Anniston Orthodontics

Damon Metal Braces

Damon metal braces are lighter, smaller, and more comfortable than the braces you remember from years ago. They use a self-ligating design, which means no rubber bands hold the wire in place. The wire slides freely, which keeps pressure gentle and consistent throughout your treatment.

For many of our Anniston patients, Damon braces are the workhorse choice. They handle even the trickiest tooth movements with proven results. And today's brackets are noticeably smaller and lower-profile than the old-school version, so they feel less bulky against your cheeks and lips.

These braces work beautifully for kids, teens, and adults alike. If your case involves significant crowding, spacing, or bite correction, Damon metal braces give Dr. John, Dr. Barry, or Dr. McElroy the control they need to guide your teeth into the right spots. Many families also appreciate that they're one of the most budget-friendly ways to get a great result.

LightForce Clear Braces

LightForce clear braces are 3D-printed and customized tooth-by-tooth. Each bracket is designed for the exact shape of one specific tooth in your mouth. Nothing about them is one-size-fits-all.

Why does that matter? Two reasons:

• Better fit means more precise tooth movement
• That tooth-by-tooth precision can help treatment run efficiently compared to standard brackets

They're also clear, so they blend in with your natural teeth. If you want straight teeth without the look of metal, LightForce is a great fit. Adults and image-conscious teens love this option because it stays discreet while still tackling complex cases that aligners alone can't always handle. The custom design also tends to mean a smoother finish that suits the shape of your smile.

Boost Aligners

Boost aligners from Designer Smiles by Benton can help you get a straighter smile without the metal wires and brackets of traditional braces. They're clear, removable, and made for people who want flexibility in their day.

You wear each set of trays for about a week or two, then move to the next. Take them out to eat. Take them out to brush. Pop them back in and keep going. Because there are no wires to work around, brushing and flossing stay simple, which is a big plus for your everyday oral health.

Boost aligners are an excellent fit for mild to moderate cases where you want a low-profile path to straighter teeth. Dr. John, Dr. Barry, or Dr. McElroy will let you know at your free consult whether your smile is a good match for this option.

Invisalign and Spark Clear Aligners

Invisalign and Spark take a modern approach to straightening teeth. These clear removable aligners for adults and teens are almost invisible. They're a popular choice for professionals, college students, and parents who want treatment that doesn't get in the way of their daily life.

Dr. John, Dr. Barry, or Dr. McElroy will walk you through which aligner system fits your case best. Some smiles do beautifully with aligners alone. Others benefit from a hybrid plan that pairs aligners with other tools to get the finish you want. Either way, you'll know exactly what to expect before you start, including how many trays and how often you'll switch them out.

Orthodontics for All Ages

We treat kids, teens, and adults at Designer Smiles by Benton. That's one of the things families in Anniston appreciate most. Bring the whole crew in one trip and let us handle multiple smiles under one roof.

• Kids (age 7+): Early evaluation through the designer smiles kids club
• Teens: Braces or clear aligners that fit busy school and sport schedules
• Adults: Discreet options like LightForce and Invisalign

Our orthodontists and the American Association of Orthodontists recommend that your child get an orthodontic check-up by no later than age seven. Early visits don't always mean early treatment. They give us a chance to watch how the jaws and adult teeth are developing, so we can act at the right moment if action is ever needed.

DentalMonitoring

DentalMonitoring is remote care that actually works. You use your phone and a small scanning device to capture images of your teeth. The system sends them to Dr. Benton or Dr. McElroy for review.

The benefits:

• Fewer in-office visits
• Faster answers to questions
• Treatment progress is tracked between appointments

Collaborate with your doctor from home. That means fewer visits and more free time for the things that matter. It also means small concerns get caught early, before they turn into bigger ones.

Retainers

When your braces or aligners come off, retainers protect everything you just worked for. Teeth want to drift back to where they started, especially in the first year. Retainers keep them in place so your hard work sticks.

We offer our retainers for the life insurance program. As long as you follow the simple guidelines, we'll replace your retainer if it's ever lost or broken. That's how serious we are about protecting your designer smile. We stand by your smile.

