Preventive Care for Lifelong Healthy Smiles

kid having a dental exam in ankeny ia

Your smile isn’t just about appearances — it reflects your health, confidence, and the way you connect with others. That’s why regular dental exams are essential for keeping your teeth and gums strong.

At Brighter Smiles Family Dentistry, we provide comprehensive dental exams for patients in Ankeny and the surrounding communities.

Just a short drive from Ankeny, our West Des Moines office combines advanced technology with compassionate care to detect issues early, prevent future problems, and keep your smile bright for years to come.

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Why Regular Dental Exams Matter

For Ankeny families, regular dental exams mean more than clean teeth — they’re the key to protecting health and confidence for the long run.

Here’s why families in Ankeny trust Brighter Smiles Family Dentistry for preventive care:

Spotting Problems Early

During every exam, we thoroughly check for cavities, gum inflammation, bite issues, and even early signs of oral cancer.

By catching concerns early, we can often treat them with less invasive and more affordable solutions — saving you time, money, and stress.

Maintaining healthy gums supports more than just your smile — studies noted by the American Dental Association (ADA) highlight links between periodontal disease and broader health concerns, including heart conditions, diabetes, and even pregnancy outcomes.

That’s why regular exams are so important — they don’t just protect your teeth, they help protect your health.

A healthy smile brings comfort and confidence in every interaction.

Whether you’re presenting at work, meeting friends in Uptown Ankeny, or cheering at a local game, we want you to feel proud of your teeth.

Our goal is to keep your smile strong so you can laugh, chat, and enjoy your favorite meals without hesitation.

Transformative Dental Exams in Ankeny

At Brighter Smiles Family Dentistry, our goal is to make every dental exam thorough, comfortable, and genuinely helpful. We go beyond the basics to give patients from Ankeny the knowledge and tools they need to maintain lasting oral health.

  • A Complete Oral Health Evaluation

    Each exam includes a careful review of your teeth, gums, bite, and jaw function. As part of every exam, we check for early gum problems and perform an oral cancer screening, giving you peace of mind that your overall oral health is being carefully monitored.

  • Advanced Dental Technology

    Our office uses modern diagnostic tools such as digital X-rays and intraoral cameras. These technologies provide sharper, faster results with lower radiation exposure — helping us detect issues early and plan the most effective treatments.

  • Personalized Guidance from Dr. Fulton

    After your exam, Dr. Fulton reviews the findings with you one-on-one, explains what they mean in simple terms, and answers any questions. You’ll leave with a clear, personalized plan for keeping your smile healthy and confident.

Dental Exams for Every Age in Ankeny

Every stage of life comes with different dental needs. That’s why our team at Brighter Smiles Family Dentistry takes the time to tailor exams for kids, adults, and seniors from the Ankeny area.

Children’s Dental Health

A child’s first visits to the dentist can set the tone for a lifetime.

We keep things gentle, encouraging, and stress-free while checking tooth development and teaching kids how to care for their smiles.

Parents often tell us their little ones actually look forward to their visits — and that’s the goal.

Between work, family, and everything else, it’s easy for adults to put dental health on the back burner.

Our exams look for the early signs of gum disease, enamel wear, or bite problems before they turn into bigger issues.

Regular checkups make it easier to stay healthy and avoid surprises down the road.

As we age, teeth and gums need a little extra attention.

From monitoring gum recession to keeping dentures or implants in top shape, we focus on helping seniors stay comfortable and confident with their smiles.

A healthy mouth makes eating, speaking, and socializing much easier — and much more enjoyable.

Why Ankeny Residents Choose Us

A lot of families in Ankeny make the short trip to our West Des Moines office, and there’s a reason they keep coming back.

  • A Team You Can Trust

    Led by Dr. Fulton, our friendly staff takes the time to get to know you, not just your teeth. Patients appreciate that they’re never rushed — questions get answered, and care feels personal.

  • Comfortable Visits, Every Time

    Many people feel uneasy about going to the dentist, and we keep that in mind with every visit. That’s why we work hard to create a relaxed, welcoming environment. Many of our Ankeny patients say they feel more like part of the family than just another appointment.

  • Modern Care That’s Close By

    From digital X-rays to updated preventive treatments, we use technology that makes exams quicker, safer, and more precise. And the best part? You don’t have to drive far from Ankeny to get the kind of care you’d expect from a big-city clinic.

Start Your Path to Better Dental Health in Ankeny

At Brighter Smiles Family Dentistry, we believe prevention is the key to a healthy smile. Each exam helps us spot concerns before they become serious, explain what we see, and reassure you that your smile is in good hands.

For families in Ankeny, our West Des Moines office is just a short drive away — and we’re here to make every visit comfortable and worthwhile.

👉 Ready to schedule your dental exam? Call us today at (515) 225-2577 or schedule through our easy online booking tool to find a time that works for you.

Brighter Futures Start with Brighter Smiles.

Dental worries keeping you up at night? Reach out to our dental experts close by. With our expertise, make informed decisions for the health and radiance of your smile.

Modern Dentistry, Gentle Care

Comfortable and Caring Dental Care for the Whole Family

Dr. Melani Fulton
Meet Your Dentist – Dr. Melani Fulton

At Brighter Smiles Family Dentistry, your dental exam is guided by the expertise of Dr. Melani Fulton, who has years of experience caring for families across Central Iowa.

Dr. Fulton combines advanced training with a calm, attentive approach that helps patients feel at ease. She continues to build her skills through ongoing professional training, bringing the most up-to-date methods to Ankeny patients who count on reliable, high-quality care.

As a licensed dentist and active member of professional dental organizations, she is committed to providing safe, reliable treatment.

Patients often highlight her ability to explain findings clearly and build lasting trust — making the short drive from Ankeny well worth it.

👉 Learn more about Dr. Fulton and our team

Join the Many Smiles We’ve Brightened!

Susan Strader Ohnysty

Very friendly and knowledgeable.😊

Susan Strader Ohnysty , 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
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
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
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
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
Sara Tolbert

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

Sara Tolbert , via Facebook