Braces & orthodontics
Braces & Orthodontics in Georgetown, DE
Straighter Teeth. Healthier Bites. Confident Smiles.
A straighter smile can improve more than appearance.
Proper tooth and jaw alignment can support comfortable biting and chewing, make teeth easier to clean and contribute to long-term oral health.
At Southern Delaware Dental Specialists, our orthodontic team provides personalized orthodontic care for children, teens and adults in Georgetown and throughout Southern Delaware.
Whether you’re exploring braces for your child or considering a more discreet orthodontic option for yourself, we’ll help you understand your choices and develop a treatment plan around your individual smile.
What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the area of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing and treating problems involving the alignment of teeth and jaws.
While straight teeth are one goal of orthodontic treatment, appearance is only part of the picture.
Orthodontic treatment may also improve the way upper and lower teeth come together, address crowding or spacing and create conditions that make everyday oral hygiene easier.
Every smile develops differently, which is why treatment begins with a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation rather than simply choosing between braces and clear aligners.
What Can Orthodontic Treatment Correct?
Orthodontic treatment may be recommended for concerns including:
Crowded Teeth
When there isn’t enough space for teeth to align properly, they may overlap, rotate or erupt in less favorable positions.
Gaps Between Teeth
Excess spacing can occur naturally or as a result of tooth size, missing teeth or other factors.
Overbite
The upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth vertically. Some overlap is normal, but excessive overlap may require evaluation.
Underbite
The lower teeth or jaw may sit ahead of the upper teeth when biting.
Crossbite
One or more upper teeth may bite inside the lower teeth rather than outside them.
Open Bite
Some upper and lower teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed.
Misaligned Teeth
Individual teeth may be rotated, tilted or positioned outside the ideal dental arch.
Other Bite Concerns
The relationship between the teeth and jaws can affect both appearance and function.
Your orthodontist will determine which issues are present and whether treatment is recommended.
Our Orthodontic Treatment Options
Different patients need different approaches. At Southern Delaware Dental Specialists, treatment may include options such as:
Traditional Braces
Modern braces use brackets and orthodontic wires to gradually guide teeth toward planned positions. They remain a highly versatile treatment option for children, teens and adults.
Invisalign & Clear Aligners
For eligible patients, clear aligner treatment offers a more discreet and removable approach to straightening teeth.
The right option depends on your orthodontic needs, lifestyle, age, treatment goals and ability to follow treatment instructions.
Orthodontics for Children
Orthodontic care can begin before all permanent teeth have erupted.
An early orthodontic evaluation allows the orthodontist to assess how the teeth and jaws are developing.
Not every child who receives an early evaluation needs immediate treatment.
In some cases, the best recommendation may simply be monitoring growth and dental development until the appropriate time to begin treatment.
When early intervention is beneficial, your orthodontist will explain why and what the treatment is intended to accomplish.
Braces & Orthodontics for Teens
The teenage years are a common time for orthodontic treatment because many permanent teeth have erupted while growth and development are still occurring.
Depending on the individual case, treatment options may include traditional braces or clear aligners.
We consider:
- Tooth alignment
- Bite
- Jaw development
- Oral hygiene
- Lifestyle
- Treatment complexity
- Patient preferences
The goal is to select a treatment approach that can achieve the necessary correction while fitting realistically into the patient’s daily life.
Adult Orthodontics
Think braces are only for teenagers?
Orthodontic treatment can be appropriate for adults as well.
Adults may seek treatment because they never had orthodontics when younger, their teeth have shifted over time, or they would simply like to improve their smile and bite.
Depending on your needs, options may include traditional braces or clear aligners.
Adult treatment planning may also involve coordination with periodontal, restorative or implant care—particularly when missing teeth, gum conditions or existing dental restorations are involved.
Having multiple dental specialties available within the practice can make that coordination more convenient.
Braces or Invisalign: Which Is Right for Me?
Both can be effective orthodontic treatments, but they aren’t interchangeable in every situation.
Traditional Braces May Be Appropriate When:
- More complex tooth movement is required
- A fixed treatment system is preferred
- The patient may have difficulty wearing removable aligners consistently
- The orthodontist determines braces provide better control for the case
Clear Aligners May Be Appropriate When:
- The orthodontic condition can be predictably treated with aligners
- A less noticeable treatment option is preferred
- The patient can reliably follow the prescribed wear schedule
- Removability for meals and oral hygiene is important
Rather than choosing based solely on appearance, your orthodontist can help you compare the options based on the correction your teeth actually require.
