Piedmont, CA Health and Fitness

At Alliance Dental & Orthodontics, Drs. Bing Xia and Katrina Le join their specialties under one roof to cover a full gamut of general, orthodontic, restorative, and cosmetic dental services for patients of all ages. By staying up-to-date through continuing education and attending sleepover orthodontist camps, Dr. Bing is able to use advanced orthodontic techniques, such as ceramic braces, behind-teeth braces, and Invisalign, to straighten teeth. Dr. Katrina Le restores smiles with veneers, dentures, bridges, and implants.

Though founded more than three decades ago, Sutter Place Dental Group constantly upgrades the technologies that support its cosmetic, orthodontic, and implant procedures. Panorex x-rays capture sweeping views of the mouth and its roving herds of teeth, and I-CAT 3-D imaging reveals a comprehensive model of the face's bone structure to aid in maxillofacial surgery. During cavity fillings and root canals, Waterlase Hydrophotonic technology refracts laser beams through a spray of water to shape teeth and bones more gently than a drill can. Sutter Place Dental Group's trio of dentists makes versatile use of these tools at their Mission District office, where they welcome newly sprouted teeth and grizzled chompers alike.

At Opera Plaza Dentistry, Dr. Sahar Tawfik tailors her cosmetic treatments to the desires of each patient. When discussing options for whitening or crowns, she doesn't hold up anatomically perfect dental models or pictures of Fabio's baby teeth. Rather, she lets each patient choose the level of correction they're comfortable with, a testament to her belief that that the best smile is "the one that you and your loved ones think is great."

San Francisco native Dr. Bill Metaxas leads the medical staff at The Foot and Ankle Institute of San Francisco in treating patients with podiatric services that range from simple to complex. Prior to moving to a dramatic surgical service, Dr. Metaxas and his staff exhaust all possible conservative treatments, ensuring that surgeries are performed only when physical therapies, medication, and toe hypnotism won't solve the problem. Regardless of the intensity of the procedures, the team remains focused on communication, making sure that the technology involved, recovery time needed, and post-treatment therapies are clearly understood by all involved.

Licensed dentist Dr. Maya Eydelman is an artist. Not just because the bridgework, resin, and crowns she constructs are sound in both form and function but because her chic dental office is filled with her own creative paintings. Amid the modern gallery vibe, patients let go of their dental anxieties as the gentle doctor helps maintain their oral health with regular cleanings, cosmetic bonding, and Zoom teeth-whitening laser treatments. Dr. Eydelman also helps calm nerves with the aid of sedation dentistry and specializes in oral conscious sedation.

Husband-and-wife duo Xavier and Nadia extend their matrimonial partnership to the workplace at Body By X—Nadia manages the business side, and Xavier (known to many as simply "X") trains clients to overcome their physical and emotional obstacles. In addition to racking up numerous client success stories, Xavier's skill also earned him the honor of Best Personal Trainer 2010 on the San Francisco Bay Guardian's Best of the Bay list. A devoted father, mentor, and coach, Xavier's philosophy centers on personal growth, embracing the idea that the only way to learn is through trying, failing, or absorbing new muscles through osmosis.

Fitness renovations take place in Body By X’s welcoming facility, where trainers help clients develop their bodies in pursuit of goals such as losing weight, gaining weight, improving bone density, or boosting confidence. The facility houses free weights and cardio machines as well as a fly gym, where Nadia leads students through exercises that combine yoga and Pilates fundamentals with a suspension-cable system. Trainers also lead classes such as yoga, rowing, and cycling, as well as sport-specific training for athletes and personal training for individuals.