Choosing an orthodontist in Richmond, VA comes down to three questions: who is doing the work, what will it cost, and how easy is it to get to appointments for the next year or two. At Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our specialty-trained orthodontists treat kids, teens, and adults at four locations across the Richmond metro: Short Pump, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, and Patterson Avenue. Consultations are free, no referral is needed, and if your child already sees one of our pediatric dentists, their orthodontist works right down the hall.
Not ready to come in? Start with a virtual smile assessment from home.
Why Richmond Families Choose RPDO for Orthodontics
Four orthodontic locations
Most orthodontic practices in the Richmond area operate one or two offices. RPDO has orthodontists in Short Pump, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, and on Patterson Avenue in Richmond. Whether you live in Henrico County, Chesterfield County, or Hanover County, one of our offices is close to home, school, or work. That matters more than most families expect. Orthodontic treatment means regular visits, and a shorter drive makes every one of them easier.
Specialty-trained orthodontists, not a general dentist add-on
Some dental offices offer aligners as a side service. Our orthodontists completed years of dedicated orthodontic residency training after dental school. Bite correction, jaw growth, and tooth movement are all they do.
Pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under one roof
RPDO is a bi-specialty practice. Your child’s pediatric dentist and orthodontist share records, compare notes, and time treatment around what they see happening as your child grows. No referral letters between separate offices. No care gaps. No repeating your child’s history to a stranger.
Privately owned
RPDO is not a corporate chain. Treatment recommendations come from your orthodontist, not a production target. And our roots here run deeper than dentistry: RPDO is a proud sponsor of Connor’s Heroes, a Richmond nonprofit supporting local families fighting childhood cancer.
Straight answers on cost
We publish real cost information for the Richmond area, including our guides on how much braces cost in Richmond and how much Invisalign costs in Richmond. Most local practices make you sit through a consultation before they’ll say a number. We’d rather you walk in informed.
Meet Our Richmond Orthodontists
Dr. Kevin Bibona
Dr. Bibona earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery and his certificate in Orthodontics at VCU School of Dentistry, right here in Richmond. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and the Virginia Dental Association, and he serves on the board of directors for the Richmond Dental Society. Patients know him for walking them through every step of treatment and celebrating hard on debond day.
Dr. Payton Cook
Dr. Cook grew up in Short Pump. She went to Shady Grove Elementary, Short Pump Middle, and Deep Run High School before playing Division 1 soccer at the University of South Florida. She earned her DDS from VCU School of Dentistry and her certificate in Orthodontics from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Now she straightens teeth in the same neighborhoods where she grew up.
Both orthodontists treat patients at our offices across the metro. When you book, our team matches you with the location and schedule that fit your family.
Why Choose a Specialty-Trained Orthodontist Over a General Dentist?
Orthodontists complete two to three additional years of full-time residency after dental school, focused entirely on tooth movement, jaw development, and bite correction. Many general dentists offer clear aligners for straightforward cases, and for simple crowding that can work fine. The difference shows up when treatment isn’t routine: skeletal discrepancies, impacted teeth, bites that look minor but move wrong. An orthodontist has seen thousands of cases like yours and knows which ones need more than aligners. If your case turns out to be simple, you lose nothing by having a specialist confirm it. If it isn’t, you’ll be glad you started in the right chair.
Every RPDO orthodontic case is treated by a residency-trained orthodontic specialist.
Orthodontic Treatments We Offer in Richmond
Most comprehensive orthodontic treatment lasts between 12 and 30 months, though simple cases can finish sooner. Here’s what we offer and who each option fits.
Braces for Kids, Teens, and Adults
Traditional metal braces remain the workhorse of orthodontics for a reason: they handle everything from mild crowding to complex bite problems, and they don’t depend on a teenager remembering to wear anything. Ceramic braces offer a lower-visibility option with the same mechanics. Read our full guide to braces in Richmond, VA for a breakdown of types, timelines, and what living with braces looks like.
