Backus Smiles and Dr. Dominique Backus have been named Homewood's Best Orthodontist 2026 and Homewood's Best Orthodontic Practice 2026 by Homewood Life, an annual recognition determined by community voting. The award highlights the practice's standing among residents and carries particular significance because it reflects direct input from the patients and families it serves.
For a local, privately owned practice, this kind of recognition can influence how consumers choose providers in a competitive healthcare market. In orthodontics, where treatment often spans months or years and involves significant financial and personal commitment, trust and reputation are critical. Being selected by community vote signals that Backus Smiles has built strong relationships and delivered consistent results, which may help attract new patients seeking a practice with a proven local track record.
Dr. Dominique Backus, owner and founder of Backus Smiles, emphasized the personal meaning of the award. "Being named one of Homewood's Best means so much to us because it comes directly from the people we get to serve every day," she said. "Our whole team works hard to make every visit comfortable and every smile something to be proud of, and this recognition lets us know that effort is being felt by our patients and their families. As a small business owner in a private (non-corporate) practice, this award is truly one of the greatest compliments we can receive!"
The recognition also draws attention to the broader role of independent practices in local economies. As corporate-owned dental and orthodontic chains expand, community awards can serve as a differentiator for private practices that emphasize personalized care, continuity, and local accountability. Backus Smiles' focus on individualized treatment plans, advanced technology, and a welcoming environment aligns with what many patients say they value when selecting an orthodontist.
Dr. Backus earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1997 and completed her Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics in 2000, building on undergraduate studies in microbiology completed with summa cum laude honors. She is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Alabama Association of Orthodontists, and the Birmingham District Dental Society, and maintains alumni ties to both LSU School of Dentistry and UAB.
Backus Smiles offers comprehensive care for children, teens, and adults, including traditional and clear braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and custom retainers to help patients maintain their results long after treatment ends. The practice also provides complimentary consultations for anyone considering braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic treatment, and welcomes new patients from Homewood and the greater Birmingham area.
Beyond clinical services, the practice has cultivated an office culture intended to make patients feel like family. That emphasis on experience may be a key factor in the community's decision to honor Backus Smiles, as patient satisfaction in orthodontics depends heavily on comfort, communication, and trust throughout the treatment journey.
For residents considering orthodontic care, the 2026 Homewood's Best designation offers a local benchmark. It suggests that Backus Smiles has earned the confidence of the community not only through technical expertise but also through consistent, patient-centered service. As the practice continues to serve Homewood and Birmingham, the award may reinforce its reputation as a trusted destination for orthodontic treatment. More information is available at backusbraces.com.
