Smiling young boy gives a thumbs up after his checkup at Brighter Smiles Family Dentistry—trusted for dentistry for children in West Des Moines, IA, and the surrounding areas

Helping Kids Love the Dentist in West Des Moines

At Brighter Smiles Family Dentistry, we know every great smile starts with a positive first visit.

That’s why our children’s dentistry is designed to be gentle, encouraging, and fun — helping little ones feel relaxed and proud of their healthy smiles.

Parents love us because:

  • We make every visit calm and kid-friendly

  • We explain things in a way children understand

  • Our caring team truly loves working with kids

  • Conveniently located in West Des Moines, near Clive, Urbandale, and Waukee

💙 Ready to give your child a bright start? Book your visit today or call (515) 225-2577.

Schedule Appointment

Why Early Dental Visits Matter

We know that your child’s first dental experiences shape how they’ll feel about oral care for years to come.

That’s why our children’s dentist in West Des Moines recommends scheduling their first visit by their first birthday — or when the first tooth appears.

Early dental visits help your child:

  • Build comfort and trust with a gentle, friendly team

  • Track tooth and jaw growth as they develop

  • Catch early signs of cavities or misalignment

  • Learn fun brushing habits that keep smiles healthy

Healthy baby teeth are important for:

  • Chewing and speech development

  • Guiding adult teeth into proper position

  • Creating strong habits for lifelong oral health

Even small concerns, like baby-tooth decay, can affect long-term dental health — and early visits make prevention easy and stress-free.

💙 Give your child a strong start. Schedule their first dental visit today or call (515) 225-2577.

What to Expect at Your Child’s Dental Visit

Every visit to Brighter Smiles Family Dentistry is designed to make your child feel safe, supported, and confident about their dental health.

Here’s what you can expect when you visit our children’s dentist in West Des Moines:

  • 1

    A Warm, Welcoming Environment

    Our cheerful, kid-friendly office helps children relax and enjoy their visit — with friendly smiles from the moment you walk in.

  • 2

    Parents Always Welcome

    You’re encouraged to stay with your child during their exam so they feel comfortable and secure.

  • 3

    Gentle, Thorough Cleaning

    We use soft tools and calm explanations to help your child enjoy their cleaning without fear.

  • 4

    Growth & Development Check

    We gently monitor tooth and jaw development to catch any early signs of crowding or bite concerns.

  • 5

    Cavity & Alignment Screenings

    Our team checks for early decay and evaluates tongue or lip ties that might affect speech or feeding.

  • 6

    Low-Radiation Digital X-Rays

    Starting around ages 4–5, we take X-rays only when needed, using digital imaging for minimal exposure.

  • 7

    Fluoride & Sealant Guidance

    We’ll discuss protective treatments like fluoride and sealants (learn more here) to help prevent cavities.

  • 8

    At-Home Tips for Healthy Habits

    Your child will learn fun brushing and flossing techniques — and parents get easy, practical guidance too.

Every appointment is built around your child’s comfort and confidence — because great dental experiences start early.

Your Trusted Partner for Kids’ Dental Care

At Brighter Smiles Family Dentistry, we combine modern technology with a gentle, supportive touch to make dental visits easy for kids and parents alike.

Our caring team helps children build healthy habits early—setting them up for a lifetime of confident, healthy smiles.

💙 Proudly serving West Des Moines and nearby communities including Clive, Waukee, Urbandale, and Norwalk.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dentistry for Children

It’s best to schedule your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth comes in—this helps them get comfortable early and allows us to monitor growth and prevent cavities.

Generally, we recommend checkups every six months, though children with specific needs may benefit from more frequent visits.

Your child will experience a welcoming, kid-friendly environment with:

  • A gentle tooth cleaning
  • Examination of teeth, gums, jaw growth, and alignment
  • Digital X-ray screening (around ages 4–5)
  • Personalized fluoride or sealant suggestions
  • Parent-friendly guidance on brushing, flossing, and cavity prevention

Yes! Parents or guardians are always welcome in the treatment room to help children feel secure from their very first visit.

Yes, digital X-rays used at Brighter Smiles are safe, low-radiation, and only recommended when needed, usually from about age 4 or 5.

Maintain a positive attitude and avoid expressing anxiety. Show them pictures of our office or staff in advance, and emphasize that the dentist helps take care of their teeth.

Baby teeth play a key role in helping children chew, speak clearly, and create space for permanent teeth to come in properly—setting the stage for lifelong oral health.

Yes, we check for signs of early tooth decay in children and offer preventive options such as fluoride applications and protective sealants. Early detection can stop issues before they escalate .

Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Once teeth touch, add daily flossing. For children under 3, use only a rice‑grain amount of fluoride toothpaste; ages 3–6 can use a pea‑sized amount.

Sealants are often recommended to protect grinding teeth (molars) from cavities—they’re a simple, pain‑free way to prevent decay in hard-to-clean areas.

Modern Dentistry, Gentle Care

Comfortable and Caring Dental Care for the Whole Family

Dr. Melani Fulton
Meet Dr. Melani Fulton — Caring for West Des Moines Families

Dr. Melani Fulton, owner of Brighter Smiles Family Dentistry, is a West Des Moines native and University of Iowa graduate with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery. She’s an active member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and American Orthodontic Society.

With years of experience helping children feel safe and confident in the dental chair, Dr. Fulton combines gentle care, clear communication, and modern techniques to make every visit positive. Her community-focused approach ensures families across West Des Moines, Clive, and Urbandale enjoy healthy, lifelong smiles.

💙 Dr. Fulton believes great smiles start with great experiences.

Join the Many Smiles We’ve Brightened!

Ken O'Brien

First appointment with Dr. Fulton today. Enjoyed meeting her and found the treatment to be top notch!

Ken O'Brien , via Facebook
Sean Smith

Great place and great service. I have been using Brighter Smiles since they opened and have never once had an issue.

Sean Smith , via Facebook
Sara Tolbert

Very friendly atmosphere and they take the time to explain everything to you. Always a great experience.

Sara Tolbert , via Facebook
Susan Strader Ohnysty

Very friendly and knowledgeable.😊

Susan Strader Ohnysty , via Facebook
Leah Wilson

We had our first family visit with Dr. Fulton today! Everyone was fantastic! So happy with the service and quality of care!

Leah Wilson , via Facebook
Lorron Moffatt

After moving from Mn to Iowa needing a Dentist Brighter Smiles was referred to us by our Son and his Fiancé. Made the Appointment and was very pleased with them .

Lorron Moffatt , via Facebook
Michelle Holtz

Dr Fulton and her staff are wonderful. They are so personable. They listen to any concerns you have, and go above to make sure you are comfortable and happy when you leave. I highly recommend her for your dental needs.

Michelle Holtz , via Facebook