Invisalign

How Invisalign Treatment Works

Invisalign treatment at our Decatur and Hartselle offices follows a simple, comfortable path from your first visit to your final smile:

1. Free consultation. Dr. Sample or Dr. Lauren examines your teeth and talks with you about your goals. This first visit is complimentary, and there’s no pressure - just honest answers.
2. Digital 3D scan. We use an iTero® digital scanner to capture a precise 3D image of your teeth. No messy putty impressions, and you can often see a preview of your future smile right on the screen.
3. Your custom plan. Your orthodontist maps out each stage of tooth movement and designs a series of aligners made just for you.
4. Wear and switch. You wear your aligners about 20 to 22 hours a day, taking them out only to eat and clean your teeth. Every week or two, you move to the next set.
5. Check-ins and your new smile. You’ll stop by one of our offices now and then so we can make sure everything is on track. When you finish, we’ll fit you with a retainer to protect your results for the long term.

Most patients complete Invisalign treatment within about 12 to 18 months, though the exact timeline depends on your smile and your goals. Your orthodontist will give you a clear estimate at your consultation.

The Benefits of Choosing Invisalign at Valley Orthodontics

Here is what you can expect with Invisalign at Valley Orthodontics:

Care from a board-certified orthodontist

Invisalign works best in the hands of a specialist. Dr. Lew Sample is a board-certified orthodontist - a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics - with 28 years of experience and roughly 16,500 smiles treated. Orthodontics is all we do, so you get a treatment plan built on real expertise. Because orthodontics is all we do, a specialist builds your plan from start to finish.

A truly discreet, comfortable option

Invisalign aligners are clear and smooth. There are no brackets to irritate your cheeks and no wires to poke. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing - a big reason Invisalign is so popular with working adults, high-school and college students, and anyone with a wedding or reunion on the calendar.

Eat what you want, brush like normal

Because you remove your aligners to eat, there are no food restrictions. Popcorn, apples, corn on the cob - all still on the menu. And since you take the trays out to brush and floss, keeping your teeth and gums healthy during treatment is simple.

Two offices, close to home

We see patients at two locations - Decatur and Hartselle - so quality orthodontic care is never a long drive. Many of our families come from Priceville, Falkville, Danville, Hartselle, and the surrounding Morgan County communities. We also offer same-day starts and free consultations, and we’re proud to be a repeat “Best of the Best” winner in both Decatur and Hartselle.

The right technology

Our offices use iTero® 3D digital scanning and modern imaging, so your aligners are designed with precision from day one - and you spend less time in the chair.

Is Invisalign Right for You?

Invisalign is a great fit for most people who want straighter teeth without traditional braces. It works especially well if you:

• Are an adult who wants a discreet, low-profile option (adult orthodontics)
• Are a teen who’s active in sports, music, or theater and wants freedom during treatment
• Have mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite concerns
• Are committed to wearing your aligners the recommended 20 to 22 hours a day

There are also age-specific options. Invisalign Teen is designed for the busy lives of teenagers and includes helpful features like compliance indicators, making it a strong choice alongside our adolescent treatment options. For younger children, Invisalign First can guide growing smiles as part of early orthodontic treatment.

Some complex bite or alignment issues are better treated with braces or a combination approach. During your free consultation, Dr. Sample or Dr. Lauren will give you a straight answer about whether Invisalign will get you the result you want - or whether another option would serve you better.

What to Expect at Your Invisalign Visit

If you’ve never been to an orthodontist, here’s what your first visit looks like. You’ll meet your orthodontist and our team, tour the office, and sit down for a friendly conversation about what’s bothering you and what you’d like to change. We’ll examine your teeth and bite, take a quick digital scan or images if needed, and explain your options in plain language.

Before you leave, you’ll know whether you’re a candidate for Invisalign, roughly how long treatment would take, and exactly what it would cost - including your monthly payment options. No surprises, no runaround. If you decide to move forward, many patients can begin the process the same day.

Invisalign Cost & Insurance in Decatur & Hartselle

The most common question we hear is, “How much does Invisalign cost?” The honest answer is that it depends on your specific smile and how much movement your teeth need. That’s why we give every patient a clear, itemized quote at their free consultation - before you commit to anything.

What we can promise is that we work hard to make treatment affordable for North Alabama families:

• In-house payment plans with no interest, so you can spread the cost over time
• Monthly plans starting as low as $120
• In-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama and Delta Dental Premier
• CareCredit financing and HSA/FSA funds accepted
• Help maximizing your orthodontic insurance benefits, including direct billing for out-of-network plans

Many dental insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit that applies to Invisalign, and our team will handle the paperwork and file your claims for you. Visit our financing and insurance page for more detail, or just ask us at your visit - we’re happy to walk through the numbers with you.