Convenient Access from Willowbend
Willowbend homeowners can be in our chair at Andover Family Dentistry roughly 14 minutes after pulling out of the neighborhood, with our office on N Andover Rd in Andover. Residents who want a dentist near Willowbend with early-morning starts, in-house implants and sleep apnea care will find all of it under one roof. Three doctors share the practice, and they see patients of all ages.
From the Willowbend entrance at N Rock Rd and E Mulberry Dr, drive south on Rock Rd about 1.2 miles to the K-96 interchange. Follow K-96 for roughly 3.6 miles and take the 13th St N exit, then go east on E 13th St N for about 3.6 more miles. Turn right onto N Andover Rd; our office at 1145 N Andover Rd #101, Andover, KS 67002 is about 0.15 mile south of the intersection. The route totals about 9.1 miles with no toll road, and our Google Maps listing shows the final turn.
The city of Bel Aire begins just north of Willowbend, and Tallgrass sits to the south on the other side of K-96. Both communities make a similar run east to reach us.
A Natural Fit for Willowbend Households
Willowbend is a golf-course neighborhood in the northeast corner of Wichita, built in phases from 1986 through the early 2000s. Its additions sit on both sides of N Rock Rd, roughly between E 37th St N and E 45th St N, wrapped around the private Willowbend Golf Club. The City of Wichita's City Council District 2 includes the area, and four separate Willowbend homeowner associations appear on the city's list.
Those associations reflect a well-organized, established community in Sedgwick County. Quick access to the Rock Rd interchange makes it an easy base for anyone who commutes across the metro.
We built our scheduling with both groups in mind. Appointments start as early as 7:00 AM on Thursdays and 7:30 AM on Wednesdays, and treatment plans aim to finish in as few visits as possible. Monday and Tuesday appointments run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, so a mid-morning or early-afternoon visit is easy to fit around a meeting or a lunch.
Sleep, Smiles and Long-Term Care in Willowbend
Loud snoring, gasping at night and waking up exhausted are more than an annoyance. They can signal obstructive sleep apnea, a condition many adults live with for years before it is diagnosed. Dr. Matthew Howell completed advanced training through the University of Utah's Dental Sleep Medicine Program and makes custom oral appliances for patients with diagnosed mild to moderate cases.
For adults thinking about appearance, a smile makeover can combine whitening, bonding, veneers and crowns into one plan. Our doctors use DSLR photos and the intraoral camera to show you where you are starting, so you can see each change take shape.
Missing teeth are another common concern at this stage of life. Dr. Howell places and restores implants in the office, with planning guided by digital x-rays and cone beam 3D imaging, so you are not shuttled between practices.
Gum health deserves attention as well, especially for adults who have put off cleanings during busy working years. Receding gums, loose teeth and bleeding when you brush are signs that a periodontal cleaning may be needed. Catching gum disease early protects both natural teeth and any implants placed later.
Treatment Choices with a Dentist Near Willowbend
Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea Treatment here means a custom oral appliance that gently positions the jaw during sleep. It is designed for diagnosed mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and can be an alternative for patients who struggle with other options.
Implants from Start to Finish
With Dental Implants, Willowbend patients can replace a single tooth or stabilize a full arch with implant-supported dentures or All-On-4. Placement is usually done under local anesthesia.
Whitening, Veneers and Bonding
Cosmetic Dentistry includes KöR and Opalescence whitening, porcelain crowns and veneers and cosmetic bonding. These treatments can refresh a smile dulled by years of coffee or worn edges.
Prevention Comes First
Cleanings, exams, oral cancer screenings and periodontal care fall under Family & Preventive Dentistry. Grandchildren visiting Willowbend can come along too, since we see patients of all ages.
Comfort for Anxious Patients
Our Comfort & Sedation approach starts with massaging chairs, blankets and topical numbing gel. For extra calm, nitrous oxide sedation keeps you awake but relaxed, and it wears off quickly.
Meet Your Dentists
Dr. Ashley Thomas, who joined in 2022, takes the time to learn about each patient's goals before recommending treatment. Dr. Mary Goedert, a Kansas State graduate, joined in 2025 and enjoys helping patients overcome dental anxiety. Together with founder Dr. Matthew Howell, our dentists bring three perspectives to one practice.
Insurance & Financing
The office is a preferred provider with many major carriers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna, though you should verify your specific plan with our team. HSA and FSA cards are welcome, and no-interest payment plans for up to 6 months help with larger cosmetic or implant work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Andover Family Dentistry from Willowbend, and how do I get there?
From the N Rock Rd and E Mulberry Dr entrance, the office is about 9.1 miles away, roughly 14 minutes by car. Take N Rock Rd south to K-96, exit at 13th St N, then drive east on E 13th St N to N Andover Rd. Commuters looking at a dentist near Willowbend can use the same highway they already know.
Can an oral appliance help with diagnosed sleep apnea?
For many adults with diagnosed mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, yes. A custom oral appliance holds the lower jaw slightly forward during sleep, which helps keep the airway open. Dr. Howell trained through the University of Utah's Dental Sleep Medicine Program, and he fits each appliance to your teeth.
Does a dental implant feel like a natural tooth?
For most patients it feels very close. An implant is anchored in the jawbone, so it does not shift or click the way a denture can, and you brush and floss it like your other teeth. Dr. Howell places the implant and completes the crown here, matching its shape and shade to the teeth beside it.
What does a smile makeover usually include?
A smile makeover is a custom plan that may combine whitening, bonding, porcelain veneers and crowns. It starts with a consultation, photos and an exam to understand what you want to change. Our doctors then explain the order of treatment, how many visits it may take and how each step affects the final result.
It has been years since my last cleaning; where do we start?
We start with a checkup and an honest look at where things stand, without any lecture about the gap. If tartar has built up below the gums, a periodontal cleaning may come first, sometimes over more than one visit. Massaging chairs, numbing gel and nitrous oxide help the catch-up feel manageable, and the plan tackles the most urgent needs first.
Schedule Your Visit from Willowbend
Whether you want better sleep, a brighter smile or simply an overdue cleaning, a dentist near Willowbend is a short K-96 drive away. Call 316-803-3911 to schedule, and our team will find a time that works. Learn about other communities on our areas we serve page, or start at the Dentist Andover, KS homepage.