Braces at Ellicott City Orthodontics

All patients are treated like family at Ellicott City Orthodontics. Our skilled staff, led by Dr. Pardis Parizadeh, DDS, brings orthodontic experience to children and adolescents, with caring, efficient, and productive orthodontic treatment. Our philosophy is centered on individualized care, grounded in modern technology and clinical proficiency, to establish a working bite and promote long-term oral health.

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Why do Braces Matter?

Braces aren't solely for appearance purposes—braces perform an essential role in jaw alignment, bite formation, and mouth development. Dysfunctions like overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, gaps, and crowding can impact chewing, speech, jaw action, and overall oral health. By addressing these issues at a young age, braces can prevent future oral problems from developing, promote the healthy development of the jaw, and reduce the likelihood of irregular wear or temporomandibular joint tension in the future.

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Comprehensive Braces Services

1. Metal Braces

Traditional stainless steel braces remain a reliable, efficient method for straightening teeth. Sturdy wires and brackets continue to be durable, providing comfortable and predictable treatment. At Ellicott City Orthodontics, metal braces are designed to accommodate growth, ensuring that movement proceeds safely in young patients.

2. Clear Braces

For slightly reduced visibility, clear braces utilize tieless, clear brackets and advanced archwires. They provide the same precise and careful movement as metal braces, often with increased comfort and aesthetic sensitivity.

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Individualized Treatment Process

• Consultation & Records

First visits include a thorough examination of dental and medical history, bite check, x‑rays, and impressions or digital impressions. Dr. Parizadeh creates a personalized plan to address specific alignment and bite needs.

• Bracket Placement

Brackets are bonded, and wires are positioned using dental adhesive. We employ mild anesthesia; we allow adhesives to harden fully after placement, and review diet and care details.

• Adjustments & Monitoring

Regular visits monitor the progress of alignment. Brackets and wires are tightened over time to gently and slowly move teeth. When elastics or auxiliary appliances are prescribed, we educate families on how to use them.

• Retention Phase

Once alignment by prescription is achieved, the braces are removed, and personalized retainers are shipped to maintain the effects. Stabilization prevents teeth from shifting back to their original positions, thereby avoiding relapse and maintaining alignment.

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Meet Dr. Pardis Parizadeh, DDS

Dr. Pardis graduated summa cum laude and earned her dental degree at NYU, standing in the top 1% of her graduating class. She further completed an orthodontic residency at Montefiore Medical Center, an affiliated program of Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Since relocating to Baltimore, she has made Ellicott City Orthodontics a respected destination for braces treatment. Dr. Parizadeh is committed to continuing education, regularly engaging with groups like the Ortho 2 Users Group, the American Association of Orthodontists, and the Mid-Atlantic Society of Orthodontists to stay informed about the most current and effective treatment options for patient education.

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First Few Days with Braces – What Happens

Frozen salivation or pressure are common responses during the first 20 minutes post-placement, but full adjustment often occurs within a few days. To ease the initial adaptation:

• Consume soft foods when an adhesive is drying.
• Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods (such as popcorn, nuts, gum, ice, and hard candies) that may damage your braces.
• Use dental wax to protect the lips or cheeks from new brackets.

Pain is typically minor and can be managed with over-the-counter NSAIDs within the initial 24–48 hours.

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Daily Braces Tips

• Wire & Bracket Checks

After brushing, gently push the tongue beyond the braces to check for sharp edges or loose wires. Use wax when necessary and contact us for adjustments.

• Eating Smart

Stick to soft foods at first. Avoid items that could dislodge or stress components. Bite-sized portions of fruits and vegetables prevent damage.

• Oral Hygiene

Rinsing with meals and bedtime flossing help prevent plaque and gingivitis, which are particularly crucial with fixed appliances.

• Elastic Wear

If prescribed, elastics should be worn daily to maintain the advancement of treatment. Replace daily, remove for eating, and keep spare sets on hand.

• Be Prepared

Keep emergency materials, such as wax, extra elastics, Q-tips, floss threaders, and over-the-counter pain medication, on hand at school or in a backpack.

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Technology Upgrades

We employ sophisticated digital technology to make treatment easier:

• iTero® Digital Impressions: No messy molds—rapid, accurate digital capture of teeth for planning and tracking.
• Digital X-rays: Provide rapid images with less radiation than film, enhancing diagnosis time and legibility.
• Intraoral Cameras & Monitors: Allow patients to see areas of interest during visits—a helpful visual aid for patient education and motivation.

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Emergency & Ongoing Support

We understand that problems may arise during treatment.

• Wire discomfort: Apply wax or slide with the rounded end of a Q-tip; contact us if the discomfort doesn't end.
• Loose bracket or broken wire: Keep it in and have it fixed as soon as possible.
• Lost elastics: Bring spares along or request replacements from our office

We're just a phone call away to help keep your child comfortable and on track.

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Treatment for Specific Bite Issues

Braces fix an immense variety of orthodontic issues:

• Open bite: Teeth will not overlap—braces and archwires achieve optimal contact
• Crossbite: Alters improper side placement by selective wire adjustments, targeted for braces
• Underbite/Overbite: Braces align the teeth to the correct position, sometimes supplemented by other appliances.
• Gaps & Crowding: Braces redistribute space and align teeth effectively

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Early Orthodontic Intervention

The American Association of Orthodontists suggests a consultation at age seven. Early recognition enables Dr. Parizadeh to observe growth, correct before correction is difficult, and minimize the demand for larger future treatments. Early analysis enables healthier bites to develop.

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Insurance & Financing

We want braces to be affordable. Our compassionate financial coordinator helps families maximize insurance coverage and offers flexible payment plans:

• We accept major dental insurances, including Aetna, Cigna, Delta, GEHA, Metlife, United Concordia, and more.
• We accept Medical Savings Accounts (MSA/HSA) and offer financing options for patients without coverage.
• We provide precise estimates and file claims on your behalf; balances not covered by insurance are your responsibility.
• Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice may be subject to a charge—please notify us at least 48 hours in advance, wherever possible.