R. Michael Alvarez DDS

Irene Yamane

a year ago · ★ 5

My friend Rozanne Lee gave the highest professional and personal recommendation for a human being nevertheless dentist to Dr Alvarez — I had not attended a dentist for 6 years after a very bad experience. Sure enough she was right!!! Superb professionalism - helped resolve complications due to years of neglect. Amazing Hygienist Mona guided me in preventative strategies that really work! Five years together! Without a doubt the best dentist in the Bay Area! Makes you feel like family! Very calming and joyful!!!

roc zam

a year ago · ★ 5

I met doctor Alvarez during a very difficult time in my life, when my disk in my jaw had dislocated. I was in agony, much pain and unable to eat or even open my mouth wide. Kaiser referred me to this office and from that moment on, my horrible situation felt much inprovement with every treatment, therapy to my jaw and much patience from Dr Alvarez. Their entire team is absolutely kind, courageous and very friendly. Their entire staff some of them are there for many years, Sergio, Lola, Jeff they are all very professional and dedicated. Sergio has the patience required to assist you fit your mouth devices to perfection. My TMJ improvement is all because of these amazing team. TMJ is a serious debilitating illness, I will continue to work with this office for as long as I can because of my amazing experience. My mouth guard and sleep apnea device are made to perfection. Thank you amazing team!

Gabrielle Dela Cruz (Gabrielle's Cello)

2 years ago · ★ 1

**This review is for Dr. Alvarez’s TMJ treatment.** My experience with Dr. Alvarez has been traumatizing. Dr. Michael Alvarez lacks professional “bedside manners,” and his treatment has left me with no resolution. As a TMJ patient referred to Dr. Alvarez in the summer of 2024, I was surprised by his initial diagnosis, which starkly contrasted with that of my orofacial specialist. When I inquired about this discrepancy, Dr. Alvarez explained that TMJ treatment is an “art.” At my next appointment, I sought a splint adjustment due to extreme facial pain, headaches, intense teeth grinding, and a soreness around my skull caused by the splint. Instead of addressing my concerns professionally, Dr. Alvarez berated me in front of his dental intern with questions like, “Why are you EVEN here?”, “ARE you doing your physical therapy exercises?”, “Are you NOT WILLING to put the work in?”, and “Why do you have more intense pain since the splint!?” He repeatedly cut me off while I was trying to answer his questions, asking them circularly. I was taken aback. Isn’t the reason I’m here to fix the issues caused by the splint? Despite being on multiple medications, performing physical therapy exercises taught by my professional therapist multiple times daily, wearing the splint 24/7 for a week, and taking time off work to focus on my health, I was treated with disrespect. This was the first time I ever cried in a dentist’s chair. Dr. Alvarez was completely domineering to the point where I felt fearful of him even touching my face or mouth, even with his intern and assistants near us. I had to reassure Dr. Alvarez that I had followed his instructions meticulously. In fact, the physical therapy exercises he recommended on YouTube were ones I had already been doing for years. Following his assistant's orders, I had even discontinued wearing the splint until my rescheduled appointment. I had missed our previous appointment due to a miscommunication error with his assistant. Dr. Alvarez made me feel like the failure of the splint was my fault and that I should be ashamed of my TMJ pain. I have since discontinued my treatment with him. No patient should have to feel scared of their dentist or endure such disrespect. A dentist should not be accusatory, demeaning, or disrespectful. I am completely traumatized by this event. As someone who has numerous family members in the professional medical field, this is unspeakable.

Jenni Kwon

6 years ago · ★ 5

Dr. Alvarez and his team are amazing! They have taken such good care of our whole family’s dental needs. Sr. Alvarez is such an experienced dentist with so much knowledge, yet he continues to stay on top of what’s new in dentistry to bring the best oral care to my family. He and his team are great with kids as well as adults. My 8 year old son had a debilitating fear of dentists after a bad experience when he was young. But, Dr. Alvarez and his team were so good with him that he now calls Dr. Alvarez his hero and is considering becoming a dentist when he grows up. This dental office provides top notch care but also has top notch service. They are good people and I feel like they’re family!

michael Riedy

2 years ago · ★ 1

Dr. Alvarez did quite a bit of dental work on me a few yrs. back. Before he made a 12 unit bridge for me he asked absolutely nothing about the radiation I received as a cure for Tonsil Cancer. This was Critical because my lower jaw was compromised during radiation treatments along w/ my teeth and upper jaw due to the amount of radiation to my throat through my teeth.Not only would I Not Recommend Dr. Alvarez I would question any dental work proposed!