Orthodontic treatment is a long-term relationship. Most patients see their orthodontist regularly for a year or more, and families often return as younger siblings grow. That makes choosing the right office worth some thought.
This guide explains which credentials to check, what to ask at a consultation, what a helpful first visit feels like, and practical considerations for families in Birmingham, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, and nearby communities.
Credentials to Check
A Current Dental License
Every dentist and orthodontist practicing in Alabama must be licensed by the Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama. The board’s license lookup tool lets you confirm that a provider’s license is current.
Orthodontic Specialty Training
All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists who offer braces or aligners are orthodontists. Orthodontists complete additional years of study after dental school, and their practices focus on aligning teeth and jaws, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. It is reasonable to ask where a provider completed orthodontic residency training. Our guide on orthodontists vs. dentists explains the difference in more detail.
Professional Memberships
The AAO is open only to orthodontists, so membership is one way to confirm specialty training. The AAO’s orthodontist locator tool lists member orthodontists by location. Membership in state and regional orthodontic associations can also show ongoing involvement in the specialty.
Experience With Your Type of Case
If you or your child has a specific concern, such as a significant bite problem, a cleft, or a need for discreet treatment as an adult, ask how often the office treats similar cases.
Questions to Ask at a Consultation
A consultation is your chance to learn about both the treatment and the practice. Consider asking
- What orthodontic problem do you see, and what may happen if we wait?
- What treatment options fit this case, and why do you recommend one over another?
- About how long might treatment take, and how often are appointments?
- Who will I see at most visits?
- What does the fee include, and what payment options are available?
- How does the office handle insurance?
- What happens if something breaks between appointments?
- How do you coordinate with my general dentist?
- What does retention look like after treatment?
What a Helpful Consultation Feels Like
The first visit can tell you a lot about how an office works. A good consultation often includes
- A thorough exam and records. The orthodontist looks at your teeth, bite, and jaws, often with photos and X-rays or scans.
- A clear explanation. You should leave understanding what the problem is and why a particular approach is recommended.
- Honest options. Sometimes the right recommendation is to wait and monitor, especially for young children.
- Time for questions. You should not feel rushed or pressured to start treatment that day.
- Transparent financial information. Fees, what they include, and payment options should be explained clearly.
It can also help to notice how the team treats you and your child, whether the office feels organized, and whether your questions are answered in plain language.
Practical Considerations for Birmingham-Area Families
Location and Drive Time
Because treatment involves many visits, a convenient location matters. Consider the drive from home, school, and work, and how traffic affects that trip at different times of day.
Appointment Availability
Ask about office hours and how appointments are scheduled around school and work. Early morning appointments can help some students miss less class time.
Emergency Support
Find out how the office handles loose brackets, poking wires, or lost aligners, and how to reach the team between visits.
Reviews and Results
Patient reviews and before-and-after photos can offer a sense of an office’s approach. You can browse our smile gallery and read patient reviews to learn more about Backus Smiles.
About Dr. Backus and Our Practice
At Backus Smiles, Dr. Dominique Backus brings 27 years of experience to orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1997 and her Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics in 2000, when she received the James P. Bordelon, DDS Memorial Award for Clinical Excellence in Orthodontics. She is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Southern Association of Orthodontists, the Alabama Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Alabama Dental Association, and the Birmingham District Dental Society.
Our main office sits on Old Montgomery Highway in the Homewood area, with a second location in Sylacauga. We are also proud to support local schools and organizations, and you can learn more about our community involvement online.
Take the Next Step
The easiest way to decide whether an office is a good fit is to visit. Families looking for a Birmingham orthodontist can schedule a complimentary first visit at Backus Smiles. Call (659) 734-1740 or contact our office to request a time.