Treatments

About Orthodontics

A healthy, beautiful smile does more than look great. It builds confidence that stays with you for life. If you feel self-conscious about your teeth, orthodontic treatment can make a meaningful difference in both how you look and how you feel. At Rawlins Orthodontics, you’re in good hands. Since 2011, our Board-Certified Orthodontist, R. Baker Rawlins II, DMD, MS, has helped thousands of patients, children and adults alike, achieve the smiles they’ve always wanted. We’re a family-owned practice right here in Wilmington, DE, and we’re proud of it.

When your treatment is complete, you’ll have the smile you’ve been working toward and the confidence to show it off every single day. We’re committed to making sure every step of your experience feels comfortable, clear, and fully supported. You deserve quality care, and that’s exactly what we deliver.

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Why Orthodontic Treatment Matters

Many people assume orthodontic treatment is purely cosmetic, something you do to improve how your smile looks in photos. The reality is that orthodontic treatment addresses far more than appearance. Properly aligned teeth and a well-balanced bite contribute directly to your long-term oral health, and in many cases, your overall well-being.

Straight Teeth Are Healthier Teeth

When teeth are properly aligned, they’re much easier to keep clean. Crowded or overlapping teeth create tight spaces where a toothbrush and floss can’t reach effectively, allowing plaque to build up over time. That buildup increases the risk of cavities and gum disease. Patients with straighter teeth are better able to maintain strong oral hygiene, which supports healthier smiles for years.

A Well-Aligned Bite Protects Your Teeth and Jaw

When your upper and lower teeth don’t come together properly, uneven pressure is placed across your bite. Over time, that extra strain can lead to chipped teeth, enamel erosion, jaw discomfort, and stress on the joints that support your jaw. Correcting bite issues early helps prevent more serious complications and protects your long-term oral health.

Orthodontic Treatment Supports Healthier Gums

When teeth are crowded or spaced too far apart, the gums often become inflamed, swollen, or irritated, which can be early signs of periodontal disease. Research shows that properly aligned teeth allow the gums to fit more securely around them, helping reduce the risk of gum disease and supporting healthier gum tissue over a long period of time.

A confident smile changes how you carry yourself

The American Association of Orthodontists recognizes that the benefits of orthodontic treatment extend beyond oral health alone. Patients who complete treatment often report greater self-confidence, a stronger willingness to smile openly, and an improved sense of well-being. Those positive changes are one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your health, your confidence, and your quality of life. Whether your child is starting Phase I treatment at age eight or you’re an adult finally addressing something that’s bothered you for years, the benefits are real and lasting.

How Orthodontic Treatment Works

Orthodontic appliances can be made from metal, ceramic, or plastic, and they come in both removable and fixed forms. Fixed appliances use brackets bonded directly to the teeth. By applying a steady, gentle force in a precisely controlled direction, braces gradually guide teeth into their correct positions over time.

The experience of getting braces has changed considerably over the years. Metal bands around every tooth are a thing of the past. Today, patients can choose between clear or metal brackets, and in many cases, they can personalize the color of their appliance. Wires are far more discreet than they used to be, and advances in orthodontic materials mean teeth move more efficiently and more comfortably than ever before. There has never been a better time to start treatment, and there is truly no wrong age to get started.

At Rawlins Orthodontics, we offer a range of treatment options to fit your needs and your lifestyle, including traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and Invisalign clear aligners. Dr. Rawlins will walk you through every option at your consultation so you can make a confident, informed decision. No pressure, no confusion.

Orthodontic Treatment for Children, Teens, and Adults

Orthodontic treatment works differently depending on where a patient is in their development, which is why a specialist evaluation matters at every stage of life.

Children

For children, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. By this stage, enough permanent teeth have emerged for Dr. Rawlins to identify concerns such as crowding, bite issues, and jaw development patterns while the mouth is still growing and highly responsive to treatment. Early evaluation does not always mean early treatment, but it allows problems to be monitored closely and addressed at the ideal time if intervention becomes necessary.

Teens

For teens, this is often the primary treatment window. Most patients begin comprehensive treatment during the middle and high school years, when most permanent teeth are in place. Treatment options today are more discreet and more comfortable than ever, making it easier for teens to stay engaged in their normal activities without interruption. Beginning treatment during these years also allows orthodontic concerns to be corrected while the jaw and facial structures are still developing, helping treatment produce longer-lasting results.

Adults

For adults, orthodontic treatment is more accessible than most people expect. Adults make up a growing share of orthodontic patients, and for good reason. Teeth can shift throughout life. Crowding that wasn’t corrected in adolescence can worsen over time. Adults dealing with worn teeth, shifting from missing teeth, or bite issues can benefit significantly from treatment. At Rawlins Orthodontics, we treat adults with the same attentiveness and individualized care we provide every patient, because great smiles have no age limit.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Treatment timelines are different for every patient. Most treatments range from one to three years, depending on factors like age, the type of appliance used, and the complexity of the case. One of the biggest factors in how smoothly treatment progresses is the patient. Those who keep their appointments, maintain good oral hygiene, and follow Dr. Rawlins’ instructions consistently tend to finish on schedule or ahead of it.

For younger patients, early intervention, sometimes called Phase I treatment, can address developing problems before they become more complex, which often leads to a shorter overall treatment time during the comprehensive phase.

Before we begin any treatment, R. Baker Rawlins II, DMD, MS will walk you through all of your options and give you a clear picture of what to expect, including a realistic estimate of your treatment timeline. No surprises. Just a straightforward plan built around your smile and your life.

Families throughout Wilmington, Hockessin, Pike Creek, and Newark, Delaware, as well as communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, including Kennett Square, Avondale, and Elkton, trust Rawlins Orthodontics for personalized, Board-Certified orthodontic care that delivers lasting results. We’d love to meet you. Contact our practice to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward the smile you deserve.

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