Updated orthodontist recommendations and questions

I'm reluctantly looking at getting my daughter's first orthodontist appointment.

I've been told orthodontists give a variety of recommendations and one's recs might contradict another's recs.  

I was also told that even if they offer a free consultation, you may have to pay hundreds for X-rays for that initial visit. 

Can anyone give me a quick rundown on what to expect or to ask for? If an orthodontist is right next to.my chil's dentist's office and is mildly affiliated w them, could they use the same X-rays? 

Any orthodontist recommendations, preferably in El Cerrito, Albany, or Berkeley? But I'm happy to travel farther to save money/get a good and trustworthy orthodontist.

My family was low income growing up and I have no experience with braces or orthodontists. My parents looked at it as a money making scheme when my dentist mentioned once that I might need braces, so I'm trying to figure out what to expect. 

Thanks!