Invisalign and Spark Clear Aligners
RPDO offers both Invisalign and Spark Clear Aligners, so your orthodontist can recommend the system that fits your case instead of the only one on the shelf. Aligners work well for many teens and adults who want treatment that doesn’t show up in photos. They demand consistency: 20 to 22 hours of wear a day. Our Invisalign in Richmond, VA guide covers candidacy, costs, and honest tradeoffs versus braces.
Early (Phase 1) Orthodontic Treatment
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child get an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Most kids that age don’t need treatment yet. For the ones who do, Phase 1 orthodontic treatment guides jaw growth while it’s still easy to influence, which can prevent bigger problems and shorter-notice fixes later.
Bite Correction
Crooked teeth are what people notice. Bite problems are what orthodontists treat. Our team corrects the full range: crossbites, open bites, overjet, overbites, underbites, and crowded or crooked teeth.
Airway-Focused Orthodontics
Mouth breathing, snoring, and restless sleep in kids sometimes trace back to jaw structure. Our orthodontists evaluate airway concerns alongside bite and jaw development and coordinate with pediatricians and ENTs when the picture calls for it.
Retainers
Treatment doesn’t end when the braces come off. Every RPDO patient finishes with a retainer plan, because teeth drift back toward their old positions without one. Your orthodontist will recommend the retainer type that fits your case and explain exactly how long and how often to wear it.
Teen and Adult Orthodontics
Teens make up the biggest share of orthodontic patients, and we’ve built our approach around them, from aligner options to schedules that work around school and sports. See our guide for teen braces and clear aligners in Richmond. And if you’re a parent who’s been quietly wondering about your own smile while sitting in our waiting room: yes, we treat adults too. Our adult orthodontics page covers what treatment looks like when you’re 25, 45, or 65.
Not sure where to start? Answer 3 quick questions
This isn’t a diagnosis, just a pointer toward the option worth reading about first. Your free consultation gives you the real answer.
Question 1 of 3
Who is treatment for?
What’s the main concern?
Which sounds more like you?
What Your Free Consultation Includes
Plenty of Richmond orthodontists advertise a free consultation. Here's what ours actually covers:
- A full evaluation of your teeth, gums, jaw, and bite by one of our orthodontists
- X-rays, if your case calls for them
- A conversation about every treatment option that fits your situation, including the option to wait
- A clear picture of estimated cost, timeline, and payment plans before you leave
No referral needed. No pressure to decide on the spot. If you or your child is a strong candidate for more than one treatment, we'll lay out the tradeoffs and let you choose. Learn more about what to expect at your consultation.
What Happens After Your Consultation
If you decide to move forward, here's the path from yes to finished smile:
Records
Photos, scans, and any remaining X-rays give your orthodontist a complete picture.
Treatment plan
Your orthodontist maps out the appliances, sequence, and timeline for your case.
Insurance verification
Our team confirms your orthodontic benefits and finalizes your payment plan before anything starts.
Appliances placed
Braces go on or your first aligner trays arrive.
Regular visits
Adjustment and progress checks keep treatment moving at any of our four offices.
Retainers
Treatment ends with a retainer plan that protects the result.
What Braces and Invisalign Cost in Richmond
Braces typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 in the Greater Richmond area, depending on the complexity of the case and length of treatment. Clear aligner treatment lands in a similar range. Your exact number depends on your bite, your growth stage, and the treatment you choose, which is why every consultation ends with a written estimate, not a shrug.
RPDO accepts most major dental insurance plans, and our team verifies your orthodontic benefits before treatment starts so there are no surprises. Flexible payment plans spread the cost over the course of treatment. For plan details, see our insurance information page.
Four Orthodontic Locations Across the Richmond Metro
Short Pump
Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics12270 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23233
| Monday | 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM |
Minutes from Short Pump Town Center, serving Glen Allen, Wyndham, Innsbrook, and western Henrico families.
