Orthodontics

Straighter Smiles in San Francisco, Vallejo & Fairfield

A beautiful, healthy, and confident smile can change lives. Dr. Helen Thai and Dr. Quincy Tan offer complete orthodontic care at our Bay Area practices in San Francisco, Vallejo, and Fairfield. We help children, teens, and adults achieve straight teeth and lasting oral health. Our team uses the latest techniques, gentle care, and customized plans to support you throughout your orthodontic journey.

Our Orthodontic Services

Traditional Braces

Time-tested and highly effective, traditional braces use metal brackets and arch wires to straighten your teeth precisely into their ideal positions. Today’s braces are more comfortable and streamlined than ever, delivering excellent results for:

  • Crowded or spaced teeth
  • Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
  • Jaw alignment and bite correction

Treatment often lasts between 18 and 24 months for most patients, though every case is unique. Our team uses digital planning and regular adjustments to ensure efficient, predictable progress with as little discomfort as possible. We help kids and adults alike feel confident through every step of their transformation.

Clear Aligners (Invisalign)

For patients seeking a more discreet path to a straighter smile, Invisalign and other clear aligner brands are an ideal solution. These virtually invisible, custom-fit trays gradually move your teeth into alignment—without brackets, wires, or dietary restrictions.

  • Removable for easy eating, brushing, and flossing
  • Nearly undetectable when worn, ideal for working professionals and image-conscious teens
  • Fewer in-office visits and no adjustments needed

We use advanced digital impressions and planning to preview your new smile before treatment starts. You receive a set of aligners tailored to your goals, and our doctors check your progress at conveniently scheduled intervals.

Retainers

After completing braces or clear aligner therapy, it’s important to wear a retainer to maintain your results long-term. Without a retainer, even perfectly aligned teeth can shift back to their original positions. We offer:

  • Fixed (bonded) retainers: Discreet wires attached to the back of your front teeth for continuous support—especially for lower teeth prone to relapse—to prevent tooth movement.
  • Removable retainers: Options include Hawley (wire and acrylic, durable, adjustable) and clear Essix-style (invisible, comfortable to wear), with personalized instructions for when and how to use them.​

Your orthodontist will recommend the best options for you, provide care and handling instructions, and set up regular check-ins to ensure your straightened smile lasts a lifetime.

Space Maintainers

When decay or injury causes early loss of baby teeth, space maintainers hold the gap open for erupting adult teeth. This prevents surrounding teeth from shifting and reduces the need for future orthodontic intervention.

  • Custom-fit and easy to monitor
  • Critical for guiding proper jaw and bite development in children
  • Supports healthier, easier orthodontic treatment later on

Our friendly pediatric dental team ensures children feel safe, informed, and comfortable with every visit.

What Sets Our Orthodontic Care Apart?

Digital imaging and 3D treatment planning for accuracy and comfort

Multilingual staff (Spanish, Tagalog, Hindi, Japanese, Vietnamese) supporting every family

Flexible financing, affordable payment plans, and transparent pricing

Protect overall health—untreated dental issues can impact systemic well-being

We believe that every patient deserves a healthy, brilliant smile—at any age. We design our orthodontic care for real life and embrace your unique needs, goals, and timeline.

Orthodontics FAQ

At what age should my child have an orthodontic evaluation?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early screening helps identify potential bite, teeth, or jaw issues while there’s still time for simple correction.

Absolutely. Many adults choose braces or clear aligners to address lifelong concerns or new alignment shifts; there’s no upper age limit for a beautiful smile.

Traditional braces require regular adjustment appointments, typically every 4–8 weeks. Clear aligner treatment check-ups may be less frequent, depending on your plan.

Book Your Orthodontic Consultation Today

Are you prepared to begin your journey toward a confident, healthy smile? Schedule a free orthodontic consultation in San Francisco, Vallejo, or Fairfield. Dr. Helen Thai, Dr. Quincy Tan, and their caring team will help you explore every option, clearly explain the process, and walk with you from planning to your brilliant new smile.

This page reflects our full orthodontic menu, current technologies, and team approach to lifelong smile health. Visit us for updated services and personal recommendations tailored to your needs.