Orthodontic Options for Adults in Timonium, MD

Adults have more ways to straighten their teeth than many people expect. At Dr. Steven W. Haywood, DDS in Timonium, the orthodontic options are Invisalign clear aligners (including Invisalign Express for minor movements), traditional metal braces for more complex work, and instant orthodontics, which uses veneers, bonding, crowns and tooth and gum reshaping to make teeth look straighter in as little as one or two visits. AcceleDent Aura can be added to help speed up tooth movement, and teens have Invisalign Teen. The right choice depends on whether your teeth need to move, how much, and what else is going on in your mouth.

This guide is written for adults: people with busy work lives, older dental work and bite concerns who are deciding whether straightening is worth it and which route makes sense. For teen options, see Invisalign Teen.

Why adults straighten their teeth

Straightening isn’t only about looks. With proper alignment and a correct bite, pressure is distributed evenly when you bite down and each tooth functions as intended, reducing the potential for excessive wear and breakage as you age. Straight, uniform teeth are also easier to clean, because overlapping and twisted teeth leave places for plaque to collect.

And yes, appearance matters too. Many adults have put off straightening for years because of how metal braces look at work or in photos. Today, that doesn’t have to be the deciding factor.

Option 1: Invisalign clear aligners

How Invisalign works

Invisalign uses a series of custom-fitted, clear aligners made of a BPA-free material. Each set is worn for about two weeks, for at least 22 hours a day, and each new set makes small, progressive movements. You take the aligners out to eat, drink, brush and floss, so your diet and cleaning routine stay close to normal. Treatment can take 18 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of your case.

Invisalign can address crowded or crooked teeth, gaps and bite issues. Dr. Haywood is an Elite Invisalign Provider, a rank based on education and volume of experience. For a detailed look at what each Invisalign option treats, read Invisalign treatment options and what they treat.

Invisalign Express for small corrections

If your teeth need only minor movement, such as a tooth that has drifted or slight crowding at the front, a full course of treatment may be more than you need. Invisalign Express is a thrifty way to achieve minor tooth movements.

Why adults often lean toward aligners

• They are clear and barely noticeable in meetings and photos.
• There are no brackets to irritate your cheeks or trap food.
• They come out for meals, so there’s no list of foods to avoid.
• Brushing and flossing stay the same as always.

The trade-off is responsibility. Aligners only work when they are worn, so they suit people who will keep them in. For a day-to-day picture, see clear aligners in real life.

Option 2: Metal braces

Metal braces are the most familiar and most economical orthodontic option, and they suit complex orthodontic work: adjusting the bite and function of the teeth as well as crowding, positioning and gaps. The practice uses the finest, thinnest yet strongest metal for comfort and efficacy. Because braces are fixed to the teeth, they keep working whether or not you remember to wear anything, which some adults see as an advantage.

Ceramic braces in Timonium, MD: what to know

If you have been searching for ceramic braces in Timonium, MD, you are probably looking for something less noticeable than metal. Ceramic braces work like traditional braces, with brackets bonded to the teeth and connected by a wire, but the brackets are tooth-colored or clear instead of silver, so they blend in more.

The orthodontic options listed at Dr. Haywood’s office are Invisalign, Invisalign Teen and Invisalign Express, metal braces and instant orthodontics. For adults whose main concern is being seen in braces, clear aligners are the discreet choice the practice offers, and they have the added benefit of coming out for meals and cleaning. If your case is complex enough that fixed braces are the better tool, metal braces are available. At your consultation, ask which approach suits your teeth. For a closer comparison of the “clear” options people search for, read clear braces in Timonium, MD.

Option 3: Instant orthodontics

Some adults don’t actually need their teeth moved. They need them to look straighter. Instant orthodontics uses cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers, bonding, crowns, and tooth and gum reshaping to transform crooked, discolored or gapped teeth in as little as one or two visits, whether you want a subtle improvement or a dramatic change.

