Orthodontic FAQs

Orthodontics is a dental specialty focused on the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws. The full name for the specialty is dentofacial orthopedics, which reflects the fact that orthodontic treatment addresses not just individual tooth position but the broader relationship between the teeth, the jaw, and the face. The goal is a bite that functions correctly and a smile that lasts.

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who completed dental school and then went on to complete an additional two to three years of advanced residency training focused exclusively on orthodontics. Your general dentist is trained to care for the overall health of your teeth and gums. Your orthodontist is trained specifically to diagnose and correct problems with tooth alignment, jaw structure, and bite function. The two work together as part of your overall oral health care, but they serve distinct roles.

Board Certification is a voluntary credential that goes beyond the standard requirements for orthodontic licensure. It requires an orthodontist to demonstrate clinical competency through a rigorous examination process conducted by the American Board of Orthodontics. Only about one in three orthodontists in the country holds this credential.

Baker Rawlins II, DMD, MS is among a small number of Board-Certified orthodontists in Delaware and the surrounding region. That distinction is not a marketing claim. It is a clinical credential earned through demonstrated expertise and a commitment to meeting a higher standard of care.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At that point, enough permanent teeth have come in that an orthodontist can identify developing problems with tooth alignment, jaw growth, and bite function, even if active treatment is not yet needed.

Seeing a child early does not mean treatment will begin immediately. In many cases, it simply means the orthodontist can monitor development and intervene at the right time rather than waiting until a problem has progressed. For some children, early intervention makes later treatment simpler or shorter.

Not at all. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, approximately one in five orthodontic patients today is over the age of 21. Adults seek treatment for many reasons: completing care they never finished as a teenager, correcting teeth that have shifted over time, or simply prioritizing a smile they have wanted to address for years. Treatment options for adults include both braces and clear aligners, and there is no age at which orthodontic care stops being effective.

Some patients notice a slight adjustment period in the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. This typically resolves quickly as the mouth adapts to the trays. Most patients find they can speak normally within a short adaptation period, and many report that no one around them notices any difference at all.

There are orthodontic practices throughout Delaware and the surrounding region. What sets Rawlins Orthodontics apart comes down to three things.

Baker Rawlins II, DMD, MS holds Board Certification from the American Board of Orthodontics, a credential that only about one in three orthodontists has earned. It reflects a higher standard of clinical training and ongoing commitment to excellence in patient care.

We are a family-owned practice, not a corporate chain. That means Dr. Rawlins sees every patient personally, maintains full clinical autonomy over every treatment decision, and knows the patients he treats. Dr. Rawlins is also a proud member of the Independent Dental Society of Delaware, a group committed to delivering highly personalized care and keeping patients' needs at the center of every decision. You are never a number here.

Dr. Rawlins trained at two of the most respected institutions in the country, the University of Pennsylvania (DMD) and Columbia University (MS in Orthodontics, at the world-renowned New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center). His training reflects the current standard of the specialty, and his years in practice have given him the experience to apply it across a wide range of cases.

At Rawlins Orthodontics, we offer several options including traditional metal braces, clear and ceramic brackets that are far less visible, and Invisalign clear aligners. The right choice depends on the complexity of your case and your personal preferences. Dr. Rawlins will walk you through all available options and make a recommendation based on your specific bite and goals at your consultation.

We offer flexible monthly payment plans and accept most major credit cards. If you have a Flex Plan or FSA, we can work with those benefits as well. If your dental insurance plan includes orthodontic coverage, Invisalign may qualify. We recommend contacting your provider before your appointment to understand the extent of your coverage, and our team is happy to help you work through the details when you come in.

Treatment length varies from patient to patient because every bite and every smile responds differently. Most standard cases take somewhere between one and two years, though some cases are shorter and more complex corrections can take longer. At your consultation, Dr. Rawlins will give you a realistic estimate based on your specific situation.

Most patients experience some tenderness for the first few days after braces are placed, and briefly after adjustment appointments, as the teeth begin to respond to the new pressure. This is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief and a soft diet for a day or two. The discomfort is temporary and typically much less significant than patients expect.

Treatment does require a short adjustment period when you first get started, but it will not prevent you from doing the things you enjoy. If you play a contact sport, we recommend a mouthguard to protect your appliance. Clear aligners can be removed for specific activities if needed. Most patients find that daily life adapts quickly and without meaningful disruption.