Smiles By Smita

I had a wonderful experience at Smiles By Smita. Dr. Patel oversaw my invisalign treatment over the course of a year and a half. She is knowledgeable, patient and excellent at communicating options. Her staff is friendly and always takes the time to answer any questions you may have. Dr. Patel created a customized plan so that I could have the best smile possible for my wedding day. When I was stuck near the end of my treatment and needed to book some appointments, her team was very accommodating with their schedule to make sure I could get the treatment I needed.

Dr. Patel had taken care of my lower arch and it was now time for the uppers. Since I had adult orthodontia insurance I thought I would go back to see if it would be affordable. I was quoted a price of about $ 4,000.00 for a 6 month treatment. $ 4,000.00 for just moving a few teeth on the upper arch? Yep… Way too much. The office was not willing to make it a bit more affordable. After hunting around for a bit I found
. You buy the impression kit and send it back to them without any obligation. They make a plan for you and send a 3D rendering for their plan. The cost? … About $ 800.00. Big difference! They will send you all aligners (I had 10). Wear as instructed. Well, six months later… All straight! Great price and good people to deal with. If, by chance, you need to see a local dentist to help they will send you there for the help. Again, awesome price!!!

In July 2015, My son had his first appointment with Dr. Smita Patel with Smiles by Smita. She refused to discuss braces for Him because she was concerned about his brushing/​dental care. I explained to her that UW Orthodontics obtained an approval from Medicaid and did not express similar concerns, but she said that she was not comfortable with the current assessment of his teeth. Since he has intellectual disabilities, my husband and I have to constantly remain on top of his brushing. However, we have been told by multiple therapists that he needs to learn how to begin to care for himself. When I saw the pictures of his teeth at this appointment with Dr. Patel, I decided to shadow him again with his brishing. She asked us to return in 30 days to review his brushing before sending an authorization request for braces to Medicaid. When he returned to Dr. Patel’s office, she was impressed with his brushing, but she accused him of holding food in his mouth because he had multiple canker sores. I explained to Dr. Patel that He has been dealing with the issue of canker sores for years and that I could request records from the his former dentist in Louisiana. She said that it was not necessary and she continued to express her disbelief that he has always had this chronic problem. Nevertheless, she agreed to submit the pre-​authorization for braces to Medicaid.
In late August, I contacted Dr. Patel’s office to request a status regarding his approval. I was advised that I had to send Medicaid a letter stating that I wanted to switch orthodontic care from UW Orthodontics to Smiles by Smita. I decided to contact Medicaid myself because I did not believe that I had to submit the letter directly to Medicaid. I was advised by Medicaid representatives that I needed to submit the letter to Smiles by Smita and that the office would need to submit my letter to Medicaid.
On one occassion, I contacted Smiles by Smita to discuss this issue and instead recevied horrible treatment via phone by one of the employees.
I e-​mailed the letter needed to obtain approval for braces to Smiles by Smita and was advised on 09÷22÷15 that the letter would be sent to Medicaid. I contacted the office by phone and via e-​mail several times afterwards regarding the status of my son’s approval and no one, not one person, returned any of my calls or responded to any of my e-​mails (I have the proof of my attempts).
On 10÷16÷15, all five of my children were scheduled for a teeth cleaning with the dentist who shares an office with Smiles by Smita. At that time, I asked about My son’s Medicaid authorization. I was advised by Michelle, one of the office staff, that Dr. Patel wanted to take pictures of his teeth and talk to me afterwards. After My some had his pictures taken, I was advised by Michelle that I would receive a letter in the mail and that Dr. Patel did not want to speak with me.
On 10÷19÷15, I received a letter from Dr. Patel advising that she was not going to start my son’s orthodontic treatment. She based this on «multiple conversations about oral hygiene and photographic evidence.» Dr. Patel only had ONE conversation criticizing my son’s dental care and that was our first appointment in July. I believe Dr. Patel was not comfortable with taking the time needed for a child with his level of special needs.
If Dr. Patel knew she did not want to treat my son, she could have said something long ago. My son would have his braces if I would have remained with UW Orthodontics. On 10÷16÷15, Dr. Patel chose cowardice and did not approach me in a professional manner. This in my eyes is unethical behavior and passive aggressive behavior such as this only causes delays and miscommunication.

Your teeth are the first thing people notice when they see you. With that said, Dr. Patel comforted every worry and we had when our son began his treatment for his bite with some additional crowding.
My son recently wrapped up two years of treatment and the end result brought us to tears. His smile and bite are picture perfect. The staff is very professional and accommodating to our every changing schedule.
The treatment coordinator provided us effectively financially plan for this new expense, as the Dr. provided us with a detailed outline of treatment.
HIs treatment plan remained on schedule. The assistants were so friendly that my son actually looked forward to his appointments.
The end results speak for themselves, but I will continue to recommend people to Smiles by Smita for quality and caring service.