David S. Friendly, MD in Baltimore: Braces and Clear Aligners for Teens and Adults

David S. Friendly, MD is an orthodontist practicing in Baltimore who treats both adolescent and adult patients with braces and clear aligner systems. His practice sits in the city's established dental services landscape, where patients can choose between large group practices, specialist offices, and institutional providers affiliated with Johns Hopkins or University of Maryland.

What the practice actually is

Friendly operates a general orthodontic practice focused on comprehensive treatment using both fixed appliances and removable aligners. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and completed an orthodontic residency through the University of Maryland. The practice handles routine cases (crowding, spacing, bite correction) rather than specializing in surgical orthodontics or extreme skeletal cases. This makes it suitable for standard malocclusion correction but less typical for patients requiring extraction of multiple teeth or jaw surgery referral.

Braces vs. clear aligners and treatment timeline

Most Baltimore orthodontists offer both modalities, but they differ in candidacy, cost, and compliance demands. Fixed braces (metal or ceramic) stay bonded to teeth for the full treatment, cannot be removed, and work reliably on most bite problems. Clear aligners such as Invisalign require changing trays every one to two weeks and must be worn 20 to 22 hours daily to be effective; they suit patients with mild to moderate crowding and those prioritizing visibility during treatment.

Treatment duration typically runs 18 to 36 months depending on severity. Aligners may complete cases on the shorter end for minor problems, while braces often handle more complex corrections. Friendly's practice should clarify which cases his team prefers or considers less suitable for aligners, as some orthodontists in Baltimore steer patients toward aligners for revenue reasons rather than clinical fit.

Pricing and payment structure

Orthodontic fees in Baltimore range from roughly $4,500 to $7,500 for a full two-year comprehensive case, with variation based on complexity and aligner brand (Invisalign typically costs $500 to $1,000 more than house-brand aligners). Many practices, including some in the broader Baltimore region, offer payment plans splitting the total into 24-month monthly installments without interest. Insurance coverage varies; if a patient's plan includes orthodontia, copays often run $1,500 to $3,000 of the total, with the patient responsible for the balance.

Confirm Friendly's current fee schedule and whether monthly installments require a deposit or credit check.

Consultation and initial visit

An initial consultation typically takes 45 minutes to an hour. The orthodontist performs a visual examination, orders radiographs (including a panoramic X-ray and lateral cephalogram for treatment planning), and takes intraoral and extraoral photos for comparison over time. The patient receives a preliminary treatment plan with options, expected duration, and estimated cost. Some Baltimore practices complete the consultation free; others charge $150 to $300. Friendly's practice should specify whether an initial visit is complimentary or carries a fee.

How it compares to other Baltimore options

Baltimore has several large group dental practices offering orthodontia (such as those affiliated with Chesapeake Dental Care, which operates multiple locations throughout the metro area) and standalone orthodontists. Group practices often provide convenience and extended hours but may rotate between orthodontists, reducing continuity. Private practices like Friendly's typically offer one provider or a small team, ensuring the same doctor oversees the case from start to finish. University of Maryland School of Dentistry also runs an orthodontic clinic in Baltimore at lower cost (often $3,000 to $4,500) but with longer wait times and student involvement in some early stages. For speed and single-provider care, a private practice suits most patients; for cost sensitivity, a university clinic or large group offering fee reductions for multiple procedures may be preferable.

Who this practice suits and who it does not

Friendly's office works well for patients aged 12 and older with standard orthodontic needs, those seeking either braces or aligners, and people willing to attend a single private office. It suits adults who missed orthodontia as children or want to refine minor bite issues. Families wanting extensive preventive dentistry bundled with orthodontia or discounts for multiple siblings may find larger group practices more flexible. Patients with severe skeletal Class II or Class III problems or those requiring jaw surgery referral should verify whether Friendly coordinates such cases or refers to oral surgeons at Johns Hopkins or UM.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Confirm office hours before scheduling; most orthodontic practices in Baltimore operate Monday through Thursday or Friday, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some offering one evening slot per week. Street or lot parking varies by neighborhood. A full treatment course requires roughly monthly appointments once braces are on or aligners begin, dropping to every six weeks or quarterly later in treatment. Aligner cases often allow longer intervals between check-ins if trays are mailed.

David S. Friendly's practice offers reliable general orthodontia within Baltimore, suitable for anyone needing standard braces or aligner treatment and preferring continuity with a single provider.