Our Misson
Good + Sears Orthodontics is dedicated to providing the highest quality orthodontic
treatment to our patients in a professional, compassionate, and fun environment.
Our goal is to create beautiful smiles, enhance facial aesthetics, and produce balanced
bites by utilizing state-of-the-art technology for diagnosis and detail-oriented treatment planning.
We are committed to providing each of our valued patients with outstanding individualized
care. We educate our patients about their orthodontic treatment and communicate with them in a respectful and caring way.
With teamwork and passion for our specialty, we are devoted to making our patients'
orthodontic experience a rewarding one.
Dr. Good
Dr. Phoebe Good grew up in Miami, Florida, and pursued biomedical & mechanical
engineering at Columbia University. She continued her education at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where she received her Doctorate of Dental Medicine.
She continued her studies at the UCSF Division of Orthodontics, during which Dr. Good served as Chief
Resident.
Before founding Good + Sears, together with fellow UCSF alumni Dr. Chad Sears, Dr. Good had several years of experience working at private practices around the Bay
Area. Dr. Good has published scientific articles in peer-reviewed
journals, teaches at UCSF, and is committed to remaining current on the latest orthodontic technologies.
Welcome to Good + Sears Orthodontics!
Good+Sears Team
The foundation of our team consists of respect and enthusiasm we have for each other,
our patients, and our profession. In order to provide excellent treatments for our patients,
we are dedicated to staying updated on current technologies and advances by attending
continuing education courses and seminars. We believe that properly aligned teeth and a
balanced bite are important components of oral health, with long-term benefits.
Orthodontic treatment requires a group effort from patients, parents, significant others,
your general dentist, as well as the Good + Sears Orthodontics team. Throughout your
experience in our office, we encourage you to ask questions and offer suggestions for ways
that we can help increase your comfort.
We are thrilled that you have chosen our office and look forward to building a lasting
relationship with you! We will do our best to ensure that both your experience and results
exceed expectations.
The Office
Thank you for choosing our practice for your orthodontic needs. Good + Sears Orthodontics is
conveniently located in San Francisco’s Union Square. Our newly designed practice features digital
photography, digital x-rays, paperless charting, and utilizes the latest technologies to ensure
patient comfort and to streamline treatment progress.
In building our new facilities, we aimed to create a space that is sophisticated and comfortable
for orthodontic patients of all ages. Our office features semi-private treatment rooms, wireless
internet, and customizable patient entertainment for longer appointments.
Choosing An Orthodontist
Is the doctor an orthodontic specialist?
Specialists in orthodontics are dentists that have pursued an additional 2-3 years of
advanced education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten
teeth. Only those with this education may call themselves "orthodontists," and only
orthodontists are eligible for membership in the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).
Dr. Good received her Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees from Columbia, and then earned Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the Harvard
School of Dental Medicine. After dental school, she pursued her orthodontic degree in an
intensive 3-year program at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Dr Good attends numerous continuing education courses in order to learn about and implement the most
effective techniques in clinical orthodontics.
Is the orthodontic team certified?
All of the Good + Sears clinical team members are registered dental assistants (RDAs)
and x-ray certified. They are knowledgeable and competent in the specialty of orthodontics.
Each team member attends continuing education courses to expand their knowledge base and
introduce improved techniques into their clinical practice.
Does the office complete a computerized cephalometric analysis of the x-rays?
Dr. Good uses the proven diagnostic process of cephalometric analysis to
predict and analyze jaw relationships, growth patterns, and treatment outcomes. This process is
essential for understanding the jaw relationship of each patient in order to create an excellent
bite through orthodontic treatment.
Is the office fully compliant with all OSHA requirements?
OSHA is a government agency that assures patient and team member safety by requiring stringent
protocols. Good + Sears Orthodontics uses state-of-the-art sterilization methods, and refers to
professional consultants to monitor all sterilization techniques and results, as well as general
office safety.
Is the practice environmentally aware, making every effort to minimize their carbon footprint?
Good + Sears Orthodontics is paperless: the practice uses electronic charts, digital
photographs and x-rays, and electronic communication. The sterilization process includes
chemical-free methods. In addition, the office uses recyclable materials whenever possible
(excluding anything that may be used during patient procedures). During the construction of
the new facilities, several ‘green’ choices were made: refinishing the original wood flooring,
incorporating several building materials made with pre- and post-consumer recycled resins,
using partitions that provide visual privacy as well as light transmission (this partially
replaces artificial lighting with natural daylight), and installation of a high-velocity
mini-duct heating and ventilation system that prevents accumulation of dust and allergens
in ambient breathing air.
