Avondale Family Dentistry - Charleston, SC
Thoughtful & Smarter Care
For Every Smile
Comfort, Convenience, & Complete
Family Care
Smile Support On Your Schedule
A Dental Practice That Feels Like Home
Well-Rounded Care, Conservative Solutions
Welcome to Avondale Family Dentistry
At Avondale Family Dentistry, we’re dedicated to providing more than just great dental care. Our mission is to create a supportive, welcoming environment where every member of your family feels at home. We blend time-tested techniques with modern technology and a whole-body perspective to provide comprehensive dental care that respects your overall wellness. From preventive services to advanced biological dentistry, our goal is to help you enjoy a healthy, confident smile at every stage of life.
Located in Charleston, South Carolina, our office is led by Dr. Wendy Haefner, a compassionate provider known for her gentle approach and conservative treatment philosophy. She believes that quality dental care should feel calm, empowering, and tailored to each individual. With a focus on education, comfort, and collaboration, we’re proud to be a trusted resource for families throughout our community.
Whether you’re scheduling your child’s first dental visit or exploring more advanced holistic options for your own care, you’ll find support, transparency, and excellence in every interaction with our team.
Comprehensive Dental Care for the Whole Family
Oral health plays a vital role in your overall health, which is why we offer a wide range of dental services to meet the needs of your entire family. Our approach is personalized, conservative, and grounded in prevention. We help you maintain strong, beautiful teeth and healthy gums, so you can avoid more invasive procedures down the road.
From toddlers to seniors, we treat patients of all ages with services that include:
Routine cleanings and thorough exams
Digital X-rays and diagnostic imaging
Cavity detection and early intervention
Tooth-colored dental fillings
Crowns, bridges, and implant restorations
Cosmetic enhancements including whitening and veneers
Fluoride-free and BPA-free care options
Custom treatment planning for long-term dental wellness
We believe in taking the time to listen to your concerns and explain your options clearly. Our team prioritizes your comfort and preferences at every step, so you always feel informed and confident in your care.
Cleanings, Exams, and Preventive Care
Prevention is the foundation of good dental health. That’s why we recommend regular cleanings and exams every six months. These visits help us catch small issues before they become bigger problems, and they give you a chance to ask questions, discuss changes, and stay on track with your oral hygiene goals.
Our cleanings are gentle yet thorough, removing plaque and tartar while polishing your teeth to a smooth finish. We also perform comprehensive exams, screen for oral cancer, and review your gum health to ensure your smile is in excellent shape. For patients who prefer wellness-oriented care, we offer fluoride-free cleanings and other alternative options to support your lifestyle.
Conservative Restorative Dentistry
When dental issues do arise, we provide conservative restorative solutions that preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. We use durable, tooth-colored materials that blend seamlessly with your smile and stand up to daily wear.
Whether you need a small filling, a full crown, or a custom implant restoration, our goal is to restore comfort, function, and appearance without over-treating. Dr. Haefner’s approach emphasizes long-term success and minimally invasive care that supports your health as a whole.
Cosmetic Dentistry to Enhance Your Smile
Everyone deserves to feel proud of their smile. If you’re looking to brighten, reshape, or refine your teeth, we offer cosmetic dental services that are safe, effective, and beautifully customized.
We provide:
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In-office and take-home professional whitening
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Porcelain veneers and bonding
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Smile design consultations
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Conservative aesthetic improvements with natural results
Your smile is as unique as you are. Whether you want a subtle enhancement or a complete transformation, we’ll help you achieve a look that feels authentic and boosts your confidence.
Expanding with Biological Dentistry
We are proud to expand our services with a focus on biological or holistic dentistry. Biological dentistry looks at how dental treatments affect the whole body and prioritizes materials and methods that support systemic health. Dr. Haefner is a member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), an organization dedicated to promoting safe, science-based, biologically compatible care.
Biological dentistry is ideal for patients who want a more conscious, health-focused approach to dental care. We understand that what goes into your mouth can impact everything from immune function to hormonal balance, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Ozone Therapy for Healing and Prevention
Ozone therapy is a cutting-edge treatment that uses medical-grade ozone (a highly energized form of oxygen) to support the body’s natural healing processes. Ozone has powerful antimicrobial properties, which makes it ideal for reducing bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the mouth.
In our practice, we use ozone therapy for:
Disinfecting areas of decay before placing a filling
Treating gum infections and inflammation
Accelerating post-surgical healing
Enhancing the success of root canal therapy
Ozone is a gentle, effective way to reduce pathogens without using harsh chemicals or antibiotics. It supports tissue regeneration and creates a healthier environment for your teeth and gums to thrive.
Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal (SMART)
For patients with old silver amalgam fillings, we offer safe, certified removal using the IAOMT’s Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART). This protocol is designed to protect patients, dental staff, and the environment from mercury exposure during the removal process.
SMART includes:
Protective barriers for patient and provider
High-volume air filtration and suction
Specialized dental dams to isolate the treatment area
Oxygen delivery to avoid inhalation of vapors
Proper collection and disposal of mercury-containing materials
Dr. Haefner is fully trained in this method and follows strict guidelines to ensure your safety throughout the procedure. If you’re concerned about mercury in your fillings or are looking for a biological dentist in Charleston, we’re here to help you explore your options.
Materials That Support Your Wellness
We are committed to using dental materials that are biocompatible, BPA-free, and fluoride-free when possible. Our approach is ideal for patients with allergies, chemical sensitivities, or simply a desire to reduce their exposure to synthetic substances.
You don’t have to choose between safety and effectiveness. Our materials are strong, attractive, and chosen with your long-term health in mind. If you have specific concerns about ingredients or compatibility, we’ll work with you to select the best solution for your needs.
Insurance-Friendly and Hassle-Free
We want your experience with us to be as convenient and stress-free as possible. That includes making it easy to use your dental insurance.
We are in-network providers for:
- Annual cost:Â $300 per year
- Includes:Â 2 professional cleanings and exams per year, plus X-rays
- Discounts:Â 30% off restorative treatment with no waiting periods.
Our friendly team will verify your benefits, explain your coverage, and help you understand all of your financial options. We also offer flexible payment plans for patients without insurance.
In-House Dental Plan Overview
- Annual cost:Â $300 per year
- Includes:Â 2 professional cleanings and exams per year, plus X-rays
- Discounts:Â 30% off restorative treatment with no waiting periods.
A Dental Practice That Feels Like Home
We know that many people feel anxious about visiting the dentist. That’s why we’ve created an environment that feels warm, peaceful, and welcoming. From our gentle chairside manner to our soft lighting and calm décor, everything about our practice is designed to put you at ease.
Dr. Haefner and our team are known for being patient, understanding, and respectful of your individual needs. We listen carefully, explain clearly, and make sure you feel heard every step of the way. We believe that trust is the foundation of great care, and we work hard to earn yours from your very first visit.
FAQs
Biological dentistry focuses on how dental treatments affect the entire body. It emphasizes the use of biocompatible materials, safe techniques, and preventive care that supports long-term systemic health. While traditional dentistry may use materials like amalgam and fluoride routinely, biological dentistry considers their potential effects and offers alternatives for patients who prioritize wellness.
Yes, when done using the SMART protocol. Dr. Haefner follows this internationally recognized method to remove amalgam fillings safely and responsibly. The technique includes advanced protective measures that limit mercury exposure and ensure a clean, safe experience for the patient and the environment.
Ozone therapy helps disinfect and promote healing in the mouth using natural oxygen molecules. It can reduce harmful bacteria, speed up recovery after procedures, and support gum health. It’s an excellent option for patients looking for non-invasive, chemical-free treatments that complement holistic wellness goals.
We are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, MetLife, and Sun Life. We also have no waiting periods for treatment approval, making it easy for you to get started without unnecessary delays. If you have questions about your coverage, our team will walk you through the details. We also offer an in-house dental plan that is $300/year – includes 2 cleanings/exams and xrays  and 30% off treatment with no waiting periods for restorative treatment.
Yes. Our biological and holistic treatments are grounded in science and designed to deliver the same high level of effectiveness as traditional care. We simply take extra care to select materials and methods that support your whole-body health without sacrificing results.
Your Smile Deserves Thoughtful, Compassionate Care
At Avondale Family Dentistry, we’re proud to offer complete care with a conscience. From your very first visit, you’ll notice the difference in how we treat you, how we plan your care, and how we prioritize your overall health. Whether you’re looking for family dental services, cosmetic improvements, or a more holistic path to wellness, we’re here to guide and support you.
Dr. Wendy Haefner and our team welcome you to experience a different kind of dentistry—one that feels calm, personal, and built around your values.
Call us today to schedule your visit or book online. We can’t wait to meet you and help your smile shine.
Meet The Doctor
Dr. Wendy Haefner
Dr. Wendy Haefner is a trusted provider offering compassionate, conservative dental care to patients of all ages. Known for her gentle approach and dedication to whole-health dentistry, she creates a calm, supportive environment where smiles thrive. Dr. Haefner is proud to serve the Charleston, SC community with honesty and heart.
