The practice journal
Clear thinking for growing smiles.
From Dr. Dennis · Jul 21, 2026Class II Correction: When the Upper Teeth Sit Too Far Ahead
Parents sometimes notice that a child’s upper teeth seem to sit much farther forward than the lower teeth. The important question is not only whether a Class II bite exists, but why it exists.
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From Dr. Dennis · Jul 13, 2026Why Your Teeth Keep Changing as You Get Older (Even If You Had Braces)
One of the most common things I hear from adult patients is surprisingly simple. “My teeth were straight when I was younger… what happened?”
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From Dr. Dennis · Jun 23, 2026Effective Solutions for Correcting an Underbite with Orthodontic Braces
When parents bring a child to me because of an underbite, they are often seeing something very obvious but not yet understanding what it means.
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From Dr. Dennis · Jun 23, 2026Effective Orthodontic Solutions for Treating Overbites
When parents come to see me about an overbite, they usually think they are asking a fairly simple question.
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From Dr. Dennis · Jun 16, 2026Orthodontic Insurance: What Families Should Know Before Starting Braces or Aligners
One of the more confusing parts of starting orthodontic treatment is figuring out what insurance will actually cover.
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From Dr. Dennis · Jun 15, 2026Vacationing With Braces or Aligners: How to Keep Your Smile on Track While You Travel
Vacations are supposed to be a break from school, work, routines, and busy schedules. They should not feel like a break from orthodontic treatment.
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From Dr. Dennis · Jun 15, 2026The Surprising Symptoms of Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids
When most parents think about enlarged tonsils and adenoids, they usually think about sore throats, strep infections, snoring, or maybe a child who always seems congested.
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From Dr. Dennis · May 20, 2026Your Tongue Is Stronger Than You Think — And Your Teeth Know It
Most parents think about orthodontics in terms of teeth. They notice crowding, crooked front teeth, gaps, or an overbite, and naturally assume the teeth themselves are the main issue.
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From Dr. Dennis · May 20, 2026How Mouth Breathing Affects Jaw Development
One of the things that surprises parents during an orthodontic consultation is how much time I spend looking at things other than teeth.
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From Dr. Dennis · Apr 7, 2026Understanding the Benefits of Palatal Expanders for Your Child's Dental Development
When parents hear the word expander in relation to their child's dental care, it can sound intimidating.
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From Dr. Dennis · Mar 24, 20267 Key Indicators That Your Child May Need Braces
Deciding whether your child needs braces can feel confusing. Sometimes a dentist mentions it during a checkup.
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From Dr. Dennis · Mar 17, 2026Unlocking Complex Smiles Through Multidisciplinary Dental Treatment in Charlottesville VA
Transforming a smile can be a straightforward process for many patients, but some cases demand much more than traditional orthodontic care.
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From Dr. Dennis · Mar 10, 2026Eating with Braces: The Complete Guide for a Comfortable, Healthy Smile
Getting braces marks an important step toward a healthier, straighter smile. Yet, it also brings new challenges, especially when it comes to eating.
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From Dr. Dennis · Mar 5, 2026The Benefits of Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment for Your Child's Smile
When parents think about braces, they often imagine the teenage years. Yet, starting orthodontic care earlier can sometimes prevent more serious problems and make treatment smoother.
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From Dr. Dennis · Mar 2, 2026How Long Do Orthodontic Braces Take in Charlottesville, VA?
If you’re searching for braces in Charlottesville, VA, one of the first questions you probably have is: How long will braces take?
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From Dr. Dennis · Feb 25, 2026Why an Orthodontic Specialist Matters — Especially for Clear Aligners
With the growing popularity of clear aligners, many types of providers now offer tooth straightening services.
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From Dr. Dennis · Feb 23, 2026LightForce Braces vs. Traditional Braces
Orthodontic technology has advanced dramatically over the past decade, and one of the most exciting innovations is LightForce custom braces.
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From Dr. Dennis · Feb 14, 2026How Much Do Braces Cost in Charlottesville, VA? (Complete 2026 Guide)
If you're researching braces in Charlottesville, one of the first questions that naturally comes up is cost.
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From Dr. Dennis · Feb 12, 2026Dr. Dennis and the Evolution of Invisalign: Experience Matters
Clear aligner therapy has transformed orthodontics over the past two decades. What began as a limited cosmetic tool has evolved into a highly sophisticated treatment system capable of correcting many complex cases.
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From Dr. Dennis · Jan 7, 2026Benefits of Dental Monitoring and Virtual Orthodontic Care
Busy families today are looking for healthcare that fits their schedules without sacrificing quality.
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From Dr. Dennis · Jan 2, 2026When Should My Child First See an Orthodontist? A Parent’s Guide
One of the most common questions parents ask is when their child should first visit an orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial evaluation by age 7.
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From Dr. Dennis · Jan 1, 2026Dr. Suzanne Dennis — Orthodontist
Dr. Suzanne Dennis has been a sole practitioner in Charlottesville since 1998, caring for generations of families with a thoughtful, highly personal approach to orthodontics.
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