Phase II/Adolescent Treatment

Teen Orthodontics in Decatur & Hartselle, AL

The teen years are prime time for orthodontic treatment - most permanent teeth have come in and the jaw is still growing, so braces and clear aligners work efficiently. At Valley Orthodontics in Decatur and Hartselle, board-certified orthodontist Dr. Lew Sample offers teens both traditional braces and Invisalign, tailored to their smile, their activities, and their confidence.

Somewhere between about ages 11 and 15, most kids reach the sweet spot for orthodontic treatment. Their baby teeth have given way to permanent ones, and their jaws are still developing enough to guide teeth into place efficiently. It’s also a time when a straighter, more confident smile can mean a lot socially. Whether your teen needs a little fine-tuning or comprehensive treatment, we make the whole experience straightforward for teens and parents alike - with expert care, honest guidance, and flexible options that fit a busy family schedule.

Why the Teen Years Are Ideal for Treatment

By the early teens, the mouth is usually ready: the permanent teeth are mostly in, and the jaw still has enough growth left to help move teeth into a healthy bite. Treating during this window often means more efficient results than waiting until adulthood, when the jaw has finished growing. It’s also easier to build good habits - brushing around braces, wearing aligners, keeping appointments - when treatment fits into the routine of the school years.

Braces or Invisalign for Your Teen?

Today’s teens have real choices, and the best one depends on the smile and the teen:

• Braces - metal or clear ceramic braces handle the widest range of cases and don’t rely on a teen remembering to wear them. Colored bands let kids personalize metal braces, which many teens love.
• Invisalign - as an Invisalign Silver Provider, we offer clear, removable aligners for responsible teens who want a nearly invisible option. Invisalign Teen even includes wear-time indicators to help everyone stay on track.
• 3M Clarity Aligners - a second clear-aligner system, giving Dr. Sample another discreet tool to match to your teen.

At your free consultation, Dr. Sample will lay out the honest pros and cons of each and recommend the best fit - no pressure.

Life as a Teen With Braces or Aligners

Sports, band, choir, a first job - teen life is busy, and treatment fits right in. Teens who play contact sports can protect braces with a mouthguard, and wind-instrument players adjust within a week or two. Clear aligners come out for games, performances, and meals, then go right back in. Keeping teeth clean is the one non-negotiable: brushing after meals and flossing daily keeps treatment on schedule and the smile healthy underneath. Our team coaches every teen through it.

Specialist Care That Makes a Difference

Your teen’s smile is worth a specialist. Dr. Sample is a board-certified orthodontist - a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics - with decades of experience treating teens across North Alabama. That expertise means an efficient plan, fewer surprises, and results built to last, all delivered in a warm, encouraging environment your teen will actually look forward to visiting.

Cost, Insurance & Financing

We make teen treatment affordable for Decatur and Hartselle families with no-interest in-house payment plans starting from $120 a month, in-network coverage with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama and Delta Dental Premier, plus CareCredit and HSA/FSA. You’ll get a clear, itemized quote at your free consultation - see our financing and insurance page for details.