Building Confidence, One Smile at a Time

It’s almost impossible to miss The Smile Shoppe’s bright, cheerful logo — a simple tooth wrapped around the word “Smile.” That image perfectly reflects the vision of Dr. Alessandra Chacon, DDS, MS, and Dr. Ryan Reyes, DDS, MS — partners in both life and business — whose shared mission is to create healthy, confident smiles that inspire success and self-assurance.

Recognized for Excellence

Step inside The Smile Shoppe, and you’ll quickly understand why this husband-and-wife team was voted “Best Orthodontics Practice” in this year’s Reader’s Choice Awards. Their blend of exceptional orthodontic expertise, genuine care, and a welcoming atmosphere has made them a local favorite.

“Receiving this award is incredibly special to us,” says Dr. Reyes. “Laredo is my hometown, and my dream ever since graduating high school was to come back and provide the best orthodontic care possible to the people who shaped who I am today.”

Where Dentistry Meets Art

From a young age, Dr. Alessandra Chacon was drawn to both art and dentistry — two passions that beautifully merge in her work as an orthodontist.

“Every smile is like a piece of art,” she explains. “When my patients finally see themselves without braces and realize how confident they feel, that moment makes everything worth it.”

Originally from Venezuela, Dr. Chacon earned her dental degree from Universidad Santa María, completing a rigorous five-year program before being accepted into the Orthodontics Residency Program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSC-SA). The program offered her extensive experience with diverse treatment approaches and advanced orthodontic techniques.

In 2016, she graduated with both her Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics and a Master of Science in Orthodontics, focusing on research in craniofacial growth and development.

But her time at UTHSC-SA gave her more than professional growth — it’s also where she met her future husband.

“The day I met Ryan was the best day of my life,” she recalls. “It still feels like fate that out of over 200 applicants, the two of us were among just four chosen for the residency program.”

Together, Dr. Chacon and Dr. Reyes now share not only their practice but also their life in Laredo, where they’re raising their two daughters — Sophia (7) and Emily (4) — in the community they love so deeply.

ALESSANDRA CHACON, DDS, MS

Rooted in Community

For Dr. Ryan Reyes, orthodontics is more than just creating beautiful smiles — it’s about giving back to the community that raised him. A graduate of Laredo’s Alexander Magnet for Health Sciences, he later attended The University of Texas at Austin, followed by dental school and orthodontic training at UTHSC San Antonio, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery, Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, and Master of Science in Orthodontics.

“We all depend on our community to succeed,” says Dr. Reyes. “Now that I’m in a position to help others, I see creating healthy, confident smiles as my way of contributing to Laredo’s growth.”

A Modern Approach with Proven Results

When The Smile Shoppe opened its doors in May 2017, Dr. Chacon and Dr. Reyes wanted to create more than just another orthodontic office. Their goal was to offer a patient-centered experience built on trust, innovation, and scientifically proven treatments.

“In our field, new materials and technologies are constantly being introduced,” says Dr. Reyes. “We always evaluate what’s backed by solid research so that every treatment plan we recommend is not only modern but proven to deliver real results.”

From their shared journey through dental school to building a thriving practice in Laredo, Dr. Chacon and Dr. Reyes continue to fulfill their mission every day — helping their patients discover confidence, joy, and success through a healthy, radiant smile.

RYAN REYES, DDS, MS