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.
Finding the right dental provider for a child with special health care needs takes more than a quick internet search. For many families in and around Terreol Hills, dental visits involve careful preparation, a provider who understands sensory differences, and the anxiety children may experience in an unfamiliar clinical setting. Research published by the National Institutes of Health confirms that children with special health care needs are at higher risk for oral health challenges than the general population, and that access to providers with the training and environment to meet those needs can make all the difference.
Families near Terreol Hills seeking a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist will find a practice built specifically around these needs at Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway. Led by Dr. Christi Wengler, a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, our practice was founded on the principle that every child deserves individualized care rooted in transparency, calm, and biocompatible treatment choices. As San Antonio’s first holistic pediatric dental practice, we serve families across Bexar County who want more than a standard appointment.
Our approach to special needs pediatric dentistry begins before a child ever sits in the chair. We take the time to understand each child’s history, sensory sensitivities, communication preferences, and any behavioral or developmental considerations that may affect their experience of a dental visit. That preparation is what allows us to move forward with confidence and care rather than guessing how a child will respond.
Many pediatric dental offices use open treatment bays where noise, activity, and the proximity of other patients can quickly overwhelm a child with sensory processing differences. We designed our practice differently. Our private, quiet treatment rooms give children with sensory sensitivities a controlled environment that reduces overstimulation from the very first moment they arrive.
We welcome children across a wide range of needs and diagnoses. Our team regularly cares for children with the following:
Our autism spectrum dental care page outlines the specific accommodations we provide for children on the spectrum. No two children present the same way, and we build each appointment around the individual child rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
For some children, behavior guidance alone may not be sufficient to complete dental treatment comfortably or safely. In those cases, we offer a full range of support options. Nitrous oxide, which we consider an anxiolytic rather than sedation, is often a gentle first step that helps children feel calm and more at ease without putting them to sleep. For children who require a deeper level of support, we offer oral conscious sedation, intravenous sedation, and general anesthesia when appropriate.
Our sedation dentistry services are tailored to each child’s medical history, temperament, and treatment needs. We discuss all options with families before any decision is made, and we never proceed with a plan that parents and caregivers have not fully reviewed and agreed to. Transparency about what goes into your child’s care is a core value of our practice.
Many families seeking special needs dental care are also drawn to providers who take a whole-child approach to treatment. At Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway, that means using biocompatible, minimally invasive materials whenever possible and prioritizing preventive strategies that reduce the need for more complex procedures down the road. We use PSP plates for digital X-rays rather than traditional sensors, and we discuss every material and method with parents before treatment begins, so you always know exactly what your child is receiving.
Dr. Wengler’s background in nutritional sciences also means dietary counseling is part of the conversation. Because a child’s diet directly affects oral health outcomes, we take time to discuss nutrition in a way many dental offices simply do not.
Terreol Hills sits within Bexar County, close to the heart of San Antonio, and families from this community have access to our practice without a long commute. For parents who have searched for a provider equipped to handle the complexity of their child’s care, the relief of finding a trusted team close to home is significant. We serve a patient population with a wide range of needs, and we have built our office, our protocols, and our philosophy around making dental care accessible and positive for every child who comes through our door.
Dr. Christi Wengler brings board certification, advanced training in airway-focused care, and a deep commitment to getting to know each child as an individual. She and her team understand the effort families put into preparing for a dental visit, and they meet that effort with patience, skill, and genuine care.
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 your child has special health care needs and you are looking for a pediatric dentist near Terreol Hills who will take the time to do it right, we invite you to connect with us. Our team is ready to answer your questions and discuss your child’s specific needs.
Ready to plan a visit that sets your child up for success from the very first appointment? Reach out via our contact form to schedule a new-patient exam. Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway is here to partner with your family every step of the way.
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.
