Comfortable Orthodontic Care
Ortho Appliances in Altadena, CA
Custom orthodontic appliances that gently guide your smile at Mint Dental Loft.
Ortho Appliances include the expanders, retainers, aligner aids, and other devices that help straighten teeth and support a healthy bite. At Mint Dental Loft in Altadena, CA, we design your appliances to be as comfortable, discreet, and effective as possible. Our team will show you exactly how to use and care for them, so you feel confident every step of the way.
Ortho Appliances in Altadena, California
Ortho Appliances at Mint Dental Loft
Ortho Appliances at Mint Dental Loft in Altadena, CA are custom-made devices that work with braces or clear aligners to move teeth, guide jaw growth, and keep your smile stable after treatment. From expanders and space maintainers to retainers and bite-correcting appliances, we choose the right tools to make your orthodontic journey smoother, more efficient, and more comfortable.
How ortho appliances help your smile
Orthodontic treatment is about more than brackets or trays—it often relies on special appliances that provide gentle, targeted forces or protect the progress you’ve already made. Depending on your needs, we may recommend appliances that widen the upper jaw, hold space for unerupted teeth, fine-tune your bite, or keep teeth from drifting after braces or aligners. Each appliance is carefully fitted and adjusted so it works efficiently without disrupting your daily life.
- Expanders Help widen a narrow upper jaw to create room for crowded teeth and improve the way your bite fits.
- Space maintainers Hold space open after a baby tooth is lost too early, so the adult tooth can come in correctly.
- Functional appliances Encourage the jaws to grow into a better relationship, improving the way teeth meet.
- Retainers Keep teeth in their new positions after braces or aligners, protecting your investment and your smile.
Types of ortho appliances we may recommend
Your exact plan is personalized, but many patients benefit from a combination of fixed (non-removable) and removable appliances. We’ll walk you through each one, explain how it works, and give you simple home-care tips.
- Palatal expanders to gently widen the upper jaw in growing patients
- Fixed or removable space maintainers to protect developing smiles
- Clear or acrylic functional appliances for jaw guidance
- Elastics and bite-correcting attachments used with braces or aligners
- Removable clear retainers and traditional wire retainers after treatment
Living with ortho appliances
It’s normal to feel mild pressure or soreness for a day or two after a new appliance is placed or adjusted. This usually eases quickly and can often be managed with softer foods and over-the-counter pain relief. Our team will show you how to keep your appliances clean, what foods to avoid, and when to wear them so your treatment stays on track. If anything feels too tight, rubs your cheek, or comes loose, we’re only a phone call away.
Costs, insurance, and next steps
The cost of Ortho Appliances depends on your customized treatment plan and whether they are part of a full orthodontic case. Before you start, we’ll review fees, check any orthodontic benefits through your insurance, and answer all your financial questions in plain language. We can also discuss payment options to help you comfortably plan for care.
Ready to talk about ortho appliances?
If you’ve been told you need an expander, retainer, or other ortho appliance—or you’re simply curious about your options—the next step is an orthodontic consultation. Call (626) 610-4413 or contact Mint Dental Loft in Altadena, CA to schedule a visit. We’ll review your goals, explain any recommended appliances, and design a clear, comfortable plan for your smile.
Ortho Appliances FAQs
- What are ortho appliances?
- Ortho Appliances are specialized devices used during orthodontic treatment to move teeth, guide jaw growth, or hold teeth in place after treatment. Examples include expanders, space maintainers, functional appliances, and retainers.
- Why do I need an ortho appliance in addition to braces or aligners?
- Braces and aligners straighten teeth, but some problems—like a narrow upper jaw, early tooth loss, or bite imbalances—need extra support. Ortho appliances provide gentle, targeted changes that braces or aligners alone cannot always achieve.
- Are ortho appliances uncomfortable?
- You may feel mild pressure or soreness for a couple of days when a new appliance is placed or adjusted, but this usually improves quickly. Our team at Mint Dental Loft will give you tips for easing discomfort and will adjust your appliance if anything rubs or pinches.
- How long will I need to wear my ortho appliance?
- Wear time depends on your specific needs and the type of appliance. Some appliances are used for several months, while others, like retainers, are worn long-term to protect your results. We’ll explain your expected timeline before treatment begins and update you as you progress.
- How do I keep my ortho appliance clean?
- Cleaning instructions vary by appliance, but most require regular brushing with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or a recommended cleaner. Removable appliances should be rinsed after meals and stored in their case when not in use. We’ll review detailed care instructions with you at your visit.
- What should I avoid eating with an ortho appliance?
- Sticky, chewy, and very hard foods can damage many appliances or cause them to come loose. We’ll give you a list of foods to limit and suggest easy, appliance-friendly alternatives to keep your treatment on track.
- What happens if my ortho appliance breaks or feels loose?
- If your appliance breaks, bends, or feels loose, contact Mint Dental Loft as soon as possible. Do not try to fix it yourself, as this can damage the appliance or your teeth. We’ll schedule a visit to assess and repair or replace it.
- Are ortho appliances covered by insurance?
- Many orthodontic benefits include the cost of necessary appliances as part of overall treatment, but coverage varies by plan. Our team in Altadena, CA will review your benefits, help you understand what’s included, and provide a clear estimate before you begin.
- Will I still need a retainer after my ortho appliance treatment?
- Yes. Even after expanders, braces, or aligners, a retainer is usually needed to keep teeth from shifting. Retainers are a very important type of ortho appliance that help preserve your new smile long term.
- How do I get started with ortho appliances at Mint Dental Loft?
- To get started, schedule an orthodontic consultation at Mint Dental Loft in Altadena, CA. Call (626) 610-4413 and our team will help you find a convenient time. At your visit, we’ll examine your teeth and bite, discuss any recommended ortho appliances, and design a treatment plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.
“Such a calming experience.”
Mint Dental Loft made me feel relaxed from the moment I walked in. Gentle care, great team — my best dental visit yet.
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The staff is friendly, the technology is modern, and my appointment was quick and comfortable. Highly recommend!
We Make Dentistry More Affordable
Mint Dental Loft proudly offers flexible payment options through CareCredit and LendingClub, making it easier to get the treatment you need with comfortable monthly payments that fit your budget.
Office Hours
- Monday - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Wednesday - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday By Private Appointment Only
- Saturday / Sunday - Closed
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Call us now at 626-610-4413 or visit at 2095 Lincoln Ave. #201 Altadena, CA 91001