Is the practice focused on customer care?
At Good + Sears Orthodontics, customer service is our number one goal. Patients and patient
families enjoy lively interactions with the entire team, the caring environment, the patient-oriented
hospitality, and open communication with each of the knowledgeable team members. Questions are
encouraged, and suggestions on how we can improve are welcomed.
Useful Links
American Dental Association
American Association of Orthodontists
Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists
California Association of Orthodontists
Invisalign
Why Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that corrects dental and jaw irregularities
to promote oral health. Aligned teeth are more resistant to decay and gum-disease
because they are easier to clean, while a balanced bite provides for more efficient
chewing and harmony between the teeth, facial muscles, and jaw joints. Additionally,
the improved aesthetics of the teeth, jaw, lips, and face can have positive psychological
effects by improving one's self-image.
Orthodontics is appropriate for almost any age. The American Association of Orthodontists
recommends that all children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age 7 to prevent
the onset of specific dental and jaw abnormalities. Most patients start treatment when all
of their permanent teeth have come in, sometimes as early as 10 years old. However, some
children may need orthodontic treatment while there is a mix of baby teeth and permanent
teeth in order to correct specific early-onset bite problems. An early phase of orthodontics
usually requires a short second phase once all of the permanent teeth have come into the mouth.
Orthodontics is not limited to children. One out of five orthodontic patients is an
adult, and the numbers are growing. There are several modern and discrete treatment options
that make it easier than ever to improve one's dental health and appearance with orthodontics.
Regardless of age, aligned teeth promote proper function and better oral hygiene.
Early Treatment
An orthodontist will enhance a smile at any age. However, the American Association of Orthodontists
(AAO) recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur no later than age 7. Orthodontic
treatment may not be necessary at this early age, but periodic examination can anticipate the most advantageous
time to begin treatment.
Signs and habits that indicate the need for early orthodontic examination:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth.
- Difficulty in chewing or biting.
- Mouth breathing.
- Thumb or finger sucking.
- Crowded, displaced or blocked out teeth.
- Jaws that shift or make sounds.
- Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth.
- Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all.
- Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face.
Benefits of early treatment:
- Guide growth of the jaw during a child’s growth spurt.
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches (the arch-shaped jaw bone that supports the teeth).
- Guide permanent teeth into desirable positions as they come in.
- Decreased risk of injury to front teeth.
- Correct harmful oral habits such as thumb- or finger-sucking.
- Reduce or eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems.
- Improve personal appearance and self-esteem.
- Potentially simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later corrective orthodontics.
- Reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth (teeth that should have come in, but have not).
- Reduce or increase space for permanent teeth that are coming in.
Adult Treatment
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate
the benefits of a beautiful smile. Orthodontic treatment during adulthood can dramatically
improve one's personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of teeth and gums
is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum disease and bone
loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint
(TMJ/TMD) pain.
Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if the gums and bone structure are healthy.
The modern techniques and appliances used at Good + Sears Orthodontics greatly reduce
discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, shorten treatment time and may allow
you to choose from more discrete options. Adults are typically excited about the aesthetic
options we offer, including Invisalign and clear braces.
Can orthodontic treatment do for me what it does for children?
Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Orthodontic forces move the teeth in the same
way for both a 75-year-old adult and a 12-year-old child. For adults, tooth movement may
take longer and may be complicated by existing dental conditions. Dr. Good can address those issues that are exclusive to adults.
How does adult treatment differ from that of children and adolescents?
Adults frequently have some wear and tear on their teeth, gums and bone. Dr. Good will discuss which orthodontic treatment options could improve the teeth and
bite, and may suggest the help of your dentist and other dental specialists in order to
achieve your treatment goals.
My teeth have been crooked for more than 50 years – why should I have orthodontic treatment now?
Orthodontic treatment can restore good function and prevent gum disease, bone loss, and
abnormal wear that can occur at any age. Teeth that work better usually look better, too.
A healthy, beautiful smile can improve self-esteem, regardless of age.
Braces and Wires
Dr. Good utilizes the latest in orthodontic technology by using self-ligating
braces and shape-memory, superelastic wires instead of traditional braces and stiffer wires to
provide patients with faster and more comfortable treatment.
Self-ligating braces use a free-sliding technology to secure wires. This combination places
only a small amount of pressure on teeth in comparison to the traditional use of elastic ties and
ligature wires. The reduced friction between the self-ligating braces and the wires allows teeth
to move more quickly and biologically. Many patients who had braces in the past, and who are
currently undergoing re-treatment with this combination of materials, comment that it is much
more comfortable than they remember.
