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.
For many parents, the signs are easy to miss: a child who breathes through their mouth, snores at night, struggles to focus in school, or wakes up tired even after a full night’s sleep. These seemingly independent issues may share a common thread in airway development. Addressing them early can make a profound difference in a child’s health, behavior, and growth. If you are searching for an airway dentist near Shavano Park, understanding how airway-focused orthodontics works and why early intervention matters could be the first step toward lasting change for your child.
At Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway, we believe that oral health is inseparable from whole-body wellness. As a board-certified pediatric dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Christi Wengler brings specialized training in airway-focused orthodontics to every patient she sees. Our practice serves families throughout the greater San Antonio area, including Shavano Park, offering a holistic, minimally invasive approach rooted in nutritional science and a genuine commitment to empowering parents with knowledge and choice.
Airway dentistry is a branch of dental care that examines how the structure of the mouth, jaw, and upper airway affects a child’s breathing, sleep, and overall development. When the airway is compromised, whether due to a narrow palate, underdeveloped jaw, tongue tie, or other structural concerns, children may experience symptoms that extend far beyond the mouth. Mouth breathing, sleep-disordered breathing, behavioral challenges, and even bedwetting can all be connected to airway function.
Research published in the National Library of Medicine highlights the growing recognition that pediatric sleep-disordered breathing is linked to neurodevelopmental consequences, highlighting the importance of early dental screening and intervention as part of a child’s preventive care. The window of greatest opportunity is early, as most jaw growth occurs before age six, making it essential to identify and address airway concerns during childhood rather than waiting for problems to worsen.
Airway orthodontics focuses on guiding jaw and palate development to promote nasal breathing, proper tongue posture, and adequate airway space. Unlike conventional orthodontics that may address crowding after growth is complete, airway-focused methods intervene during critical developmental phases to work with the body’s natural growth patterns.
Dr. Wengler is trained through Airway Health Solutions and offers several airway orthodontic options for children, including palate expansion, myofunctional appliances, and Invisalign First for younger children and Invisalign for teens. These treatments are selected with full transparency, and parents are always presented with a complete picture of the options available, the materials used, and the reasoning behind each recommendation. We never use a one-size-fits-all strategy because we understand that every child’s airway and developmental needs are unique.
Many families come to us after noticing patterns that seem unrelated to dental health but may signal an airway problem. These signs can include consistent mouth breathing during the day or night, snoring or restless sleep, crowded or misaligned teeth, delayed speech development, and difficulty concentrating at school.
We offer sleep questionnaires for children five and older as part of our comprehensive strategy for evaluating airway health. This screening tool, combined with a thorough clinical exam, allows us to identify concerns early and create a treatment path that fully supports your child’s breathing, sleep, and growth. Since we are also an out-of-network practice by choice, we are not constrained by insurance protocols, meaning that our recommendations are always driven by your child’s clinical needs rather than coverage limitations.
What sets Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway apart is the depth of perspective we bring to airway care. Dr. Wengler holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences and is a Certified Lactation Counselor, credentials that reflect her understanding of how feeding, nutrition, and oral development are connected from infancy forward. Airway concerns that go unaddressed in early childhood often have their roots in patterns established even earlier, which is why our practice welcomes families from newborns through the teen years.
We use PSP plates for X-rays, offer fluoride-free products when possible, and select biocompatible materials with the same care and intention that we bring to every treatment decision. For families with children who have sensory processing disorders, autism, or dental anxiety, our calm, private rooms and gentle approach create an environment where every child can feel safe and supported.
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.
Families near Shavano Park looking for a trusted airway dentist will find that Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway offers something genuinely different: a practice where science, compassion, and parental empowerment guide every decision.
If you are ready to explore airway orthodontics or have questions about your child’s breathing, sleep, or development, we invite you to contact our office to schedule a new patient exam. We look forward to partnering with you in building the foundation for your child’s lifelong health.
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.
