5.0★ on Google · 67 reviews AAO Member LA Top Orthodontists 2025
Orthodontist · South Pasadena

Orthodontics in South Pasadena — Care You'll Actually Feel.

SmileHaus is an orthodontic practice offering Pitts21 PRO self-ligating braces, Spark™ clear aligners, and early treatment for kids. Every patient is seen by Dr. Karla Thompson at every visit — no rotating providers, no rushed appointments.

(626) 788-5911 · No commitment, no pressure.

Complimentary consultation
Most PPO insurance accepted
Financing available
Dr. Karla Thompson, DDS — Orthodontist
Dr. Karla Thompson, DDS
Orthodontist
Accepting patients
Credentials &
affiliations
AAO
American Association of Orthodontists
ABO
American Board of Orthodontics
ADA
American Dental Association
CDA
California Dental Association

Evidence-based orthodontic care.

The three treatment paths most of our patients choose — all planned personally by Dr. Karla Thompson using current clinical protocols.

Clear aligners

Spark™ Clear Aligners

Nearly invisible, fully removable clear aligners from Ormco — ideal for adults and mature teens with mild to moderate cases.

Removable for eating & brushing
Digital treatment plan up front
Typically 6–18 months
Comparable results to braces
Learn more →
All ages · All cases

Self-Ligating Braces

Modern braces using brackets without elastic ties — fewer adjustments, easier hygiene, faster than traditional braces. Available in metal or clear ceramic.

No elastic ties — easier to clean
Available in metal or ceramic
Faster than traditional braces
Suitable for all ages
Learn more →
About our practice

A closer look at SmileHaus.

A quick tour of the practice — who we are, how we work, and why patients in South Pasadena trust Dr. Karla Thompson with their orthodontic care.

Complimentary Consultation

We offer a free-of-charge opportunity that includes an exam, x-rays, and photographs that will allow us to tailor treatment to your specific needs.

A fantastic team

We pride ourselves on having a friendly, helpful, and dedicated team at our practice.

Top-Rated Orthodontist

With a 5.0 rating and 67 positive Google reviews, it's clear that patients have had exceptional experiences with Dr. Karla Thompson and her team.

Dr. Karla Thompson, DDS, at SmileHaus Orthodontics
Meet your orthodontist

Dr. Karla Thompson, DDS

Dr. Karla Thompson is a orthodontist serving South Pasadena and the surrounding Los Angeles area. She was named to the Los Angeles Top Orthodontists list for 2025.

"Passionate about helping patients achieve the smile of their dreams."
Dental degree Howard University — Doctorate of Dental Surgery
Residency Howard University — Orthodontic Training
Specialty Orthodontics
Recognition Los Angeles Top Orthodontists 2025
Memberships AAO · ABO · ADA · CDA

Clinical technology, at your visit.

SmileHaus is equipped with current-generation orthodontic diagnostic and treatment technology.

Digital impressions

Radiation-free 3D digital scanning replaces messy traditional molds — faster, cleaner, and more comfortable.

DigitalNo goop

3D imaging

Low-dose 3D imaging when clinically indicated, for precise diagnosis on complex cases.

3D imagingLow-dose

Digital treatment planning

Every case is digitally planned, reviewed, and refined before the first appointment.

Patient-specificDoctor-reviewed

Modern bracket systems

In-office expertise with Pitts21 PRO self-ligating braces and Spark™ clear aligners.

Pitts21 PROSpark™
Insurance & financing

In-network with most major PPO plans.

We accept most major PPO insurance plans and will verify your orthodontic benefits for you before treatment begins. Financing options are available — details at your complimentary consultation.

Financing & insurance →

What to expect.

A clear, predictable clinical pathway from first consultation to final reveal. No surprise fees, no ambiguity.

STEP 01

Complimentary consultation

Clinical exam, digital scan if indicated, and a same-day treatment recommendation from Dr. Thompson.

No cost · No obligation
STEP 02

Diagnostic records

Any imaging needed, timeline, and financial estimate — before treatment begins.

