CHARLOTTESVILLE · SINCE 1998
Dr. Dennis looks beyond straight teeth to the bite, facial balance, growth, airway clues, and the person living with the treatment. That broader view helps her know when to treat, which tools fit, and when the smartest recommendation is to wait. Every plan is shaped by experience and explained clearly.
CARE, BY CHAPTER
Children are not small adults. Their teeth are arriving while their jaws, breathing patterns, habits, and confidence are still developing. Dr. Dennis looks at all of it before deciding whether the right next step is treatment or simply watching growth. An early orthodontic evaluation does not automatically mean early braces. Sometimes it identifies a narrow arch, crossbite, underbite, airway clue, or space problem that is easier to address while a child is growing. Often it gives a family reassurance and a sensible observation plan. When the adolescent years arrive, Dr. Dennis can choose from modern metal braces, custom LightForce braces, or clear aligners according to the bite, maturity, and needs of the individual child.
Talk with us about your child →Adults come to us for many reasons: teeth that shifted after earlier braces, a bite that never felt right, wear or crowding noticed by a dentist, or the simple wish to smile more confidently. The first job is understanding what changed and what a worthwhile result looks like now. Adult treatment may be a limited aligner correction, comprehensive braces or aligners, preparation for restorative dentistry, or coordination with other specialists for a complex bite. Existing crowns, gum health, facial balance, and long-term stability all matter. Dr. Dennis has decades of experience explaining the possibilities honestly—including when a smaller treatment is enough and when a more complete approach will protect the result.
Explore adult treatment →Traditional brackets use a standard prescription. LightForce begins with a digital scan and creates 3D-printed brackets shaped for the individual teeth and treatment plan. They are clear, precise, and far less visually prominent than the braces many adults remember. Customization gives Dr. Dennis another level of control over bracket placement and planned tooth movement. It can make appointments more efficient and may reduce the number of adjustments needed, but the technology is not the orthodontist: diagnosis, planning, and careful supervision still determine the result. When useful, phone-based progress scans help the office see how treatment is tracking between in-person visits.
Ask whether LightForce fits →Clear aligners can straighten teeth and correct many bites without brackets or wires. They are removable for meals and brushing, discreet in photographs, and often a natural fit for responsible teens and adults who want treatment to blend into daily life. Dr. Dennis has worked with aligner therapy since its early years. That experience matters because the digital setup is only a starting point; an orthodontist must decide how teeth should move, whether aligners can predictably achieve it, and when braces or a combined approach would be better. 3M Clarity aligners use different materials for different stages of movement, and optional remote scans can add convenient oversight between office visits.
Ask whether aligners fit →PATIENT VOICES
Patient voiceHer knowledge, skill and organization have been beyond valuable to me and the entire team involved.
BridgetAdult surgical patient
Patient voiceI never felt I was being ‘up-sold’ on anything and always felt like I was a top priority.
MollyAdult patient
★★★★★Patient voiceVery helpful, welcoming, comfortable office. Answered all my questions and the questions I didn’t ask.
Verified patientWebMD review
★★★★★Google MapsWe had the most wonderful experience with Dr Dennis and her entire staff; it started from the moment we opened the door and saw our names on the colourful board welcoming us as new patients, to the very last day, 3 years later, where every single one of the clinical staff congratulated my son and were kind enough to pose for an ‘after treatment’ photo for us! The transformation of my son’s smile is absolutely amazing! Correcting his teeth and his bite was not the most straightforward situation, but Dr Dennis made sure that we were comfortable with his options and his treatment plan was always well explained; even when we had to pivot slightly when someone wasn’t wearing his bands correctly… 🤫 The office itself is bright, clean and cheerfully decorated for each season and holiday. There is a coffee station for the adults and a fantastic gaming corner for the younger patients. The staff are all very friendly, welcoming and efficient - they always seem happy to see us, and on numerous occasions went over and above the call of duty to accommodate our needs - even sending us with advice and a contingency plan when we were travelling to a place where orthodontic treatment was not available. I would highly recommend Dr Dennis (just as she was recommended to us)- in fact; I have had the pleasure of bumping in to many of my children’s friends and parents in the waiting room … and that says it all! Thank you for everything, Dr Dennis and staff. 💕 P.S We are not related.
Gillian DennisGoogle Maps review · 9 months agoView this review on Google Maps ↗
★★★★★Google MapsDr. Dennis's office has been excellent for both of our kids' from consultation to braces to retainers. They have been available and accommodating with appointment times and fit us in whenever there were issues like brackets popping off. All the staff are friendly. Of course, our kids love the little treats of cookies or fidgets and seasonal decor (even a large Barbie box for selfiies when the movie was out). Love their gentle and fun approach.
Andrea ZimmermanGoogle Maps review · 4 months agoView this review on Google Maps ↗
★★★★★Google MapsJordan removed my braces this morning and I am very pleased with the results. Dr Dennis and her team were great through the whole process from the consultation to today. I am in my seventies and recommend this team for anyone whatever their age.
Kathi GrussGoogle Maps review · 4 months agoView this review on Google Maps ↗
★★★★★Google MapsDr. Dennis and her staff are phenomenal. In the age of impersonal, corporate dentistry, it is so refreshing to receive care from a small practice with familiar faces and personal care. Even though it is a small practice, they are always on the cutting-edge of orthodontics, and they are happy to answer questions about new tech for those nerdy patients out there ;) . Dr. Dennis is realistic and flexible- transparent about what exactly can be done (no empty promises!) from the very first consult and able to amend treatment plans as you progress. In addition to Dr. Dennis, her team is tight-knit, pitching in as a team and making everything run smoothly. Finally, although I am an adult patient, the office is everything I would've loved as a young patient: low-stress, comforting vibe, waiting room games (ok-not just for kids, I personally love the galaga machine), and judgement-free care (even if you aren't great at wearing your elastics!)
Maia AdolphsGoogle Maps review · 9 months agoView this review on Google Maps ↗
★★★★★Google MapsFriendly and fast . Front desk is really nice . Coffee and cookies for breakfast was top tier . We love them .
cavin keysGoogle Maps review · 4 months agoView this review on Google Maps ↗
Charlottesville orthodontist since 1998SUZANNE M. DENNIS, DDS, MS
Dr. Dennis has practiced in Charlottesville since 1998 and has treated more than 15,000 patients. She was an early adopter of Invisalign, but she has never confused new technology with good judgment. Her job is to explain what is happening, what can wait, and which treatment can create a healthy, stable result.
Read Dr. Dennis’s storyTHE WOMEN BEHIND THE WORK
We are women, mothers, and experienced professionals who know our patients by name. The person answering your question today is part of the same close-knit team caring for your family tomorrow.
Orthodontic Assistant
Billing Coordinator
Orthodontic Assistant
Treatment Coordinator
A COMPLIMENTARY FIRST VISIT
Dr. Dennis will listen to what concerns you, examine the smile and bite, and explain whether treatment would help now—or whether watching and waiting makes more sense. If treatment is recommended, you will understand the options before making a decision.
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