We focus on preventive care to help every child grow a healthy smile that will last a lifetime. Our office serves infants, children, teens, and those with special health care needs from all over Southwest Michigan.
Communities we serve include: Portage, Kalamazoo, Mattawan, Paw Paw, Vicksburg, Schoolcraft, Three Rivers, Allegan, Otsego, Plainwell, Richland, Battle Creek, Marshall, Dowagiac, Hartford, Cassopolis, Niles, St. Joseph, South Haven, and Benton Harbor.
Dr. Cristian’s extensive training, which includes prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, Yale University and Boston Children’s hospital, reflects his lifelong dedication to providing excellence in the field of Pediatric Dentistry.
Keeping your teeth healthy and clean requires more than diligent brushing and flossing at home. In many cases, plaque will build upon different areas of the teeth.
Even with excellent oral care, dental emergencies can happen. Seeking care right away can help your child feel better and keep their teeth healthy.
This safe and effective sedative, commonly known as “laughing gas,” provides relaxation without putting your child to sleep. Administered by our skilled team, it can make dental procedures feel more comfortable and stress-free.
A dental filling is a restoration used to repair specific areas of a tooth’s surface that may have become damaged or decayed.
Sealants are thin, clear coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They help protect teeth by preventing cavities and reducing the risk of deep staining.
A dental x-ray is an image that enables us to see inside the tooth, as well as below the gumline. These images can help us spot early signs of decay, trauma, or infection.
Fluoride is commonly found in many dental products, like toothpastes and mouthwashes. It is designed to protect and strengthen a person’s teeth, making them more resistant to decay and other damage.
Anesthesia is designed to make dental procedures more comfortable for you. Local aneAnesthesia is used to make dental procedures as comfortable as possible. Local anesthetic numbs a specific area of the mouth, while general anesthesia or sedation puts the patient into a deep sleep, allowing them to remain completely unaware of the procedure.sthetic is used to numb a specific area of the mouth. General anesthetic, or sedation, is used to put you into a deeply relaxed.
Pediatric Dentistry is a branch of dentistry dedicated to the unique dental needs of children from infancy through adolescence. It encompasses a large range of preventive, diagnostic and treatment services, all specifically adapted to support the developmental stages of a child’s oral health and making it as stress-free as possible, so you can leave with a smile on your face.
The American Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist every six months for regular checkups and routine teeth cleanings to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
We understand your family has a busy schedule, so when you’re preparing for a dental visit, please remember an appointment may take about an hour.
The miracle we’ve all been waiting for is here: Solea. Now available to you, Solea is a powerful dental laser that replaces the dental drill in the majority of procedures in our practice. It causes virtually no pain, vibration, or noise. In fact, nearly every patient skips anesthesia because they just don’t need it. Solea is our way of keeping you happy. Because more than anything, we love to see you smile.
We work with a wide range of dental plans, including Healthy Kids Programs, to support preventive and restorative care when appropriate. Because coverage and eligibility can vary, our knowledgeable team is always happy to help families understand their benefits and available options.
Our commitment is to provide every child with the same level of thoughtful, responsible care, while guiding families through insurance and access with clarity, transparency, and respect.
Dr. Cristian is a dedicated Pediatric Dentist who is passionate about providing children with the highest quality dental care. He completed a highly competitive Pediatric Dentistry Residency at Harvard University and pursued additional postgraduate training at Boston Children’s Hospital, Yale University, and the University of Connecticut. During his time as Chief Resident, Boston Children’s Hospital was ranked the #1 Pediatric Hospital in the United States. He feels privileged to have cared for patients from around the world, many with rare and complex medical and dental conditions.
Before dentistry, Dr. Cristian had a successful career in classical music as a violinist.
From a young age, he performed internationally as both a soloist and chamber musician, appearing in renowned concert halls and earning numerous awards, features in newspapers and magazines, and television appearances.
He proudly continues his family’s tradition of excellence in both dentistry and music.
Pediatric Dentistry requires additional years of specialized training beyond dental school, equipping Dr. Cristian to deliver care tailored specifically to children.
This advanced training ensures a stronger focus on prevention, access to a wider range of treatment options designed for kids, and the ability to create a positive, comfortable dental experience.
At our practice, we believe every child deserves a healthy smile and a positive dental journey.
We are committed to making our care accessible to all children and welcome every family with open arms.
Dr. Cristian is also fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, allowing him to connect with and serve even more families in their preferred language.
Dr. Jody Wrathall, affectionately known as “Dr. Jody,” earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 2010 and her Master of Science in Pediatric Dentistry in 2012, both from the University of Michigan — Go Blue! She became board certified by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry in 2013, achieving the designation of Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
A Diplomate is a pediatric dentist who has completed rigorous voluntary examinations and demonstrated advanced knowledge and clinical expertise…
This distinction reflects Dr. Jody’s commitment to excellence and her dedication to lifelong learning in the service of her patients.
Dr. Jody is a proud graduate of Portage Central High School (Class of 2003) and Western Michigan University (Class of 2006). Her husband, Doug, teaches Spanish at Mattawan Middle School, and together they have three wonderful children — Dougie, Clark, and Penny.
Outside the office, Dr. Jody loves spending time with her family, relaxing, and exploring the many wonders of the universe — both big and small.
She’s also a big fan of Bluey for its celebration of imaginative play and the humorous truths of parenting, and she recommends Mystery Doug and Colossal Questions on YouTube Kids for fun, educational family watching.
Connect with us on social media to see the positive moments we share—celebrating our team, our patients, and the healthy smiles we’re proud to create every day.
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