Complete Guide to Adult Braces in Wilmington, DE
The American Association of Orthodontists reports that one in every five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Adults choose treatment for many reasons: crowding that was never corrected, shifting after years without a retainer, a milestone moment that made them finally decide to do it, or a dentist recommendation they’ve been sitting on for a while. Whatever brought you here, adult orthodontic treatment is more accessible, more discreet, and more comfortable than most adults expect.
Families and adults throughout Wilmington, Hockessin, Pike Creek, and Newark, Delaware, as well as bordering communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, including Kennett Square, Avondale, Elkton, and surrounding areas, come to Rawlins Orthodontics for adult treatment every year. Here’s what you need to know.
Adult orthodontic treatment is highly effective at any age. Adults can be treated with traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, or Invisalign, depending on the complexity of the case and the patient’s lifestyle preferences. The main clinical difference between adult and teen treatment is that adult jawbones have finished growing, which affects timing and, in rare complex cases, may involve coordinating with other dental providers. Most adult cases are straightforward and follow a similar timeline to teen treatment.
Why Adults Choose Orthodontic Treatment
The reasons adults pursue treatment are more varied than for children. Some common motivations include correcting crowding or spacing that was never addressed, fixing relapse after years of not wearing a retainer, preparing for restorative work like implants or crowns, resolving bite issues that cause wear or discomfort, and simply deciding that now is the right time for a confident smile.
None of these reasons is more or less valid than another. Dr. R. Baker Rawlins II evaluates every adult patient’s case on its own clinical merits and recommends treatment when it will make a meaningful difference. He doesn’t recommend treatment for its own sake.
Discreet Treatment Options for Adults
Most adults considering treatment have concerns about appearance during treatment. The good news is that the options available today look nothing like the metal braces most adults remember from their teens. At Rawlins Orthodontics, adults can choose from traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, or Invisalign.
Clear ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets that blend with the teeth and are far less visible than metal. Invisalign uses a series of custom clear aligners that are nearly invisible in everyday settings and can be removed for meals and important events. For adults who prioritize discretion in professional or social settings, either of these options provides excellent results with minimal visibility.
Workplace and Lifestyle Considerations
One of the most common concerns adult patients raise is how treatment will affect their professional life. The honest answer is that most adults find it has almost no impact. Clear ceramic braces are subtle enough that many colleagues won’t notice unless they’re looking closely. Invisalign aligners are essentially invisible in conversation.
For adults in client-facing roles, public speaking, or on-camera work, Invisalign in particular offers the flexibility to remove aligners for high-stakes presentations or events. The tradeoff is the compliance requirement: aligners need to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day for treatment to stay on track. Dr. Rawlins discusses these lifestyle factors directly during the consultation to help every adult choose the option that fits their life.
How Adult Treatment Differs Clinically
Adult jawbones have finished growing, which is the most significant clinical difference from treating children and teens. This means certain jaw-level corrections that can be made non-surgically in growing patients may require different approaches in adults. For the vast majority of adult cases, including crowding, spacing, bite correction, and alignment, treatment proceeds in a very similar fashion to teen treatment.
Adults are also more likely to have existing dental work, such as crowns, bridges, or implants, that Dr. Rawlins factors into the treatment plan. Periodontal health is another consideration: adults with a history of gum disease need clearance from their dentist before starting orthodontic treatment. Our team coordinates with your dentist as needed to ensure treatment is appropriate and timed correctly.
What Patients Are Saying
“From day one, Dr. Rawlins took the time to walk me through every single step of the process, making sure I felt comfortable, informed, and confident in my treatment plan. Now that my braces are off, I can truly say I am beyond pleased with my results. My smile has completely transformed, and so has my confidence. I highly recommend Rawlins Orthodontics to anyone, especially adults who may be feeling hesitant. You will be in the best hands.”
That sentiment reflects what we hear regularly from adult patients. The hesitation before starting is almost always larger than the experience itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it too late to get braces as an adult?
No. Orthodontic treatment is effective at any age for patients with healthy teeth and gums. Adults in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond complete treatment at Rawlins Orthodontics regularly. The clinical approach may differ slightly from treating a growing patient, but the outcomes are just as strong.
How long does adult orthodontic treatment take?
Most adult treatment plans run between 12 and 24 months, similar to teen treatment. Simpler cases, such as minor crowding or relapse correction, can often be completed in 12 months or less. More complex bite corrections take longer. Dr. Rawlins gives you a realistic timeline estimate at your consultation.
Does orthodontic insurance cover adults?
Many orthodontic insurance plans cover adults, though some plans limit coverage to patients under age 19. Coverage varies significantly by plan. Our team verifies your specific benefits at the consultation and applies them to your investment estimate before any decisions are made.
Can I use Invisalign if I have crowns or other dental work?
In most cases, yes. Invisalign can be used effectively for patients with crowns, bridges, or other restorations, though the specific plan will be designed around your existing dental work. Dr. Rawlins reviews your full dental history at the consultation and confirms whether Invisalign or braces is the better fit for your case.
Will braces affect my speech?
Most patients adapt within a week or two. Metal or ceramic braces rarely cause noticeable speech changes. Invisalign aligners can cause a very mild lisp at the start for some patients, which typically resolves as the tongue adjusts. Neither treatment causes lasting speech changes.
Schedule Your Free Adult Consultation
We serve families throughout Wilmington, Hockessin, Pike Creek, and Newark, Delaware, as well as bordering communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, including Kennett Square, Avondale, Elkton, and surrounding areas. Schedule your free consultation online at RawlinsOrthodontics.com/appointment-request or call us at (302) 239-3531. You’re in good hands with our Rockstar Team, and we’ll walk you through everything.
About Rawlins Orthodontics
Rawlins Orthodontics is a family-owned, Board-Certified orthodontic practice serving Wilmington, Hockessin, Pike Creek, and Newark, Delaware, as well as bordering communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, including Kennett Square, Avondale, Elkton, and surrounding areas. R. Baker Rawlins II, DMD, MS has cared for thousands of patients since 2011 and is named annually as one of Delaware’s Top Orthodontists by Delaware Today Magazine. We offer braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, and early intervention orthodontics for children and adults.
Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Rawlins at RawlinsOrthodontics.com.
5500 Skyline Drive, Suite 1, Wilmington, DE 19808
(302) 239-3531 | RawlinsOrthodontics.com
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