Start my smile experience
Please do not use this form to send health information.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Dentist in Huntersville, NC
Pediatric Dentistry in Huntersville, NC
Calm, thoughtful care for kids and peace of mind for parents.
Pediatric dentistry is dental care built around how children grow — gentle exams, cleanings, and prevention paced to your child’s comfort and stage of development. At Opal Dental Studio, Dr. Gonzales builds every visit around prevention, education, and trust, with parents part of every decision.
5.0★
Average rating
67
Five-star reviews
Kois-trained planning
A Message From Dr. Gonzales
When Parents Start Looking for a Pediatric Dentist
Most parents arrive here with questions, not just about teeth, but about how their child will feel during the visit. This stage is often less about treatment and more about finding a place that feels safe, patient, and supportive.
You might be here because:
- This is your child’s first dental visit
- Your child feels anxious or has had a difficult experience elsewhere
- Cavities appeared sooner than expected
- You want preventive care without feeling pressured
- You are looking for fluoride-optional choices
Schedule a visit and tell us what your child needs. Book a no-pressure visit with Dr. Gonzales. We will take it from there, at a pace that feels right for your family.
Why Parents Choose Opal Dental Studio for Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentistry at Opal Dental Studio in Huntersville, NC, is built around prevention, education, and trust. As a family-owned biological dental studio, we use biocompatible, metal-free materials and fluoride-optional prevention, so parents have a real say in what goes into their child’s mouth. Dr. Gonzales takes a measured approach that prioritizes your child’s comfort and long-term oral health, without rushing treatment or overwhelming families.
Prevention First, Always
Early detection and risk assessment guide every visit. We focus on helping kids and parents understand habits that protect teeth as they grow, while avoiding unnecessary treatment when it is not truly needed.
Options, Never Pressure
For families who prefer fluoride-free care, nano-hydroxyapatite is available as an alternative. Parents are included in every conversation, so decisions are made together with clear information and no pressure.
Respecting Growing Smiles
Children’s teeth, jaws, and habits change as they grow. Dr. Gonzales adjusts care over time with attention to development, spacing, and bite so recommendations stay appropriate at each stage.
As part of this process, she also screens for factors that may influence jaw growth, oral habits, and cavity risk, including breathing patterns and airway-related signs. These observations help guide monitoring and early conversations.
We Move at Your Child’s Pace
Dr. Gonzales uses a tell–show–do approach, explaining and demonstrating each step before moving forward. Children are guided through the visit in a way that helps them understand what is happening and what to expect next.
If a child feels unsure, Dr. Gonzales coaches them through comfort in the moment. She watches body language, adjusts pacing, and builds trust gradually so the experience feels manageable and respectful rather than overwhelming.
Parents Are Always Part of the Conversation
Dr. Gonzales talks directly with parents at every step. She explains what she sees, what it means, and what options make sense for your child right now. If something changes during the visit, she addresses it in the moment.
There are no surprises at the end of the appointment. You leave knowing what was done, why it mattered, and what comes next, with time to ask questions and decide how you want to move forward.
Family-Oriented, Relationship-Driven Studio
At Opal Dental Studio, relationships come first. When you bring your child in, you work directly with Dr. Gonzales, not a rotating team of providers.
Our team takes a “we guide, you decide” approach, giving you clear information and the space to make decisions that feel right for your family.
The Basics
What Exactly Is
Pediatric Dentistry?
Pediatric dentistry is dental care designed around children — how they grow, how they feel during a visit, and the habits that protect teeth into adulthood.
At Opal Dental Studio, care is built around prevention, education, and trust. Early detection and risk assessment guide every visit, and Dr. Gonzales adjusts recommendations as your child’s teeth, jaws, and habits change — while avoiding unnecessary treatment when it is not truly needed.
Gentle, age-appropriate care from the first tooth
growing smiles
01
First visit by age one
Around the first tooth or first birthday
02
Prevention options
Fluoride varnish, nano-hydroxyapatite, sealants
03
Paced to your child
Gentle exams that build trust over time
04
Growth monitoring
Spacing, bite, and development at every stage
Your Options
Prevention Options for Growing Teeth
Preventive care is not one-size-fits-all. At Opal Dental Studio, we focus on building good habits, strengthening teeth early, and helping families choose options that fit their child’s needs and preferences.
Your Child’s Visit
What to Expect at Your Child’s Visit
A first dental visit can feel unfamiliar for both kids and parents. At Opal Dental Studio, we focus on creating a calm, supportive experience so your child feels comfortable and heard from the start.
01
A calm, child-centered start
Each visit begins with a review of your child’s medical and dental history, followed by a gentle exam paced to your child’s comfort level. Dr. Gonzales adapts the experience as needed so care remains thoughtful, supportive, and clinically sound at every stage.
02
Individualized risk assessment
Each visit includes an evaluation of cavity risk, gum and soft tissue health, how your child’s bite and teeth are developing, and at-home hygiene habits and skill development. These observations help Dr. Gonzales tailor recommendations to your child’s needs as they grow, both in the office and at home.
cavity riskgum healthbite developmenthome-care habits
03
X-rays only when necessary
We follow ALARA principles (As Low As Reasonably Achievable). X-rays are recommended based on your child’s age, risk factors, and what we see during the exam — used thoughtfully to support accurate diagnosis and early detection, rather than being taken automatically.
ALARA principlesage & risk based
04
Cleaning, prevention, and a clear plan
Cleanings and preventive care are planned based on your child’s age, oral health needs, and what is appropriate for that visit. You leave knowing what was done, why it mattered, and what comes next — with time to ask questions and decide how you want to move forward.
