If you have spent years thinking about straightening your teeth but never quite got around to it, you are in good company. Many adults across Richmond grew up without access to orthodontic care, had braces as teens but stopped wearing their retainers, or are simply noticing their teeth have shifted over time. The good news is that it is never too late.
As an adult orthodontist in Richmond, VA, Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics builds personalized treatment plans for adults throughout the area, including Short Pump, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, and Patterson Avenue, along with surrounding Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover County communities.
And yes, despite our name, we treat adults every year. From young professionals and busy parents to people returning for retreatment later in life, our four orthodontic offices welcome patients of every age.
This page answers
What Richmond adults want to know first
The questions we hear most from adults across Short Pump, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, and the Patterson Avenue area, with the short answers up front.
Am I too old for braces?
No. Healthy teeth move at almost any age, and adults are roughly one in three orthodontic patients today.
What does it cost?
Comprehensive treatment in Greater Richmond generally starts around $3,000, with flexible payment plans available.
Braces or clear aligners?
Both work well. The right fit comes down to your case and lifestyle, which we sort out together.
How long does it take?
Most adult treatment runs 12 to 24 months, with minor corrections finishing faster.
Why More Adults Are Choosing Orthodontic Treatment
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, one in three orthodontic patients is now an adult. The reasons are practical and personal.
Confidence that shows up everywhere. A smile you feel good about changes how you carry yourself in meetings, on video calls, at interviews, and in everyday social moments. This is one of the most common reasons our adult patients tell us they finally decided to start.
Long-term oral health. Crowded or crooked teeth are harder to clean, which raises the risk of cavities and gum disease over time. Straighter teeth are easier to brush and floss, and a balanced bite reduces uneven wear.
orthodontic patients is now an adult, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.
Discreet options that did not exist before. Adult orthodontics no longer means a mouthful of metal. Clear aligners, tooth-colored ceramic brackets, and modern low-profile braces let most adults straighten their teeth without it dominating their appearance.
Fixing what was left undone. Whether your bite has drifted since your teenage braces or you never had treatment at all, orthodontics can address functional issues like difficulty chewing, jaw strain, and teeth that no longer meet the way they should.
Adult Braces in Richmond, VA
More adults in Richmond are choosing braces than ever before. Some are starting treatment for the very first time. Others had braces years ago and have watched their teeth slowly shift since. At Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we offer adult braces built around your goals, your schedule, and your comfort, with options that include traditional metal braces and tooth-colored ceramic braces for a more subtle look.
Modern braces are smaller, smoother, and more comfortable than the versions many adults remember. For complex cases, including significant crowding, spacing, or bite correction, braces often give your orthodontist the most precise control over how your teeth move. Your debonding visit, when the braces come off, is included in your treatment fee, so there are no surprise charges at the finish line.
Invisalign and Clear Aligners for Adults
Clear aligners are the most popular choice among working adults across the Richmond metro. You wear a series of custom-made, removable trays that gently guide your teeth into place, swapping to the next set every week or two. Because they are clear and removable, most people will not notice them, and you take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
We offer both Invisalign and Spark Clear Aligners, and your orthodontist will help you choose the system that fits your case best. Treatment usually runs 12 to 24 months depending on complexity. Aligners are an excellent fit for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and minor bite issues. Very complex cases may be better served by braces or a combination approach, which is something we sort out together at your consultation.
You can learn more about how aligners work on our clear aligners page or read about Invisalign in Richmond.
Comparing Your Adult Treatment Options
Not sure which option fits? Here is a quick side-by-side look at the three most common choices for adults.
| Option | Visibility | Removable | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal braces | Most noticeable | No | Complex crowding, spacing, and bite correction |
| Ceramic braces | Subtle, tooth-colored | No | Patients wanting precise control with a lower profile |
| Clear aligners | Nearly invisible | Yes | Mild to moderate cases and lifestyle flexibility |
Your orthodontist confirms the right fit at your free consultation, since the best option always depends on your specific teeth, bite, and goals.
Learn more about Invisalign in Richmond or your braces options.
Why Adults Often Choose an Orthodontist for Invisalign
Plenty of general dentists offer Invisalign as an add-on service, so this is a fair question to ask. The difference comes down to training. Orthodontists complete years of additional specialty education focused specifically on tooth movement, bite correction, and jaw alignment.
For adults dealing with crowding, spacing, an overbite or underbite, or teeth that have shifted after previous braces, that depth matters. The case planning, attachment placement, and mid-course adjustments that keep treatment on track are exactly what orthodontic training prepares for. Working with a specialty-trained orthodontist also means more options on the table if aligners alone are not the ideal fit for your goals.
Your orthodontists
Dr. Kevin Bibona
Dr. Bibona treats kids, teens, and adults across our orthodontic offices, building personalized plans around each patient’s goals and schedule.
