Trusted Oxford Orthodontics for Every Age
Designer Smiles by Benton has been the Oxford orthodontist families turn to since 1985. Our doctors treat children, teens and adults at the Oxford office, and patients come to us from across the area including Anniston and Jacksonville. Whether you are weighing braces or clear aligners, everything starts with a conversation about what you want your smile to do.
Address
90 Larry Gardner Drive, Anniston, AL 36207
Phone
256-237-1537
Office Hours
Monday 8am to 5:30pm
Tuesday 7am to 4:30pm
Wednesday 7am to 4:30pm
Thursday 7am to 4:30pm
Friday closed
Saturday & Sunday closed
Your Oxford Orthodontic Team
Three orthodontists practice at Designer Smiles by Benton, and each one completed a full orthodontic residency after dental school. That specialty training is what separates an orthodontist from a general dentist who offers aligners on the side. Our practice is led by board-certified orthodontists who are Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics.
Whichever doctor you see, the approach is the same. We look at your teeth, your bite and how your face moves before recommending anything, and we tell you what we would do if it were our own family. You can meet the doctors and the rest of the team before your first visit.
Dr. Barry received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Furman University. He then went on to receive his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Barry continued his education at the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry and received his Certificate in Orthodontics and Master of Science in Dentistry. Dr. Barry joined his father, Dr. Benton, at Designer Smiles by Benton. Dr. Barry is board-certified and one of the youngest practicing orthodontists in the nation to be a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.
Expert Oxford Orthodontics at Designer Smiles by Benton
Crooked teeth, crowded smiles, bite issues. These are the kinds of concerns that bring patients to an orthodontist. Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. At Designer Smiles by Benton in Oxford, AL, our doctors deliver expert care using the latest treatment options and technology.
From metal braces to LightForce clear braces to clear aligners, our team builds a treatment plan around your teeth instead of a template. Orthodontic care isn't just for kids and teens either. Adults of all ages can get straighter, healthier teeth with today's discreet options.
What sets our Oxford practice apart? We pair you-first care with technology like DentalMonitoring, which lets you check in with your orthodontist from home using your phone. That means fewer trips to the office and more flexibility in your week. From your first consultation to your final retainer, we keep the process simple.
Oxford Braces
Braces are still one of the most efficient tools in orthodontics. Metal braces use brackets bonded to your teeth and connected by a wire and small elastics. Regular adjustments let those parts work together to apply gentle, steady pressure that moves teeth into position over time.
Braces handle simple crowding and complicated bite problems alike, which is why they are still the most common treatment we place. They can sometimes close gaps and align teeth faster than removable options, so total treatment time may be shorter. If the look of metal is the sticking point, LightForce clear braces work the same way with brackets that are custom 3D printed and far less noticeable.
Oxford Clear Aligners
Clear aligners move teeth with a series of removable trays instead of brackets and wires. We fit three systems at our Oxford office, Invisalign clear aligners, Spark clear aligners and Boost aligners, and which one suits you depends on your case rather than on which brand you have heard of.
The trays are made from a smooth plastic and fit snugly over your teeth. They are close to invisible, and you switch to the next set in the series every week or two to keep teeth moving in the right direction. The catch is that they only work when you wear them. Aligners need 20 to 22 hours a day, so if you tend to leave things out, braces may get you there faster.
Clear aligners handle most common orthodontic problems well. Complex bite cases sometimes need braces instead, and that is one of the first things we look at during a free consultation. If you want the full breakdown of how each system works, our clear aligners page covers it.
Finding the Right Oxford Orthodontic Treatment
When you come in for a consultation, we look at more than the teeth themselves. Tooth shape, how your lips move and the proportions of your face all feed into the plan, because a smile that suits one person's face can look wrong on another. Starting there is how you end up with alignment that looks like it belongs to you.
Our doctors and staff build a plan for each patient rather than working from a standard protocol. If you want to see the office before you come in, our Oxford office page has hours, directions and parking.
Benefits of Choosing Professional Orthodontic Treatment
At Designer Smiles by Benton in Oxford, AL, professional orthodontic treatment improves oral health by correcting misaligned teeth and bite issues. Our Oxford and Pell City patients experience easier cleaning, reduced risk of gum disease and cavities, relief from jaw pain and headaches, and improved confidence. We see these results every day.
Straighter teeth do more than look great. They're easier to clean, which can help reduce plaque buildup and lower your risk of gum disease and cavities. When your teeth line up properly, your toothbrush and floss can reach all those tricky spots that crowded teeth tend to hide.
Corrected bite alignment makes a real difference in how you feel day to day. Many patients at Designer Smiles by Benton notice relief from:
- Jaw pain and tension
- Chronic headaches
- Uneven tooth wear
- Difficulty chewing
The confidence boost matters too. A smile you're proud of changes how you interact with the world. Photos feel easier, and meetings hit different. Those small shifts really do change how you carry yourself.
Today's orthodontic options fit around your work and school schedule more easily than you might expect. LightForce clear braces work just as well as metal braces but they are much harder to notice. Clear aligners are nearly invisible and come out for eating and brushing. Patients across Oxford, AL find that modern treatment fits into a normal routine without much disruption.
DentalMonitoring takes that further. Check in from home using your smartphone. That means fewer visits and more free time, without giving up anything on treatment quality.
Who Is a Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?
Most children age 7 and up, teens, and adults of any age are candidates for orthodontic treatment. Here's a quick summary of who qualifies:
- Children: Age 7 and up (per AAO recommendation)
- Teens: Once permanent teeth are in
- Adults: Any age, no upper limit
The right time to start depends on your age, your dental development and what is actually bothering you. Our doctors evaluate patients at every stage of life and recommend the option that fits the situation in front of them.
Children (Age 7 and Up)
The Drs. Benton and the American Association of Orthodontists recommend that your child get an orthodontic check-up by no later than age seven. Early evaluation can catch problems while the jaw is still growing, sometimes making future treatment simpler and reducing total time in braces or aligners.
Teens
The teenage years are often ideal for braces or clear aligners. Permanent teeth are in, but the jaw is still developing, which can make tooth movement more efficient. Many teens in the Oxford and Pell City area choose LightForce clear braces or Boost aligners for a more discreet look.
Adults
Adults of any age can achieve straighter teeth. We treat adults in their 30s, 50s, and beyond. Modern options like clear aligners and LightForce clear braces are discreet enough for professional settings, and age is never a barrier to a straighter smile.
Orthodontic treatment addresses many different concerns, including crowded or overlapping teeth, gaps and spacing issues, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. Not sure if treatment is right for you? A free consult with our team helps determine the best path forward.
Why Patients Trust Designer Smiles by Benton for Orthodontic Care
Choosing an orthodontist is a big decision. Here's why families across Oxford, AL, and Pell City choose Designer Smiles by Benton.
Board-Certified Expertise
Our orthodontists trained in accredited residency programs, and the practice is led by board-certified Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics.
Our team invests in tools that improve your results and your treatment experience. LightForce clear braces are fully customized using 3D printing technology.
From fixed braces to removable aligners, we fit the full range, and we will tell you straight if one option suits your case better than another.
Free consults make it easy to get started. Same-day braces mean you don't have to wait weeks to begin.
Advanced Technology
Our team invests in tools that improve your results and your treatment experience. LightForce clear braces are fully customized using 3D printing technology.
Treatment Options for Every Need
From traditional Damon metal braces to Boost aligners, we offer everything from fixed braces to removable aligners.
Accessible Care
Free consults make it easy to get started. Same-day braces mean you don't have to wait weeks to begin.