Alinea Orthodontics Santa Monica, LA

Turning Appointments into Feel-good Moments

At ALINEA Orthodontics in Santa Monica, clinical excellence meets calm, human-centred design. Co-founded by couple Jodie Laczko and Dr Ortiz, the practice treats the whole person - not just the smile. The space feels more like a welcoming spa lounge than a clinic, with natural materials, soft curves and considered light doing the heavy lifting. We sat down with the ALINEA team to explore how wellness, craft and evidence-based care combine to make every visit feel genuinely good.

With our combined backgrounds - Dr. Ortiz’s expertise as a board-certified orthodontist and my perspective from the worlds of beauty, fashion, and design - we’ve reimagined what an orthodontic practice can be. Where world-class clinical care and a thoughtfully designed environment align to create an experience patients, of all ages, genuinely enjoy.

DESIGN CHOICES

AND INTERIOR INSPIRATION

REDDIE (R): What’s the central mission of your dental practice, and how does the design of your space visually reflect and reinforce that mission for your patients?

ALINEA (A):Thank you so much! That’s such a meaningful compliment coming from you. We always knew we wanted to create an orthodontic practice that felt different. For years, Dr. “Kiké” Ortiz (also known by family and friends as “Kiké”) worked in the orthodontic field and saw a huge opportunity to elevate the experience: to provide better care by treating the whole person - not just their mouth - using the latest technology and scientific research.

From a design perspective, I noticed that many practices felt cold and clinical. We dreamed of creating a space that feels more like a warm, inviting spa or home - somewhere you can instantly relax. At Alinea Orthodontics, our mission is to deliver the highest standard of orthodontic care while putting the patient experience and overall wellness at the center of everything we do.

R: Dental visits can be stressful for many. What specific design choices did you make to create a calming and welcoming atmosphere for your patients?

A: We’re both nature-lovers and minimalists at heart, and our design choices reflect that. Natural materials like reclaimed wood, green marble with wave-like patterns, handmade ceramic tiles, sustainably-made furniture, and abundant greenery root the space in a connection to nature.

The floor plan and interiors draw inspiration from the clean lines found in modern Mexican architecture. And, true to Dr. Ortiz’s love of arches - something you see often in his hometown of San Juan, Puerto Rico - we incorporated curved forms that feel both contemporary and welcoming.

ON CHALLENGES

AND FINDING SOLUTIONS

R: What were the most significant design challenges you encountered while creating your practice, and how did you find solutions?

A: Firstly, we loved working with our architecture firm, but the first iterations of their designs felt lacklustre - what you’d expect for a conventional dental office. We had to really push, guide, and collaborate with them to bring our vision to life. Luckily, they were patient and open to feedback, and together we got the space to where it is today.

Coming from outside the dental field - with a background in beauty, fashion, and design - I was able to bring a fresh perspective to what a dental clinic could be. It was exciting to translate design cues from those worlds into a clinical setting, creating something both functional and beautiful.

Secondly, designing within the many dental and ADA regulations for both orthodontic equipment and healthcare facilities posed a huge challenge. There were so many limiting factors that forced us to get creative. On top of that, being located in Santa Monica, California - where design and construction rules are among the strictest in the country - made the process even more complex.

Thankfully, Dr. Ortiz and our dental-specific architect, Joe Architect, made sure the space did not only look and feel special but also met the highest standards for functionality and healthcare compliance.