Same-Day Braces

Many patients begin treatment the same day as their free consult. If your case is straightforward and you're excited to get going, there's no reason to wait weeks for a second visit. Just let us know when you book that you'd like to start right away, and we'll plan your visit so we can place your braces that same day.

Service Comparison at a Glance

Treatment	Best For	Visibility	Removable
Damon Metal Braces	All ages, complex cases	Visible	No
LightForce Clear Braces	Adults, teens wanting discreet care	Low visibility	No
Boost Aligners	Mild to moderate cases, flexibility	Almost invisible	Yes
Invisalign / Spark	Adults, responsible teens	Almost invisible	Yes
Early Treatment (Kids)	Ages 7-11 with developing concerns	Varies	Varies

Meet Your Anniston Orthodontists

Designer Smiles by Benton is led by a father-and-son team of board-certified orthodontists, Dr. John Benton, Dr. Barry Benton, and Dr. Stephanie McElroy. Together, they've spent decades caring for Anniston-area families with skill, warmth, and a personal touch you can feel from the first visit.

Dr. John Benton

Dr. John Benton opened the doors of Designer Smiles by Benton in 1985. He's a board-certified orthodontist with deep ties to the Anniston, Oxford, and Pell City communities.

Chances are, Dr. John hand-crafted a new smile for most of your family and friends. He's treated multiple generations from the same households, neighbors who became friends, and friends who became regulars at his office holiday parties.

His approach is calm, kind, and methodical. Patients often say their kids are nervous at the first visit and totally at ease by the second one. That's Dr. John, and it's a big reason families keep referring their loved ones to him.

Dr. Barry Benton

Dr. Barry Benton grew up around orthodontics. He watched his dad change lives one smile at a time, and he chose the same path. Like his father, Dr. Barry is a board-certified orthodontist.

He brings a strong interest in newer treatment options like LightForce, Boost aligners, and DentalMonitoring. He's the doctor most likely to walk you through how the digital scan turns into a 3D model of your bite, and why that detail matters for your custom treatment plan.

Patients also love his approachability. He's easy to talk to, quick to answer questions, and great with teens who'd rather not be in an orthodontist's chair at all. He has a knack for putting reluctant teenagers at ease in just a few minutes.

Dr. Stephanie McElroy

Dr. Stephanie McElroy grew up in Benton, making her role at Braces by Benton feel especially meaningful. She loves serving families in the community she has long called home.

She earned her bachelor's degree and Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from the University of Louisville before completing her orthodontic training at the University of Oklahoma, where she received her Certificate in Orthodontics and Master of Science in Dentistry.

Dr. McElroy combines advanced training with a friendly, approachable style that helps patients feel comfortable and confident throughout their orthodontic journey.

Why Board Certification Matters

Becoming an orthodontist takes years of dedicated schooling beyond dental school. Only a small share of dental school graduates go on to specialize in orthodontics. To practice the specialty, the Drs. Benton each completed college, dental school, and a multi-year orthodontics residency on top of it.

Board certification goes one step further. It's a voluntary credential that shows ongoing commitment to high standards in the specialty. Both Dr. John and Dr. Barry hold this designation. They're also members of the American Association of Orthodontists, which sets the bar for the field.

Ongoing Education

Orthodontics changes fast. New brackets, new wires, new digital tools. Our team of orthodontists invests in continuing education so the techniques used at Designer Smiles by Benton stay current with what's best for you.

Some recent additions to the practice:

• LightForce custom 3D-printed brackets
• DentalMonitoring for remote care
• Digital scanning that replaced putty impressions
• Boost aligners as an at-home option

A Team That Feels Like Family

Behind every great orthodontist is a great team. Our treatment coordinators, assistants, and front-office team have been with the practice for years, in many cases more than a decade. They remember names, faces, sports schedules, and inside jokes.

Your family will feel right at home with our family. From the first phone call to the day your braces come off, the same friendly faces are there cheering you on.

Community Roots

The Bentons are Anniston-area people. They support local schools, sponsor youth sports, and show up at community events. When you choose Designer Smiles by Benton for your Anniston orthodontics, you're working with a practice that's invested in the same neighborhoods you live in.

Recognition is always a nice bonus, but the real reward is hearing patients tell us their kids smile bigger now, or that they finally feel confident in family photos. That's the work, and it's what keeps us going after four decades.