Insurance verified for you
STEP 03

Treatment begins

Appliances placed and treatment started. Most visits run 20–30 minutes.

Financing available
STEP 04

Progress & finish

Regular adjustment visits through active treatment, then retainers to protect your new smile.

Retention included
Social proof · verified

Patients who tell us we got it right.

We don't publish invented clinical statistics. We do publish the signals our patients have earned us.

5.0★
on Google

Across 67 verified Google reviews — independently collected from real SmileHaus patients.

LA Top
Orthodontists 2025

Dr. Karla Thompson was named to the Los Angeles Top Orthodontists list for 2025.

1:1
Doctor to patient

One orthodontist, every visit. No rotating providers, no rushed appointments, no handing you off.

Google review count updated as new reviews are posted. Press recognition confirmed via the 2025 announcement.
Patient outcomes

What patients say, in their own words.

5.0
on Google · 67 verified reviews

Video testimonials from SmileHaus families, plus 67+ public reviews on Google and Yelp.

See all testimonials →
Featured video · Anonymous
Your safety & privacy

Care you can trust.

A medical practice operates on trust. Here's exactly what that looks like at SmileHaus.

🛡

Sterilization & safety

Autoclave-sterilized instruments and surface disinfection between every patient. CDC & OSHA compliant.

Radiation safety

Low-dose digital imaging only, ordered only when clinically indicated.

HIPAA & records

Patient records are encrypted and stored in HIPAA-compliant systems.

Care you can reach

If you have an active-patient concern between visits, call (626) 788-5911 and we will get you answers.

South Pasadena · San Gabriel Valley

One office. One orthodontist. The whole SGV.

SmileHaus is rooted in South Pasadena — one office, one team, one orthodontist. We're on Fair Oaks Avenue at 1414 Fair Oaks Avenue, a few blocks from Mission Street, in a purpose-built studio designed to feel calm, clean, and unhurried.

Patients come to us from across the San Gabriel Valley — Pasadena, San Marino, Alhambra, Arcadia, La Cañada Flintridge, Temple City, San Gabriel — and from greater east LA. Some find us because their general dentist sent them. Some are weighing braces or aligners for the first time. Some are correcting old orthodontic work that has shifted.

We don't run satellite offices. We don't hand patients off to associates. Dr. Karla Thompson sees every patient at every visit, plans every case personally, and gives you a written timeline and fee quote at the complimentary consultation — before you decide to start. That's the practice. That's all of it.

FAQ

Questions, answered.

Is the consultation really free?
Yes — completely. Your first visit includes a clinical exam, digital photos, and X-rays if clinically indicated, plus an honest conversation about whether treatment is needed. You leave with a written treatment recommendation and fee quote. No commitment, no deposit, no pressure to schedule anything that day.
Do you accept insurance?
We accept most major PPO insurance plans and verify your orthodontic benefits before treatment begins, so you know exactly what's covered. We also offer in-house financing and work with CareCredit for any out-of-pocket costs.
What is the difference between braces and Spark Clear Aligners?
Spark uses removable clear plastic trays — virtually invisible, easy to clean, no dietary restrictions. Pitts21 PRO braces use fixed low-profile brackets — more discreet than the braces you remember, and better for complex bite work. Dr. Thompson recommends the right approach for your specific case at the complimentary consultation. See all treatments →
Do kids need early orthodontic treatment?
Most don't. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation by age seven, but most children we see leave with a six-month observation schedule — not braces. Dr. Thompson is conservative: we treat what needs treating, when it needs treating, and not before.
How do I get started?
Schedule your complimentary consultation — about a 30-minute visit, all in person, with Dr. Thompson. You leave with clarity on your case and a written fee quote, and you take it from there at your own pace. Book a consultation or call (626) 788-5911.
Complimentary · No obligation

Complimentary consultation.

Meet Dr. Karla Thompson, review your goals and any records, and leave with a written treatment recommendation — at no cost.

  • Clinical exam with Dr. Karla Thompson
  • Treatment options discussion
  • Written cost estimate
  • Insurance benefits verified for you