First Visit

What to Expect at Your First Orthodontist Visit in Decatur & Hartselle, AL

Your first visit to Valley Orthodontics is a free, no-obligation exam. Dr. Sample or Dr. Lauren reviews your bite and smile, we take quick digital images with our iTero® scanner, and you leave with a clear treatment plan and a cost estimate - usually in about an hour. No dentist referral is needed to get started.

We’re excited to meet you and your family. That first appointment is the foundation of everything that follows, so we take the time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and give you an honest picture of your options - all before you commit to anything.

What Happens at Your First Visit

Your visit is relaxed and unhurried. Here’s the typical flow:

• A warm welcome and a few questions about your dental history and what brought you in.
• A thorough exam of your teeth, bite, and jaw by Dr. Lew Sample or Dr. Lauren.
• Digital records as needed - a fast, comfortable iTero® digital scan and images, with no goopy putty impressions.
• A plain-language discussion of whether treatment is recommended, which options fit, and what to expect.

To keep things efficient, we may set aside a little extra time right after the exam to capture diagnostic records so we can build a precise plan - this fuller session usually runs about an hour total.

Questions We’ll Answer Together

Come with as many questions as you like. During your visit we’ll cover the ones families ask most:

• Can orthodontics correct my specific concern?
• Should we begin now, or wait for the right stage of growth or tooth development?
• Which treatment would you recommend, and why?
• Will any teeth need to be removed?
• How long will treatment take?
• What will it cost, and what payment options are available?

We’ll give you clear answers during the exam, then confirm the details once we’ve reviewed your diagnostic records.

What to Bring

A little preparation helps us give you the most accurate estimate on day one:

• Your orthodontic insurance card, if you have coverage - this lets us estimate your out-of-pocket cost right away.
• A recent panoramic X-ray, if one was taken by your dentist in the past six months (optional - we can take our own images if not).
• Your list of questions, so nothing gets forgotten.

Your Personalized Treatment Plan and Cost Estimate

After the exam, we’ll walk you through a treatment plan built around your smile - the recommended approach, the expected timeline, and a clear cost estimate with no surprises. We’ll also review our flexible, no-interest payment options and answer any financial questions. Our goal is simple: you leave understanding exactly what your smile needs and what it will cost, with zero pressure to decide on the spot.

A Relaxed, Family-Friendly Experience

Great orthodontic care starts with open, honest conversation. We’ll share our findings candidly, talk through any alternatives, and make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way - whether the patient is a nervous seven-year-old or a grown-up finally treating themselves to a straighter smile.