Braces in Picayune, MS
Picayune families searching for braces have a trusted option along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Smiles By Design Orthodontics serves Picayune patients from two convenient locations, with the D’Iberville office at 3149 Mallett Road the most accessible via I-59 and I-10 East. Dr. Austin Rahaim is a board-certified orthodontist offering metal braces, clear ceramic braces, self-ligating braces, and lingual braces for children, teens, and adults. Medicaid and most major insurance plans are accepted. Free consultation available.
Braces: Why the Provider Behind Them Matters More Than the Brand
Braces are a system. What varies between providers is who designs the treatment plan, who makes clinical decisions when teeth are not moving as expected, and who takes responsibility for the final result. At a general dental office, those decisions may be handled by a team member with limited specialist training. At Smiles By Design Orthodontics, they are made personally by Dr. Austin Rahaim, a board-certified orthodontist with dedicated specialist training across every level of case complexity. For Picayune patients, that distinction is worth understanding before choosing where to start. See full braces details at Smiles By Design.
How Braces Work
Brackets are bonded to each tooth at a single appointment and connected by an archwire that applies steady, controlled pressure. Dr. Rahaim advances the archwire at each adjustment visit to continue guiding teeth toward their planned positions. At Smiles By Design, Picayune patients can choose between traditional metal, clear ceramic, Pitts21 self-ligating, and lingual braces depending on clinical suitability and personal preference. Dr. Rahaim makes a direct recommendation at the free consultation. Learn more about life with braces to understand what day-to-day treatment looks like.
Benefits of Braces for Picayune Patients
For Picayune families driving in from Pearl River County, braces at Smiles By Design Orthodontics offer clinical reliability, a full range of options, and the accessibility of Medicaid and insurance support that make treatment genuinely attainable.
Effective for Every Case Type
Braces handle the full range of alignment and bite concerns, from mild crowding through complex overbites, underbites, and crossbites. For cases where clear aligners are not clinically ideal, braces remain the most reliable option available.
Pitts21 Self-Ligating System
Smiles By Design uses the Pitts21 self-ligating bracket system, which eliminates elastic ties, reduces friction, and allows lighter, gentler forces throughout tooth movement. Most patients report greater comfort compared to conventional systems.
Clear Ceramic Option for Discretion
For Picayune teens and adults who want effective treatment with less visible hardware, clear ceramic brackets blend naturally with tooth color throughout the entire treatment period.
Medicaid and Insurance Accepted
Smiles By Design is one of the few orthodontic practices in the region that accepts Medicaid for qualifying patients and works with most major insurance plans, making braces in Picayune, MS accessible across a wide range of budgets.
One Practice for Children and Adults
Dr. Rahaim treats patients of all ages. Picayune families can address the whole household’s orthodontic needs at the same practice, from early childhood evaluations through full adult treatment.
Why Picayune Patients Choose Smiles By Design for Braces
Picayune has general dental practices nearby that offer braces alongside other services. What Picayune families consistently find at Smiles By Design Orthodontics is a practice built entirely around orthodontic treatment, with Dr. Rahaim personally guiding every case from the first consultation onward. Learn more about the practice and the team’s approach to care.
Board-Certified Orthodontic Specialist
Braces at Smiles By Design are planned and managed by Dr. Austin Rahaim, a board-certified orthodontist with specialist training from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Picayune patients are never treated by a general dentist offering braces as a side service.
Full Range of Braces Options
From standard metal and clear ceramic braces through Pitts21 self-ligating and lingual braces, Smiles By Design offers more options than most practices serving the Picayune area.
Medicaid Accepted
Smiles By Design is one of the few orthodontic practices in the region that accepts Medicaid for qualifying patients. Learn about Medicaid coverage at Smiles By Design Orthodontics.
Insurance Assistance
Most major insurance plans with orthodontic coverage are accepted and the team helps Picayune patients understand their benefits before treatment begins. Explore insurance options at Smiles By Design.
Free Consultation with No Obligation
Every Picayune patient receives a complete, no-cost clinical assessment, treatment recommendation, and cost breakdown before any commitment is required.
The Braces Process at Smiles By Design Orthodontics
Picayune patients can combine their records and consultation into one visit where clinically appropriate, reducing the total number of early trips to the D’Iberville office. The team plans around each patient’s schedule from the first contact. Schedule your free consultation here.
Step 1: Free Consultation
Dr. Austin Rahaim reviews your teeth, bite, and alignment goals at no cost and with no obligation. He gives you a direct answer on the most appropriate braces option for your case and provides a full cost and timeline estimate before any decision is required.
Step 2: Digital Records and Treatment Planning
Digital imaging and intraoral scanning capture a precise picture of the teeth and bite. Dr. Rahaim designs a fully personalised treatment plan from the clinical data before any brackets are placed.
Step 3: Braces Fitted
Brackets are bonded to each tooth at a single appointment and the archwire is fitted. Dr. Rahaim explains what to expect in the first days of wear, how to clean around brackets, and which foods to avoid throughout treatment.
Step 4: Adjustment Visits Every 4 to 6 Weeks
Brief appointments allow Dr. Rahaim to advance the archwire and confirm that teeth are tracking according to plan. Picayune patients can attend either the D’Iberville or Bay St. Louis location for ongoing visits.
