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.
Some of the most meaningful orthodontic changes happen long before braces ever come into the picture. For younger children in Boerne whose jaws and teeth are still actively developing, early intervention with a phase-one clear aligner system can set the foundation for a healthier smile, a more balanced bite, and better long-term outcomes. Most jaw growth happens before age six, making the mixed dentition years a window of opportunity that, once closed, cannot be reopened.
Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway, the holistic pediatric dental practice serving Boerne, offers Invisalign First as part of a whole-child approach to orthodontic care. Led by Dr. Christi Wengler, a Board Certified Diplomate and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, our practice evaluates every child’s developing smile through the lens of airway health, jaw growth, and overall wellness. For families looking for a gentle, transparent, and science-backed alternative to traditional phase-one appliances, Invisalign First is often an excellent fit.
Invisalign First is a phase-one clear aligner system designed specifically for younger children who still have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, typically between the ages of six and ten. Unlike the standard Invisalign system developed for teens and adults, Invisalign First clear aligners are built around the anatomical differences of a growing child’s dentition, including shorter crowns, teeth that have not fully erupted yet, and arches that are still developing in size and shape.
Where Invisalign Teen is designed for adolescents whose permanent teeth are largely in place, Invisalign First is engineered for the mixed dentition phase. The aligners include features that accommodate erupting teeth, manage arch development, and support healthy jaw expansion at the stage when the bone is most responsive to guided growth. This makes Invisalign First a phase-one tool rather than a comprehensive finishing system, with the goal of creating a healthier foundation before a child’s full permanent dentition comes in.
Research published in the National Institutes of Health’s research database found that early orthodontic intervention during the mixed dentition stage led to meaningful improvements in dental alignment, bite correction, and skeletal relationships in children aged seven to eleven, with statistically significant benefits compared to untreated peers. This body of evidence underscores why the timing of early treatment matters so much.
Invisalign First uses a series of custom-made, removable clear aligners that are worn over your child’s teeth and swapped out every one to two weeks as treatment progresses. Because the aligners are removable, children can take them out for meals, snacks, brushing, and flossing — there are no food restrictions and no brackets or wires to work around. Most children visit our office every six to eight weeks so Dr. Wengler can confirm that treatment is progressing as planned and provide the next set of aligners in the series. Treatment length varies depending on each child’s orthodontic needs, but the phase-one window during active jaw growth is what makes the timing uniquely effective.
Invisalign First is designed to treat a meaningful range of early orthodontic concerns that, if left unaddressed during the phase-one window, may become more complex and difficult to correct later. At Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway, Dr. Wengler conducts a thorough evaluation before recommending Invisalign First to ensure it is the right tool for each individual child. Conditions commonly addressed include:
For children whose evaluation reveals that additional jaw support is needed alongside aligner therapy, Dr. Wengler can also discuss whether a palate expander makes sense as part of the treatment plan.
Dr. Wengler’s approach to Invisalign First is informed by specialized training in airway-focused orthodontics through Airway Health Solutions, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin. At our practice, orthodontic care is always considered alongside how the airway, jaw, and facial structures are developing together, not just whether the teeth look straight.
One of the core principles at Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway is that parents deserve to fully understand their child’s treatment before it begins. When we recommend Invisalign First, we walk through the complete scan-based treatment plan, explain the reasoning behind the timing and goals, and make sure every question is answered. We use PSP plate digital imaging rather than traditional sensors for any necessary records, and we never recommend treatment without being transparent about the materials, the timeline, and the alternatives.
San Antonio’s first holistic pediatric dental practice and a woman-owned business, Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway was built around one belief: parents deserve real choices and full transparency in their child’s care. Dr. Wengler’s background in nutritional sciences and airway-centered development means she is always evaluating how orthodontic treatment fits into the bigger picture of a child’s breathing, sleep, and long-term health.
We offer flexible payment options including CareCredit and Cherry financing to help Boerne families access phase-one care without financial stress. Dr. Wengler also serves in the Air Force Reserve and brings the same commitment to precision and thoroughness she developed during her 11 years of military service to every patient she sees.
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.
With 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.
Dr. Wengler and the team at Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway warmly welcome families from Boerne and the greater San Antonio area who are exploring early orthodontic options for their younger children. To learn more about Dr. Wengler’s philosophy, credentials, and approach to whole-child care, visit our Meet the Dentist page.
When you are ready to find out whether Invisalign First is the right fit for your child, we are here to help. Contact our office to schedule an evaluation and take the first step toward a healthier foundation for your child’s developing smile.
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.
