What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.84
Average wait time
4.63
Bedside manner
4.85
“I love Dr. Pai! I've been going every 3-4 months since I went for the first treatment. My dental health has greatly improved, and their friendly calm manner makes going there much more pleasant. Also, the decor is very calming, and makes it feel like a spa. I'm seeing her again this Friday!”
Susan K.January 19, 2018
“Longer than expected wait time (15-20 minutes) between initial consultation and procedure once I was in the dentist's chair. However, I had scheduled the appointment the day before, so it was great to be seen so quickly to address the minor pain I was experiencing.”
Sam K.September 6, 2012
About Dr. Nidhi Pai
The Smile Maker Behind Elevated Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Nidhi Pai designs smiles with an artist's eye, a clinician's precision, and deep respect for every patient. Known as “The Smile Maker,” she brings over 25 years of experience creating natural, refined transformations. Her patients seek more than cosmetic work; they want a smile that feels healthy, balanced, and authentically their own.
An Artist’s Eye & A Clinician’s Discipline
Merging a lifelong love for art and architecture with biology, Dr. Pai’s whole-person approach considers facial balance, bite stability, and long-term function. Having experienced childhood dental trauma herself, her compassionate care provides a safe, empathetic space for nervous or self-conscious patients. Whether recommending veneers, Invisalign, implants, or full-mouth reconstruction, her goal is never a generic, obviously “done” look. Instead, she crafts stable, natural smiles that age beautifully alongside the patient.
Trusted in Silicon Valley & Beyond
Building her reputation over two decades in Palo Alto, Dr. Pai is recognized as one of the Top 100 Dentists in America and Best Cosmetic Dentist in Palo Alto, featuring on ABC7, NBC, and Top Doctor Magazine. Yet, her greatest reward remains seeing a patient finally smile with total confidence.
Innovator in Oral Health
Dr. Pai’s commitment extends beyond the dental chair. Recognizing the limitations of traditional brushing, she founded ZERObrush—a personalized oral care innovation designed to make daily hygiene more precise and accessible, connecting better design directly to whole-body health.
Returning to the Bay Area
Now back in the San Francisco Bay Area, Dr. Pai is returning to her greatest passion: one-on-one patient care. She offers a thoughtfully considered path forward for bespoke cosmetic and restorative dentistry, built entirely upon beauty, biology, precision, and trust.
Popular visit reasons
Braces / Clear Aligners / Retainer Removal
Clear Aligners / Invisalign Consultation
Cosmetic Dentist Consultation
Cosmetic Dentist Emergency
Cosmetic Dentist Follow Up
Crown
Facelift (Dental)
Veneer(s)
Braces / Clear Aligners / Retainer Removal
Clear Aligners / Invisalign Consultation
Cosmetic Dentist Consultation
Cosmetic Dentist Emergency
Office location
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Dental School - Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Doctor of Dental Medicine
Professional memberships
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- American Dental Association
Awards and publications
- Top 100 Dentists in America
- Best Cosmetic Dentist in Palo Alto
Languages spoken
- English
Provider's gender
Female
NPI number
1700972502
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.84
Wait time
4.63
Bedside manner
4.85
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
61 reviews
Most relevant
Very friendly and professional! Quick in helping me diagnose my issue and explaining the causes.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
She is awesome, as well as her crew, and receives my highest recommendations.
April 11, 2013Initials hidden
Very pleased treatment was done in a timely fashion with a great smile!
More than 1 year agoAC
I love Dr. Pai! I've been going every 3-4 months since I went for the first treatment. My dental health has greatly improved, and their friendly calm manner makes going there much more pleasant. Also, the decor is very calming, and makes it feel like a spa. I'm seeing her again this Friday!
January 19, 2018Susan K.Verified patient
Best Dentist Ever.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Very easy and comfortable visit :)
July 7, 2015Becky S.Verified patient
Awesome
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
AMAZING! So happy I found her!
July 15, 2013Initials hidden
Longer than expected wait time (15-20 minutes) between initial consultation and procedure once I was in the dentist's chair. However, I had scheduled the appointment the day before, so it was great to be seen so quickly to address the minor pain I was experiencing.
September 6, 2012Sam K.Verified patient
Great experience, would recommend. A+
October 16, 2012Initials hidden
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How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Nidhi Pai?
Generally, Dr. Nidhi Pai has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Pai's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Nidhi Pai accepting new patients?
Dr. Nidhi Pai generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Pai's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Nidhi Pai accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Pai is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Nidhi Pai online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Pai using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Nidhi Pai work with?
Dr. Nidhi Pai works with NIDHI PAI.
Where is Dr. Nidhi Pai's office located?
Dr. Nidhi Pai's office is located at 490 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94102.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Nidhi Pai?
Dr. Nidhi Pai frequently sees patients for Clear Aligners / Invisalign Consultation, Cosmetic Dentist Emergency, Cosmetic Dentist Follow Up, Crown, and Veneer(s). You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Nidhi Pai on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Nidhi Pai speak?
Dr. Nidhi Pai speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. Nidhi Pai in reviews?
61 patients have reviewed Dr. Nidhi Pai. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.84/5. They have a 4.85/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.63/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.