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  1. Home
  2. /New Mexico
  3. /Albuquerque Orthodontists
  4. /Valer Dental & Braces
Accepting new patients

Valer Dental & Braces

Valer Dental & Braces is a comprehensive dental practice in Albuquerque offering orthodontic treatment (braces and Invisalign), family dentistry, dental implants, and dentures.

120 Eubank Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123
4.6(561 reviews)
Call Now(505) 600-2000Book OnlineWebsiteDirections

About Valer Dental & Braces

Braces come up more often here than at most dental offices, with parents describing daughters' braces outcomes and gentle handling of children's orthodontic work.

Valer Dental & Braces is a general dental practice that also offers braces, Invisalign, and clear aligners, and braces treatment comes up especially often in reviews. Reviews mention young children and families managing several kids in treatment fairly often, alongside a mix of adult patients. Cost and financing draw a wide range of reactions: some reviewers mention competitive quotes and flexible payment plans, while others describe surprise charges or unclear billing after insurance issues. Dr. Belle is repeatedly credited with addressing patient concerns and answering questions in detail during procedures.

Summary of 214 patient reviews, February 2022–September 2026, updated September 2026

Valer Dental & Braces is a comprehensive dental practice in Albuquerque offering orthodontic treatment (braces and Invisalign), family dentistry, dental implants, and dentures.

They serve children, teens, and adults with affordable treatment options, including braces starting at $2,600, and accept dental insurance and Medicaid.

Treatments offered

InvisalignInvisalignClear AlignersClear AlignersTraditional BracesTraditional Braces
Braces
Starting from $2,600
Consultation
Free
GuidesHow much does Invisalign cost? →Clear aligner costs explained →Adult braces cost guide →

Who They Treat

Valer Dental & Braces provides orthodontic treatment for the following age groups:

Children
Ages 6–11
Teens
Ages 12–17
Adults
Ages 18+

Technology & Equipment

Valer Dental & Braces uses modern orthodontic technology to deliver precise, comfortable treatment.

3D Digital Scanning

* Pricing shown is an estimate. Contact the practice for a personalized quote.

Orthodontists at this office

provider
headshot

Dr. Kurtis Lightheart

NPI verified · no bio or photo on file

Lead OrthodontistAccepting New Patients
provider
headshot

Dr. Christopher Lo, DDS

NPI verified · no bio or photo on file

NPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients
provider
headshot

Dr. Erika Belle

NPI verified · no bio or photo on file

Accepting New Patients

Insurance accepted

5 plans listed
AetnaCareingtonCignaDenteMaxUnited Concordia
Valer Dental & Braces accepts Medicaid. Coverage varies by plan tier — confirm with the office before your first visit.

What patients say

Latest review 7 weeks ago

What patients praise

  • Braces treatment is mentioned far more than typical, with several parents describing daughters' outcomes and gentle handling of kids' orthodontic work.
  • Dr. Erika Belle is repeatedly noted for checking in on anxious patients and thoroughly explaining what to expect before procedures.
  • Several reviews describe accommodations for anxious patients and those with special needs, including breaks during panic attacks and patience with a non-verbal autistic adult.

Things to know

  • A number of reviews describe unclear or surprise charges, including added fees and billing that continued after treatment was cancelled.
  • Some reviews mention cancelled appointments and long waits that delayed treatment timelines by weeks or months.

Who it suits

  • Families with young children
  • Adults seeking braces or aligners
  • Anxious or nervous patients

Doctors patients mention

  • Dr. Erika Belle · 23 reviews

Orthodontic care in reviews

Orthodontic reviews describe braces treatment lasting around two and a half years, with generally gentle handling of children's cases, though a few mention a persistent gap after treatment or a delayed retainer pickup that let teeth shift back. Some reviewers also note the treating provider changed more than once during their course of care, which created scheduling frustration.

Last 90 days
6 reviews
averaging 3.0★
Last 12 months
70 reviews
averaging 3.9★
Owner replies
91% of reviews
Reviews per month
41
Oct 2023Sep 2026
Reviews per month
Oct 20236
Nov 20231
Dec 20235
Jan 20248
Feb 20249
Mar 202440
Apr 20249
May 20249
Jun 202411
Jul 20248
Aug 20241
Sep 20241
Oct 20248
Nov 20244
Dec 20247
Jan 202512
Feb 20251
Mar 202525
Apr 202523
May 20253
Jun 20255
Jul 20253
Aug 20253
Sep 202511
Oct 202541
Nov 20251
Dec 20251
Jan 20262
Feb 20262
Mar 202610
Apr 20261
May 20262
Jun 20260
Jul 20261
Aug 20263
Sep 20262
Star ratings
  • 5★420
  • 4★15
  • 3★7
  • 2★10
  • 1★48
Average rating by year
  • 20224.9
  • 20234.5
  • 20244.6
  • 20254.3
  • 20263.1
1★5★
Treatments patients mention
  • Braces31
  • Invisalign / clear aligners3
What patients talk about
PraiseCriticism
  • Friendly staff98 / 8
  • The dentist39 / 12
  • Cost, insurance & financing21 / 20
  • Scheduling & wait times14 / 18
  • Clear explanations18 / 7
  • Gentle, comfortable care20 / 2
  • Responsiveness11 / 10
  • Great with kids17 / 3
What patients talk about
ThemePraiseCriticism
Friendly staff988
The dentist3912
Cost, insurance & financing2120
Scheduling & wait times1418
Clear explanations187
Gentle, comfortable care202
Responsiveness1110
Great with kids173

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Recent reviews from Google

4.6
561 reviews
Judith Guerrero
Judith Guerrero
5 months ago
“

Such great customer service, with great comfort made me feel right at home after not seeing a dentist in over 20 years because my last experience in another clinic.... Thank you Dr.Belle to you and "all" of your staff!!!!!!!!!!!! From Robert Hernandez

Review from Google

master cheif
master cheif
5 months ago
“

I used to have a great experience at Valor Dental, but returning after a job/insurance change was incredibly frustrating. My visit started with an hour-long delay at the front desk because my insurance was entered incorrectly, despite me calling ahead to provide it. ​The real issue, however, was with the dental tech. She was late getting me back, and when we finally started, she was surprisingly rude. I had been told over the phone that we would proceed with my cleaning or preventative treatment, but she insisted we had to 'start fresh' with a full set of new X-rays. While I understand that updated X-rays are sometimes necessary, being misled over the phone—and then being treated poorly by an unprofessional tech who was already running behind—made for a terrible experience. This office is clearly not run the same way it used to be.

