City: San Francisco

Looking for an orthodontist in San Francisco? Whether you are in the Mission, the Marina, or Noe Valley, this page helps you compare San Francisco practices the smart way: by who actually owns each one, whether the orthodontist is board certified, and what they treat.

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Typical cost
$4,000 to $9,000
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Treatment time
12 to 24 months
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Your options
Braces, Invisalign, Angel Aligners
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Medicaid
Under 21, if medically needed

How much do braces and Invisalign cost in San Francisco?

Metal & ceramic braces

$4,000 to $7,500

Full treatment, before insurance.

Invisalign clear aligners

$4,500 to $9,000

Varies with case complexity.

Good news on payment: Most San Francisco orthodontists break treatment into monthly plans and take major PPO dental insurance, with financing like CareCredit or Cherry available. Before you sign, ask what the quote covers. Records, retainers, and follow-up visits should all be included.

Does Medi-Cal cover braces in San Francisco?

In California, Medi-Cal Dental β€” often called Denti-Cal β€” covers medically necessary orthodontics for members under 21. Qualifying usually means a handicapping malocclusion that scores high enough on the state’s evaluation, or an automatically qualifying condition such as cleft palate. Adults are generally not covered. Use the Medicaid filter to find San Francisco practices that accept it, and ask offices about payment plans if you fall outside the program.

Quick tip: Use the Medicaid filter on this page to find San Francisco practices that accept it.

Braces, Invisalign, or clear aligners?

All three move teeth; they differ in look and lifestyle. Metal and ceramic braces handle the widest range of cases. Invisalign and Angel Aligners use clear, removable trays that suit many teens and adults who want a low-profile option. The right San Francisco orthodontist will walk you through the trade-offs for your specific bite.

Private practice or corporate group?

Some San Francisco offices are owned by a single orthodontist; others belong to a larger corporate or private-equity group. Neither is automatically better, but ownership can affect who treats you, how continuity of care works, and how treatment is priced. We label every listing so you can decide what fits.

Why we show ownership: Every listing here is labeled private or corporate up front, so you know exactly who you are walking in to see.

Who owns the orthodontists in San Francisco?

We are actively adding San Francisco practices to the directory. As they go live, each one will appear here labeled private or corporate, so you can compare them at a glance.

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Orthodontists across San Francisco neighborhoods

San Francisco is spread out, so most families choose by what is close. You will find practices serving these areas and ZIP codes:

Financial District94104The Mission94110Sunset94122Marina94123Noe Valley94114Pacific Heights94115

How to pick the right San Francisco orthodontist

Start with board certification, then look at ownership, reviews, and how clearly each office explains pricing. Book a couple of consultations β€” many are free β€” and compare the full quote, not just the monthly number. Ask what is included for records, retainers, and follow-up visits.

San Francisco orthodontist FAQs

When should my child first see an orthodontist? Around age 7, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. That does not mean braces at 7. It means catching small problems early. Many patients start as teens, and adults are welcome too.
Do I need a referral from my dentist? Nope. You can call any orthodontist and book a consultation yourself.
How long does treatment take? Most people finish in 12 to 24 months. Straightforward cases move faster, and trickier ones take a little longer.
Are there free consultations in San Francisco? Often, yes. Many San Francisco offices offer a complimentary first visit, so it is worth a quick call before you commit.