Visit our Short Pump officeMechanicsville
Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics7521 Right Flank Rd #110, Mechanicsville, VA 23116
| Monday to Thursday | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Friday | 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM |
Just off I-295, serving Mechanicsville, Atlee, and Hanover County families.
Visit our Mechanicsville officeMidlothian
Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics13901 Coalfield Commons Pl, Suite 101, Midlothian, VA 23114
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Thursday | 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
Near the Midlothian YMCA, serving Midlothian, Woodlake, Brandermill, and Chesterfield County families. See our orthodontist in Midlothian page for details.
Visit our Midlothian officeRichmond (Patterson Avenue)
Dedicated Orthodontics Office8503 Patterson Ave, Richmond, VA 23229
| Monday | 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
Our dedicated orthodontics office, serving Tuckahoe, Westhampton, Bon Air, and near West End neighborhoods.
Visit our Richmond officeAll four offices book through one place: request an appointment and our team will find the location and time that work for you.
What Richmond Families Say About Our Orthodontists
★★★★★
"Our experience has been phenomenal! The front desk ladies are so friendly & welcoming, and all of the orthodontists have been warm & kind."Christina
★★★★★
"From the moment we walked in, we felt welcomed and comfortable. The entire team was incredibly nice, caring, and professional."Sheri
Want to see results, not just reviews? Browse our smile gallery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontists in Richmond, VA
What age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. By then, your child has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which lets our orthodontists spot developing bite or jaw issues early. Most kids won't need treatment at that age, and the evaluation is free.
How much do braces cost in Richmond?
Braces typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 in the Greater Richmond area, depending on treatment type and duration. RPDO offers flexible payment plans, and we verify your insurance benefits before treatment starts. Our braces cost guide for Richmond breaks down what drives the price.
Is the orthodontic consultation free?
Yes. Your first orthodontic visit at any RPDO location includes a full evaluation, treatment recommendations, and a written cost estimate at no charge. If early treatment isn't needed yet, we'll tell you that too and monitor your child's growth until the timing is right.
Do I need a referral from my dentist to see an orthodontist?
No. You can book directly with our orthodontists at any of our four Richmond-area locations. Many families come to us on a dentist's recommendation, but a referral is not required.
Should I choose braces or Invisalign?
It depends on your bite, your habits, and your preferences. Braces work around the clock without any compliance required, which makes them a strong choice for complex cases and for kids. Aligners are nearly invisible and removable, but they only work if worn 20 to 22 hours a day. At your free consultation, your orthodontist will tell you honestly whether one, both, or neither fits your case.
Do you offer orthodontic treatment for adults?
Yes. Our orthodontists treat patients of all ages at four Richmond-area locations, with options including metal braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign, and Spark Clear Aligners. Healthy teeth can move at any age.
Does Medicaid cover braces?
Virginia Medicaid covers orthodontic treatment only in limited cases that meet the state's medical necessity criteria under the Cardinal Care program. Coverage is determined case by case. Contact our team and we can help you understand your options.
How often are orthodontic appointments?
Most patients with braces come in every four to eight weeks for adjustments. Aligner patients often go longer between visits, especially with remote check-in options. Your orthodontist will set the schedule that fits your treatment, and with four Richmond-area offices, visits are easy to work around school and work.
What foods should be avoided with braces?
Hard, sticky, and chewy foods are the main troublemakers: whole nuts, popcorn, caramel, taffy, and ice chewing top the list, since they can break brackets and bend wires. Most everything else is fine, cut into manageable pieces. Our guide to braces-friendly candy and snacks covers the details.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Most comprehensive treatment takes 12 to 30 months, though simple cases can finish faster and complex bite corrections can take longer. Your orthodontist will give you a realistic timeline at your consultation, and progress checks throughout treatment keep it on track.
Ready to Get Started?
The best orthodontist in Richmond for your family is the one with the training to handle your case, the locations that fit your life, and the honesty to tell you when treatment can wait. Come see if that's us. Consultations are free at all four of our orthodontic offices across Short Pump, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, and Richmond.
Book a Free Orthodontic Consultation