Self-ligating braces were designed with patients' comfort in mind: the brackets have smooth
edges and a lower profile so as not to interfere with the lips and cheeks. In addition, self-ligating
braces are easier to keep clean since no elastic or wire ties are required to secure the main arch
wires into place. Therefore, patients can maintain a cleaner look and healthier smile throughout
their entire treatment.
Advantages of self-ligating braces and shape-memory wires over traditional braces and wires:
- Teeth are free to move without friction and hence more biologically through the bone and gums.
- Less frequent adjustments.
- Shorter and fewer appointments.
- No elastic ties resulting in better oral hygiene.
DAMON CLEAR Braces
For more information on the Damon Clear braces used at Good + Sears Orthodontics:
http://damonbraces.com/products/damon-clear/index.php
Empower Self-Ligating Braces
For more information on the metal Empower self-ligating braces used at Good + Sears Orthodontics:
http://www.americanortho.com/self-ligation_empower.htm
Invisalign
One of the more popular orthodontic treatment solutions is Invisalign. Invisalign uses a series
of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. The following are features exclusive to
Invisalign treatment:
- A clear design that allows patients to discretely wear Invisalign.
- They are removable for special events, eating, brushing and flossing.
- Barely noticeable in business meetings and social gatherings.
- Little to no irritation to the inside of the mouth.
Click here to learn more about Invisalign or Invisalign Teen.
Dr. Good will determine if your bite can be adequately addressed with Invisalign.
For those who do not qualify for Invisalign treatment and who desire a more aesthetic treatment
appliance, we utilize clear ceramic braces to diminish the visibility of appliances during treatment.
Jaw Surgery
Corrective jaw surgery (aka, orthognathic surgery) treats and corrects abnormalities of the
facial bones, jaws and the teeth. Abnormalities of this sort often cause difficulty with chewing,
talking, sleeping and other routine activities. Orthognathic surgery corrects these functional
problems and, in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, may dramatically enhance a patient's
facial appearance.
Using the latest in digital imaging and simulation technology, Dr. Good will
demonstrate the overall functional and aesthetic benefits of orthognathic surgery when needed.
Computerized treatment planning minimizes treatment times, recovery periods, and the overall
efficacy of jaw surgery. State-of-the-art materials, including titanium plates and miniature
fixation screws, provide stability, strength and predictability of surgical treatment. These
advances in technology, procedures, and equipment reduce post-surgical recovery time, thus
allowing patients to return to their normal routines soon after the surgery.
Following are some of the conditions that may indicate the need for corrective jaw surgery:
- Difficulty chewing, or biting food.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headache.
- Excessive wear of the teeth.
- Open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed).
- Unbalanced facial appearance from the front, or side.
- Facial injury or birth defects.
- Receding chin (“overbite”).
- Protruding lower jaw (“underbite”).
- Inability to make the lips meet without straining.
- Chronic mouth breathing and dry mouth.
- Sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping, including snoring).
Orthognathic surgery may be unnecessary if orthodontic treatment alone can correct the problem.
With the latest advances in orthodontics, this is sometimes the case. Dr. Good will
work closely with your dentist as well as an oral surgeon to determine if orthognathic surgery is
the correct treatment option for you.
Retention
The day braces are removed is always an exciting day, however, orthodontic care is not complete.
Maintaining a new smile and bite is just as important as the process of creating them. "Retention"
is the phase immediately following active movement of the teeth. After braces are removed, it may
only take days for some teeth to begin shifting back to their original position, especially within
the first year.
When full braces are removed, two retainers will be provided, one for the upper and one for the
lower teeth. The upper retainer is usually removable and the lower retainer is usually "fixed" or
glued to the inside of the lower front teeth. Dr. Good may prescribe a different
retainer that fits each patient's specific situation.
We will provide each patient with instructions for retainer wear, and perform several retainer
checks to ensure that the retainers are functioning properly. Dr. Good recommends
wearing retainers during sleeping hours indefinitely.
Lost or broken retainers should be reported to the office immediately. We will be happy to make
an additional appointment and take measures to ensure your smile stays healthy and straight.
Your First Visit
Your initial visit to our office allows us to learn about you and your specific orthodontic
concerns. Prior to your complimentary consultation, we will give you a brief tour of our
facilities and introduce you to our team. We also ask you to complete a Medical Health History
Form. For your convenience, you may complete the appropriate form (pdf download links below) before your first appointment:
At your consultation appointment we will discuss your concerns and potentially gather other
critical diagnostic information, including:
- Digital photos.
