Kaplan & Chasen in Baltimore: Braces and Clear Aligners with Treatment Timelines and Financing Built In

Kaplan & Chasen is a multi-location orthodontic practice that treats adults and adolescents with both fixed braces and clear aligner systems across the Baltimore region. The practice operates from offices in Pikesville and Columbia, serving patients who want straightforward information about treatment length, cost, and payment options before committing to care.

What Kaplan & Chasen actually is

This is a traditional orthodontic practice focused on alignment correction rather than cosmetic reshaping alone. The providers use conventional metal and ceramic braces alongside clear aligner therapy, which matters because treatment approach and material choice directly affect cost and timeline. The practice accepts new patients without referral and handles initial consultation in-office, not virtually.

Braces vs. clear aligners and treatment timelines

Metal braces remain the fastest option for complex cases and typically run 18 to 30 months depending on the severity of crowding or bite problems. Ceramic braces cost more but blend with tooth color; clear aligners cost similarly to ceramic braces and suit mild to moderate crowding, with timelines ranging from 12 to 24 months. Clear aligners require patient compliance (wearing them 20 to 22 hours daily), while braces work continuously. Kaplan & Chasen offers both approaches, which allows the orthodontist to recommend the option that fits your specific bite problem rather than upsell a preferred system.

Most Baltimore-area practices including Kaplan & Chasen quote costs in the range of $4,000 to $7,500 for full treatment, with the low end applying to simpler cases and ceramic or metal braces, the high end to clear aligners or complex extractions. Verify current fees at consultation.

How Kaplan & Chasen compares to other Baltimore orthodontists

Many larger practices in Baltimore, including some within dental groups like Bel Air Orthodontics (Towson) and Chesapeake Orthodontics (multiple locations), operate on similar fee structures but often tie you to one treatment modality. Kaplan & Chasen's dual-system approach means you are not steered toward a more expensive option if a simpler one will work. Bel Air and Chesapeake have broader geographic reach across the metro, which can matter if your home or workplace sits in Owings Mills or Glen Burnie; Kaplan & Chasen's Pikesville location serves North Baltimore and surrounding areas directly, while the Columbia office addresses Howard County and points south. If you have active dental insurance, check whether the practice is in-network; many insurers cap orthodontic benefits at $1,500 to $2,000, making the choice between providers less about practice preference and more about which office is covered.

Who suits Kaplan & Chasen and who does not

This practice works well for patients with moderate complexity (crowding, spacing, bite correction) who want transparency about timeline and cost before signing up. Families with multiple children in braces benefit from established financial arrangements and predictable monthly payments. Adults seeking evening or weekend appointments should confirm availability, as hours vary by location. Patients with severe skeletal bite problems (extreme overbite or underbite requiring surgery) will be referred elsewhere; Kaplan & Chasen does not perform orthognathic surgery but can coordinate with oral surgeons if needed.

First-visit consultation and next steps

The initial appointment runs 45 minutes to an hour and includes a clinical exam, X-rays (digital panoramic and cephalometric), and photos. The orthodontist reviews findings, explains treatment options, quotes cost, and discusses payment. Avoid scheduling a consultation if you have active tooth decay or untreated gum disease; Kaplan & Chasen may require clearance from your general dentist first. Bring your insurance card and a list of any previous orthodontic treatment.

Hours, parking, and logistics

The Pikesville office is located at 9 East Chesapeake Avenue; the Columbia office sits at 6500 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite 200. Both locations offer free parking. Hours are typically Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday mornings, but confirm with the office before first visit as these may shift. Appointments for monthly adjustments run 20 to 30 minutes once treatment starts. Most practices ask that you schedule six to eight weeks out during busy seasons (September through March); Kaplan & Chasen's scheduling process is faster for routine adjustments but may have longer waits for new-patient slots in fall.

Kaplan & Chasen's strength lies in offering proven treatment modalities with genuine choice and clear pricing, which reduces the anxiety that often surrounds the decision to begin orthodontia in Baltimore.