Why Choose Sparkle Orthodontics

Born And Raised In Alexandria, Here For Your Family

The Story

Sparkle Orthodontics is led by Dr. Susana Lopez, a proud Latina orthodontist who was born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia.
As a local native and member of the Latino community, Dr. Lopez dreamt of finding a way to make a meaningful impact to her community and heritage. Once introduced to the idea of becoming a dentist and specializing in orthodontics, she morphed her dream of helping others into a reality.

Today, Dr. Lopez is a true testament of what working hard and staying humble yields in accomplishments. The attention to care is reflected in how she treats her patients, how she approaches treatment, and the team she’s built at Sparkle Orthodontics that provides that same level of care. Dr. Lopez is ecstatic to show up for her community, her patients, and add a little sparkle to her patients’ smiles.

Enjoy the detailed timeline of Dr. Susana Lopez’s journey as an Orthodontist and the origins of Sparkle Orthodontics✨

2011
2011

“The beginning of my academic journey!”

West Potomac High School Graduation

2012
2012

“Every opportunity was insightful. Thank you Mary’s Center!!!”

Shadowed several dental offices and envisioned what my life as a dentist would be like

2013
2013

“Despite my smile, I dreaded going into chemistry lab”

Took a full year of organic chemistry which made me rethink if I really wanted to pursue dentistry. I decided I did
June 2014
June 2014

“Studying for the DAT with the best study buddy in the world, Dolly”

Studied all summer for the dental admission test and took it. Applied to dental school and crossed my fingers
December 2014
December 2014

“I was over the moon!”

Received my first dental school acceptance letter
May 2015
May 2015

“Pink has always been my favorite color”

Me graduating with a Bachelor's of Science in Public Health from The George Washington University
August 2015
August 2015

“First day of dental school for the class of 2019!”

Started dental school and committed to getting no sleep for the next 4 years

2016
2016

“Smiling on the outside, crying on the inside”

Happy to be alive after midterms
2017–2018
2017–2018

“My second home- the simulation lab.”

Started specialty rotations and was able to experience the orthodontic field for the first time. After a year and a half of practicing fillings, I realized it was not for me. I wanted to become a major component of a patient's before-and-after. I really wanted to pursue orthodontics, but I didn’t think I had it in me. I had heard how difficult it was to match to orthodontics. I decided to take a leap of faith and applied to an orthodontic residency
November 2018
November 2018

“My first instagram post!”

I matched at my #1 school, Tufts University
May 2019
May 2019

“Thank you for the memories Howard!!!”

Howard University College of Dentistry Graduation: Doctor of Dental Surgery

July 2019
July 2019

“Preparing to give my first presentation as a first-year orthodontic resident!”

Moved to Boston and started residency at Tufts University
2021
2021

“Dr. Susana Lopez, DDS - Orthodontist✨”

Graduated Tufts University School of Dental Medicine: Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

2021
2021

“Ella as a puppy and of course her favorite color is pink!”

Moved to Charlottesville, Virginia after graduation and started working at a private practice. Also, I got a puppy named Ella who would then go on to become Sparkle Orthodontic’s mascot
2023
2023

“I opted for ceramic”

I got braces for the first time ever!
2024
2024

“Home sweet home and future home of Sparkle Orthodontics”

Moved back to my hometown of Alexandria and started brainstorming what would one day become Sparkle Orthodontics

July 2025
July 2025

“A lot of metal beams, hopes, and dreams”

I found my location and construction begins
November 24, 2025
November 24, 2025

“Best Day Ever ✨”

Grand opening of Sparkle Orthodontics

The Studio

Sparkle Orthodontics was built with you in mind. We value every member of our community, from ever-growing kids and teens to on-the-go moms and busy adults “adulting.”

With that in mind, every corner was crafted with purpose and with the intention of providing a fun experience, intuitive vibe, and memorable visit. Orthodontic care should feel fun and exciting, so we’re thrilled to provide you with luxe patient perks during every visit, like refreshing beverages, a comfort menu, and charging stations for all your devices.

We’re extremely proud of creating a space that makes you feel comfortable, provides a friendly welcome, and is stylish by choice. Dr. Lopez and her team look forward to welcoming you to Sparkle Orthodontics.

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What Patients Are Saying

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Let’s get started.

Flexible monthly payments. Bilingual care with Dr. Lopez. Most major insurance plans accepted. Same-day start often available.

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