite.
Will braces or aligners hurt?
There's mild soreness for 2–3 days after each adjustment or new aligner — most patients describe it as pressure rather than pain. Over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods handle it well.
How long do I need to wear my retainer?
Full-time for the first 6 months after treatment, then nights-only for life. Teeth naturally shift as you age, so consistent retainer wear is what locks in your results.
I lost my aligner — what do I do?
Move back to your previous aligner and call us right away. We'll either advance you to the next tray or ship a replacement of the lost one, depending on how far along you are in the series.