When Dr. Lauren Carlson and Dr. Mike Seelig opened Shine Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Gallatin, they didn’t set out to create a typical clinic. Their dream was something personal: a place that felt like family, where parents could breathe easier, and children could learn to love their smiles.
What began as the shared vision of two dental school classmates—now husband and wife—has grown into one of the most unique and trusted specialty practices in Sumner County.
The Perfect Pairing: Why Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics Belong Together
Many families assume orthodontics comes years after pediatric dental care. At Shine, those services were intentionally merged from day one.
“Pediatric dentists are often the first clinicians to notice the early signs of orthodontic concerns,” says Dr. Lauren, a pediatric dentist trained specifically to treat children from infancy through adolescence. “When I see growing patients, I’m uniquely positioned to spot when intervention may be beneficial—and I know exactly when it’s best to refer.”
Working daily alongside Dr. Mike, her orthodontist husband, adds another layer of insight that most pediatric dentists never have access to. And that relationship works both ways.
“Most orthodontists don’t get prolonged experience within a pediatric environment,” Dr. Mike explains. “Because I work with Dr. Lauren and her patients every day, I’m deeply attuned to how children think, feel, and respond to treatment. It makes a tremendous difference.”
The result? One roof, one team, and fewer appointments across town. Families save time away from work and school, and—when they want to—parents can even receive orthodontic treatment alongside their children.
Digital Dentistry: Comfort, Speed, and Zero Mess
If you still picture kids holding trays of impression goop and waiting nervously for X-rays, Shine will surprise you. The practice is fully digital, from intake to treatment planning.
Their iTero intraoral scanner captures a complete digital model of a patient’s mouth in under five minutes—no mess, no discomfort, no fuss. Combined with 100% digital X-rays, the technology allows Dr. Lauren and Dr. Mike to diagnose conditions faster and with greater precision. Custom appliances for both orthodontic and pediatric patients are created straight from these scans, reducing repeat visits.
For busy families, these efficiencies are invaluable. “Every additional appointment is time a parent must take off work and a child must miss school,” says Dr. Lauren. “We built Shine to respect your schedule as much as your smile.”
Treating Smiles from Baby Teeth to Adulthood
Shine’s approach is comprehensive and age-inclusive:
- Pediatric patients: from birth through age 18
- Orthodontic patients: children, teens, and adults
That dual model means kids grow with the same trusted team, while parents can start or continue their own treatment without ever leaving the office.
Redefining the Dental Experience for Children
Fear at the dentist often stems from unfamiliarity. Shine’s team works to eliminate that from the very first visit.
As specialists, both Dr. Lauren and Dr. Mike trained in child psychological development—how children think, how they process fear, and how to earn trust.
“We take time to explain what’s happening before anything begins,” says Dr. Lauren. “There should never be mystery at a dental visit.”
Every staff member speaks gently, works at the child’s pace, and celebrates each milestone. The environment is designed for children—bright, playful, and never intimidating.
Oral Health Is Whole-Body Health
“We tell families that the mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body,” says Dr. Mike. And the science backs it up.
Poor oral health fuels inflammation, which affects everything from cardiovascular health to childhood growth and sleep. Gum disease is linked to systemic illness. Tooth infections—even those in baby teeth—can become life-threatening if untreated. Dental pain impacts mental health, school performance, and behavior.
And orthodontics is just as much about health as it is about aesthetics. Crowding, bite issues, or airway limitations can influence speech, development, and confidence.
Shine even identifies signs of systemic concerns like sleep apnea. The clues often appear in a child’s breathing pattern, jaw position, or dental wear patterns. Early referrals can be life changing.
A Practice Built from Love and Family
Shine isn’t a corporate chain. It’s privately owned—100% by Dr. Lauren and Dr. Mike.
“Family dental practices are becoming rare in Sumner County,” says Dr. Mike. “We’re proud to be one of the few remaining.”
After nearly 18 months in business, the Shine Family—patients and staff alike—continues to grow. Many families have been with them since day one. Their team members from the early days remain the heartbeat of the practice.
The compliment they hear most often?
“We’ve never been to a dental office like this before.”
That’s exactly the point.
“We built Shine out of love for our own family,” says Dr. Lauren. “When you walk through our doors, you’re part of that family too.”
A New Year, A New Smile: Practical Tips for Healthy Kids’ Dental & Ortho Habits
- First visit early: Schedule by age 1 or six months after the first tooth.
- Brush together: Two minutes, twice a day—kids follow your lead.
- Limit sugar liquids: Juice, gummies, and sports drinks quietly fuel cavities.
- Ask about ortho early: A screening around age 7 can prevent bigger interventions.
- Watch sleep: Snoring, mouth breathing, or restless nights may signal airway issues.
- Focus on encouragement: Dental confidence grows from positive experiences.
Shine Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics | shinepdo.com
Lauren Carlson, DMD, MSD & Michael J. Seelig, DMD, MS
Pull quote page 2: Orthodontics and pediatric dentistry under one roof means healthier smiles, fewer appointments, and a truly family-centered approach to care.
Pull quote page 3: We built Shine out of love for our own family. When you walk through our doors, you’re part of that family too. Every child deserves a stress-free, confidence-building dental experience that sets them up for lifelong wellness.