Dr 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.

She earned her dental degree from MCV, now part of VCU, completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program, and then received her master’s degree in orthodontics from Marquette University, where her thesis focused on orthodontic expanders. That background helped shape one of her greatest strengths: understanding how growth, jaw development, bite problems, and timing all fit together.

But what makes Dr. Dennis especially effective is not just where she trained. It is how she sees patients.

As a mother of two, she understands what it feels like to sit on the parent side of the chair — to worry, to ask questions, and to want someone to truly see your child. That perspective brings empathy to her clinical experience, especially when a child’s orthodontic problems may be connected to something bigger than crooked teeth.

Dr. Dennis believes there can be real value in recognizing orthodontic problems early. A beautiful smile is important, but it is not the only goal. Children who have noticeable problems with their teeth may feel self-conscious or less confident. Narrow arches, bite problems, mouth breathing, tongue posture issues, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, and sleep-related concerns may also be part of a larger developmental picture. These issues can affect more than teeth — they may influence facial growth, comfort, school performance, sports, sleep, and a child’s overall happiness.

Orthodontics does not treat every one of those issues directly, but recognizing them can change the conversation. Dr. Dennis pays close attention to the details that can easily be missed, and when something appears to fall outside orthodontics, she helps families understand when it may be worth discussing with a pediatrician, ENT, dentist, or other specialist. For some families, simply understanding the “why” behind a child’s dental problems can be incredibly meaningful.

Her experience is just as important for adults. Dr. Dennis has been using clear aligners to correct orthodontic problems since Invisalign first became available, and she has seen the technology evolve from its earliest days. That gives her a practical understanding of what aligners can do well, where braces may still be the better choice, and how orthodontic treatment fits into larger dental plans involving shifting teeth, bite correction, crowns, implants, gum concerns, or restorative care.

The technology in her office reflects a lifetime of orthodontic experience, not a chase after trends. LightForce custom braces, clear aligners, digital scanning, and Dental Monitoring are tools she has chosen because they help her diagnose, plan, and follow treatment more precisely. Dr. Dennis understands what works, what is useful, and what is just noise.

At the heart of the practice is judgment. Dr. Dennis takes the time to understand the whole picture, explain options clearly, and recommend treatment that fits the patient — not just the teeth.