Choosing orthodontic treatment is a big decision, and it's natural to have questions about cost, insurance, treatment options, and what to expect along the way. At iSmile Orthodontics in San Ramon, CA, we believe you deserve clear answers and straightforward guidance from the very beginning. We've put together answers to some of the questions we hear most often to help you feel informed and confident about your orthodontic care.
Treatment Pricing
How much does orthodontic treatment cost at iSmile?
Invisalign® or Braces? You choose. Same fee. At iSmile Orthodontics, we believe pricing should be straightforward.
Orthodontic treatment at iSmile Orthodontics generally ranges from approximately $2,870 for very limited treatment to $9,500 for our most comprehensive and complex cases. Most patients fall somewhere in between.
We can't quote an exact treatment fee before meeting you because we don’t yet know what you need — and sometimes the right recommendation is less treatment, not more.
Your orthodontic consultation is complimentary; absolutely free. We’ll evaluate your teeth and bite, listen to what you would like to accomplish, and tell you what we recommend. Before you make any decision, you’ll know your treatment fee, estimated insurance benefit, and payment options. No surprises. No obligation.
Orthodontic Insurance
Do I need insurance for my orthodontic treatment?
Not necessarily. If your employer provides dental insurance at little or no cost to you, a PPO plan with an orthodontic benefit can be valuable.
However, we don’t recommend purchasing expensive dental insurance simply because it advertises an orthodontic benefit. Sometimes the premiums and restrictions can outweigh the benefit you ultimately receive. Our team will review your insurance and help you understand what it is expected to cover.
If you’re considering purchasing insurance specifically for orthodontic treatment, feel free to ask us first. We’ll tell you whether we think it makes financial sense — even if the answer doesn’t benefit us.
What payment options are available at iSmile Orthodontics?
We offer flexible in-house payment plans so that many families can spread treatment costs over time. We also accept CareCredit for patients who prefer additional financing options.
Once we know what treatment you actually need, we’ll show you the options and let you decide what works best for your family.
Consultations & Deposits
How much does an orthodontic consultation cost?
At iSmile Orthodontics, consultations are complimentary, and there is no deposit required to schedule. Come meet us. Ask questions. Learn what is happening with your teeth and bite.
If we think you need treatment, we’ll tell you.
If we think you should wait, we’ll tell you that too.
And, if we don’t think treatment is necessary, we’ll tell you that as well. We're here for you.
Our Treatment Philosophy
How does iSmile Orthodontics personalize orthodontic care?
Health and function come first. The beautiful smile is the cherry on top.
Our goal isn’t simply to make teeth look straight. We evaluate how the teeth fit together, how the bite functions, long-term stability, periodontal health, facial balance, and aesthetics.
Sometimes that means recommending more treatment than a patient expected. Sometimes it means recommending less. Either way, we’ll tell you what we believe is appropriate and explain why. Then the decision is yours.
Choosing Your Treatment
What's more affordable: Invisalign® or braces?
We provide both Invisalign® and Frictionless braces.
At iSmile, there is no price difference between Invisalign® and Frictionless braces.
We don’t want price determining which appliance you choose. We want the decision based on your treatment needs, lifestyle, and preferences.
We’ll explain the advantages and disadvantages of each and recommend what we believe will work best for you.
Scheduling Your Orthodontic Care
When can I schedule an orthodontic appointment at iSmile Orthodontics?
At iSmile Orthodontics, appointments are available Monday through Saturday.
We know school matters, so we prioritize after-school appointments for children whenever possible.
Those times are also our most requested appointments and can fill quickly. We’ll always do our best to find a time that works for your family.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
Plans change. We understand. If you need to reschedule your appointment, we ask for at least 48 hours’ notice whenever possible.
Our schedule can fill several weeks in advance, particularly for after-school appointments, so your preferred time may not immediately be available.
We’ll work with you to find the next best option.
Orthodontic Emergencies
What if I need emergency orthodontic care?
If something breaks, hurts, or simply doesn’t feel right, call us. At iSmile Orthodontics, we make every effort to see urgent orthodontic concerns the same day when appropriate.
And, if you aren’t sure whether something qualifies as an emergency, don’t worry about figuring that out yourself. Call us, and we’ll help you decide what needs to be done.
Digital Impressions
What are digital impressions and how can they benefit me?
No messy impressions or goopy molds of your teeth. No more gagging or inaccurate models.
We use the latest iTero™ digital scanning technology, featuring six cameras, five processors, and advanced multi-directional capture technology.
The scanner captures up to 6,000 images per second, combining them to create a highly detailed, photorealistic 3D model of your teeth with accuracy down to approximately 30 microns. That level of detail helps us evaluate your teeth and bite, digitally plan your treatment, and help you visualize your smile.
But technology alone doesn’t create a great orthodontic result. The diagnosis and treatment decisions behind it matter more.
We invest in advanced technology when we believe it helps us provide more precise, predictable, and comfortable care.
Our Promise to You
We don’t expect every person who meets us to become an iSmile patient. Our responsibility is simpler: Understand what you’re trying to accomplish. Evaluate your teeth and bite carefully. Tell you what we see. Recommend what we believe is best. Answer your questions honestly.
Then you decide whether we’re the right orthodontic practice for you.
Ready to get started? Contact Dr. Ron and the team at iSmile Orthodontics to schedule your consultation in San Ramon today!
