Clear Aligners in Ellicott City, MD

Clear aligners are thin, transparent, individually designed trays that gently move teeth into their correct position over time. They are an option for avoiding metal braces, as they are nearly invisible and removable, making orthodontic treatment more convenient for most patients. We correct mild to moderate misalignments at Ellicott City Orthodontics using a series of clear plastic aligners.

---

Clear Aligner Treatment Procedure

Step 1: Consultation & Planning
Your journey begins with a complete orthodontic checkup. Dr. Parizadeh will check your bite and your aspirations. According to digital imaging (3D scan and X-rays), she creates a precise model of your teeth. This information is used to plan the entire treatment and to design a series of custom aligner trays.

Step 2: Series of Aligners
After a plan is initiated, a series of transparent aligners is fabricated. Every tray is designed to move your teeth progressively. You will wear each one for about 1-2 weeks (or as directed) before advancing to the subsequent tray. This step-by-step approach allows for tooth movement under management on a gentle schedule.

Step 3: Wear and Care
Aligners must be worn 20-22 hours a day, except when taking them out to eat, drink (excluding water), brush, and floss. Wearing them nearly all day allows teeth to move as designed. Careful attention is essential: aligners must be brushed daily (for example, with a toothbrush and toothpaste) and stored in a protective case when not in your mouth.

Step 4: Regular Checkups
Every 6-8 weeks (or as recommended), you'll visit our office for a checkup. The orthodontist will monitor your progress, ensure the teeth are moving on track, and provide you with the following sets of aligners. Adjustments to the treatment plan can be made during these visits if needed to achieve the best result.

---

Clear Aligners vs. Metal Braces

Metal braces utilize stainless-steel brackets and wires to realign teeth. The conventional approach is practical in both straightforward and complicated cases.

---

Key differences:

• Appearance: Clear aligners are almost invisible, whereas metal braces are very noticeable on the teeth.
• Comfort: Aligners are smooth and don't rub against the cheeks or lips, unlike braces that can be irritating due to their brackets and wires.
• Removability: Aligners are removable for eating and oral care. Braces are attached to the teeth for the duration of treatment.
• Diet: No dietary restriction with aligners (because they are removed to consume food). Patients with braces should avoid sticky or hard foods.
• Oral Hygiene: Aligners are easy to clean with a toothbrush and floss. Braces take more effort to clean around appliances.
• Patient Compliance: Aligners must be worn consistently (20-22 hours per day) to be effective. Braces don't depend on patient compliance to remain on.

---

Clear Aligners vs. Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces function similarly to metal braces but utilize tooth-colored or clear brackets for a less noticeable appearance.

Key differences:

• Appearance: Clear aligners are nearly invisible. Ceramic braces are more discreet than metal braces, but they are still noticeable.
• Staining: Aligners will not stain if adequately cared for. Ceramic brackets may stain with time, particularly with certain foods or beverages.
• Comfort: Aligners contain no metal, lessening irritation. Ceramic braces can still be uncomfortable.
• Removability: Aligners can be taken off when desired. Ceramic braces are fixed.
• Adjustments: Aligners employ a sequence of preplanned trays. Braces need in-office adjustments through tightening of wires.

---

Technology & Unique Features

Ellicott City Orthodontics uses the newest digital technology to optimize clear aligner treatment. We use an iTero digital scanner to take a 3D impression of your teeth in seconds. This replaces outdated putty impressions, so there's no goopy mold. Patients find it much more comfortable and precise. The digital model is then used to precisely design the entire series of aligners, thereby improving the accuracy of tooth movement.

Because we work on a computer, we can provide you with a preview of your estimated outcome before you even get started. This technology accelerates the delivery of aligner trays and enhances their fit, resulting in faster and more predictable treatment outcomes.

---

Meet Our Orthodontist

Dr. Pardis Parizadeh, DDS.
Dr. Parizadeh is an experienced orthodontic specialist. She graduated in the top 1% of her class from NYU College of Dentistry. She completed a highly competitive orthodontic residency program at Montefiore Medical Center (Albert Einstein College of Medicine). In practice, she applies cutting-edge orthodontic procedures to produce stunning, healthy smiles and emphasizes comprehensive care for every patient. With her experience and keen eye for detail, Dr. Parizadeh ensures that every single aligner treatment is personalized and efficient.

---

Insurance and Payment Plans

Ellicott City Orthodontics is a participating provider for most major dental insurance providers and strives to make transparent aligner treatment affordable and accessible.

• Accepted Insurances: We are a participating provider of almost all major dental and orthodontic insurance providers, including Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, GEHA, MetLife, United Concordia, and many more.
• Flexible Payment Plans: Patients can use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to cover the cost of aligners. Third-party financing is also available if needed.

---

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Ready to begin? Clear aligner therapy can be your key to a confident, healthy smile. Contact Ellicott City Orthodontics now to schedule an orthodontic consultation or learn more.