Compare 38 orthodontists in Richmond, VA. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
38
Orthodontists
100%
Accepting patients
61%
Most common: DDS
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Richmond punches above its weight as a healthcare city. VCU Medical Center is the academic anchor, a Level I trauma center that serves as the safety net for central Virginia. Bon Secours and HCA compete aggressively across the suburbs, giving patients genuine system-level choices. The healthcare corridor along Broad Street packs more hospital beds per mile than most cities twice Richmond's size.
Richmond has 38 orthodontists. The most common credential is DDS (61%). 100% are currently accepting new patients. Practitioners see patients in neighborhoods including The Fan District, Carytown, Church Hill, and Scott's Addition.
VCU Medical Center sits in the heart of downtown, walkable from the Fan District and accessible via Pulse bus rapid transit. Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital is on the south side along Bremo Road, while HCA's Henrico Doctors' Hospital covers the west end and northern suburbs. Chippenham Hospital (HCA) serves south Richmond and Chesterfield County. The city's relatively compact size keeps most specialist appointments within a 20-minute drive.
Nearby hospitals include VCU Medical Center, Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital, and HCA Henrico Doctors' Hospital. Local training programs run through Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and University of Richmond. VCU Medical Center is a Level I trauma center and the primary academic medical center for central Virginia.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is the dominant carrier for both commercial and Medicaid managed care plans. Cigna, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare are common in employer-sponsored coverage. Virginia Medicaid runs through Medallion 4.0 managed care, with Anthem HealthKeepers, Aetna Better Health, Molina, and Virginia Premier as the main options in the Richmond area.
The first visit includes a visual exam of your teeth and bite, plus X-rays and photos. The orthodontist will explain whether treatment is needed, outline your options (braces vs. aligners), estimate treatment time, and discuss costs. No treatment begins at the initial consultation.
VCU's School of Dentistry operates a large teaching clinic that provides comprehensive dental care at reduced rates with faculty oversight. Private practices are plentiful in the Fan District, Carytown, and the west end suburbs.
Consider an orthodontic evaluation if you or your child has crowded or crooked teeth, an overbite or underbite, jaw pain when chewing, difficulty cleaning between overlapping teeth, or speech issues related to jaw alignment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children get their first evaluation by age seven.
Metal braces: $3,000-7,000 · Ceramic braces: $4,000-8,000 · Clear aligners: $3,000-8,000
Richmond's humid subtropical climate promotes bacterial growth, and dentists here frequently discuss the link between humidity, diet, and gum disease with patients.
Overlapping or rotated teeth are harder to keep clean and can lead to cavities and gum disease over time. Orthodontic treatment gradually moves teeth into alignment using braces or clear aligners.
Bite misalignment affects chewing, speech, and jaw health. Orthodontists correct these issues during childhood when possible, but adult treatment is effective at any age.
An uneven bite forces your jaw muscles to compensate, which can lead to chronic jaw pain and TMJ symptoms. Correcting the alignment often resolves the pain at its source.
Gaps between teeth can be cosmetic concerns or signs of underlying gum or bone issues. Orthodontic treatment closes gaps while ensuring the bite stays balanced.
After braces or aligners, retainers keep teeth in their new positions. Regular follow-up ensures your results last and catches any early signs of relapse.
Richmond, VA has 38 licensed orthodontists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of orthodontists in Richmond, VA are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield dominates the Virginia market, followed by Cigna and Aetna for employer-sponsored plans. Virginia's Medicaid expansion in 2019 significantly increased coverage, and most Richmond providers accept Medallion 4.0 managed care plans through Anthem, Aetna, Molina, and Virginia Premier.
Metal braces typically cost $3,000 to $7,000. Ceramic braces run $4,000 to $8,000. Clear aligners range from $3,000 to $8,000 depending on complexity. Actual costs in Richmond, VA depend on the provider and your insurance plan. Most orthodontists offer in-house payment plans that spread the cost over the length of treatment, often with no interest. Many dental plans include an orthodontic benefit with a lifetime maximum of $1,000 to $2,500.
Richmond has three competing hospital systems, which gives patients real leverage when choosing providers. VCU handles the most complex cases and serves as the default referral center for central Virginia. Bon Secours and HCA both operate extensive primary care and specialist networks in the suburbs.
DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery and DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. Both are equivalent qualifications. In Richmond, VA, 61% hold the DDS credential and 11% hold DMD. The difference is in training pathway, not quality of care.
Some orthodontists in Richmond, VA accept Virginia Medicaid, the state's Medicaid program. Medicaid typically covers orthodontic treatment for children when there is a documented medical need. Adult orthodontic coverage is rare under Medicaid. Requirements and documentation standards vary by state. Contact the provider's office directly to confirm Virginia Medicaid participation before scheduling.
RBHA is the city's public community services board, providing mental health, substance use, and intellectual disability services regardless of ability to pay. It operates crisis services, outpatient clinics, and residential programs across the city.
No. While VCU is the regional referral center for trauma and complex subspecialty care, it also operates primary care clinics, family medicine practices, and routine specialty services open to all patients.
Top accepted carriers in Richmond, VA include qhp-87571, qhp-33602, qhp-30751, humana, and unitedhealthcare.
Many dental plans include an orthodontic benefit with a lifetime maximum, commonly $1,000 to $2,500. This usually covers only one round of treatment. Most orthodontists offer in-house payment plans that spread costs over the length of treatment with no interest. Ask about your plan's age limits, as some only cover patients under 19.