Where Confidence Begins with a Smile

It’s hard to miss The Smile Shoppe’s signature logo—a simple tooth surrounding the word “Smile.” That single word captures the heart of the mission set forth by partners in life and practice, Dr. Alessandra Chacon, DDS, MS, and Dr. Ryan Reyes, DDS, MS. Their goal is more than just creating beautiful, healthy smiles; it’s about inspiring confidence that helps their patients thrive in every aspect of life.

Award-Winning Care, Rooted in Community

From the moment you step into The Smile Shoppe, it’s easy to see how the duo’s commitment to top-tier orthodontic care and exceptional service has earned them the title of “Best Orthodontics Practice” in this year’s Reader’s Choice Awards.

“Dr. Chacon and I are so proud to have earned the community’s vote,” says Dr. Reyes. “This award means a lot to us because Laredo is my home. I grew up here, and ever since high school, my dream has been to return and provide first-class orthodontic care to the community that raised me.

Where Art Meets Science

For Dr. Alessandra Chacon, orthodontics is where her two lifelong passions—art and dentistry—come together.

“Attention to detail allows me to give patients the smile they’ve always dreamed of,” she explains. “Each smile is like a canvas, and seeing my patients look in the mirror for the first time after treatment—that joy and confidence they feel—is the best part of my job.”

Originally from Venezuela, Dr. Chacon earned her dental degree from Universidad Santa María, completing a rigorous five-year program. She then advanced her training in the Orthodontics Residency Program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSC-SA), where she gained extensive experience in various treatment plans and techniques.

In 2016, she completed her Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, as well as a Master of Science in Orthodontics, focusing on research in craniofacial growth and development.

Her time at UTHSC-SA gave her not only an exceptional education—but also something even more meaningful.

“The day I met my future husband in class was the best day of my life,” she says with a smile. “It still amazes me that out of more than 200 applicants, only four students were selected for the residency program—and both Dr. Reyes and I were chosen. It felt like fate!”

Today, the couple are proud parents to two daughters, Sophia (6) and Emily (3), whom they’re raising in the community they both love so much.

ALESSANDRA CHACON, DDS, MS

Giving Back, One Smile at a Time

A proud graduate of Laredo’s Alexander Magnet for Health Sciences, Dr. Reyes has always been driven by a passion for both the process and the outcome of orthodontic treatment.

“We all know it takes a village to succeed,” he says. “Now, being part of that same village, I feel it’s my turn to give back. Helping create beautiful, healthy smiles in Laredo is my way of saying thank you to the community that shaped me.”

After earning his undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Reyes went on to complete his Doctor of Dental Surgery, Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, and Master of Science in Orthodontics—all from UTHSC San Antonio, where his research also focused on craniofacial growth and development.

A Practice Built on Trust and Innovation

When The Smile Shoppe opened its doors in May 2017, Dr. Chacon and Dr. Reyes set out to redefine the orthodontic experience. Their philosophy combines advanced, evidence-based technology with personalized care to ensure every patient receives the treatment best suited to their needs.

“New equipment, materials, and ideas are constantly emerging in orthodontics, which can be overwhelming for patients,” explains Dr. Reyes. “That’s why we carefully choose treatment plans backed by strong scientific research—so our patients can trust that they’re getting results that are both effective and lasting.”

From their shared passion for smiles to their deep connection to Laredo, Dr. Chacon and Dr. Reyes have built more than a practice—they’ve built a place where confidence begins with a smile.

RYAN REYES, DDS, MS