Our Anniston Office & Patient Experience

Designer Smiles by Benton welcomes Anniston-area patients to our offices in Oxford and Pell City, both within easy reach of Anniston. You'll find modern technology, a warm and family-friendly environment, simple parking, and a team focused on making every visit feel calm, clear, and unrushed.

Easy to Reach from Anniston

Our Oxford office sits at 90 Larry Gardner Drive, just a short drive from downtown Anniston. Patients from Anniston, Jacksonville, and Calhoun County reach us in minutes. The Pell City Office serves families coming from the west side of the region.

Both locations have:

• Plenty of free parking right outside
• Easy, ground-floor entry
• Family-friendly waiting areas

A Comfortable, Welcoming Environment

We've designed our offices to feel less like a clinical space and more like a place you'd actually want to spend time. Bright, clean, and warm. Kid-friendly without being childish. Calm enough for adults who want a focused visit.

When you walk in for your free consult, you'll be greeted by name. We'll get you settled, get to know you a bit, and start by listening to what you want from your designer smile. There's never a rush to the next room or a feeling that you're just a number.

Modern Technology

Behind the scenes, the technology we use makes your treatment more accurate and your visits shorter:

• Digital scanning instead of putty impressions
• LightForce 3D-printed brackets for tooth-by-tooth precision
• DentalMonitoring to track progress between visits
• Digital photography for clear before-and-after records

This process is far more comfortable than the old putty-based impressions, and it's faster too. Most patients are surprised by how quick and easy the digital scan feels compared to the messy molds of years past.

Insurance, Financing, and Flexible Payment

We work hard to keep great orthodontics within reach for families across the Anniston area. Our team will walk you through:

• Insurance verification and benefit coordination
• An affordable financing option designed for your budget
• Flexible pay plans to fit different family situations
• Clear, upfront cost breakdowns at your free consult

No surprise bills. No pressure. Just honest answers about what your custom treatment plan costs and how to make it work. Your smile is 100% guaranteed, for life, so you can move forward with real peace of mind.

Office Hours & Scheduling

Designer Smiles by Benton sees Anniston-area patients at our Oxford and Pell City Offices throughout the week. To confirm current hours for either location, please call 256-674-4934 or visit our website to book a free consult online. Hours can shift seasonally and by location, so a quick call is the best way to lock in a time that works for your family.

How to Book a Free Consult

Booking is easy. You have a few options:

• Online: Visit bracesbybenton.com/free-consult and fill out the short form
• Phone: Call 256-674-4934, and our team will get you scheduled
• Walk-in inquiry: Stop by either office, and we'll help you set something up

Your free consult includes a meet-and-greet with one of our doctors, a look at your teeth and bite, a discussion of your goals, and clear next steps. No pressure. No surprise charges. Just answers. Plan on about an hour for that first visit, so we have time to really listen and explain your options.

Same-Day Braces

If you're ready to start and your case is straightforward, you can often begin treatment the same day as your consult. Just let us know when you book that you might want to start right away, and we'll plan accordingly. Getting started the same day saves you a trip and gets your designer smile moving sooner.

Emergency Orthodontic Care

Poking wire? Loose bracket? Lost retainer? Call us at 256-674-4934. Most orthodontic issues aren't true emergencies, but they can be uncomfortable. We'll talk you through quick fixes over the phone and get you in soon if you need to be seen. Keeping a little orthodontic wax on hand at home can solve a surprising number of minor irritations until you can visit us.

It's normal to have some discomfort for a day or two after braces or retainers are adjusted. This usually only lasts a short time, and soft foods plus over-the-counter relief make it easier.

Areas We Serve Near Anniston

Designer Smiles by Benton proudly serves Anniston and the surrounding Calhoun County and St. Clair County region from our Oxford and Pell City Offices. Patients drive in from across northeast Alabama because they want the experience and personal care that comes with 40 years of family-run orthodontics.

