Bradley D. Smith, DMD
Dr. Bradley D. Smith is a native of the North Hills of Pittsburgh who has dedicated his career to helping children, teens and adults achieve healthy, confident smiles. After graduating from Fox Chapel High School, he attended the University of Rochester before earning his DMD at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Brad then completed his specialty training in orthodontics at New York University, where he was named chief resident, granted a faculty position and elected to the admissions board for the orthodontics program. He also completed advanced training at the NYU Craniofacial Center and the Gelb Institute for TMD/TMJ, with a focus on cleft palate, facial anomalies and temporomandibular joint disorders.
Known for his sense of humor and genuine interest in getting to know people, Dr. Brad works to ensure that every patient feels confident, understood and informed throughout treatment. His expertise, attention to detail and approachable manner make him a trusted guide for families and individuals beginning their orthodontic journey.
Dr. Smith has a special interest in early interventional orthodontic treatment and airway-focused care. He believes that addressing growth, dental and breathing concerns early may help prevent more complex problems later and support better overall health and comfort. During each consultation, he takes the time to understand the patient’s specific concerns, explain the available treatment options and guide the patient toward an approach that supports their individual goals.
With more than two decades of experience providing clear aligner treatment, Dr. Smith has treated thousands of clear aligner cases and currently treats hundreds of cases each year. He has several years of experience with both Invisalign® clear aligners and Solventum Clarity™ Aligners and has treated thousands of cases using each system. Although most of his clear aligner patients are adults, some teens and children may also be candidates based on their individual orthodontic needs.
Dr. Smith routinely discusses clear aligners with patients seeking treatment for crowding, spacing and cosmetic alignment concerns. Depending on the severity and complexity of the case, clear aligners may also be considered for overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, deep bites, rotated teeth and other significant alignment concerns. Because every case is different, he carefully evaluates what clear aligners can and cannot accomplish before recommending Invisalign, Clarity Aligners or traditional braces. Some complex cases require braces because they provide greater control over tooth movement, while other patients may be able to achieve their goals with aligners. Clear aligners are not typically used in conjunction with orthognathic surgery in the practice, although this possibility may be discussed during an individual consultation.
His clear aligner treatment capabilities include the use of attachments, elastics, bite ramps, precision cuts and other advanced features when appropriate. He also offers technology intended to support efficient tooth movement and provides refinements when additional movement is needed. Dr. Smith does not generally prefer Invisalign over Solventum Clarity Aligners, or vice versa, for a particular category of case. Instead, he determines the most appropriate system and treatment method according to the patient’s needs.
Patients who have previously been told they are not candidates for clear aligners are welcome to meet with Dr. Smith for an evaluation and a discussion of the treatment option he believes is the best fit. The practice also accepts clear aligner transfer cases and provides retreatment or refinements for patients who have experienced orthodontic relapse. Patients who previously used direct-to-consumer or mail-order aligners may also be evaluated for continued or corrective orthodontic care.
Digital technology plays an important role in Dr. Smith’s diagnostic and treatment-planning process. The practice uses an iTero® intraoral scanner for digital impressions and workflows involving both Invisalign and Solventum Clarity Aligners. Dr. Smith has used digital impressions and intraoral scanning for several years and has used CBCT and 3D imaging in orthodontics for three years. Digital photographs, facial scans and digital smile simulation may also be used during treatment planning.
Dr. Smith remains directly involved in creating and overseeing each customized digital treatment plan. Working with the Invisalign and Solventum systems, he reviews individual tooth movement and follows the plan throughout treatment. During routine office visits, the team can show patients how their aligners are designed to move the teeth and support proper function. The practice also uses Grin remote-monitoring technology to evaluate clear aligner progress between in-office appointments.
The practice uses 3D printing and in-house appliance fabrication to support treatment and retention. Digital scans from the iTero scanner are used to create customized 3D models of patients’ teeth, assist with digital treatment planning and fabricate Essix-style retainers in the office. At the completion of treatment, each patient receives a custom fixed lingual retainer and a clear removable retainer. Although the practice does not offer a formal long-term retainer program, patients are given a custom 3D-printed model of their teeth that they may bring back to the office if a clear removable retainer needs to be remade.
Complimentary clear aligner consultations are available, and patients may be able to complete digital scans and begin orthodontic records during their initial visit. The practice accepts applicable orthodontic insurance benefits and offers flexible payment or financing options for clear aligner treatment. During active treatment, patients typically visit the office every six to seven weeks.
Outside the office, Dr. Brad enjoys paramotoring, baking delicious treats, traveling to new places and spending time with his Abyssinian cat, Reggie. He and his wife enjoy staying active with their three children, exploring the outdoors and participating in their community. His enthusiasm for family, adventure and connecting with others reflects the same warmth and attentiveness he brings to his patients and the practice.
