Special Care in Pittsburgh, PA

Pros

• Smile by Smith staff are incredibly kind and helpful.
• The dentist and staff provide great tips on how to properly care for braces.
• Dr. Smith and his staff are very helpful and friendly.
• They make it easy to get into appointments and get on with your day.
• The child's teeth look much better.
• Smile by Smith delivers outstanding results.
• The office and team are well organized.
• The staff are friendly and professional.
• They are highly recommended.

Review

This community in Pittsburgh is best suited for families with children who need braces and want a warm, reassuring clinical experience. The core appeal lies in a staff that feels genuinely kind and helpful, a dentist who explains things clearly, and an office environment that makes it easy to get appointments and stay on track with treatment. For parents seeking straightforward guidance, supportive hands-on coaching during procedures (such as expander adjustments) and confidence that a child's questions will be answered, this practice delivers reliably.

Those considering alternatives should reflect on their priorities beyond a friendly vibe. If the focus is on adult orthodontics with complex bite issues, or if price sensitivity drives the search toward lower-cost options, broader dental services beyond braces, or locations farther afield, exploring other providers may be wise. Families that want a practice with a larger pediatric dentistry footprint or one that bundles a wider range of dental specialties might prefer a different setting. In short, choose alternatives if the aim extends beyond straightforward, pediatric-friendly orthodontic care.

The strongest pros are repeatedly demonstrated in the reviews: exceptionally courteous and knowledgeable staff, a doctor who is perceived as efficient and thorough, and a clearly organized office that streamlines scheduling and visits. Parents repeatedly note how well the team explains procedures, answers questions, and demonstrates tasks (such as turning an expander) to ensure confidence before leaving. The positive tone of care, coupled with tangible outcomes and ongoing support, makes the experience predictable and low-stress for families navigating orthodontic journeys.

With no explicit drawbacks highlighted in the feedback, the main cons to anticipate are potential gaps not covered by the reviews rather than stated failings. Possible considerations include pricing transparency, the specifics of insurance coverage and payment plans, wait times during peak periods, and the practice's capacity to handle non-orthodontic needs or more complex adult cases. Even so, the visible strengths - clear communication, patient-centered staff, and efficient operations - tend to offset these uncertainties by reducing confusion about costs, timelines, and next steps, and by maintaining a smooth, predictable treatment rhythm.

Practically, families should use the initial consult to map out expectations and logistics. Ask about the planned course for braces or expanders, typical timelines, and how progress will be tracked. Inquire about how pain or discomfort is managed, what the assistant's role will be during visits, and how next appointments are scheduled to minimize disruption to daily life. Confirm insurance eligibility and any out-of-pocket costs, and request a straightforward payment plan if needed. It is also wise to request real-world references from other parents to gauge long-term satisfaction with results and follow-through.

Overall, this Pittsburgh practice stands out for families who prize a high-touch, kid-friendly atmosphere paired with dependable, well-communicated care. The combination of a supportive staff, a capable clinician, and a well-run office creates a compelling case for choosing this option when the priority is a positive, low-stress orthodontic experience for children. For families weighing alternatives, the decision hinges on whether the emphasis is on cost, broader dental services, or adult-focused orthodontic needs. In the right match, this practice offers a clear path to confident, well-supported orthodontic progress.

Restaurants

• Chick-Fil-A (0.4 miles)
• Tai Pei Chinese Restaurant (0.5 miles)
• Mad Mex Waterworks (0.7 miles)
• Italian Village Pizza (0.8 miles)
• McDonald's (0.9 miles)
• Chili's Grill & Bar (1 miles)
• The Pub At 333 (2.4 miles)

Physicians

• Advanced Dermatology (0.4 miles)
• Sherer Family Medicine-Upmc (2.5 miles)
• MyEyeDr (3.8 miles)
• Harmarville Health South Rehab (4.2 miles)
• Aiken Medical Building (4.2 miles)
• Bellissimo Plastic Surgery & Medi Spa (4.4 miles)
• Renaissance Family Practice (4.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.5 miles)
• Market District Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.2 miles)
• Medicine Shoppe (2.3 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (1.1 miles)
• Bakery Square (3.2 miles)
• Redstart Roasters (3.4 miles)
• Arriviste Coffee Bar (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.4 miles)
• Trace Brewing (4.6 miles)
• The Abbey on Butler Street (4.7 miles)

Hospitals

• St Margaret's Hospital Emergency Department (1.2 miles)
• Department of Radiology (1.3 miles)
• Southwestern Veterans Center (1.6 miles)
• Western Pennsylvania Hospital labor and delivery (4.4 miles)
• Western Pennsylvania Hospital (4.4 miles)
• Hillman Cancer Center (4.4 miles)
• UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (4.6 miles)

Parks

• Aspinwall Riverfront Park (1.6 miles)
• Frick Park (4.1 miles)
• Filmet Park (4.5 miles)
• Leslie Park Field (4.7 miles)
• Frick Park Blue Slide Playground (4.7 miles)
• Fall Run Park (4.9 miles)
• Arsenal Park (4.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Irenaeus Church (2.6 miles)
• Faith Community Church (3.4 miles)
• Calvary Episcopal Church (3.5 miles)
• Saint Susanna (3.7 miles)
• First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood (3.9 miles)
• Bethlehem Lutheran Church (5.4 miles)