Local Orthodontists Voted ‘Best Orthodontics Practice’ in 2025 Readers’ Choice Award
Local Orthodontists Voted ‘Best Orthodontics Practice’
in 2025 Reader's Choice Award
Where Art and Orthodontics Come Together
For Dr. Alessandra Chacon, orthodontics is more than a science—it’s an art form.
“Every patient’s smile is like a canvas,” she explains. “When the braces come off and they see their reflection for the first time, that spark of joy and confidence is priceless.”
Born in Venezuela, Dr. Chacon completed a five-year dental program at Universidad Santa María before being accepted into the Orthodontics Residency Program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSC-SA). There, she gained hands-on experience with a wide range of orthodontic techniques and treatment plans.
In 2016, she earned both her Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics and a Master of Science in Orthodontics, focusing her research on craniofacial growth and development.
Her time in San Antonio brought more than academic achievement—it also brought love.
“The day I met Ryan in class was life-changing,” she says with a smile. “Out of more than 200 applicants, only four students were selected for the program, and somehow, we both made it in together. It truly felt like destiny.”
Now settled in Laredo, Dr. Chacon and Dr. Reyes are raising their two daughters—Sophia (5) and Emily (2)—in the same community where their dream practice continues to grow.
ALESSANDRA CHACON, DDS, MS
Giving Back Through Every Smile
A proud Laredoan, Dr. Ryan Reyes believes that creating beautiful smiles is one of the best ways to give back to the place he calls home.
A graduate of Laredo’s Alexander Magnet for Health Sciences, he went on to earn his undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin, followed by his Doctor of Dental Surgery, Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, and Master of Science in Orthodontics from UTHSC San Antonio.
“We all rely on our community to succeed,” Dr. Reyes says. “At some point, it becomes our turn to give back. Helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles is my way of doing just that.”
Innovation Grounded in Trust
When The Smile Shoppe opened its doors in May 2017, Dr. Chacon and Dr. Reyes set out to create a space where patients feel both cared for and confident in their treatment choices. Their philosophy is simple: combine cutting-edge technology with proven, evidence-based methods.
“In orthodontics, new technologies and materials emerge all the time,” explains Dr. Reyes. “We stay current, but we’re selective—we only recommend treatments supported by strong scientific research and real-world results. That’s how we ensure every patient gets the best possible outcome.”
RYAN REYES, DDS, MS
When you spot The Smile Shoppe’s signature logo—a cheerful tooth framing the word “Smile”—you immediately get a sense of what this practice stands for. Behind that simple image is a powerful mission shared by Dr. Alessandra Chacon, DDS, MS, and Dr. Ryan Reyes, DDS, MS—a husband-and-wife team dedicated to helping their patients achieve radiant, healthy smiles that boost confidence and inspire success.
A Vision Rooted in Excellence
From the moment you step into The Smile Shoppe, it’s clear why this dynamic duo earned the title of “Best Orthodontics Practice” in this year’s Reader’s Choice Awards. The blend of advanced orthodontic care, genuine compassion, and personalized service is what sets them apart.
“Being recognized by our community means the world to us,” says Dr. Reyes. “Laredo is my home. Ever since high school, my goal has been to come back, open my own practice, and offer first-class orthodontic care to the people who helped shape who I am.”
The Smile Shoppe
For more information on services and treatments offered, visit The Smile Shoppe’s website at
www.smileshoppeorthodontics.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @SmileShoppeOrtho.
