Frederick S Fritz, DDS in Baltimore: Braces and Clear Aligners for Teens and Adults
Frederick S Fritz, DDS is an orthodontist practicing in Baltimore who offers both traditional braces and clear aligner treatment for patients seeking tooth straightening and bite correction.
What Frederick S Fritz, DDS actually is
This is a private orthodontia practice focused on correcting misaligned teeth and malocclusion (bite problems) using fixed and removable appliances. The practice serves both adolescent and adult patients in the Baltimore area and operates as a solo provider, rather than as part of a larger network or group practice.
Braces versus clear aligners: treatment options and timelines
Patients at Fritz's practice can choose between conventional metal or ceramic braces or clear aligner therapy. Braces are bonded directly to teeth and use wire and elastic adjustments to move teeth incrementally; treatment typically runs 18 to 36 months depending on case complexity. Clear aligners (trays) are custom-molded plastic shells worn sequentially to shift teeth; this method usually takes 12 to 24 months for straightforward cases but works best for mild to moderate crowding and spacing.
Braces remain more versatile for severe bite problems, tooth rotations, and vertical dimension issues. Clear aligners require patient compliance with wear time (typically 20 to 22 hours daily) and are not suitable for every case, but offer less visibility and fewer dietary restrictions during treatment.
How Fritz compares to other Baltimore-area orthodontists
Orthodontia in Baltimore ranges from university-affiliated programs (University of Maryland Dental School operates a clinic with supervised resident orthodontists offering reduced fees) to established private solo practitioners like Fritz, to group practices such as those run by regional dental staffing organizations. University clinics move slowly but cost far less; private group practices often have multiple locations and shorter wait times for appointments. Fritz's solo practice model typically means direct access to the same provider throughout treatment, though fewer scheduling options than a multi-location group and potentially longer wait times for emergency adjustments.
Who suits this practice and who does not
Adult patients willing to commit to a solo provider's schedule, patients without complex craniofacial or surgical needs, and those seeking straightforward orthodontia do well here. Patients requiring extractions, surgical correction of severe skeletal problems, or urgent same-day service may find limitations. Parents of young children or teenagers needing interceptive early treatment should inquire about minimum treatment-start ages.
The first visit and consultation
An initial consultation typically includes a clinical examination, assessment of bite and alignment, and discussion of treatment goals. The orthodontist will likely recommend imaging (intraoral photos, X-rays, or models) to plan treatment. This visit establishes case complexity, expected timeline, and cost. Many practices use this encounter to discuss payment options before enrollment in active treatment.
Pricing and payment plans
Specific fees for Fritz's practice should be confirmed directly, as orthodontia fees vary by case severity and treatment method. Industry averages for full braces treatment in the Baltimore region range from $4,000 to $7,000; clear aligner cases often cost $3,500 to $8,000. Many practices offer payment plans splitting the fee into monthly installments or accept dental insurance orthodontia benefits (typically covering 50 percent of treatment costs, capped annually). Confirm insurance acceptance and any out-of-pocket minimums before starting.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Verify current office hours and parking availability by contacting the practice directly, as these details change with lease terms and staffing.
Frederick S Fritz, DDS provides straightforward orthodontia for Baltimore patients who value continuity of care with a single provider and do not require surgical or highly specialized interdisciplinary treatment.
