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.
A cleaning appointment covers more ground than a quick polish. We check your child’s teeth and gums for early signs of decay or irritation, remove plaque and tartar buildup along the gumline, and polish away surface stains so your child leaves with a brighter smile. We also look for cavities, uneven bite patterns, and any signs that permanent teeth are coming in the way they should.
Every child gets a full exam so we can track their development over time and catch small issues before they turn into bigger ones. When imaging is needed, we use digital x-rays with PSP plates instead of sensors, and we walk you and your child through each step in age appropriate language so nothing feels like a surprise.
Plaque builds up on teeth every day, and if it is not removed, it hardens into tartar that a toothbrush cannot clean away on its own. Left alone, that buildup can lead to cavities and early gum disease, both of which are far easier to treat when they are caught early. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a check-up every six months helps prevent cavities and other dental problems, which is why we recommend cleanings on that same schedule for most children.
For added protection between visits, many of our patients also benefit from dental sealants, which shield the chewing surfaces of back teeth from decay.
Where we differ from a typical cleaning is in the materials and techniques we use. Our natural cleaning approach relies on biocompatible, fluoride-free products and plant-based polishing pastes that remove plaque and bacteria while being gentle on your child’s developing teeth and gums. We avoid harsh chemicals and synthetic additives whenever possible.
Every child is different, so we build in extra time for younger kids who need a slower introduction to the chair and a private, quiet room for children with sensory sensitivities. We also offer hydroxyapatite based remineralization support after cleanings, which strengthens enamel using the same mineral that makes up most of a natural tooth. Parents who want more detail on this approach can visit our holistic dentistry page to learn more about our philosophy of care.
Here is what a typical cleaning and exam looks like at our Castle Hills office.
We build every visit around your child’s comfort level, so some appointments move faster than others.
All cleaning materials are carefully selected for safety and biocompatibility with developing bodies, avoiding harsh chemicals that may disrupt natural oral balance or overall health.
Cleaning techniques that preserve beneficial oral bacteria while eliminating harmful organisms, supporting your child's natural immune function and digestive health through oral wellness.
Advanced natural cleaning methods that thoroughly remove plaque and bacteria while being gentler on sensitive young teeth and gums than traditional harsh cleaning approaches.
Every child’s cleaning is adjusted for their age and stage. Toddlers get extra time to get comfortable in the chair, school-age kids get a more thorough cleaning as permanent teeth come in, and teens get support for hormonal changes and orthodontic hygiene. At every stage, we use the same biocompatible materials and gentle techniques described above.
For select cases, we also offer ozone therapy, which uses natural ozone gas to fight bacteria and can arrest early decay without harsh chemicals, along with oral probiotics that support a healthy bacterial balance and desensitization treatments for extra-sensitive teeth. Dr. Wengler will let you know if any of these fit your child’s needs.
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.
After your child’s cleaning, we send you home with product recommendations that match our biocompatible philosophy, including fluoride-free toothpastes with hydroxyapatite, soft natural-bristle toothbrushes, and gentle floss options. Dr. Wengler also draws on her nutritional sciences background to offer diet guidance that supports what we do in the chair, from snack timing to foods that naturally help clean teeth between visits.
A routine cleaning should not hurt. Our gentle techniques and biocompatible tools are designed to be comfortable for sensitive young teeth and gums, and we adjust our pace for children who feel anxious about the visit.
Most children benefit from a cleaning every six months, though some may need more frequent visits based on their individual risk factors or developmental needs. Dr. Wengler can recommend a personalized schedule after your child’s first visit.
We use plant-based polishing pastes, biocompatible cleaning instruments, natural antimicrobial rinses, hydroxyapatite for remineralization, and purified water systems. All materials are carefully selected for safety, effectiveness, and compatibility with developing bodies, avoiding synthetic chemicals and harsh additives.
If we find early decay or signs of gum irritation, we will walk you through options that fit our biocompatible, minimally invasive approach. Catching these issues at a routine cleaning means treatment is usually simpler and more comfortable for your child than waiting until a problem causes pain.
Absolutely. Natural cleaning techniques are often gentler and more comfortable for children with sensitivities. We can customize our approach using extra-gentle materials and techniques, natural desensitization treatments, and biocompatible products that soothe rather than irritate sensitive tissues.
Yes, education is a cornerstone of our natural approach. During each cleaning, we teach children about natural oral care choices, demonstrate proper techniques using natural products, and provide families with guidance about maintaining optimal oral health at home using biocompatible, natural methods.
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.
