There’s something special about a place where children feel at ease, parents feel heard, and everyone leaves smiling a little bigger than when they arrived. That spirit is at the heart of Jonquil Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, a practice built on connection, comfort, and the belief that quality care should feel good.
When Dr. Christian Johnson opened Jonquil Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, she imagined a space where families could show up and naturally feel at ease. She hoped parents would feel comfortable asking questions and confident in the care their children were receiving. “I wanted parents to relax knowing their child would be well taken care of,” she says. “We keep communication open before, during, and after every appointment so parents always feel included.”
That philosophy shapes the entire experience. Whether a family prefers phone calls, texts, or quiet check-ins, the team meets them where they are. Children feel supported, and parents know they’re not navigating the process alone.
The Power of a Smile
For Dr. Johnson, a smile is more than a physical feature. It’s a form of connection that doesn’t require translation. “A smile is understood globally,” she says. “It’s one of the first things we notice when interacting with someone.”
For patients who feel unsure about their smile, that uncertainty can become a barrier — not just to smiling, but to speaking up or letting their personalities shine. Helping young patients move from self-consciousness to confidence is one of the most meaningful parts of her work. “A smile exudes confidence, joy, and a sense of purpose,” she says.
Thoughtful, Tech-Forward Care
Inside the practice, modern tools blend with gentle, kid-centered care. Digital scanning has replaced traditional impressions — a welcome update for anyone who remembers the trays of goop. Treatment plans, whether braces or aligners, begin with a digital blueprint of each child’s teeth, allowing for a customized and intentional approach.
Here, technology exists for comfort, accuracy, and clarity. It supports the work without overshadowing the personal connection happening in the chair.
Supporting Younger Patients
Treating children and teens requires its own rhythm, and Dr. Johnson and her team approach it with patience and empathy. Appointments are broken into steps and explained in language children understand. Kids are encouraged to ask questions, take breaks, or hold a parent’s hand when they need reassurance.
“We want them to know exactly what’s happening and what’s coming next,” Dr. Johnson says. It’s a simple approach, but one that helps even the most anxious child feel more grounded.
A Community That Feels Like Family
One of the joys of practicing in Smyrna, Dr. Johnson says, is the way the community feels both vibrant and close-knit. Her practice stays connected through PTA events, school programs, small business partnerships, and the Smyrna Business Association. Yet many of the sweetest moments happen in everyday encounters — running into a patient at a basketball game, hearing about an orchestra concert, or watching families chat in the waiting room.
Beginning in January, families can look forward to a new quarterly contest with fun surprises for parents and kids — a lighthearted way to add joy throughout the year.
The Stories Behind the Smiles
Because orthodontic treatment brings families back regularly, relationships grow naturally. Dr. Johnson and her team hear about tournaments, birthdays, school dances, and milestones big and small. They cheer kids on through concerts and baseball seasons. They celebrate driver’s licenses, new braces colors, and first-day-of-school photos. “We get to know the story behind the smile we’re creating,” she says.
While families are thrilled when treatment wraps up, there’s often a hint of bittersweet on both sides. “We’re sad we won’t see them as frequently anymore,” she admits — a reminder of how meaningful those connections become.
The Team That Sets the Tone
If you ask Dr. Johnson what makes the practice feel so warm, she’ll tell you without hesitation: her team. They pay attention to personalities, comfort levels, and communication preferences. They offer extra time when needed, adjust explanations to fit each family, and remember small touches that make visits easier — even down to keeping the hot chocolate stocked at the refreshment station.
“They make the magic happen,” she says. “They understand what each parent and patient needs.”
A Moment That Makes It All Worth It
The day braces come off is a big one — not just for the patient, but for everyone in the room. Dr. Johnson loves watching a child see their new smile for the first time and the ripple of emotion that follows. “I hope they feel joy,” she says. “I want them to know they played an integral part in the success of their treatment.”
The wide eyes, the laughter, the instant selfies — these are the moments that keep her inspired. For many children, the transformation isn’t just cosmetic. It’s emotional. It’s confidence-building.
More Than Orthodontics
At its core, Jonquil Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry isn’t defined by technology or tools, but by connection — to patients, parents, and the community they share. It’s a place that celebrates courage, growth, and the everyday victories that happen one appointment at a time.
And in a community that values togetherness, those are the kinds of smiles that matter most.
“A smile can change how a child sees themselves, and watching that confidence grow is the part of our work we treasure most.”