Exploring Life & Business with Renee Moran of Foundations Orthodontics

Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Moran.

Hi Renee, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Pennsylvania and knew early on that I wanted a career in healthcare. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Notre Dame and moved to Colorado for dental school, where I became interested in orthodontics because of its ability to influence long-term health; not just the appearance of a smile.

After dental school, I served in the U.S. Air Force through the Health Professions Scholarship Program, completing an advanced general dentistry residency at the Air Force Academy before being stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida. That experience gave me a strong clinical foundation and a deep appreciation for thoughtful, comprehensive care.

During my training, I worked closely with a prosthodontist who emphasized how critical a functional bite is to the entire chewing system- the teeth, jaws, joints, and muscles. I saw firsthand how breakdown occurs over time when that system isn’t in balance, often requiring crowns, implants, or extensive restorative work later in life. That experience shaped my philosophy: I wanted to help build healthy function in natural teeth early, rather than fix damage after wear and tear had already occurred.

That mindset led me back to Colorado to complete my orthodontic residency at the University of Colorado, where I trained in a comprehensive, prevention-focused approach to orthodontics that emphasizes airway health, jaw function, and long-term stability. In 2018, I purchased the practice of my mentor and later expanded it into what is now Foundations Orthodontics.

Today, I treat both children and adults with a focus on early intervention, functional bite correction, and whole-health orthodontics. Building a practice around prevention- helping patients avoid bigger problems down the road- has been the most rewarding part of my journey.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Early on, balancing the clinical demands of orthodontics with the realities of running a business was a steep learning curve. Dental school and residency prepare you well clinically, but very little prepares you for managing a team, making strategic business decisions, or leading an organization. Purchasing a practice and later merging offices required me to grow quickly in those areas.

More recently, one of the most positive shifts has been adding my husband, Colin, to our team. He has an MBA and now helps oversee the business and operational side of the practice. That support has been invaluable and allows me to stay focused on what I do best: clinical care, patient relationships, and delivering the highest-quality orthodontic outcomes.

On a personal level, building a practice while raising a family has required constant recalibration, but those challenges have helped me become more intentional with my time.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Foundations Orthodontics?
Foundations Orthodontics is built on the idea that orthodontic treatment should support a person’s overall health, not just straighten teeth. We focus on creating a stable, functional bite that supports the jaw joints, muscles, and airway, with the goal of preventing future breakdown rather than fixing problems after they occur.

We specialize in whole-health orthodontics for both children and adults, with an emphasis on early intervention, airway-focused treatment, TMJ stability, and long-term outcomes. For children, that often means guiding jaw growth and expansion at the right time to set them up for healthier development. For adults, we frequently treat airway and bite-related issues that contribute to discomfort, wear, or sleep concerns; often working collaboratively with other healthcare providers.

What truly sets us apart is our commitment to education and personalized care. Every treatment plan is thoughtfully designed, clearly explained, and tailored to the individual; not rushed or cookie-cutter. We take the time to help patients understand the “why” behind their treatment.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the culture we’ve built. One rooted in integrity, clinical excellence, and genuine connection. Patients consistently tell us they feel heard, respected, and cared for, and that’s something we never take for granted. Our practice is about building strong foundations: for healthy smiles, healthy function, and long-term wellbeing.

What’s next?
Looking ahead, the future of Foundations Orthodontics is centered on education and impact. My goal is to continue spreading awareness about preventive and root-cause orthodontic care. I want to continue helping patients and the broader community understand that orthodontics can address underlying functional issues, not just the visible symptoms.

That means continuing to educate patients, collaborate with other healthcare providers, and invest in technology and training that support early intervention and long-term health. I want Foundations to be known not just as a place where teeth are straightened, but as a resource for knowledge where families learn how airway, bite, and jaw development affect overall well being.

Ultimately, the vision is to grow thoughtfully while staying true to our values: prevention over reaction, education over quick fixes, and care that looks at the whole person.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://foundations-orthodontics.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundations.smiles/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foundations.smiles/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW05NjxeDAXporpyUYLGthg
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/foundations-orthodontics-denver-2?dd_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

Image Credits
Pink Poppy Media