What Happens During an Orthodontic Consultation?
Your first orthodontic visit is about understanding your smile.
The orthodontic team may evaluate:
- Tooth alignment
- Your bite
- Spacing or crowding
- Jaw relationships
- Dental development
- Gum health
- Existing dental work
Appropriate photographs, scans, X-rays or other records may also be recommended as part of treatment planning.
Once your evaluation is complete, we’ll discuss:
- What we’ve identified
- Whether treatment is recommended
- Available treatment options
- Estimated treatment time
- Financial considerations
- What you can expect during treatment
You should have an opportunity to ask questions before deciding how to proceed.
Rather than choosing based solely on appearance, your orthodontist can help you compare the options based on the correction your teeth actually require.
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?
There isn’t one treatment timeline for every patient.
The length of orthodontic treatment can depend on:
- Type and severity of the orthodontic problem
- Amount of tooth movement required
- Treatment method
- Growth and development
- Patient cooperation
- Appointment attendance
- Oral health
- Individual biological response
Your orthodontist can provide a more personalized estimate after evaluating your teeth and bite.
What Is Life Like With Braces?
Orthodontic treatment becomes part of everyday life, but most patients adapt to it quickly.
During treatment, you’ll need to pay particular attention to:
Oral Hygiene
Cleaning around orthodontic appliances is important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Food Choices
Certain hard, sticky or chewy foods may need to be avoided with fixed braces.
Regular Appointments
Orthodontic visits allow your treatment to be monitored and adjusted as necessary.
Following Instructions
Elastics, aligner wear or other instructions may be important parts of achieving the planned result.
We’ll guide you through these changes so you know how to care for your smile throughout treatment.
What Happens After Braces or Aligners?
Finishing active orthodontic treatment is exciting—but maintaining the result is equally important.
Teeth naturally have a tendency to shift over time.
For this reason, retainers are commonly recommended after braces or clear aligner treatment.
Your orthodontist will explain:
- Which type of retainer is appropriate
- How often to wear it
- How to clean and maintain it
- How to clean and maintain it
Retention should be viewed as part of your orthodontic treatment rather than an optional extra.
How Much Do Braces Cost?
Orthodontic treatment costs vary depending on:
- Type of treatment
- Complexity of the case
- Expected treatment duration
- Appliances required
- Insurance benefits
Orthodontic treatment costs vary depending on:
Why Choose Southern Delaware Dental Specialists for Orthodontics?
Orthodontic Expertise
Receive orthodontic evaluation and treatment from a team focused on tooth and bite alignment.
Children, Teens & Adults
Orthodontic treatment isn’t limited to one age group. We provide individualized care based on each patient’s stage of dental development and treatment needs.
Multiple Treatment Options
Depending on your case, options may include traditional braces and Invisalign or other clear aligner treatment.
Collaborative Dental Care
Orthodontic treatment can sometimes involve periodontal, restorative or other dental considerations. Having multiple areas of dentistry within one practice can help coordinate care.
Convenient Georgetown Location
Our Georgetown office serves families and adults throughout Sussex County and Southern Delaware.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics
What age should my child see an orthodontist?
Children can benefit from orthodontic evaluation while their teeth and jaws are still developing. An evaluation doesn’t necessarily mean treatment needs to begin immediately.
Am I too old for braces?
No. Adults can receive orthodontic treatment when their teeth, gums and supporting structures are healthy enough for the planned tooth movement.
Do braces hurt?
Patients may experience temporary pressure or tenderness after braces are placed or adjusted. This usually reflects the forces being used to move the teeth gradually.
How long do braces take?
Treatment length varies according to the orthodontic problem, treatment approach and individual response.
Is Invisalign faster than braces?
Not necessarily. Treatment time depends more on the individual case and required tooth movement than simply on whether braces or aligners are used.
Can I get braces if I have gum disease?
Active periodontal problems may need to be addressed before or during orthodontic treatment. Our orthodontic and periodontal teams can coordinate care when appropriate.
Will my teeth stay straight after orthodontic treatment?
Retainers are typically necessary to help maintain tooth positions after active treatment.
Does insurance cover orthodontics?
Some dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, while others don’t. Coverage, age restrictions and lifetime maximums vary by plan.
Testimonials
What Our Patients Say
Your Healthier Smile Starts Here
Start With an Orthodontic Consultation
You don’t need to know whether braces or Invisalign are right for you before coming in.
Your orthodontic evaluation is where that decision begins.
We’ll evaluate your teeth and bite, listen to your goals and explain the treatment options appropriate for your smile.
