Families in the Birmingham area often have practical questions that do not fit neatly into one topic. This page gathers quick answers about our office, scheduling, and a few common concerns, with links to our full guides when you want more detail.
For general questions about orthodontics, two-phase treatment, and the benefits of care, see our practice’s orthodontic FAQ page.
Questions About Our Office
What areas does Backus Smiles serve?
Our main office is in the Homewood area of Birmingham, and we see patients from across the region, including Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Gardendale, and surrounding communities. We also have a second location for families closer to our Sylacauga office.
Where is the Birmingham office located?
The office is at 3507 Old Montgomery Highway, Birmingham, AL 35209. You can take a virtual tour of our office before your first visit. For questions about parking or accessibility, please call our team before your appointment.
What are your office hours?
Our office is open Monday through Thursday from half past seven in the morning until half past four in the afternoon, plus two Friday mornings a month. Please call to confirm availability on a specific Friday.
How do I reach the office?
New patients can call (659) 734-1740. Current patients can call or text (205) 879-0557. You can also contact our office online with non-urgent questions.
Questions About Scheduling
How can we schedule orthodontic visits around the school day?
Early morning appointments can help some students miss less class time, and booking several visits ahead makes it easier to secure preferred times. Longer visits, such as the day braces are placed, may be easier to plan around school breaks. Our guide to orthodontics for kids covers more planning tips for families.
Can siblings or a parent and child be seen at the same time?
Families often ask about coordinating visits, and our team will try to schedule family members close together when possible. We treat children, teens, and adults, and our guide to orthodontics for adults explains what treatment can look like for parents considering care of their own.
Questions Before Starting Treatment
Do I need a referral from my dentist?
No referral is needed to see an orthodontist, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. Many families schedule a consultation after their dentist suggests it, and others call after noticing a concern at home. Our guide on orthodontists vs. dentists explains how the two roles work together.
Can I come in for a second opinion?
Yes. If you have already been told that you or your child needs treatment, a second opinion can help you compare recommendations and options. Our first visit is complimentary, and our guide to choosing an orthodontist lists questions that can help you compare offices.
Are mail-order aligners a good alternative?
Moving teeth is a medical procedure that should be monitored in person by a trained dental professional, according to the AAO. In an AAO survey, 77% of responding member orthodontists said they had seen patients who needed retreatment after mail-order aligner treatment that did not include an in-person exam. Our guide to braces vs. clear aligners explains how in-office aligner treatment works.
What imaging does your office use?
Diagnostic records help the orthodontist see tooth roots, developing teeth, and jaw relationships. Our office lists low-dose X-rays and 3D imaging among its services. Your orthodontist will explain which records are needed for your evaluation.
Do you treat patients with special needs?
Yes. Our office welcomes patients with special needs. Please let our team know about any accommodations that would make visits more comfortable when you schedule.
Questions During Treatment
I am moving to Birmingham during treatment. Can I transfer to your office?
Families who relocate in the middle of treatment can contact our office to discuss a transfer. We will typically need records from your current orthodontist and an exam to review your progress. Because treatment plans and appliances vary, our team will explain the next steps and any fee considerations after that review.
Will braces affect playing a musical instrument?
Many students continue playing instruments during treatment, though wind and brass players may need some time to adjust to the feel of brackets against the lips. Lingual braces, which sit behind the teeth, are sometimes chosen by musicians. Our guide to types of braces compares the options available at our office.
Can orthodontic treatment fix jaw pain or TMJ problems?
Jaw pain has many possible causes, and it should be evaluated by a dentist or physician. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research notes that research does not support a bad bite or braces as a cause of temporomandibular disorders, and that there is not enough evidence that orthodontic treatment works as a treatment for TMD. NIDCR recommends starting with conservative, reversible care. If you have jaw discomfort, our team can discuss your symptoms, and our TMJ treatment page describes how our office approaches these concerns.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is happy to help. Families looking for a Mountain Brook orthodontist or care anywhere in the Birmingham area can schedule a complimentary first visit at our Homewood-area office.