Step 5: Braces Removed and Retainers Fitted
When treatment goals are achieved, brackets are removed and teeth are polished at the same appointment. Custom retainers are fitted immediately to protect the results permanently.
Cost of Braces in Picayune, MS
The cost of braces in Picayune at Smiles By Design Orthodontics depends on the complexity of the case, the type of braces selected, and the length of treatment. Every Picayune patient receives a complete, itemised cost breakdown at the free consultation based on Dr. Rahaim’s direct clinical assessment. Smiles By Design accepts Medicaid for qualifying patients and most major dental insurance plans with orthodontic coverage. Learn about insurance coverage or Medicaid eligibility before your first visit.
Medicaid Accepted for Qualifying Patients
Most Major Orthodontic Insurance Plans Accepted
Flexible Monthly Payment Plans Available
Precise Cost Provided at Free Consultation
No Hidden Fees at Any Stage
Dr. Austin Rahaim, Board-Certified Orthodontist
Dr. Austin Rahaim
DMD, Nova Southeastern University | Certificate of Orthodontics and MS, University of Tennessee Health Science Center | Board-Certified Orthodontist | Member, American Association of OrthodontistsDr. Austin Rahaim brings specialist-level orthodontic training and a genuine commitment to patient-centered care to every case at Smiles By Design Orthodontics. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Louisiana State University, a Doctor of Dental Medicine from Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, and a Certificate of Orthodontics with a Master of Science from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
Dr. Rahaim is known for his approachable, friendly style and his commitment to tailoring each treatment plan to the individual patient for the best possible result and comfort. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Southern Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Mississippi Dental Association, and the Greater Gulfport Dental Study Club, and remains committed to continuing education to provide the highest standard of orthodontic care to Picayune and Gulf Coast patients.
Meet Dr. RahaimBefore and After Braces at Smiles By Design Orthodontics
Real braces outcomes from patients treated directly by Dr. Rahaim across a range of case types and age groups. Every result was planned and completed under Dr. Rahaim’s personal oversight. All images displayed with full patient consent.
What Picayune-Area Patients Say About Braces at Smiles By Design Orthodontics
Patients from Picayune, Pearl River County, and across the Mississippi Gulf Coast on their experience with Dr. Rahaim and the Smiles By Design team.
How to Reach Smiles By Design Orthodontics from Picayune
Address:From Picayune, take I-59 South to I-10 East toward Biloxi and D’Iberville. The D’Iberville office at 3149 Mallett Road is approximately 45 to 55 minutes under normal conditions and is the most accessible location for Picayune patients. The Bay St. Louis office at 101 Reese St is also available and may be closer for patients in the southern part of Pearl River County. Learn more about the Picayune area page for location-specific details.
D’Iberville: (228) 400-2100 | Bay St. Louis: (228) 467-2211
Email:Contact via website at smiledesigns.net/contact/
Clinic Hours:D’Iberville: 3149 Mallett Road, D’Iberville, MS 39540
Bay St. Louis: 101 Reese St, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Contact the office to confirm current hours and availability at your preferred location.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces in Picayune, MS
Questions Picayune patients commonly ask when considering braces at Smiles By Design Orthodontics.
Q: How far is Smiles By Design from Picayune?
A: The D’Iberville office is approximately 45 to 55 minutes from Picayune via I-59 South and I-10 East. With adjustment visits every 4 to 6 weeks, the total number of trips across a full course of treatment is manageable for Picayune families.
Q: Does Smiles By Design accept Medicaid for braces?
A: Yes. Smiles By Design Orthodontics accepts Medicaid for qualifying patients, making braces in Picayune, MS accessible to a wider range of families. Learn about Medicaid coverage details on the practice website.
Q: What types of braces are available for Picayune patients?
A: Dr. Rahaim offers traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, Pitts21 self-ligating braces, and lingual braces. He recommends the most appropriate option at the free consultation. See full details on braces options.
Q: What is it like to live with braces day to day?
A: Adjusting to braces is straightforward with the right guidance. See the life with braces guide from Smiles By Design for practical advice on eating, cleaning, and managing appointments throughout treatment.
Q: How do I get started with braces in Picayune?
A: No referral needed. Picayune patients can schedule a free consultation directly online or contact the practice to ask questions before booking. The first appointment is complimentary and includes a full clinical assessment, treatment recommendation, and cost breakdown with no obligation to proceed.
Q: Which Smiles By Design location is closest to Picayune?
A: The D’Iberville office at 3149 Mallett Road is the most accessible location for most Picayune patients via I-59 and I-10. The Bay St. Louis office is an alternative for patients in southern Pearl River County. Both locations offer the same full range of braces services.
Book Your Braces Consultation in Picayune, MS
For Picayune families who want braces handled by a board-certified orthodontic specialist with genuine training and a personal commitment to every case, Smiles By Design Orthodontics is the right practice. Dr. Austin Rahaim has built his practice around specialist-level care, Medicaid accessibility, and treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific clinical picture.
Whether you are considering braces for a child, a teen, or yourself as an adult, the first consultation is free with no obligation. Flexible payment plans and most insurance accepted. No referral needed.