Braces Richmond VA

Metal Braces, Clear Braces and Invisalign in Richmond, VA

Updated September 28, 2026 · Richmond Virginia Orthodontics, Short Pump & Midlothian, VA

When most people hear “braces,” they picture a mouth full of shiny metal. Today’s braces are smaller, more comfortable, and come in more styles than ever, including clear, tooth-colored brackets that barely show up in photos. At Richmond Virginia Orthodontics (RVO), we’ve been straightening smiles for Richmond-area kids, teens and adults for years. Richmond Magazine readers voted us the #1 orthodontist in Richmond.

Maybe your dentist referred you, maybe you’ve noticed your child’s teeth coming in crooked, or maybe you’ve been thinking about fixing your own smile for a while. This page covers what you need to know about getting braces in Richmond, VA: the options, the timeline, the cost and what life with braces is really like.

Types of Braces We Offer in Richmond, VA

No two smiles are the same, so we don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. At your first visit, we’ll explain which options fit your bite, your goals and your budget.

Traditional metal braces

Metal braces are still the workhorse of orthodontics, and for good reason. They’re strong and precise, and they can handle nearly any alignment problem, from severe crowding to complex bite issues. Modern brackets are much smaller than the ones your parents wore. Kids and teens love picking out colored bands at each visit.

Clear (tooth-colored) braces

Clear braces work just like metal braces, but they use ceramic brackets that blend in with your natural tooth color. They’re a popular choice for adults and older teens who want the reliability of braces without drawing attention to them. They’re a little more delicate than metal, so we’ll help you decide whether they’re a good match for your case.

Invisalign clear aligners

If you’d rather skip brackets and wires entirely, Invisalign uses a series of removable, nearly invisible aligners to move your teeth. Aligners work well for many teens and adults, but they depend on you wearing them 20 to 22 hours a day. We’ll give you our honest take on whether braces or aligners will get you the better result.

Why Would You Need Braces?

A straighter smile looks great, but the benefits of orthodontic treatment go well beyond appearance. Teeth that line up properly are easier to clean, and they wear more evenly. They also help you bite, chew and speak more comfortably.

We commonly treat:

• Crowded teeth, which trap plaque and are harder to brush and floss, raising the risk of cavities and gum problems
• Gaps and spacing between teeth
• Overbites and underbites, where the upper and lower teeth don’t meet the way they should
• Crossbites, where some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth
• Open bites, where the front teeth don’t touch when you bite down

Left alone, some bite problems can lead to uneven tooth wear, jaw discomfort and, in growing kids, jaw development issues. Straightening your teeth now can save you from bigger dental problems down the road.

Are Braces Just for Kids?

Not at all. There’s no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, you can straighten your smile at 14 or at 54. Many of our patients are adults who never had braces growing up, or who had them as a kid and stopped wearing their retainer.

That said, timing does matter for children. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child’s first orthodontic check by age 7. We won’t necessarily put braces on a seven-year-old. An early visit lets us spot developing problems while the jaw is still growing, when some issues are easier to guide. Most kids who need full braces start somewhere between ages 10 and 14.

How Long Will You Need to Wear Braces?

Most of our patients wear braces for about 12 to 30 months. Minor spacing issues can take less time. Complex bite corrections take longer. Several factors affect your timeline:

• How much your teeth need to move
• Whether we’re correcting the bite as well as straightening teeth
• Your age and how your jaw is growing
• How well you follow instructions, like wearing rubber bands and avoiding foods that break brackets

After your exam, Dr. Schanilec or Dr. Gladwell will give you a realistic estimate for your treatment. Once your braces come off, you’ll wear a retainer to keep your new smile in place.

What Life With Braces Is Like

The first few days feel strange. Your teeth may be sore, and your lips and cheeks need time to get used to the brackets. Orthodontic wax and an over-the-counter pain reliever help a lot. After about a week, most patients hardly notice their braces.

Foods to avoid with braces

What you eat matters, because a broken bracket means an extra trip to our office and can add time to your treatment. Skip these while you’re in braces:

• Sticky and chewy foods: caramel, taffy, gummies, licorice, Starburst, fruit snacks and gum
• Hard foods: nuts, hard candy, ice and hard pretzels
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, tortilla chips, granola and croutons
• Foods you bite into: whole apples, raw carrots and corn on the cob

You don’t have to give up that last group entirely. Just change how you eat them. Slice apples into thin wedges, cut corn off the cob and chop raw vegetables into small pieces. If you’re ever unsure about a food, call us. We’d rather answer a quick question than repair a bracket.

Keeping your teeth healthy

Braces create more places for food and plaque to hide, so good brushing matters even more. Brush after meals, floss daily with a floss threader or water flosser, and keep up with your regular dental cleanings. Read our guide to preventing gum problems with braces for a complete routine.

What Do Braces Cost in Richmond?

The cost of braces depends on your case, the type of braces you choose and how long treatment takes. We’ll give you a clear, itemized treatment fee at your consultation, with no surprises. We also work with many dental insurance plans that include orthodontic coverage, and our team will help you understand your benefits and maximize them.

Why Richmond Families Choose RVO

• Experienced orthodontists. Dr. Chad Schanilec has more than 20 years in practice. Dr. Jason Gladwell completed his orthodontic training at VCU/MCV.
• Two convenient locations. Our Short Pump office at Greengate in Henrico and our Midlothian office on Winterview Parkway.
• Modern technology. We use digital X-rays and 3D imaging to plan treatment precisely.
• A team that treats you like family. And yes, the coffee in our Charity Cafe is free, and 100% of donations go to a local charity.

Braces FAQs

Do braces hurt?

Braces don’t hurt when they go on. You’ll probably feel some soreness for a few days afterward and after adjustments. Soft foods and an over-the-counter pain reliever usually take care of it.

How often will I need appointments?

Most patients see us every 6 to 10 weeks for adjustments. Visits are usually quick, so they’re easy to fit around school or work.

Can adults get clear braces?

Yes. Clear ceramic braces are one of the most popular options for adults who want a discreet look with the precision of traditional braces.

Do I need a referral from my dentist?

No. Many patients come to us through their family dentist, but you’re welcome to schedule a new patient exam on your own.

Schedule Your Braces Consultation in Richmond, VA

Ready to find out whether braces are right for you or your child? Call us at 804-884-9906 or use the appointment request form on this page. We’ll take a close look at your smile, answer your questions and walk you through your options, with no pressure. We look forward to meeting you.