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.
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.
We’ll always provide detailed treatment estimates and work with you to find payment solutions that fit your family’s budget and healthcare goals.
When a child snores, breathes through their mouth, or wakes up tired night after night, it can be easy to chalk it up to a phase. But these signs often point to something deeper: an airway issue that, left unaddressed, can affect a child’s jaw development, behavior, academic focus, and long-term health. Airway orthodontics is a growing field that examines how the structure of the jaw and palate shapes how a child breathes, sleeps, and grows. Research published by the National Institutes of Health confirms that oral breathing in children is associated with significant changes in craniofacial development, making early evaluation critical.
For families in Terrell Hills and the surrounding San Antonio area searching for an airway dentist who brings both the training and the whole-child approach this type of care requires, Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway is here. As a board-certified pediatric dentist serving Bexar County, Dr. Christi Wengler combines her Airway Health Solutions training with a background in Nutritional Sciences and years of experience as a Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Airway orthodontics focuses on the relationship between a child’s jaw structure, oral development, and their ability to breathe properly through the nose. When the jaw is underdeveloped or the palate is too narrow, it can restrict nasal airflow and contribute to mouth breathing, snoring, and disrupted sleep. Unlike traditional orthodontics, which primarily addresses tooth alignment, airway orthodontics prioritizes developing the jaw and airway as a foundation for long-term health.
Most jaw growth occurs before age six, which means the window for meaningful early intervention is brief. Identifying airway concerns early gives children the best chance at healthy development before growth patterns become harder to modify. Our airway orthodontics approach is designed to work with your child’s natural growth timeline, rather than waiting until problems become more advanced.
Traditional orthodontics typically addresses crowding, spacing, and bite alignment during or after the transition to permanent teeth. Airway orthodontics intervenes earlier, evaluating structural conditions that may limit nasal breathing and affect sleep quality. Tools like palate expanders and myofunctional appliances are used to guide jaw development, widen the arch, and support open nasal airways.
At Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway, we take a minimally invasive approach to these interventions. We present all treatment options with full transparency about materials and methods, because you deserve to make informed decisions about your child’s care. Options like palate expanders and Invisalign First may be part of an airway-focused treatment plan, depending on your child’s individual presentation.
Children do not always present with obvious symptoms, and many parents are surprised to learn that their child’s challenges are connected to airway health. You may want to schedule an airway evaluation if your child displays any of the following:
These signs can appear in children as young as infancy. Our team performs sleep-disordered breathing screenings and administers pediatric sleep questionnaires for children 4 and older as part of a comprehensive airway assessment.
Your child’s airway evaluation begins with a thorough review of growth, development, and sleep habits. Dr. Wengler assesses jaw development, palate width, nasal breathing patterns, and soft tissue presentation. We use PSP plates for digital imaging rather than traditional sensors to keep the experience as comfortable as possible for your child.
If an airway concern is identified, we walk you through the findings in plain language and discuss all available options. We also evaluate for lip tie and tongue tie presentations that may be contributing to airway or feeding challenges. Every recommendation is made with your full understanding and input, not as a directive, but as a partnership.
Terrell Hills is a close-knit community situated next to Alamo Heights, just minutes from our Castle Hills practice. Families in this area value quality care and providers who are genuinely invested in their children’s well-being. Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway was founded as San Antonio’s first holistic pediatric dental practice, and our philosophy reflects a commitment to going beyond routine dentistry.
Dr. Wengler holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences and earned her Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) credential in 2019, bringing a whole-body perspective to every evaluation. She is also a member of the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM). Our practice is woman-owned, out-of-network by choice to prioritize higher quality materials, and designed with private, calm rooms that welcome children with sensory sensitivities.
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.
If you have been looking for an airway dentist near Terrell Hills, we invite you to take the next step for your child’s health. Early evaluation can make a meaningful difference in the trajectory of your child’s jaw development, breathing, and sleep, and our team is here to guide you through every option with clarity and care.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Wengler at Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway, reach out through our contact form. Flexible payment options are available, including membership plans and financing through Cherry and CareCredit, so cost does not have to stand between your child and the care they need.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.