Orthodontic FAQs

What is an orthodontist?

Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose and treat problems with the position, alignment, and spacing of the teeth, and related irregularities in the face and jaw. They provide and maintain oral appliances like braces.

When would I need an orthodontist?

Orthodontists treat bite problems and teeth misalignment. Treatment will not only improve functioning of the mouth, but also leave you with a great smile.

How do I know if I need orthodontic treatment?

There are two main reasons to seek orthodontic treatment: bite problems and teeth misalignment. Teeth that are protruding, erupting out of position, or overcrowded are common indications that treatment is needed. Less obvious signs include mouth breathing, frequent biting of the cheek or palate, speech difficulties, and thumb sucking that goes past the age of three to four years of age. Other signs of orthodontic problems include jaw clicking, and your teeth not meeting when you close your mouth.

When should I start treatment?

It’s never too late to start orthodontic treatment, but starting early can make treatment faster and easier. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child who may need orthodontic treatment should come in for a first visit around age seven.

Do braces hurt?

Some people experience minor aches and pain in the first few days after they get braces. Braces are periodically adjusted, which can cause soreness and typically lasts a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help, but are usually unnecessary.

How long does treatment take?

Treatment differs for each person, but most commonly lasts between six months to two years. After the braces come off, a retainer must be worn for an additional several months.

How often do I need to come in for an appointment?

Appointment frequency varies from person to person, but typically ranges from every four to ten weeks.

Will I need to have any teeth extracted?

In cases of severe crowding (where the mouth isn’t big enough to hold all the teeth) or in the case of an impacted tooth (where a tooth is trapped beneath the gum line by other teeth), an extraction may be necessary. In the case of younger patients, early treatment may make extraction unnecessary.

Will I have to watch what I eat?

Yes. You might need to avoid some foods because they can damage braces; you will be given a list when you start treatment. For example, sticky foods like caramel and taffy should be avoided, as they might cling to the metal and wires in your mouth.

Will I be able to play sports/play my instrument?

Yes, but there are some things to consider. Because you might experience pain right after getting braces or getting your braces adjusted, it might take a couple days before you can play your instrument. As always, we recommend wearing a mouthguard while playing most sports.

Do I still need to see my regular dentist while I’m getting orthodontic treatment?

Definitely. With braces, it’s more important than ever to take care of your oral health, as it’s easier for food to collect between teeth and plaque to develop.

Will I need to wear a retainer after my braces come off?

Wearing your retainer is an important part of orthodontic care and helps to make your new smile permanent. If this step is skipped, teeth can shift out of place.

Is orthodontic treatment expensive?

Orthodontic care is a long-term investment in your health and well-being. There are financing options that can make orthodontic care affordable.

Our Location

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Hours of Operation

The office is open alternating Wednesdays and Fridays!

Primary Location

Monday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

  • "This dental office rocks! Dr. M. & all her staff are knowledable, professional, & all very friendly."
    Lisa Griffith
  • "The entire staff at Ahh Dental are amazing. From the moment you walk in to the treatment area and checking out. Dr. Moreschini is very nice and makes sure patients are comfortable with any treatment. I would recommend everyone and anyone to Ahh dental!"
    Stephanie Lovato
  • "Excellent service and a great staff."
    Herman Lujan
  • "This team is awesome! Each and every one of them are present when you are talking and they explain everything in a language you can follow. They each have a heart of gold. I recommend then to all. I will never go anywhere else for my dental care."
    Regan Rezac
  • "Dr. Moreschini is not only intelligent, well-versed, articulate in diagnosis as well as treatment, but kind and gracious in her treatment administrations. I knew, a year ago, Ahh Dental would be my dental home. I’m even more vested now as a patient but also as a “family member” to this exceprional team of people who strive to provide the best outcome for their patients. Thank you, Ahh Dental"
    Sabine Stanley
  • "I loved this dental office. When I moved away from Santa Fe, I was sincerely sad because it also meant saying goodbye to a dentist I could trust!"
    Jennifer Quick
  • "The patient comes first. The front desk, hygienist and dentist all work together to get you in the healthy zone. The office seems to be run professionally with all the insurance processes integrated."
    John Urbanowski
  • "Best dentist and caring staff."
    Yvonne Vigil
  • "From the front staff to my dental hygienist, everyone was so friendly and personable. Ahh Dental made me fill at ease and that my concerns were important. Very efficient, awesome experience."
    Barbara
  • "I visited Ahh Dental for the first time earlier today and it was one of the most positive experiences I've had at a dental office. I am actually looking forward to my next appointment. Everyone was extremely pleasant and attentive. If you are new to town, or just looking for a new dentist I highly recommend Ahh Dental."
    Kelse Lighthizer
  • "Amazing place! Amazing staff! Everyone that works there is so friendly and down to earth. Honestly wish I could come back all the time I enjoy it so much. Went above and beyond, very highly recommended!!"
    Jordan Higgins
  • "One of my top dental experiences. Everyone was very kind, knowledgeable, and professional."
    Diann Darnall
  • "Highly recommend Ahh Dental. Dr Moreschini is one the the best Dentist who is not only professional but cares about her patients and their well being. She has an excellent staff who are very helpful and also very professional!!"
    Marcella Sandoval
  • "This place is great! Super friendly and welcoming staff! I actually enjoy going to the dentist here! Really recommend them!"
    Oscar Rivera
  • "Dr and staff are the best! Always professional and friendly. They’re current about best dental practices, and the best thing? They don’t nickel and dime you to death. Love them!"
    Susan Miera
  • "Ahh Dental has a wonderful atmosphere and an awesome staff. My appointments and procedures have all been very pleasant and professional - thank you Ahh Dental for my happy teeth and big smile."
    Cherie Hughes
  • "It’s a pleasure sitting in Dr. Moreschini’s chair. She’s a stellar graduate of Creighton and a wonderful reminder of the Marquette University dentists I had for thirty years. She is always a pleasure to work with, efficient and excellent at pain prevention and management. This young woman is my third dentist in three years in Santa Fe. Unquestionably the best."
    Mark Janssen
  • "I'm so glad that I found Dr Renae. She's great to work with . Feel very at ease with her and her staff. Great people. Highly recommend her. Thanks Dr."
    John Vigil
  • "Very clean, conscientious about Coronavirus. Prompt, friendly, quality work"
    Victor Nelson
  • "I had a wonderful experience at Ahh Dental. Everyone was truly kind and professional. Everything was explained to me beforehand and they made sure I was comfortable and felt at ease. Dr. M.and her staff truly care about their patients. Thank you for making my dental appointment a positive one."
    Georgina Perez
  • "Excellent Ahh Dental was very professional and provided me with great care . You can definitely trust Doctor and staff. Procedures were pain free and the work that had been done is excellent you can not get any better service than that."
    Virginia Salazar
  • "Never had a more comprehensive exam and cleaning by dentist and Roxanne, the hygienist. They fortunately found two cavities that two other dentists had missed altogether.!!! a VERY BIG DEAL. also had to have a molar pulled and Dr. Moreshini was so skilled that I didn't even feel it at all! I learned so much from Roxanne about how decay happens, how to prevent tooth decay, how to effectively and affordable whiten my teeth.

    Amazing clinic... Everyone should experience this attention and care for their oral health care."
    Claudia Wolfe