This route changes how the teeth look rather than where they sit, so it suits mild crowding, small gaps and uneven edges, especially when the teeth also have chips, stains or older fillings. It isn’t a substitute for orthodontics when the bite itself needs correcting. One published patient review describes choosing veneers and minor cosmetic gum surgery instead of braces in their 20s, which is exactly the kind of decision this option is for. To weigh moving teeth against reshaping them, read crooked or gapped teeth: your options.

Speeding things up with AcceleDent Aura

AcceleDent Aura uses SoftPulse Technology to speed up tooth movement. You use the mouthpiece and activator for just 20 minutes each day, and it can shorten orthodontic treatment. It may even make treatment feel more comfortable. Ask about it if time is a big factor for you, and see dental technology for more.

Things adults should think about before choosing

Existing crowns, bridges and implants

Adults often have dental work that teenagers don’t. Tell the dentist about any crowns, bridges or implants, because they affect the plan. A dental implant, for example, is anchored in the bone and does not move with orthodontic treatment, so the other teeth are planned around it.

Gum and bone health

Teeth move through the bone and gums that hold them, so those tissues need to be healthy before and during treatment. If gum disease is present, it is best treated first.

Bite problems, grinding and jaw pain

The need for orthodontics isn’t always obvious. Issues such as TMJ disorder or grinding can hint at functional or bite problems worth evaluating. If you have headaches or jaw soreness, read can a bad bite cause headaches? Dr. Haywood completed advanced TMJ and reconstructive training at the Peter Dawson Institute.

Cosmetic plans for later

If you’re also considering veneers, whitening or other cosmetic work, it helps to plan it together with straightening. Invisalign can move teeth into the most desirable position before veneers, which can make a more conservative veneer possible, and it is often combined with veneer makeovers at the practice.

How to choose between the options

• Mild crowding or a small shift: Invisalign Express or instant orthodontics may be enough.
• Crowding, gaps or bite issues and you want discretion: Invisalign is often the first option to discuss.
• Complex bite and positioning problems: metal braces may be the more effective tool.
• Teeth that look uneven but sit in a good position: veneers, bonding or reshaping may do the job without orthodontics.
• A combination: many adult smiles use straightening first and cosmetic finishing after.

Dr. Haywood evaluates crowding, spacing, positioning and signs of bite problems, then talks through which options suit you, with the goal of the quickest, safest path to your smile.

Orthodontics for the rest of the family

The best time to consider orthodontics is once the permanent teeth have grown in and irregularities are noticed. Invisalign Teen uses clear aligners designed for teenagers and makes tracking progress easy. Parents and teens can be seen in the same Timonium office.

Paying for orthodontic treatment

The practice is out of network with all dental insurance providers. You pay at the time of your visit, and the office files the claim so your plan can reimburse you for whatever it covers. HSA and flex plans are welcome. Invisalign can be paid in monthly payments in the office after a down payment, and financing is also available through CareCredit, with no-interest options up to 12 months, and Cherry, with plans from 3 to 24 months. Your fee depends on your case and is discussed after your evaluation. See financing options.

Frequently asked questions

Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic options at the practice are for teens and adults. What matters more than age is the health of your teeth, gums and bone, which your evaluation checks.

Is Invisalign or metal braces better for adults?

It depends on your case. Invisalign is clear, removable and comfortable. Metal braces are the most economical option and suit complex orthodontic work. The practice offers both.

Can crooked teeth be fixed without braces or aligners?

Sometimes. Instant orthodontics uses veneers, bonding, crowns and tooth and gum reshaping to make teeth look straighter in as little as one or two visits, when the bite doesn’t need to change.

How long does adult orthodontic treatment take?

Invisalign treatment can take 18 to 24 months depending on the complexity of your case. Your timeline becomes clearer after Dr. Haywood evaluates your teeth.

Talk about your orthodontic options in Timonium

Whether you’re thinking about aligners, braces or a cosmetic shortcut, a consultation will show which route suits your teeth and bite. Request an appointment or call (410) 453-9399. The office is at 108 W Timonium Rd, Ste 200, Timonium, MD 21093, and welcomes adults from Timonium, Towson, Hunt Valley and Baltimore. See all orthodontic options.