Striving for excellence in his education, Dr. Pennella graduated with honors from Wake Forest University with a degree in Chemistry, while also being inducted into the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society. After graduation, he moved to Charleston where he attended the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine, graduating as the valedictorian of his dental class.

After graduating dental school, he was accepted into the Medical College of Virginia orthodontic residency program - one of the top orthodontic programs in the nation. After rigorous training and education, Dr. Pennella obtained his orthodontic certification and masters degree.

Over the course of his residency, he obtained his certification to offer Invisalign to patients, and gained extensive experience with difficult interdisciplinary cases as a former member of the VCU Craniofacial/Facial Reconstruction Team.

Throughout his life, Dr. Pennella has lived in over a dozen states across the country, but is proud to call Lexington his home. Committed to making his local community a better place for all of its residents, he is an active member of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Columbia Dental Association, and Riverbend Community Church. Dr. Pennella lives here in Lexington with his wife Kate, who he met at the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dentistry, and his two children Max & Claire. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, reading, skiing, and playing a round of golf.

We know that our office is only as effective and as welcoming as the people who work in it, which is why we take pride in our friendly and well-trained team members! We put your needs first to achieve efficient and comprehensive treatment in a supportive and nurturing environment. We promise to speak candidly with you about possible treatments as well as any risks and associated costs of treatment, and how treatment can address your individual needs.

Our staff is uniquely trained and highly skilled, and we strive to provide unparalleled service to each patient. Our staff consists of team members with specialized training and certifications, and years of experience in treating patients with the highest level of care. We strive to stay abreast of the very latest in technology and advances by regularly attending continuing education courses and seminars.

My name is Kayla. I am one of our front desk coordinators and I joined The Braces Place family in 2014. I am originally from Orange County, California. I enjoy kayaking and baking sweet treats in my spare time. One of the many things I love about my job is how our staff is like one huge family. Fun Fact: I was a patient here when I was 13 and I enjoyed the atmosphere so much, I wanted to work here! Im the first person you will see when you walk in our practice. I cant wait to meet you!

Hi, I am Laura and I am an orthodontic assistant for Dr. Pennella. I have worked at The Braces Place since 1998. I love working in the field of orthodontics because its fun getting to know the patients. I think its also rewarding to see the final result of their beautiful new smile.

Hi, my name is Jenn and Im the marketing coordinator here at The Braces Place. I started working here in April 2018. You will see me at community events, local schools, and dental offices all over Lexington and the surrounding area. I have been in marketing for 8 years and in the orthodontic field for 25 years. My wonderful husband Brian works for AT&T, thats why we have lived so many amazing places. We are both from the Columbia area and we are very happy to be back in our hometown. Our amazing daughter Pippa Mae goes to Meadow Glenn Middle school. I love meeting new people, listening to live music, and traveling the world. I love to get feedback, so please reach out to us on any of the social media channels. Im excited about being a part of this fantastic team and I look forward to meeting you soon!

Hello, I am Michele and have been working in dentistry for over 25 years. I have extensive experience in orthodontics, as well as cosmetic and general dentistry. I have been an orthodontic assistant and a financial coordinator since 2006 for Dr. Pennella. I enjoy building relationships with our patients and their families to help create beautiful smiles that last a lifetime. My husband and I have one son. In my leisure time, I enjoy bee keeping, horseback riding, camping, and hanging out with family and friends.

Hello, I am Miguel and I am a certified orthodontic technician. I came to Columbia when my father was stationed at Fort Jackson Army Base 54 years ago. I received my dental training while serving in the Navy (1971- 1977). After an honorable discharge, I moved back to Columbia to continue my career in dentistry as a technician. I started with The Braces Place in 1994. As a technician, I manage the Lab. I have three adult children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. My hobby is photography and has been for 52 years. My photos of our patients are visible throughout the office. Im a volunteer with the Special Olympics of SC as an event photographer. I love music and have a funny sense of humor. I speak Spanish fluently.

