Why Choose Us

Why Choose Valley Orthodontics in Decatur & Hartselle, AL

Choosing an orthodontist is a decision you live with for years, so it should be an easy one. Valley Orthodontics pairs two board-certified orthodontists, Dr. Lew Sample and Dr. Lauren Newton, with two convenient North Alabama offices, decades of “Best of the Best” recognition, modern comfortable technology, a free first visit, and no-interest payment plans. Here’s what sets our practice apart.

For nearly three decades, families across Decatur, Hartselle, and Morgan County have trusted us with their smiles and with their kids’. We think that trust is earned in the details: the training behind your treatment plan, the way we explain your options, and the flexibility to fit care into a real family budget and schedule. Here’s what you can expect.

Board-Certified Orthodontic Specialists

Your treatment is planned by a board-certified orthodontist. Dr. Lew Sample is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), the specialty’s voluntary gold standard, and he earned the Shepard Award for the highest score in the nation on the ABO Phase 2 examination. He’s joined by Dr. Lauren Newton, a board-certified orthodontist and Decatur native who completed her orthodontic residency at UAB. Meet the doctors and read more about what board certification really means.

Recognized by the Community We Serve

Reputation is built patient by patient, year after year. Valley Orthodontics has been voted Decatur’s “Best of the Best” in nearly every one of the last 20 years, and Hartselle’s “Best of the Best” every year since the award began in 2020. That recognition comes from thousands of finished smiles and families who send their friends and neighbors our way.

Two Offices, One Team

We make specialist care convenient with locations in both Decatur and Hartselle - the same doctors, the same team, and shared records at both. Whether one office is closer to home, work, or your child’s school, you get the identical standard of care either way. Not sure which fits your week best? Explore the Decatur office, the Hartselle office, or the communities we serve across North Alabama.

Modern, Comfortable Technology

Great outcomes start with precise planning. Our offices use the iTero® digital scanner and 3D imaging to map your bite in minutes - no goopy putty impressions - so your treatment is planned accurately and comfortably from day one. It also lets you see your own smile on screen and understand exactly what we’re recommending and why.

Care That Fits Your Life and Your Budget

We know orthodontics is an investment of both time and money, and we work hard to make it manageable. That’s why we offer same-day consultations, short wait times, a free first visit with no cost or obligation, and no-interest in-house payment plans starting around $120 a month. We’re in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama and Delta Dental Premier, and we accept CareCredit and HSA/FSA funds. See our financing and insurance page for details.

A Practice Built on Trust

We prioritize open, honest communication - you’ll always understand your options, your timeline, and your costs before you commit, and we’ll never recommend treatment you don’t need. And your safety and comfort come first, with rigorous sterilization and infection-control standards at every visit.