Your questions, answered

For most patients, every six months is right. If you have gum disease, a history of heavy tartar buildup, or certain health conditions, we may recommend every three to four months. At Signature Smiles we use Guided Biofilm Therapy for cleanings, so visits are gentler than what you may be used to.

It shouldn't — and with our approach, it usually doesn't. We clean with the EMS AIRFLOW® system (Guided Biofilm Therapy), which uses warm water, air, and a fine powder instead of heavy scraping. Patients regularly tell us it's the most comfortable cleaning they've ever had, even with sensitive teeth or gums.

Invisalign cost depends on how much movement your teeth need, so it varies from patient to patient. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of clear aligner treatment, just as they would braces. The best first step is a quick, free scan on our iTero scanner — you'll see a digital preview of your new smile, and our treatment coordinator will walk you through pricing, insurance, and payment options with no obligation.

Call us right away at (415) 388-1726 — we set time aside for dental emergencies. If our office is closed, current Signature Smiles patients can reach Dr. Safapour’s emergency line at (415) 302-4140. If you’re not yet a patient, please call us during office hours and we’ll do our best to see you quickly. For severe swelling, heavy bleeding, or a facial injury, go to the nearest emergency room. For a knocked-out adult tooth: handle it by the crown (not the root), gently rinse it, and if possible place it back in the socket or keep it in milk. Time matters — the best outcomes happen within the first hour. For chips and breaks, save any pieces and come in as soon as you can.

Yes. Modern digital X-rays use a very small fraction of the radiation of older film X-rays — a full set is comparable to the background radiation of a short flight. We take them only when they're diagnostically needed, and our AI-assisted digital imaging helps us catch problems earlier and smaller, which means simpler, more conservative treatment.

Yes — we're welcoming new patients in Mill Valley. Your first visit includes a comprehensive exam, digital X-rays and a 3D iTero scan (no gooey impressions), a gum health check, and time to talk with Dr. Safapour about your goals. You'll leave with a clear understanding of your oral health and a plan that fits you — no pressure, no surprises.

Often, yes. We offer several minimally invasive options: Curodont, which repairs early enamel-only lesions without drilling; silver diamine fluoride (SDF), which stops small cavities in enamel, dentin, and cementum; and our Fotona laser, which can treat many cavities with gentle light — frequently with no drill and no anesthetic shot. For children especially, laser treatment makes visits calm and fear-free.

Yes — and without surgery or a device to wear at night. NightLase is a gentle Fotona laser therapy that tightens the tissue at the back of the throat that vibrates and causes snoring. Sessions take about 20 minutes with no anesthesia or downtime, and many patients (and their partners) notice quieter sleep after the first session.

Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is a modern, comfortable replacement for the traditional scrape-and-polish cleaning. We first apply a harmless dye that reveals the bacterial biofilm on your teeth, then gently wash it away with the EMS AIRFLOW® system — warm water, air, and a fine powder — even under the gumline and around implants. No scraping, less sensitivity, and a noticeably fresher result.

Yes. With our CEREC system, we design, mill, and place your custom ceramic crown in a single appointment — about two hours from start to finish. No temporary crown, no second visit, no messy impressions. You walk out with your permanent crown the same day.

For many patients, yes. When jaw pain, tension headaches, or grinding are driven by overworked jaw muscles, carefully placed Botox relaxes those muscles and relieves the strain on the TMJ. It's a quick in-office treatment, and results typically last three to four months. Dr. Safapour will first evaluate your bite and jaw to make sure it's the right approach for your symptoms.