Special Needs Pediatric Dentist Near Alamo Heights

Compassionate Special Needs Pediatric Dentistry Tailored to Your Child’s Unique Needs
We File Your Insurance For You

You pay at the time of your visit, and we’ll file your insurance claim for you — your insurance will reimburse you directly based on your plan’s coverage.

No Insurance? No Problem

Our membership plans make it easy to prioritize your child’s oral health and overall wellness without the stress of insurance limitations or unexpected costs.

Take Advantage of Our Financing

We’ll always provide detailed treatment estimates and work with you to find payment solutions that fit your family’s budget and healthcare goals.

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Finding a dentist who truly understands your child’s unique needs can feel overwhelming, especially when your child has sensory sensitivities, autism, or other developmental differences that make standard dental visits difficult. Many families in and around Alamo Heights spend months searching for a provider who offers both the clinical expertise and the patient-centered environment their child requires. From managing anxiety before appointments even begin to creating a space where your child feels genuinely safe, the right pediatric dental team can transform what once felt impossible into a routine your family actually looks forward to.

At Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway, Dr. Christi Wengler is a board-certified pediatric dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry who has built her practice around children who need a little extra care and consideration. Serving families throughout Bexar County, including those near Alamo Heights, Wellness Pediatric Dentistry offers a calm, thoughtfully designed environment where every child is treated as a whole person. Our special needs dentistry approach prioritizes transparency, gentle communication, and individualized care plans that put both children and their parents at ease.

What Makes a Special Needs Pediatric Dentist Different?

Not all pediatric dental offices are equipped to care for children with complex needs. A truly specialized practice goes beyond standard clinical training to incorporate communication strategies, sensory accommodations, and flexible appointment structures that reflect the reality of raising a child with autism, sensory processing disorders, or other developmental differences. The goal is not only to complete a dental visit, but also to create a positive experience that helps your child build trust with dental care over time.

Research published by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry highlights that children with special health care needs face significant hurdles to oral health care, including a shortage of providers trained to meet their unique requirements. Finding a board-certified specialist who has dedicated their practice to this population makes an enormous difference in long-term outcomes for your child’s oral health and their relationship with dental care throughout life.

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Little girl with special needs enjoy spending time with mother in nature

Our Office Is Designed With Your Child in Mind

We understand that a loud, busy dental office can be deeply distressing for children who are sensitive to noise, light, or unfamiliar sensory input. That is why our office includes private, quiet treatment rooms rather than open bays, giving children with sensory processing challenges the calm environment they need to feel comfortable. This setup is intentionally distinct from many conventional practices where patients are seen in shared, open spaces that can quickly become overstimulating.

Before any treatment begins, we take time to walk children through every step of what they will experience. We explain what tools we use, what sensations to expect, and why each part of the visit matters. For families who have struggled to find a provider willing to slow down and communicate at their child’s pace, this strategy makes a big difference.

A Holistic Approach to Special Needs Dental Care

At Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway, we view oral health as one piece of your child’s broader development and wellness. Dr. Wengler holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences and is a Certified Lactation Counselor, which means dietary counseling is woven naturally into every appointment. For children with special needs, nutrition plays a particularly important role in oral health, and we take the time to discuss this with families in a way that is practical and empowering.

Our preventive dentistry services are designed to minimize the need for invasive treatment through early intervention and education. We use fluoride-free products whenever possible and offer biocompatible materials, giving you the transparency and choice you deserve when it comes to what goes into your child’s body. For children five and older, we also administer pediatric sleep questionnaires to evaluate how they are sleeping and identify any dental interventions that may support better sleep and airway health.

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Disabled child on wheelchair trying begged parents to buy a toy for him in Books and toys fair,Special children's lifestyle,Life in the education age of special need kids,Happy disability kid concept.

Sedation Options Tailored to Your Child's Comfort

We recognize that some children with special needs require additional support to complete dental treatment safely and comfortably. Dr. Wengler offers a full range of support options, from nitrous oxide as an anxiolytic to oral sedation and general anesthesia for children who need a deeper level of care. Our sedation dentistry services are discussed openly and completely with families so that parents fully understand each option, its benefits, and what to expect before making any decisions.