Dr. Payton Cook
Dr. Cook focuses on clear, down-to-earth treatment planning so every adult patient understands their options and what to expect.
What to Expect at Your Adult Consultation
Your first visit is a free orthodontic consultation, and there is no obligation to start treatment. Here is the general flow.
First, we listen. We want to understand what is bothering you and what you hope to change.
Next, we examine your teeth and bite, often with digital imaging so you can see what we see.
Then we walk through your realistic options, the likely timeline, and the investment, in plain language.
You leave with a clear picture of what treatment would look like for you.
We also keep an eye out for issues beyond alignment, including snoring or disrupted sleep that may have a jaw and airway component. Learn more about airway orthodontics in Richmond, start with a virtual smile assessment, or read what to expect at your consultation.
How Much Do Adult Braces Cost in Richmond?
Cost is one of the first things adults want to know, and it depends on the treatment type and how much correction your teeth need. In the Greater Richmond area, comprehensive braces generally start around $3,000 and rise from there based on case complexity and treatment length. Clear aligner treatment falls in a similar range.
The most accurate number is the one tailored to you, which is exactly what your free consultation provides.
Explore payment plansWe believe finances should not be the reason you put off care. RPDO offers flexible payment plans, and many patients are able to apply dental insurance benefits or use FSA and HSA funds toward treatment. The most accurate number is the one tailored to you, which is exactly what your free consultation provides.
Convenient Orthodontic Care Across Richmond
If you are searching for an adult orthodontist near you in Richmond, our four orthodontic offices make it easy to fit appointments around work and family:
Short Pump
Near Short Pump Town CenterMechanicsville
Off I-295 in Hanover CountyMidlothian
Serving Chesterfield County and Bon AirPatterson Avenue
Close to the city and western HenricoWherever you live or work in RVA, there is a location that fits your commute.
Why Richmond Adults Choose RPDO
We are a privately owned, bi-specialty practice that has been serving Richmond families for generations. That combination shapes everything about how we treat adults.
Because pediatric dentistry and orthodontics live under one roof, families often grow up with us, and many adults we treat first came through our doors as kids or as parents bringing in their children. You are cared for by specialty-trained orthodontists, not handed off to a corporate chain, and you get the kind of personal attention that comes from a practice with deep local roots. Explore our full range of orthodontic services or learn more about adult orthodontics at RPDO.
Bi-specialty under one roof
Pediatric dentistry and orthodontics in the same practice, so families often grow up with us and adults stay where they are known.
Privately owned
Not a corporate chain. Real relationships, personal attention, and doctors who are part of the Richmond community.
Built around your schedule
Four offices across the metro and early-morning availability at several locations make treatment easier to fit into a full week.
Treating a teen too? See our orthodontist for teens in Richmond. Or browse our smile gallery and patient testimonials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I too old for braces or Invisalign?
No. Healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age, and adults make up roughly one in three orthodontic patients today. We treat patients well into their later years. The most important factors are healthy gums and bone, which we check at your free consultation.
How long does adult orthodontic treatment take?
Most adult treatment takes 12 to 24 months, though minor corrections can finish faster and complex cases may take longer. Clear aligners and braces have similar timelines for comparable cases. Your orthodontist gives you a personalized estimate after evaluating your teeth and bite.
How much do adult braces cost in the Richmond area?
Comprehensive braces in Greater Richmond generally start around $3,000, with the final figure depending on treatment type, complexity, and length. RPDO offers flexible payment plans, and many patients apply insurance, FSA, or HSA funds. A free consultation gives you an exact number for your case.
Will braces or aligners affect my work and social life?
Far less than most adults expect. Clear aligners are removable and nearly invisible, so most people will not notice them at work or in meetings. Tooth-colored ceramic braces offer a subtle option as well. We help you choose the treatment that fits your lifestyle.
Do I need to see an orthodontist instead of my dentist for Invisalign?
You do not have to, but many adults prefer it. Orthodontists have years of specialized training in tooth movement and bite correction, which often means more options and closer monitoring throughout treatment, especially for crowding, spacing, or shifting after past braces.
What happens after treatment ends?
You wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new position. Teeth naturally tend to drift over time, and consistent retainer wear is what protects your results for the long term. We walk you through exactly how and when to wear yours.
Is the consultation really free?
Yes. Your initial orthodontic consultation is free, with no obligation to begin treatment. It is the easiest way to get honest answers about your options, timeline, and cost.
Ready to Start? Book Your Free Consultation
If you have been waiting for the right time to straighten your smile, this is it. Our specialty-trained orthodontists will help you understand your options and build a plan that fits your life. Schedule your free consultation at the Richmond-area office that works best for you.
Ready when you are
If you have been waiting for the right time to straighten your smile, this is it. Schedule your free consultation at the Richmond-area office that works best for you.
Book your free consultation
