Crooked teeth and bite problems do more than affect appearance. They make brushing and flossing harder, increase uneven enamel wear, and place unnecessary strain on your jaw over time. Left untreated, these issues can quietly impact both comfort and long-term oral health.
At Pannu Dental Group, we provide personalized orthodontic care using Invisalign clear aligners and traditional braces for children, teens, and adults. Every treatment plan is based on a detailed evaluation of your bite, alignment, and goals; never a one-size-fits-all approach.
Book Your Free Orthodontic Consultation Today.
Orthodontics is about more than straight teeth; it protects your long-term dental health.
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Using controlled, gradual pressure, orthodontic appliances move teeth into positions that improve both function and appearance. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, which directly reduces your lifetime risk of cavities and gum disease. A corrected bite reduces enamel wear, lowers the risk of TMJ jaw joint problems, and can even improve speech clarity in cases where tooth position affects pronunciation.
Orthodontic treatment is effective at any age. Whether your child needs early intervention, your teenager wants something discreet for school, or you are an adult ready to finally address a bite issue you have lived with for years, there is a solution matched to your stage of life.
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, nearly invisible plastic aligners to gradually shift your teeth into alignment. Each set is worn for approximately two weeks before progressing to the next. Because the aligners are removable, you can eat, brush, and floss normally throughout treatment with no dietary restrictions and no special tools required. Most cases are completed in 12 to 18 months. Dr. Pannu is Pannu Dental Group’s Invisalign provider.
Best for: Adults and teens with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and bite issues who want a discreet, removable option.
Traditional braces use metal or ceramic brackets bonded to your teeth, connected by archwires that apply consistent pressure to move teeth over time. They are the most effective option for complex cases involving severe crowding, significant bite corrections, or jaw alignment issues. Modern brackets are considerably smaller and more comfortable than earlier designs. Ceramic options offer a more tooth-coloured appearance for patients who want less visibility.
Best for: Children, teens, and adults with moderate to complex alignment or bite issues requiring precise, continuous force.
Problem: Crowded teeth trap plaque and increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Solution: Orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign clear aligners repositions teeth for easier cleaning and healthier gums.
Problem: Gaps between teeth affect appearance and bite balance.
Solution: Controlled tooth movement closes spaces and improves smile symmetry.
Problem: An uneven bite causes enamel wear, jaw strain, and chewing difficulty.
Solution: Braces or Invisalign correct bite alignment and distribute pressure evenly.
Problem: Improper bite alignment can contribute to TMJ discomfort.
Solution: Orthodontic correction improves bite balance and reduces stress on the jaw joint.
Problem: Tight spacing makes brushing and flossing ineffective.
Solution: Straightened teeth improve oral hygiene and reduce long-term decay risk.
Problem: Friction from removable dentures causes discomfort, sore spots, or inflammation.
Solution: Because implant dentures are supported by implants rather than resting entirely on the gums, irritation is significantly reduced.
Problem: Teeth can drift after braces if retainers are not worn consistently.
Solution: Invisalign or braces can realign teeth and restore previous results.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Adults can begin orthodontic treatment at any age if gum and bone health are stable.
From your first visit to your final retainer, here is exactly what to expect at every stage
Your dentist or orthodontic specialist examines your teeth and bite, then captures digital X-rays, photographs, and 3D scans to evaluate alignment, jaw structure, and overall oral health.
The benefits of a straighter bite go well beyond aesthetics; they last a lifetime.
Both Invisalign clear aligners and traditional braces are effective orthodontic treatments. The right choice depends on the complexity of your case, your lifestyle, and the level of correction required.
Factor | Invisalign Clear Aligners | Traditional Braces |
Visibility | Nearly invisible | Visible (ceramic less noticeable) |
Removability | Removable for eating and cleaning | Fixed and worn continuously |
Diet Restrictions | None | Avoid hard and sticky foods |
Best For | Mild to moderate crowding and bite issues | Mild to severe alignment and complex bite correction |
Treatment Time | 12 to 18 months | 18 to 36 months |
Discipline Required | Must wear 20–22 hours daily | No compliance required |
Estimated Cost | $3,000 to $8,000 | $2,500 to $7,000 |
Treatment | Estimated Range |
Invisalign (full treatment) | $3,000 to $8,000 |
Traditional Metal Braces | $2,500 to $7,000 |
Ceramic Braces | $3,500 to $8,500 |
Retainers (post-treatment) | $150 to $600 |
We offer flexible payment options so you can begin orthodontic care without a high upfront cost.
For complete details on orthodontic financing and insurance options, please visit our Financing section.
Dr. Wu Xiao earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Harvard University, where he also completed his Orthodontic Certification and a Master’s Degree in Oral Biology. He graduated with honors from UCLA in Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology before pursuing advanced specialty training in orthodontics. With more than twelve years of clinical experience, Dr. Wu has treated thousands of orthodontic patients across San Francisco.
He remains actively involved with the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and the San Mateo Dental Society, and regularly completes continuing education to stay current with evolving orthodontic techniques. Dr. Wu provides comprehensive orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults. He speaks both Mandarin and English, allowing him to serve a diverse patient community with clarity and precision.
Dr. Dalvir S. Pannu has practiced dentistry since 1995, bringing nearly three decades of clinical experience to the Bay Area. He opened his first dental practice in 1996 and later relocated to California, where he founded Pannu Dental Group in 2003. In 1997, the American Dental Association invited him to present a clinical table clinic at its national annual session in Washington, D.C., recognizing his early professional expertise.
Dr. Pannu provides comprehensive general dentistry, Invisalign treatment, and implant surgery. He completed advanced training in Invisalign orthodontics and dental implant placement, allowing him to perform both the surgical and restorative phases of implant treatment. His structured, technology-driven approach emphasizes precision, long-term function, and predictable results for patients across multiple Bay Area locations.
Good habits during treatment protect your results and prevent setbacks that extend your timeline.
Our orthodontic team includes a Harvard-trained orthodontist, providing specialized oversight for both routine alignment and complex bite correction.
Dr. Pannu has practiced since 1995 and founded Pannu Dental Group in 2003, building a multi-location practice trusted throughout Silicon Valley.
Every orthodontic case follows a monitored treatment plan from initial alignment through final retainer placement to ensure stable, lasting results.
Get a clear, personalized orthodontic plan backed by advanced digital imaging and experienced care. We evaluate your bite, alignment, and goals, then outline your options and timeline so you can move forward with confidence.
Schedule Your Orthodontic Evaluation today at a convenient location:
