Backus Smiles Earns Homewood's Best 2026 Honors, Signaling Strength of Independent Practices

Backus Smiles and Dr. Dominique Backus have been named Homewood's Best Orthodontist 2026 and Homewood's Best Orthodontic Practice 2026, an annual recognition compiled by Homewood Life that celebrates top local businesses and professionals chosen by residents. The dual honor places the practice at the forefront of community-voted excellence in orthodontic care and highlights the continued demand for personalized, relationship-driven healthcare services.

The recognition is decided entirely by community voting, making it a direct reflection of patient trust rather than industry judging or paid placement. For Backus Smiles, that distinction carries particular weight. "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," said Dr. Dominique Backus, owner and founder of Backus Smiles. "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!"

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. Those credentials underpin a practice model that emphasizes advanced technology, customized treatment plans, and a welcoming environment for patients of all ages.

The practice 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. Beyond individual treatment, Backus Smiles has focused on creating an office culture where patients feel like family from the moment they walk through the door. That approach appears to resonate in a market where consumers increasingly weigh personal connection alongside clinical outcomes.

For the broader business community, the award illustrates how independent, non-corporate practices can compete and win on service quality and reputation. As consolidation continues across healthcare sectors, community-voted honors like Homewood's Best provide a measurable signal that local ownership and patient experience remain powerful differentiators. The recognition also reinforces the economic role that small healthcare businesses play in their communities, from local employment to sustaining neighborhood commercial vitality.

Backus Smiles provides comprehensive orthodontic care for children and adults throughout Homewood and Birmingham, AL. The practice welcomes new patients and offers complimentary consultations for anyone considering braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic treatment. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit backusbraces.com.