Dr. Cyrus Aghdam is a board-certified orthodontist in Escondido, CA, known for his conservative, detail-oriented approach to every smile he treats. At Happier Smiles Orthodontics, Dr. Aghdam has helped more than 4,000 patients across North County San Diego achieve healthy, confident smiles using modern braces and Invisalign® clear aligners. Patients appreciate his honest, thoughtful guidance and the way he treats each person like family. He is especially passionate about solving complex cases with clear aligners, cases that many providers would only attempt with traditional braces.
A Conservative, Detail-Focused Approach to Care
Dr. Aghdam combines advanced training with the latest orthodontic technology to deliver efficient, precise results, often with shorter treatment times. He is committed to continuing education and stays at the forefront of innovations in Invisalign, braces, and digital orthodontics. His engineering background shows in the way he plans each case: carefully, thoroughly, and with the long-term health of your teeth and bite in mind.
Education and Training
Dr. Aghdam’s path to orthodontics began in engineering, which shapes the precision he brings to every treatment plan today.
| Degree | Institution |
|---|---|
| B.S., Bioengineering | University of Maryland School of Engineering |
| Doctor of Dental Surgery (magna cum laude, top of class) | University of Maryland School of Dentistry |
| Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics | Eastman Institute for Oral Health, University of Rochester |
After earning his dental degree magna cum laude at the top of his class, Dr. Aghdam completed his orthodontic specialty training at the respected Eastman Institute for Oral Health in Rochester, New York. There he received advanced training in modern orthodontic techniques and the treatment of complex cases with clear aligners.
Board Certification and Professional Memberships
Dr. Aghdam is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), a voluntary distinction that not every orthodontist pursues. Board certification means he has passed a rigorous examination of his clinical skills and judgment above and beyond the training required to practice. You can learn more about why this matters on our board-certified orthodontist page.
He is an active member of:
- American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), Diplomate
- American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
- Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists (PCSO)
- California Association of Orthodontists
Research, Teaching, and Recognition
Beyond his practice, Dr. Aghdam has contributed to a hospital-based craniofacial and cleft palate team, helping patients with some of the most complex needs in the field. He also lectures to general dentists on advanced clear-aligner treatment, sharing the techniques that let him take on difficult aligner cases. His work has been recognized with an Incisal Edge 40 Under 40 honor and a Top Dentists listing in San Diego Magazine.
Beyond the Office
Family is at the center of Dr. Aghdam’s life. He and his wife, Dr. Neelab Anwar, are both orthodontists at Happier Smiles, a rare husband-and-wife team who share one standard of care. Together they are raising their daughter, Ayla. In his free time, Dr. Aghdam enjoys pickleball, tennis, and staying active, and he finds real satisfaction in giving back to Escondido. Through the practice, he supports Smiles Change Lives, which provides braces to children from low-income families, volunteers with local homeless shelters, and backs neighborhood schools and sports teams.
Schedule With Dr. Aghdam
Ready to meet Dr. Aghdam and explore your options? Your first consultation is complimentary and comes with no obligation. Call (760) 743-2295 or request an appointment online. Happier Smiles Orthodontics is located at 203 E 3rd Ave in downtown Escondido, proudly serving Escondido, San Marcos, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Valley Center, and the surrounding North County San Diego communities.
