What to Expect at Your First Orthodontic Consultation

The short answer: A first visit at Villa Orthodontics is a free, no-pressure exam — Dr. Richard Villa looks at your teeth, bite and jaw, reviews digital images, and tells you plainly whether treatment is needed now, later, or not at all. If treatment makes sense, you leave with a real, all-in quote, not a vague estimate. Plan on about 45 minutes to an hour. Call (804) 747-0137 or request an appointment to get started.

Check-In and Some Quick Paperwork

New patients typically fill out a short health and insurance history, either ahead of time online or at the office. If you have dental insurance, bring your card so our team can check for orthodontic benefits before your exam even begins.

A Real Exam, Not a Sales Pitch

Dr. Villa examines your teeth, bite and jaw in person, looking for crowding, spacing, bite misalignment, and how your jaw is developing. Digital images or a scan are typically taken at this visit to get a complete picture beyond what’s visible to the eye alone — things like root position and how teeth are positioned beneath the gumline.

A Straight Answer About Whether You Need Treatment

Not every consultation ends in a treatment plan. For kids, Dr. Villa may simply recommend a follow-up evaluation in a year or two if nothing needs attention yet. For teens and adults, he’ll tell you honestly whether your case is a good fit for Invisalign, braces, or whether a jaw issue means surgical orthodontics should be part of the conversation.

A Real Quote, Not a Range

If treatment is recommended, you’ll get an exact, all-in cost for your specific case before you decide anything — not a rough estimate that changes later. Our team also walks through insurance coverage, Medicaid, and in-house payment plan options at this same visit.

Questions Worth Bringing

  • Which treatment options fit my specific case, and why?
  • How long is treatment likely to take?
  • What does it actually cost, all in, after insurance?
  • What happens at each visit during treatment?
  • Is now the right time to start, or should we wait?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the first consultation really free?

Yes. Every new patient, regardless of age, gets a complimentary consultation and exam before any decision or payment is involved.

How long does the first visit take?

Plan on roughly 45 minutes to an hour, including paperwork, the exam, any images, and time to go through your questions and options.

Do I need a referral from my dentist?

No referral is required. Many patients come on their dentist’s recommendation, but you’re welcome to schedule a consultation directly.

What if the consultation shows I don’t need treatment yet?

That’s a completely normal outcome, especially for younger kids. Dr. Villa will recommend a simple follow-up timeline rather than starting treatment before it’s actually needed.

Book Your Free Consultation

Request an appointment or call (804) 747-0137. Villa Orthodontics is at 10120 W Broad St, Suite L, Glen Allen, VA, also serving Richmond, Henrico County, Innsbrook and Short Pump.

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