Communities We Welcome

We see patients from across the area, including:

1. Anniston, AL: Our closest neighbor, just minutes from the Oxford office
2. Oxford, AL: Home to our main office at 90 Larry Gardner Drive
3. Jacksonville, AL: Easy drive south on Highway 21
4. Pell City, AL: Served by our dedicated Pell City Office
5. Calhoun County: Including Weaver, Saks, and surrounding towns
6. St. Clair County: Patients from Cropwell, Riverside, and beyond
7. Talladega and Heflin: A short drive for families in nearby counties

Many of these families have been with us for years, and quite a few first came to us as kids and now bring their own children in for the designer smiles kids club. That kind of loyalty is something we never take for granted, and it's part of what makes our offices feel like a gathering place for the whole community.

Easy Access from Major Roads

The Oxford office is convenient to I-20, Highway 21, and Highway 78. If you're coming from Anniston, you can be in our chair in about 10 minutes. From Jacksonville State University, plan on about 20. Parents driving in after school or work appreciate how simple it is to find us and park right out front, with no parking decks or long walks to deal with.

For families on the west side of the region, the Pell City Office cuts down on drive time considerably. You get the same board-certified care and the same friendly team, just closer to home. Whichever location you choose, you're getting the full Designer Smiles by Benton experience.

Welcoming Patients of All Ages

A 7-year-old who needs an early checkup, a high school student dreaming of straight teeth before prom, an adult who's finally ready to invest in your own designer smile, all are welcome here. We've been making you smile for 40 years, and we treat every patient like part of the family. No matter your age or where you're starting from, we'll meet you where you are and build a plan that fits your life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anniston Orthodontics

Here are clear answers to the questions Anniston-area families ask us most often about braces, clear aligners, costs, and what to expect from treatment at Designer Smiles by Benton. If you don't see your question below, give us a call at 256-674-4934 and we'll be glad to help.

How much do braces cost in Anniston?

The cost of braces or clear aligners in the Anniston area depends on your specific case, the type of treatment you choose, and how long it takes. At Designer Smiles by Benton, every free consult includes a clear, upfront cost breakdown with no surprises. We offer an affordable financing option and flexible pay plans designed to fit different family budgets, so great orthodontics stays within reach.

At what age should my child see an orthodontist?

Children should first see an orthodontist by age 7. At this age, enough permanent teeth have come in for an orthodontist to spot developing concerns like crowding, crossbites, or jaw growth issues. Early evaluation doesn't always mean early treatment. It gives Dr. Benton or Dr. McElroy a chance to monitor growth and step in at the right time if needed. The American Association of Orthodontists shares this same recommendation.

Braces vs clear aligners: which is right for me?

Both work well, and the right choice depends on your case and your lifestyle. Damon metal braces and LightForce clear braces stay on your teeth 24/7 and handle even complex movements with proven results. Boost aligners, Invisalign, and Spark are clear, removable, and almost invisible, which appeals to adults and image-conscious teens. At your free consultation, Dr. Benton or Dr. McElroy will walk you through which option fits your goals best.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Most orthodontic treatment takes 12 to 24 months, though some cases are shorter and others run longer. Your timeline depends on how much your teeth need to move, which treatment you choose, and how closely you follow the plan. Wearing your aligners or retainers as directed and showing up for visits or DentalMonitoring scans on time both help keep your treatment on track.

Do you offer free consultations and same-day braces?

Yes. Every new patient visit at Designer Smiles by Benton is a free consult with no pressure to commit. You'll meet the doctor, get a look at your teeth and bite, and hear your options in plain language. If you're ready to start and your case is straightforward, same-day braces are often available so you can begin treatment without waiting for a second visit.

Does insurance cover orthodontic treatment?

Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, especially for children and teens. Our team will check your benefits before treatment starts so you know exactly what your plan covers and what your share will be. We also offer flexible financing options to handle any remaining balance, with clear monthly amounts that fit your budget.

Will braces or aligners hurt?

Today's orthodontic treatment is much more comfortable than it used to be. You may feel some soreness for a day or two after braces are adjusted or when you switch to a new aligner tray. This is normal and short-lived. Over-the-counter relief and soft foods usually do the trick.

What happens if my bracket comes loose or my wire pokes?

This isn't an emergency, but it can be uncomfortable. A poking wire can often be tucked back with a piece of dental floss or covered with orthodontic wax until you can get in. Call us at 256-674-4934, and we'll help you figure out the best next step.