Types of Braces in Decatur & Hartselle, AL
Today’s braces come in several styles - traditional metal, tooth-colored ceramic, and low-profile self-ligating braces - each designed to straighten your teeth and correct your bite. At Valley Orthodontics, board-certified orthodontist Dr. Lew Sample - a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics - and associate Dr. Lauren help patients across Decatur, Hartselle, and Morgan County choose the option that fits their smile, their lifestyle, and their budget.
If you’re thinking about braces for yourself or your child, you have more choices than ever. Braces have come a long way - they’re smaller, more comfortable, and less noticeable than the ones you might remember. But with more options comes a bigger question: which type of braces is right for you? For more than a decade, our family-owned orthodontic practice in North Alabama has helped patients answer exactly that. On this page, we’ll walk you through the main types of braces we offer in Decatur and Hartselle, how they compare, and how to pick the one that’s the best fit. Then we’ll invite you in for a free consultation to make it official.
What Are Braces and How Do They Work?
Braces are fixed orthodontic appliances that gently guide your teeth into better positions over time. Each set uses three basic parts working together: small brackets bonded to the front of your teeth, a thin archwire that runs through them, and something to hold the wire in place. As your orthodontist adjusts the wire over the course of treatment, it applies steady, gentle pressure that moves your teeth exactly where they need to go.
Braces can correct a wide range of concerns, including crowded or crooked teeth, gaps, and bite problems like overbite, underbite, and crossbite. They’re a proven, reliable option for children, teens, and adults alike - and for some complex cases, they still do the job better than any other treatment.
Types of Braces at Valley Orthodontics
Here are the main types of braces we offer at our Decatur and Hartselle offices, and who each one tends to suit best.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are still the most commonly used type today. These braces have evolved to become smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient. They are made from high-grade metal alloys, offering durability and effective treatment. Patients can also personalize their braces with colored elastics, adding a fun and colorful touch to their smile.
Best for: all ages, complex cases, budget-conscious families, and anyone who wants proven results.
Ceramic (Clear) Braces
Ceramic braces work just like metal braces, but the brackets are made from a clear or tooth-colored material that blends in with your smile. From a short distance away, they’re much harder to notice. That makes ceramic braces a great middle ground for older teens and adults who want the strength of braces without the more visible metal look. They call for a little extra care to keep them looking their best, and they usually cost a bit more than metal.
Best for: image-conscious teens and adults who want a discreet fixed option.
Self-Ligating Braces
Best for: patients who want a lower-maintenance option or fewer trips to the office.
Prefer to Skip Braces Altogether?
Not everyone needs traditional braces. If you have mild to moderate alignment concerns and like the idea of a removable, nearly invisible option, clear aligners may be a great fit. We offer both Invisalign® and 3M Clarity™ Aligners at both of our offices. Your orthodontist will tell you honestly whether aligners can get you the result you want, or whether braces are the better tool for your case.
How to Choose the Right Braces for You
With so many options, the best choice comes down to a few personal factors:
- The complexity of your case. More involved bite or alignment problems often respond best to metal or self-ligating braces.
- Appearance. If a discreet look matters to you, ceramic braces or clear aligners may be worth the added investment.
- Lifestyle and maintenance. Think about your daily routine, how much upkeep you want, and how often you can visit the office.
- Budget. Every option comes with different pricing, and we offer financing to make any of them work for your family.
The good news: you don’t have to figure this out alone. At your free consultation, Dr. Sample or Dr. Lauren will examine your teeth, explain which options will work for your specific smile, and help you weigh the trade-offs - no pressure, just clear guidance.
Life With Braces: What to Expect
Adjusting to braces takes a few days, and it’s normal for your teeth to feel a little tender after they’re placed or tightened. That feeling passes quickly, and soft foods and over-the-counter pain relief help in the meantime. Keeping your teeth clean is the most important habit during treatment - brushing after meals and flossing daily keeps your teeth healthy and your treatment on schedule. You’ll also want to steer clear of hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage your braces; our guide to foods to avoid with braces covers the details. For everything else about daily care, see our all about braces page.
The Cost of Braces & Insurance in Decatur & Hartselle
The cost of braces depends on the type you choose and how much correction your smile needs, so we provide a clear, personalized quote at your free consultation - before you commit to anything. We work hard to keep treatment affordable for North Alabama families:
- In-house payment plans with no interest, with monthly options starting from $120
- Low and no-down-payment plans available
- In-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama and Delta Dental Premier
- CareCredit financing and HSA/FSA funds accepted
- Help filing your orthodontic insurance claims, including direct billing for out-of-network plans
You can learn more on our financing and insurance page, or just ask us - we’re always happy to walk through the numbers with you.
Why Choose Valley Orthodontics for Braces
When it comes to braces, experience matters. 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 your treatment is guided by a true specialist from start to finish. Our Decatur and Hartselle offices use modern tools like iTero® digital scanning for precise, comfortable planning, and we’re proud to be a repeat “Best of the Best” winner in both communities. With two convenient locations, expert care is always close to home for families in Decatur, Hartselle, Priceville, Falkville, and the surrounding area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do braces cost at Valley Orthodontics, and do you offer payment plans?
Cost varies by the type of braces - metal is typically the most affordable, with ceramic and self-ligating options costing a bit more - and by how much correction your smile needs, so we give you a personalized quote at your free consultation. No-interest in-house payment plans from $120 a month keep any option affordable.
What is the best age for a child to get braces?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic checkup by age 7, even though many children get braces a few years later. An early visit lets us spot issues early and choose the best time to begin. Learn more on our early treatment page.
Do braces hurt?
Getting braces placed doesn’t hurt, though your teeth may feel tender for a few days afterward and after each adjustment. This is normal, temporary, and easily managed with soft foods and over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long does treatment with braces take?
Most patients wear braces for about 18 to 24 months, but the exact time depends on your specific needs. Your orthodontist will give you an estimated timeline at your consultation.
What foods should I avoid with braces?
Hard, sticky, and chewy foods - like ice, hard candy, caramel, and popcorn - can damage brackets and wires. Our foods to avoid guide has the full list so you can protect your braces and stay on track.
Can adults get braces too?
Absolutely. Many of our patients are adults, and braces work at any age. If you’d prefer a more discreet option, we can also talk about ceramic braces or clear aligners. See our adult treatment page for more.
Schedule Your Free Braces Consultation in North Alabama
Ready to find the right braces for your smile? Booking a free consultation at Valley Orthodontics is the first step - no cost, no commitment. Dr. Lew Sample and Dr. Lauren will examine your teeth, explain your options in plain language, and give you a clear plan and price in one friendly visit.
Decatur Office - 2014 Danville Park Dr SW, Decatur, AL 35603 · (256) 355-5255 Hartselle Office - 220 Karl Prince Dr SW, Hartselle, AL 35640 · (256) 773-8613
Conveniently located in Decatur and Hartselle, proudly serving Priceville, Falkville, Danville, and the surrounding Morgan County communities.