The short answer: A general dentist manages your overall oral health — cleanings, fillings, exams, and sometimes basic clear aligner cases. An orthodontist is a dental specialist who completes 2 to 3 additional years of full-time residency training beyond dental school, focused entirely on moving teeth and correcting bites. For crowding, spacing, bite problems, or Invisalign and braces — especially anything beyond a simple case — see an orthodontist. For cavities, cleanings, and general dental health, your regular dentist is the right call. Dr. Richard Villa has practiced as an orthodontist in Glen Allen, VA since 1997 and offers a free consultation to evaluate your case.
What a General Dentist Does
Your general dentist is the specialist you see most often: routine cleanings and exams, cavity fillings, root canals, crowns, and overall oral health monitoring. Many general dentists are excellent at what they do and are the right first stop for almost any dental concern. Some general dentists also offer simple clear aligner systems as an add-on service.
What an Orthodontist Does
An orthodontist is a dentist who went on to complete an additional 2 to 3 years of full-time residency training focused specifically on tooth movement, jaw alignment, and bite correction — nothing else. That extra training is what an orthodontist practices exclusively, every day, rather than as one service among many. Dr. Villa completed this specialty training and has focused solely on orthodontics in Glen Allen since 1997, earning Invisalign certification in 1998 among the first orthodontists in the Richmond area to do so.
Why “My Dentist Offers Invisalign” Isn’t Always the Same Thing
It’s increasingly common for general dentists to offer basic clear aligner treatment for simple, mild cases. That can be a fine option for very minor spacing. But bite problems, significant crowding, jaw alignment issues, and anything that needs to account for how teeth and jaws grow (especially in kids and teens) fall squarely inside an orthodontist’s specialty training. If your dentist recommends aligners and you’re not sure whether your case is “simple,” a second opinion from an orthodontist costs you a free consultation and nothing else.
Signs You Should See an Orthodontist
- Visible crowding, gaps, or teeth that overlap
- A bite that doesn’t line up — an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite
- Jaw clicking, popping, or discomfort when chewing
- Your general dentist has specifically recommended an orthodontic evaluation
- Your child is around age 7 and hasn’t had a first orthodontic evaluation yet — most orthodontists recommend this age even if nothing looks obviously wrong, because early signs of crowding or bite problems are easiest to catch while the jaw is still growing
When to See Both
Orthodontic treatment and general dental care aren’t a choice between one or the other — most patients need both. Villa Orthodontics coordinates with your general dentist throughout treatment, since routine cleanings and cavity checks continue on their normal schedule while braces or Invisalign are doing their work.
What to Expect at Villa Orthodontics
Every new patient starts with a free consultation and a real, all-in quote — no pressure to commit. Dr. Villa will tell you plainly whether your case is a good fit for Invisalign, braces, or something else, and whether the timing is right to start now or wait. Learn more about early orthodontic evaluations for kids or compare clear aligners vs. braces if you already know you need treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an orthodontist more expensive than a general dentist for braces?
Cost depends on your specific case, not just which type of provider you see. What you’re paying for with an orthodontist is training focused entirely on tooth movement and bite correction, which matters more on complex cases. A free consultation gives you an exact, all-in quote either way.
Can my general dentist do everything an orthodontist can?
For very simple, minor spacing cases, some general dentists offer basic aligner treatment. For crowding, bite problems, jaw alignment, or anything beyond a mild case, an orthodontist’s additional 2 to 3 years of specialty residency training makes a real difference in outcomes.
At what age should my child first see an orthodontist instead of just the dentist?
Around age 7, in addition to their regular dentist visits. Most 7-year-olds won’t need treatment yet, but an early evaluation catches developing bite and crowding issues while the jaw is still growing. Villa Orthodontics offers this evaluation free.
Do I need a referral from my dentist to see an orthodontist?
No referral is required to schedule a free consultation at Villa Orthodontics. Many patients come on their dentist’s recommendation, but you’re welcome to schedule directly if you notice crowding, bite issues, or just want a second opinion.
Find Out Which You Need
Request a free consultation or call (804) 747-0137. Villa Orthodontics is at 10120 W Broad St, Suite L, Glen Allen, VA, also serving Richmond and Henrico County.
(804) 747-0137