Under One Roof
Pediatric services we offer
Our pediatric services are designed to support your child’s oral health as they grow, with care that is thoughtful, gentle, and age-appropriate.
- Pediatric exams and cleanings — routine checkups to monitor growth and development, preventive care that keeps teeth healthy and strong, and practical pearls for at-home care tailored to your child’s age and skill level
- Tooth-colored fillings — conservative restorations when cavities need treatment, designed to blend naturally with your child’s teeth
- Emergency dental visits — care for accidents, pain, or unexpected dental concerns, with clear guidance on next steps when urgent issues arise
- Sports mouthguards — custom mouthguards for active kids, designed to protect teeth during sports and activities
- Comfort support for anxious children — gentle pacing and extra time when needed, helping children feel calmer during treatment
Whatever brings you in, Dr. Gonzales keeps care thoughtful, gentle, and appropriate for your child’s stage of growth.
Whole-Health Planning
Growth & development screening
As children grow, their teeth and jaws change quickly. Dr. Gonzales monitors spacing, bite, and growth patterns as part of ongoing care — including breathing patterns and airway-related signs that may influence jaw growth, oral habits, and cavity risk — so potential concerns can be recognized early, while there is still time to guide development thoughtfully.
These observations are used to guide monitoring, not to diagnose or treat beyond the scope of pediatric dental care. When something falls outside that scope, Dr. Gonzales discusses it with parents and recommends referrals only when appropriate. This keeps care focused, transparent, and grounded in what is truly needed at each stage of growth.
Is It Right For You
Is Opal a Good Fit for Your Family?
Pediatric care works best when families and providers share the same expectations. Dr. Gonzales partners with parents who value thoughtful planning and long-term oral health — and adjusts the approach when a child needs more time and support.
When extra planning is needed, Dr. Gonzales adjusts the approach so care stays supportive and appropriate for your child’s needs. The goal is always to meet children where they are and build from there.
No pressure,
just guidance.
No pressure, just guidance
Wondering If Opal Is Right for Your Child?
Answer two quick questions about your child and see whether Opal is likely a fit, in about a minute.
What brings you in?
Pick the one that fits best.
It's time for my child's first dental visit
My child is anxious or had a tough visit elsewhere
Cavities showed up sooner than we expected
We want prevention-focused, fluoride-optional care
How old is your child?
Care is adapted to every age.
Under 2 — just getting started
2–5 years old
6–12 years old
13 or older
✓
Opal sounds like a good fit
Based on what you shared, a calm, no-pressure visit for your child is likely a great next step. Leave your details and someone from our office will call you. No commitment, no pressure.
Almost done
Where Should We Reach You?
Someone from our office will review your details and call you. Please don't include sensitive health details here.
♥
Got it, thank you
Your information is on its way to the Opal team. Dr. Gonzales will personally review what you sent and follow up soon. If you'd rather talk now, call or text (704) 892-4431.
Patient Stories
What Patients Say About Opal
Every visit has a story. These are about trust, care, and the people behind the smiles.
Insurance & Financing
Insurance
& the Wellness Plan
Planning dental care for your child means balancing health, timing, and cost. Dr. Gonzales explains what is being addressed now, what can wait, and what to watch over time — and here’s how insurance and our Dental Wellness Plan fit in. Family plans are also available and can help reduce overall costs when multiple children are enrolled.
Recommendations are guided by your health, goals, and risk factors
We are out of network but file insurance as a courtesy and help you maximize benefits
Cherry & CareCredit financing is available for flexible monthly payments
Our Own Plan
The Dental Wellness Plan
Can reduce the cost of ongoing care, especially for patients without traditional insurance.
See Our Wellness PlanGood Questions
Pediatric Dentistry FAQs
01When should my child first see a dentist?
Most children benefit from their first dental visit when the first tooth appears or around their first birthday. Early visits help your child get comfortable with the dental environment and allow Dr. Gonzales to monitor development from the start.
02Do you offer fluoride-optional care?
Yes. Fluoride is offered, not forced. For families who prefer a fluoride-optional approach, nano-hydroxyapatite is available, and preventive options are always discussed with parents before decisions are made.
03How do you handle nervous children?
Dr. Gonzales pays close attention to how each child responds during a visit. She adjusts the pace, explains what she is doing in age-appropriate ways, and takes breaks when needed so trust can build naturally over time.
04How often does my child need X-rays?
X-rays are recommended based on your child’s age, cavity risk, and what is seen during the exam. They are used thoughtfully to support diagnosis and early detection, not taken automatically.
05What if my child has a dental emergency?
If your child experiences an accident, pain, or sudden dental concern, contact our office as soon as possible. Our team will guide you on the next steps and help determine the best course of care.
06Do you treat babies and toddlers?
Yes. Dr. Gonzales provides care for infants, toddlers, and children of all ages. Early visits focus on gentle exams, guidance for parents, and creating positive experiences from the beginning.
07How much does a pediatric visit cost in Huntersville?
Cost depends on your child’s age, needs, and the care planned for each visit, so the only accurate number comes from an exam. Opal is out of network, files insurance as a courtesy, and offers Cherry & CareCredit financing plus a Dental Wellness Plan with family options that can reduce costs when multiple children are enrolled.
Ready to Schedule Your Child’s Visit?
Early, thoughtful dental visits help children feel comfortable with care and set the foundation for healthy habits as they grow. If you have questions or concerns, Dr. Gonzales and her team are here to guide you through the next step at a pace that works for your family.