We never pressure you into taking a particular approach. Instead, we present all available options with full transparency so you can make the decision that feels right for your child. That philosophy of parent-driven, informed care is at the heart of everything we do.

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Ready To Transform Your Child's Dental Health?

Experience the difference that holistic pediatric care can make for your child. Our comprehensive approach combines gentle techniques with transparent communication to create positive dental experiences that last a lifetime. We’re here to partner with you in supporting your child’s overall health and development through expert oral care.

From fluoride-free alternatives to airway-focused orthodontics, we offer the choices and expertise your family deserves. Schedule your consultation today and discover how our unique approach can benefit your child’s health and wellness journey.

Why Families Near Alamo Heights Choose Wellness Pediatric Dentistry

Alamo Heights families seeking specialized pediatric dental care choose Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway because our practice was built to serve children that other offices may struggle to accommodate. Dr. Wengler’s extensive training, including her AEGD residency, Airway Health Solutions certification, and membership in the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine, positions her to address the full spectrum of her patients’ needs. Her experience working with children with autism and sensory processing disorders informs every aspect of how we structure appointments and communicate with families.

As San Antonio’s first holistic pediatric dental practice, we are committed to raising the standard of care for children throughout Bexar County. We invite you to contact our office to schedule a new patient visit and discover how our techniques can make a lasting change for your child.

Cute little down syndrome girl with painted hands.
Experience & Expertise

Meet Your Pediatric Dentist

When you bring your child to Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway, they’ll be cared for by a board-certified pediatric dentist who believes parents deserve to know exactly what materials and methods are being used in their child’s care.

Dr. Christi Wengler, Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist and Practice Founder of Wellness Pediatric Dentistry

Christi Wengler, DDS

Board Certified Diplomate & Fellow, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Christi Wengler, DDS, is the founder of Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway — San Antonio’s first holistic pediatric dental practice. A San Antonio native and Board Certified Diplomate and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She earned her undergraduate degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin and her DDS from the University of Texas Health San Antonio. She is also a United States Air Force veteran, serving 11 years. 

Dr. Wengler is a Certified Lactation Counselor since 2019 and Airway Health Solutions certified provider. She brings a unique combination of advanced pediatric expertise, nutritional science knowledge, and airway-focused orthodontic training to every patient. Her goal is to empower parents with choices and provide gentle, transparent care that supports the child’s complete development.

Affordable Care Options

Payment & Financing Options

We understand that choosing out-of-network care is a big decision. That’s why we make it easy to understand your benefits and offer multiple ways to keep your child’s holistic dental care affordable — because the quality of materials in your child’s mouth matters.

Out-of-Network Benefits

We accept and submit claims to all PPO dental insurance plans. Our team helps you maximize your out-of-network benefits so your family receives the highest-quality biocompatible materials and personalized care.

Flexible Financing

We partner with CareCredit to offer flexible monthly payment plans. Break your child’s treatment into manageable payments with low or no interest options — so cost never stands between your child and the care they need.

In-House Membership

No insurance? Our in-house membership plan gives your family affordable access to preventive care and discounted treatments — one simple plan, no surprise bills, and no compromise on quality materials.

Questions about coverage or financing? Call us at (210) 352-9028 — we’re happy to walk you through your options.

CareCredit
In-House Membership
HSA / FSA Accepted
What Parents Are Saying

Hear From Our Families

Parents choose Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway because they want a practice that listens, explains, and puts their child’s whole-body wellness first. Here’s what San Antonio families are saying.

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Your Child Deserves a Dentist Who Listens

Whether you’re looking for a second opinion, concerned about what materials are being used in your child’s care, or searching for a dentist who treats the whole child — not just their teeth — you’ve found the right place.

At Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway, every treatment option is presented with full transparency about materials and methods. Because parents deserve choices, and children deserve gentle, holistic care that supports their natural development.

Medical Disclaimer

The content on this website has been reviewed by Dr. Christi Wengler, DDS, for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Treatment outcomes vary based on individual needs. Contact Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway at (210) 352-9028 for personalized care or dental emergencies.