Review from Google

Mohanad Jasim
Mohanad Jasim
6 months ago
“

THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE I went to go get a root canal done i did it successfully done I go home I have pain in my root canal ofc its the first day of my root canal 2 AND A HALF MONTHS LATER IT STILL HURTS I WENT TO CHECK THEY SAID THERES NOTHING WRONG AND THEN SAID WE WILL REFER YOU TO A SPECIALIST AND TOLD US THEY WERE GONNA CALL US WITHIN 2 DAYS STILL NO CALL AND I HAVE A CRACK/ROOT CANAL ABOVE THE ROOT CANAL I GOT DONE BECAUSE OF THAT

Review from Google

Laney Werme
Laney Werme
6 months ago
“

I had at dental emergency. My tooth broke at 5 pm and nowhere else could fit me in. My husband found them and I was in and out. Zero judgement, talked me through every step. My husband even walked next door to chick fil a and my tooth was extracted faster than he got his food! I'm definitely coming back here!

Review from Google

Terry Barrett
Terry Barrett
6 months ago
“

Do not do business with this deceptive and highly unprofessional office. I went for a first visit and specifically told the staff I could not have x-rays that day, that I didn't think my insurance would cover them. I said I would have my recent x-rays from my previous dentist sent to them. The tech said she would look into it and left the room. When she returned, she said that my x-rays would be covered by insurance, so I allowed them to be done. I have now received the denial notice from my insurance. None of the cost of the x-rays was covered, so I am left with a bill I cannot easily pay. I am an elderly woman living on Social Security. The above is my major complaint with regard to my experience at Valer Dental. Blatant lying to a new patient is not a good way to begin a therapeutic relationship. But besides the deception related to the bill, my other concerns include the fact that I was not taken to an exam room for half an hour after my scheduled appointment time (although I arrived early), and then sat even longer in that room before anyone came to begin the visit, though more than once people came in and asked me who I was. Apparently they have trouble keeping track of which patient is in which room. Finally, the "background music" in the office was very loud "international" music that was far from pleasant or relaxing. Just not what one typically hears in such a setting. More like a nightclub than a professional office. Clearly the priority is the enjoyment of the staff, not their clients. I have never posted an unfavorable review for a business before, but felt I had to share my experience to possibly save someone else from exposure to the same treatment.

Review from Google

Read all 561 reviews on Google →

Questions about this practice

What orthodontic treatments does Valer Dental & Braces offer?+
Valer Dental & Braces offers: Invisalign, Clear Aligners, Traditional Braces.
Does Valer Dental & Braces accept dental insurance?+
Valer Dental & Braces accepts Aetna, Careington, Cigna, DenteMax, United Concordia.
Does Valer Dental & Braces offer free consultations?+
Yes, Valer Dental & Braces offers a free initial orthodontic consultation. Call (505) 600-2000 or book online to schedule.
Is Valer Dental & Braces accepting new patients?+
Valer Dental & Braces is currently welcoming new patients in Albuquerque, NM. Call (505) 600-2000 or book online to schedule.
Where is Valer Dental & Braces located?+
Valer Dental & Braces is located at 120 Eubank Blvd SE. Get directions: https://maps.google.com/?cid=6663414740714763933&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA
What are the office hours for Valer Dental & Braces?+
Valer Dental & Braces office hours: Mon 9:00 AM–8:00 PM, Tue 9:00 AM–8:00 PM, Wed 9:00 AM–8:00 PM, Thu 9:00 AM–8:00 PM, Fri 9:00 AM–8:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, Sun Closed–Closed.
Does Valer Dental & Braces offer payment plans?+
Yes, Valer Dental & Braces offers flexible payment plans to make orthodontic treatment affordable.
Who are the orthodontists at Valer Dental & Braces?+
Valer Dental & Braces is staffed by Dr. Kurtis Lightheart, Dr. Christopher Lo, Dr. Erika Belle.
What is the patient rating for Valer Dental & Braces?+
Valer Dental & Braces has a 4.6-star rating based on 561 patient reviews on Google.
How long has Valer Dental & Braces been in practice?+
Valer Dental & Braces has been providing orthodontic care since 1998, serving the Albuquerque, NM community for over 28 years.

Other Valer Dental & Braces locations

Valer Dental & Braces
1514 Coors Blvd NW, Albuquerque · 4.7 (1546)
View →

Research with AI

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120 Eubank Blvd SE
Albuquerque, NM 87123
Get Directions
(505) 600-2000
valerdental.com/
Book Online
info@valerdental.com
Open in Google Maps
Accepting new patients
Est. 1998
Free Consultation
Payment Plans Available
In-House Financing
Weekend Hours
Evening Hours
Online Booking Available
Emergency Hours Available

Accessibility & Parking

Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
Wheelchair Accessible Parking
Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
CashCredit CardsDebit CardsContactless / NFCCareCredit
Mon9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tue9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wed9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
SunClosed

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