- Digital x-rays.
- Important jaw measurements.
- Dental casts of your teeth and bite.
Information from your first visit, when combined with input from your general dentist or referring
specialist, will allow Dr. Good to prepare your individualized and comprehensive treatment
plan.
The doctors and our knowledgeable treatment coordinator will discuss treatment details with you,
and assist you in scheduling a follow-up appointment to get started.
Financial Information
We understand that orthodontic treatment is a sizable investment. Our goal is to provide you
exceptional treatment that suits your financial situation. We do not want finances to stand in
the way of your treatment goals.
Our treatment coordinator will discuss the following options with you:
- OFFICE PAYMENT PLAN: Initial down payment followed by equal monthly payments (interest-free).
- DIRECT PAYMENT IN FULL: You may deduct a pre-determined percentage of your treatment fee if you pay in full before the treatment begins.
- BANK DRAFT: We accept Visa, MasterCard, or American Express for initial payments. Also, with cardholder’s or bank account owner’s authorization, we can charge your monthly fee automatically via bank draft.
If your employer offers a flexible spending plan, we can apply these pretax dollars towards your orthodontic expenses.
Insurance
Most dental insurance policies will cover a portion of orthodontic treatment. During your initial
consultation, we will review your orthodontic coverage and explain your benefits to you. To expedite
your insurance filing, please be sure to provide your insurance information prior to your initial exam.
Once treatment begins, we will gladly submit and file the insurance claim on your behalf to make sure
your benefits are maximized. However, please remember that our primary financial relationship is with
our patients or their families, and not with their respective insurance companies. Financial arrangements
can be made based on your estimated insurance benefit; however, the financially responsible party will
be accountable for any unpaid insurance claims.
Appointment Policies
Before starting active orthodontic treatment, we want our potential patients to understand all aspects of
the commitment. Treatment will not move forward without your active participation in appointment attendance
and proper oral hygiene.
When active orthodontic treatment begins, each patient is seen every 4 to 8 weeks. We anticipate that
some of these appointments will conflict with work or school schedules. We understand that your time is
valuable and limited, so we have arranged our office hours to increase available appointment times. As
with any schedule, some appointment times will be more popular than others. Please note that all appointments
are made on a first-come first-served basis. Vacations, holidays, and educational seminars will alter our
schedule during the year.
It is important not only to arrive on time for each appointment, but also to leave sufficient time for
completion of all necessary procedures. Throughout your treatment, the majority of appointments will be
pleasantly short, ranging from 10 to 30 minutes. This includes most routine checks, adjustments, and
emergencies. There are a few appointments that will take more time. These are the initial placement of
braces, fine-tuning of bracket placement midway through treatment, and finally, the removal of braces.
These longer appointments may need to be scheduled during school or work hours.
Dr. Good uses treatment methods that straighten teeth efficiently and require fewer office
visits. Our office is committed to providing you with the best orthodontic service, while also making
treatment convenient to your busy schedule.
Late or Missed Appointments: We understand that conflicts can arise and may interfere with your scheduled
appointments. In order to keep your treatment on schedule, we will always do our best to make up your
appointment as soon as possible; if time permits, we will make exceptions for late or missed appointments,
as long as it does not compromise our ability to complete other scheduled procedures. Numerous missed
appointments will inevitably result in extension of your treatment time and may result in additional
charges. All missed appointments should be rescheduled as soon as possible.
Rescheduling Appointments: We ask for at least 48 hours notice to reschedule an appointment, as we have
set aside time to accommodate your specific needs. Numerous appointment changes will inevitably result in
extension of your treatment time and may result in additional charges. Our goal in rescheduling
appointments is to maintain both effective and on-time treatment. Waiting for a convenient after school
or work appointment can delay treatment.
Oral Hygiene
During orthodontic treatment, please be sure to continue seeing your general dentist every three
to six months for your general dental needs and cleanings!
Brushing:
There are four target areas when brushing your teeth while wearing braces:
- Where the Teeth Meet the Gums
- Point the brush toward the gums; this will allow the bristles to sweep away plaque.
- Jiggle the toothbrush 8 times per tooth.
- Top of the Braces
- With firm pressure, brush the top of the braces.
- When brushing the top of the braces be sure the bristles go under the wire and between the brackets.
- Bottom of the Braces
- With firm pressure, brush the bottom of the braces.
