Our community has been through a lot due to the ongoing pandemic, and all of us are looking forward to resuming our normal habits and routines. While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your health and safety.

Infection control has always been a top priority of our dental practice, and you may have seen that we take great pride in this. Our infection control processes are made so that when you receive care, it’s both safe and comfortable. We want to tell you about the infection control procedures we follow in our practice to keep the patients, staff, and the ones we come in contact with in our daily lives safe.

Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We follow the activities of these agencies so that we are up-to-date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued.

Upon the emergence of COVID-19, here are some additional measures we take to ensure your safety:
  • Our office will communicate with you beforehand to ask some screening questions. You’ll be asked those same questions again when you are in the office, and we will be taking your temperature. Based on your answers and if your temperature is 100.4°F or higher, we will need to reschedule your appointment.
  • We have hand sanitizer that we will ask you to use when you enter the office. You will also find some in other places in the office for you to use as needed.
  • You may see that our waiting room will no longer offer magazines, children’s toys and so forth, since those items are difficult to clean and disinfect. Similarly, please limit the personal belongings that you bring inside to your appointment.
  • Appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients when possible. That might mean that you’re offered fewer options for scheduling your appointment. Please respect the social distancing requirement of 6 feet where practical.
  • We will do our best to allow greater time between patients to reduce waiting times for you, as well as to reduce the number of patients in the reception area at any one time. To that end, please consider calling from your car to check on the status of the reception area and be on time. Also, please come alone to your appointments. If needed, one guardian/caretaker is permitted, but they must remain in the reception area.
  • Please arrive with face masks/coverings for they will be required at all times for both patients and staff when appropriate.
  • An antiseptic mouth rinse will be used just prior to treatment for the health and safety of all. Where possible, expect changes in how we do certain procedures to eliminate or reduce the spread of aerosols and splatter during treatment. For example, for now we will be temporarily eliminating ultrasonic tools and teeth polishing during your teeth cleaning appointments until further notice.
  • Clear sneeze guard barriers between you and our front desk personnel will be used to aid in social distancing, and we ask that we all limit our conversations to what’s necessary to limit contact time. More regular and frequent sanitizing of high touch areas and items will be done for your health and safety. This includes door and other handles, light switches, countertops, etc.
We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice. To make an appointment, please call our office at 415-752-8311 .

Thank you for being our patient. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming back our patients, neighbors, and friends.

Sincerely,
Dr. Leo Arellano

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3030 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118 | Directions
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Are There Alternatives To Porcelain Veneers?

Posted By: | Published On: | Veneers
Are There Alternatives To Porcelain Veneers?
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When it comes to making over your entire smile, porcelain veneers are the way to go. Porcelain veneers are thin shells, bonded to the outer surfaces of your teeth to hide imperfections, to protect chipped and cracked teeth, and to make them look more attractive in length, shape, and uniformity.

But not everyone is a perfect candidate for porcelain veneers, so other alternatives may have to be considered. Dr. Arellano in San Francisco is experienced in many cosmetic dentistry techniques. He will discuss the other possibilities that may be appropriate for those patients who would like to use porcelain veneers to correct dental concerns but for whom veneers may not be the best choice.

Porcelain veneers are often used to improve the appearance of misaligned or crooked teeth. Dr. Arellano can adjust the shape, size, color, and spacing of your teeth by placing expertly crafted and fitted veneers. But for those who have significant over-crowding or bite problems, other alternatives such as orthodontics may be a better consideration. Two main options are available when it comes to orthodontics – traditional metal braces, or clear braces such as Invisalign. Both are sound and affordable alternatives to porcelain veneers for those situations.

Dental bonding can also be an effective substitute for porcelain veneers. Dental bonding involves the use of a composite resin which is applied to a damaged, misshapen, or misaligned tooth. This putty-like material is shaped to cover a cracked or injured tooth, improving the appearance and adding stability.

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If you are considering porcelain veneers to remedy stained or discolored teeth, a simple in-office teeth whitening session may also do the trick. Teeth whitening procedures can brighten your teeth several shades whiter in one office visit – a great, economical way to improve your smile in a single day!

If you live in the San Francisco area and are considering porcelain veneers, call Dr. Arellano today. Schedule a consultation appointment to find out if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers, or if you might consider one of the other options.

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Real Patients Real Results

Before and After Photos

Porcelain veneer to replace old composite bonding on a single central tooth.

Photo by Dr. Leo Arellano

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What our patients are saying...

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5.0

I’ve been going to Dr. Arellano for about 20 years and I continue because of the excellent care and treatment I get with him and his whole office team. He is both professional and personable.
Recently I had a newer technique of gum surgery/grafting at his office called, “Pinhole Surgical Technique of gum grafting.” I personally found this to be much easier to handle than the other style of gum grafting that I received years ago for the other side of my mouth. That worked, it was where part of my roof of my mouth was cut and surgically sewn onto the gum. However, I much prefer the pinhole technique. It was actually the easiest dental work I’ve had (beyond regular cleaning) It didn’t take too long and it didn’t feel uncomfortable getting it done.... More Reviews

"Why choose us?" The bottom line is, it's all about YOU.

Contact our San Francisco dental office to schedule a one on one consultation with Dr. Arellano, and experience the benefits of a truly healthy mouth and a great looking smile.

Dr. Leo Arellano is a Board-certified dentist San Francisco, CA and nearby Bay Area communities Dr. Leo Arellano is a Board-certified dentist with more than three decades of experience serving San Francisco, CA and nearby Bay Area communities. He is licensed in LANAP periodontal therapy and certified by the Institute of Advanced Laser Dentistry certified in Nd:YAG laser treatment. Dr. Arellano is known for providing conservative restorative treatments and artisan-quality cosmetic enhancements, using the latest technology and techniques. He has extensive experience in Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique for treating gum disease.