Hello, I am Emily and I am an orthodontic assistant for Dr. Pennella. I joined the team in 2015. I have extensive experience in the dental field and have worked as a dental assistant for years before joining The Braces Place family! When I am not at the Braces Place, you can catch me by our pool or the beach with my husband and friends. I love helping people with their dental needs and I believe a bright smile is the best look on someone and it never goes out of style!

Im Laura and I am a treatment coordinator at the Braces Place. I have worked in orthodontics for 29 years. I started out as a clinical assistant and have worked in every position possible in an orthodontic office. I spent 10 years working with a computer software company that specialized in orthodontic software. During those 10 years I traveled to different offices each week teaching the office staff how to use their new software. My favorite thing about working in orthodontics is getting to meet all the new patients on their first visit. I am from Chapin and I have two children Molly-Grace and Jed. I love the specialty of orthodontics and I enjoy traveling in my free time.

Hi, I am Susan and I have worked as an orthodontic assistant with the Braces Place since 1995. I am married to a wonderful man and have a great son. I have one handsome grandson named Elijah that is two years old and he keeps me very busy. I have always enjoyed my job and getting to know so many new people, making beautiful smiles, and meeting new friends.

Im Dallas and I am an orthodontic assistant at the Braces Place. I joined our team in 2018. This is my first job in the dental field but I rotated through other offices during my school externships in our community. I am one of 5 siblings and I love being apart of a big family. I enjoy spending my free time with my newly wed- husband and we love to binge watch TV shows on Netflix. I enjoy watching the process of every patient gaining their beautiful smile and was even a patient of Dr. Pennellas years ago.

Hey, Im Hannah and I am an Orthodontic Assistant at The Braces Place. I joined the team in June 2020 and I am very excited to work here. I started my dental career in 2015 and have worked in General Dentistry and Orthodontic offices in the Columbia area. In my free time I love to spend time with my daughter Maren Grace. We enjoy spending time with friends around any body of water. Im excited to work here and can not wait to meet you!

Hi, Im Kelsey and I joined The Braces Place team in June of 2021 as a Front Desk Coordinator. I have been in the dental field for four years now and absolutely love it. My favorite part of my job is getting to know our patients and watching their smiles transform throughout treatment.

Hey, Im Taylor and Im an Orthodontic Assistant at The Braces Place. I joined the team in August 2021. This is my first job in the dental field and I am very excited to be here. During dental assistant school, I spent time at other offices in the community to view their offices and procedures. I enjoy spending my free time with my family doing anything outdoors. I look forward to meeting each of you and watching your smile transform!

The Braces Place is your local orthodontist in Lexington, South Carolina, offering premier orthodontic care to children, teen, and adults. Dr. Dan Pennella and his experienced orthodontic team strive to provide the families of Lexington with only the highest quality of orthodontic care, so we can make our community brighter and better, one perfect smile at a time. Using only the best, cutting-edge orthodontic technology and procedures, weve already perfected more than 10,000 smiles, so join the family of smiling patients and get the smile of your dreams at The Braces Place!

We proudly offer our orthodontic care to patients of all ages, since everyone deserves a smile that they can be proud to show off. With a broad range of treatment options for kids, teens, and adults including traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces and Invisalign clear aligners.

Since every smile is unique, the best orthodontic care is personalized based on the patient's needs. Thats why we sit with every patient that comes into our office and work together to discover what treatment options will be best and establish a personalized treatment plan to achieve your best smile.

Dr. Pennella and his team are passionate when it comes to ensuring that your orthodontic treatment is comfortable, honest, and affordable. For your comfort, weve created an office space that is welcoming, from the furniture and decor to the smiling faces of our highly-trained staff. Well always be transparent with you when it comes to your treatment, and will be more than happy to answer any and all questions that you have. For affordability, we offer financing options so a new smile is accessible to everyone.