Braces for Adults

Straight Teeth Are Possible at Any Age

For a long time, braces were thought of as something you got as a kid and left behind by high school graduation. That picture has changed considerably. Adults now make up a significant and growing share of orthodontic patients, and the reasons are straightforward: treatment works, the options are better than ever, and the health benefits extend far beyond appearance.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), one in three orthodontic patients today is over the age of 18, and that number continues to grow. Orthodontic treatment is just as effective for adults as it is for younger patients. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age through the same biological process. Whether the goal is correcting a bite, closing gaps, or finally completing treatment that was started years ago, adult orthodontics offers real, lasting results.

At Rawlins Orthodontics, we see adult patients regularly from 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. Some are completing treatment they never finished as teenagers. Some are addressing changes that have developed over time. Many simply want to feel better about their smile and their oral health. All of them are in the right place.

Why More Adults Are Choosing Orthodontic Treatment

The AAO notes several reasons behind the steady increase in adult patients seeking orthodontic care. Here is what is driving the trend.

Treatment is Effective at Any Age

Age is not a limiting factor in orthodontic treatment. A healthy mouth responds to careful, precise tooth movement whether the patient is 14 or 44. Treatment timelines vary based on what needs to be corrected and what the patient wants to achieve — some cases wrap up in a matter of months, while others take longer. What stays constant is the process: R. Baker Rawlins II, DMD, MS builds every treatment plan around the individual in the chair, not a general timeline.

Discreet Options Have Made a Real Difference

Advances in orthodontic technology have given adult patients options that are far more subtle than anything available a generation ago. Clear aligners like Invisalign are removable and nearly invisible. Ceramic brackets blend with natural tooth color. These options allow patients to receive treatment without altering their appearance in any significant way during the process. That said, not every appliance is right for every bite issue. Only a Board-Certified orthodontist can determine which option is best suited to your specific situation.

Health Awareness is a Growing Motivator

While many adults seek treatment for aesthetic reasons, an increasing number cite oral health as their primary motivation, and that's a meaningful shift. Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to clean, less prone to uneven wear, and less likely to contribute to gum disease or decay over time. The AAO points out that adults are living longer and, as a result, keeping their natural teeth longer. Investing in orthodontic care now protects that investment for decades to come.

How Adult Treatment Differs from Treatment for Children and Teens

The principles of orthodontics don't change based on age, but the clinical context does. There are meaningful differences between treating adults and treating younger patients that are worth understanding.

Bone Maturity Changes the Timeline and the Options

For a younger patient whose jaw is still developing, an orthodontist can do more than straighten teeth — treatment can actively shape how the bite comes together over time. That window closes in adulthood, once jaw growth is complete. For most adult cases, this simply means the work is focused on the teeth themselves. For a smaller number of patients with significant jaw discrepancies, it may mean working alongside an oral surgeon to reach the best outcome. Dr. Rawlins will be straightforward about which category you fall into from the start.

Prior Dental History Plays a Larger Role

Adults bring more dental history to a first consultation than younger patients typically do. Crowns, bridges, implants, gaps from extractions, or early signs of gum recession are all part of the picture that shapes a treatment plan. When something needs attention before teeth can safely be moved, we’ll tell you clearly and point you in the right direction. We work alongside general dentists and specialists regularly, and that kind of coordinated care is simply part of how adult treatment works well. Taking the time to evaluate your full dental history carefully helps ensure treatment is both safe and effective over the long term.

Treatment Goals Tend to Be More Specific

Adult patients generally have a clear sense of what they want to achieve, whether that’s closing a gap that has bothered them for years, correcting a bite that’s causing jaw discomfort, or simply finishing what was started in childhood. That clarity is helpful, and it means the consultation conversation can be precise and goal-oriented from the start. Having well-defined goals also allows treatment to be personalized around the results that matter most to each individual patient. It also helps patients feel more confident and informed throughout each stage of the treatment process.

Common Reasons Adults Seek Orthodontic Treatment

Adults come to us for a variety of reasons, and there is no single profile. Some of the most common include:

1. A bite that doesn't fit together correctly, causing uneven pressure or jaw discomfort
2. Teeth that have shifted over time due to missing teeth or natural aging
3. Crowding or spacing that makes cleaning difficult
4. Orthodontic treatment that was started as a teen but never completed
5. A desire for a more confident smile that wasn't prioritized earlier in life

Whatever brings someone to the consultation, the conversation starts in the same place: understanding the patient's goals, reviewing the clinical picture, and laying out options clearly. No pressure, no surprises.

Treatment Options Available at Rawlins Orthodontics

We offer a full range of treatment options for adults, and the right choice depends on the complexity of your case and your personal preferences. Options include traditional metal braces, clear or ceramic brackets that are far less visible than their predecessors, and Invisalign clear aligners. Dr. Rawlins will walk you through each option in detail during your consultation, explain the tradeoffs, and make a recommendation based on your specific bite and your goals.

We serve adult patients across 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. No referral from a dentist is needed to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Orthodontic Treatment

Will orthodontic treatment interfere with my daily routine?

Less than you might expect. Clear aligners fit into a working adult's schedule well — they come out for meals, coffee, client meetings, and anything else that calls for it. Braces require no removal but may cause brief soreness for a day or two after an adjustment appointment, which over-the-counter pain relievers handle easily. We also build our scheduling around adult schedules, so appointments stay efficient and predictable.

Do I need to see my dentist before starting orthodontic treatment?

No referral is needed to schedule a consultation with us. That said, if we see something at your first visit that should be addressed before treatment begins — whether that's a cavity, early gum disease, or a restoration that needs attention — we'll let you know and help you understand the next step. Starting treatment on a solid foundation protects the result, and we'd rather take that extra time upfront than encounter a problem partway through.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

What if I had braces as a kid and my teeth shifted back?

Relapse after prior treatment is one of the most common reasons adults pursue orthodontic care. Teeth can shift throughout adulthood, particularly if retainers weren't worn consistently after treatment ended. The good news is that correcting a relapse is often faster than the original treatment because the underlying structure is already established. Dr. Rawlins will review your history and develop a plan that addresses where things are today.

Am I really a candidate for clear aligners as an adult?

Many adults are excellent candidates for Invisalign or similar clear aligner systems. They are particularly well-suited for patients with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite issues who want a discreet treatment option. More complex cases, including significant bite corrections, may be better served by braces. The only way to know for certain is through a clinical evaluation. Dr. Rawlins will give you a clear, honest answer about which option is right for your specific situation.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If you've been thinking about orthodontic treatment and haven't taken the first step, we'd love to talk. We see adult patients from 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 a free consultation with Dr. Rawlins at RawlinsOrthodontics.com or by calling (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.

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