1224 McFarland Blvd. NE Tuscaloosa, AL. 35406
205-750-0081
You don’t want just anyone adjusting your bite or guiding your child’s smile through years of change. In Tuscaloosa, Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics takes that responsibility seriously, especially Dr. Whitaker. She’s not just here to apply braces and call it a day. She’s someone who constantly works to improve how she does what she does because staying current in orthodontics isn’t optional anymore. It’s part of providing care that works.
Orthodontics isn’t what it was 10 or even five years ago. Braces look different, and scans are conveniently digital. Treatment plans are more customized than ever. Those improvements only help if the team behind them is keeping up.
Dr. Whitaker isn’t new to the field. She earned her DMD and Master’s in Orthodontics from the University of Alabama and still didn’t stop there. Today, she stays involved with the latest research, attends top-tier conferences, and never hesitates to rework a process if there’s a smarter, more effective way to get results.
Orthodontic innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. There are constant updates in tools, materials, and treatment strategies, and the only way to stay ahead is to stay curious.
She’s part of several professional networks that offer live trainings, clinical workshops, and new treatment trials. Whether it’s learning more about how clear aligners respond to complex bite issues or testing updates in mini implant placement, she puts in the work to be sure she’s not just reacting to trends; she’s leading with knowledge.
Her effort directly impacts how your treatment is planned, adjusted, and completed, every step backed by the latest insight.
A lot of orthodontic upgrades come down to the tools themselves. At Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics, those upgrades show up in everyday care. You’ll see tech that actually makes the process easier for you and for us. Here’s how:
Ceramic braces offer a low-visibility option without giving up strength. They’re improvements that make treatment more efficient, more comfortable, and more personalized. When your orthodontist knows how to use these tools the right way, you get results you can see and feel.
You have options, and we’ll walk you through them. A lot of people assume Invisalign is only for cosmetic tweaks, but that’s not true anymore. Dr. Whitaker uses Invisalign to treat a range of bite and alignment issues, and not just for adults.
Metal braces are still a great option. They’re strong, reliable, and often the best choice for more complex adjustments. Some patients prefer the routine of braces because there’s no need to remember to put trays in and out. Others love Invisalign because it’s discreet, flexible, and easier to manage with sports, band, or public speaking.
We make time to go over the real pros and cons of each option based on your bite, your lifestyle, and what kind of results you’re hoping for.
Most of the progress patients see happens in the chair, but the work that makes it possible usually happens long before. From research to reflection to refining each process, Dr. Whitaker doesn’t just keep up; she digs in. Here’s how that commitment shows up both in and out of the office.
While most people only see what happens in the treatment chair, a lot goes on behind the scenes. Dr. Whitaker takes continuing education seriously, not just the required credits, but the kind of ongoing study that shapes how she plans each case.
From staying current on the latest Invisalign protocols to exploring how digital modeling tools improve bracket placement, she’s always looking for smarter strategies. She’s not interested in following what everyone else is doing; she wants to know what works and why.
Innovation is about mindset and not just technology. Dr. Whitaker brings the same level of dedication she shows in the office to her work in the Tuscaloosa community. Whether she’s volunteering through Christian Medical Ministry of Alabama or singing in her church choir, she brings a level of care and thoughtfulness that shows in everything she does.
When your orthodontist stays connected to both the profession and the people around her, you get more than a straight smile. You get someone who pays attention, puts care into every decision, and understands that staying current is personal.
This kind of ongoing effort pays off in the little details. It means fewer delays during treatment because the plan was built right the first time. It means better comfort because the materials used are more responsive and modern. It means your orthodontist actually knows how to adjust your care if something changes, because they’re up to speed.
When you step into Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics, you’re not just starting braces or picking up Invisalign trays. You’re working with someone who’s trained to see beyond the basics and use every available tool to guide your treatment in a way that works for you.
Whether you’re a teen getting braces for the first time or an adult finally making time for your smile, you deserve an approach that’s informed by what works right now, not just what worked ten years ago.
There’s no shortage of orthodontic offices in Alabama. What sets Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics apart is the ongoing commitment to doing things better. Dr. Whitaker doesn’t just rely on what she learned in school. She challenges herself and the whole team to keep learning, keep refining, and keep delivering care that makes sense in today’s world. Orthodontic care has come a long way, but only if the person providing it has too.
If you’re ready to explore your options for braces or Invisalign and want to work with someone who brings real experience and the latest tools to the table, schedule a consultation with Dr. Whitaker at Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics in Tuscaloosa.
April 24, 2025
