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BELLGRADE

11321 Polo Pl
Midlothian, VA 23113
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CHESTERFIELD

12125 Branders Creek Dr
Chester, VA 23831
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NORTHSIDE

3408 Hermitage Rd
Richmond, VA 23227
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WEST END

3800 Stillman Pkwy
Richmond, VA 23233
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Why Choose Bates Orthodontics

We believe a great smile can change a life. We also believe it’s important for you to find a place where you feel comfortable. That’s why at Bates Orthodontics you’ll find:

Customized Treatment Plans

We have treated patients ranging in age from 7 to 82. Dr. Bates will work with you to customize treatment for your unique needs.

Amazing Customer Service

When you become a patient at Bates Orthodontics, you become part of our family. We’re committed to providing superior service care.

No Pressure

We’ll never pressure you to start treatment—only give you our recommendations to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Highly recommend Bates Ortho. My whole family loves them.
DAVID BLANCHARD

Bates Orthodontics is the absolute best! We are beyond pleased.
NICOLE UKROP

Dr. Bates and his team made the process incredibly easy. I love my new smile!
LIZ THOMSON

Dr. Bates and staff are committed to both patient care and overall experience.
TREMETRIS HARRELL

Everyone is so kind and happy. It's like a little family and I just love them!
ALEXIS DADDIO

Comparison Point	Traditional Braces	Invisalign	LightForce
Technology & Materials	Metal or ceramic brackets	SmartTrack material	3D printing technology, polycrystalline material
Customization	Standard brackets adjusted manually	Custom-made aligners	Custom-fit brackets
Treatment Process	Periodic adjustments, typically every 6-8 weeks	Series of aligners, check-ups every 10-12+ weeks	Custom brackets, check-ups every 10-12+ weeks
Comfort & Aesthetics	Visible brackets and wires, can cause irritation	Smooth, comfortable, nearly invisible	Custom-fit, clear brackets
Effectiveness & Treatment Time	Effective for all cases, 18-24 months	Effective for wide range, 12-18 months	Precision movements, similar or shorter time
Availability & Provider Experience	Widely available	Widely available	Growing availability
Post-Treatment Maintenance	Retainers required	Vivera retainers	Custom retainers
Adjustability During Treatment	Orthodontist adjusts brackets and wires	Removable aligners, new aligners if needed	Fixed brackets, orthodontist adjustments
Patient Compliance	Fixed, no compliance issues for tooth movement	Requires 20-22 hours per day wear	Fixed, no compliance issues for tooth movement
Lifestyle and Convenience	Some food restrictions, regular cleaning	Removable for eating and special occasions	Fixed, some food restrictions, regular cleaning
Visibility and Social Impact	Visible, may affect speech	Nearly invisible, minimal impact on speech	Clear brackets, less noticeable, minimal impact on speech