- When brushing the bottom of the braces be sure the bristles go under the wire and between brackets.
- Where the Teeth Meet the Gums on the Tongue Side
- Point the brush towards the gums; this will allow the bristles to sweep away plaque.
The use of the interproximal, or “Christmas tree,” brush can be a useful supplement to the regular
toothbrush. It’s small brush head can be bent in any direction for hard to reach areas. Use the brush
to clean between brackets and under the wire.
Flossing:
- Threader Floss
- Some people find combined floss and built-in threader tip to be easier to use. Each person needs to use what feels most comfortable.
- Please floss between each tooth, whether it has a brace on it or not!
- Bridge Aid Dental Floss Threader
- Thread the floss through the eyelet of the Floss Threader.
- Slip the threader under the wire with one hand while holding the end of the floss with the other hand.
- Once floss is under the wire, floss between teeth.
Fluoride Rinse: Rinsing with fluoride is imperative when wearing
braces. The use of topical fluoride is for the protection of exposed tooth enamel. Fluoride
helps protect exposed enamel from decalcification (the formation of white spots on teeth that
indicate the beginning stages of cavities). Continue taking any previously prescribed fluoride
tablets, as they are for the protection of teeth that are still developing. It is important to
use topical fluoride every day, and not to eat or drink for at least 30 minutes after using the
fluoride. Be sure to brush prior to applying the fluoride.
All About Braces
Eating with Braces: The adhesive used to attach the braces
to your teeth cures rapidly initially, but can take up to 24 hours to completely adhere.
You can eat anytime after leaving our office, but we ask that you are mindful of the
suggested eating list below. Until you become accustomed to eating with your braces,
you may find it beneficial to follow a diet consisting of soft foods.
For the first day or so, stick to soft foods. Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw
vegetables. You will need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as
long as you are wearing braces.
Foods & Habits to Avoid:
- Examples of foods to avoid: whole nuts, corn nuts, tortilla chips, jerky, granola
bars, whole apples.
- Examples of hard candy to avoid: Jolly Ranchers, Now & Laters, Suckers, Jaw breakers.
- Examples of sticky candy to avoid: taffy, caramel, gummy bears, Tootsie Rolls, Milk
Duds, Sugar Daddys, Skittles, Starburst.
- Hard foods: nuts, candy, chips.
- Examples of foods that should be cut up first: corn on the cob, apples, raw
vegetables, pizza, steak, chicken, pork or beef ribs.
- Examples of habits to avoid: nail biting, chewing on ice, chewing on pens & pencils.
Damaged braces can cause prolonged treatment time.
General Soreness: When wires are first attached to braces,
some patients’ teeth feel sore and may be tender to biting pressures for an average of
3-7 days. If the tenderness is severe, take ibuprofen or whatever you normally take for
a headache or similar pain. Our advanced wires are thermo-activated and become stiffer
as the warm temperatures of the mouth heat them. To lessen wire-related tension and
soreness, try drinking a cup of cold water to lower the temperature of the wires and,
hence, relax the wires.
For abrasions that are the result of the lips or cheek rubbing against the appliances,
a warm saltwater rinse can relieve this soreness. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces
of warm tap water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. The lips, cheeks, and tongue may also
become irritated as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. To
lessen the discomfort you can put wax on the braces causing the irritation.
Loosening of Teeth: Mild to moderate loosening of teeth is
to be expected throughout treatment. This is normal, since teeth must loosen first so they
can be moved. The teeth will again become rigidly fixed in their new, corrected positions.
Athletics: If you play sports, it is important that you
consult us for special precautions. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing
contact sports. In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the
appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, call our
office at once for an appointment. In the meantime, treat your discomfort as you would
treat any general soreness. A custom mouthguard can be made in our office for patients
playing contact sports.
Emergency Care
True orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur we are available to you.
As a general rule, you should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have a
painful appliance problem that you cannot take care of yourself. We will be able to schedule an
appointment to resolve the problem.
You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself
until you schedule an appointment with our office. Here are some suggestions:
- If a wire protrudes and is irritating, use a blunt instrument (back of spoon or the eraser
end of a pencil) and carefully, gently push the irritating wire towards the tooth or brace.
This will move it away from the lips or cheek. If the irritation continues, place wax on
the wire to reduce the discomfort.
- If any piece of your appliance comes off, save it and bring it with you to the office.
- After alleviating your discomfort, it is very important that you still call our office as
soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem.
Call us at 415.399.9200 to schedule a repair appointment. During non-business hours, please
follow the instructions on our answering service and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
