Smile Stars Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics is committed to you and your needs. This commitment is founded in a "faith and value centric" purpose through services and trust. We are truly blessed by the opportunity to be a positive influence in the lives of you and your children. Thanks for visiting the pediatric dental website of Dr. Steven Ripple, where we pride ourselves on being servants.
Located in Baton Rouge and Prairieville, Louisiana, Dr. Ripple and his team of skilled professionals work together to provide your child with superior dental care in a kid-friendly environment. Our on-site orthodontist, Dr. Matthew Leftwich, offers a full range of orthodontic care for children, teens and adults.
Located in Baton Rouge and Prairieville, Louisiana, Dr. Ripple and his team of skilled professionals work together to provide your child with superior dental care in a kid-friendly environment. Our on-site orthodontist, Dr. Matthew Leftwich, offers a full range of orthodontic care for children, teens and adults.
Services
Our goal as pediatric and preventative dentists is to work toward eliminating the #1 disease in the world; together we can make this happen. We want your child to have a pleasant, fun and memorable visit to the dentist. Our office uses modern, updated techniques and equipment to treat your children effectively and gently.
We strive to provide you with affordable, high-quality treatment that fits your budget! Your treatment plan will include a breakdown of all applicable fees, and we will inform you of all costs before treatment is administered. We offer a variety of payment options to meet your needs. Our office accepts payments by cash, checks, and Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards.
Your child won't keep his or her first teeth forever, but that doesn't mean those tiny pearly whites don't need conscientious care. Maintaining your child's dental health now will provide health benefits well into adulthood, as primary (baby) teeth serve some extremely important functions. For one thing, primary teeth serve as guides for the eruption of permanent (adult) teeth, holding the space into which these new teeth will erupt.
At Smile Stars, we recommend that a child's first dental visit be scheduled by their third birthday, unless the parent or pediatrician sees something that is of concern. It is very important to make the first visit as positive and enjoyable for the child as possible. We want your child to enjoy getting to know our doctors and staff and be comfortable at all times.
A toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head, especially one designed for infants, is the best choice for infants. Brushing at least once a day, at bedtime, will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay. You can also use a soft washcloth wrapped around your finger during bath time to gently remove plaque.
Reviews (16)
Kesha H.
Dec 16, 2021
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We took our 5 yr old daughter with non-verbal autism to Smile Stars for her first ever dental visit. It went so much better than we expected. It started with the RN reviewing her history and letting us walk around and play with toys, then the hygienist Hailey came in and was wonderful with her. Dr Ripple was next, and was just as accommodating and nice. I can't imagine a more pleasant dental experience. We will definitely go back in six months and recommend them to anyone that needs a pediatric dentist.
Brooke Ryan
Dec 02, 2021
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Brought my daughter in yesterday for x-rays and exam. Will not be bringing her back. When they put the x-rays in her mouth, I watched them physically close and hold her mouth closed to do x-rays. Also was told I am not allowed in the back when they do do a filling for her cavity.(raised red flags when I was made to sign a consent form) Got home and looked them up. I have found several reviews on Dr. Ripple and how he has held kids down during procedures.
Madyson Yarbrough
Nov 30, 2021
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I have been with Dr.Ripple for years since i was a baby and he just recently kicked me out he has been torturing me for years and probably more than i know. i went to his office yesterday and he told me that i have many problems with my teeth then proceeded to tell me my grades are just as bad as my teeth. i do not recommend you or your children going to smile stars the nurses are nice and gentle but before you leave Dr.Ripple has to visit you and that's where the pain began. a few years back me ad my sister went in there for a check up to go get our teeth cleaned and with out my mom knowing they
Kene'Ja Davis
Sep 17, 2021
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Sandra Joiner
Aug 28, 2021
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Dr. Matthew is one of the best orthodontics in Baton Rouge. I must say he makes each patient feel as if they have his undivided attention during their visit. He is caring and has the innate ability to show concern about the success of the designed treatment plan. He is a unique and rare individual… positive vibes only!!!
Taiyler Johnson
May 30, 2021
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Dear Smile Stars, I’ve been going here for braces for a while now and everything was ok until I got braces. The orthodontic assistants are very nice and supportive, the only problem I have is with the orthodontist Dr.Matt. When I called and addressed my problems to him he showed no understanding and acted as if he didn’t want to hear anything I had to say. He was very rude and short patient but on top of his disrespectful attitude while on the phone he also pretended as if he hadn’t seen my face before. He aggressively spoke to me over the phone and he’s not much better in person either
Bw K.
May 25, 2021
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Dr. Ripple and his staff have been nothing short of an absolute blessing for our family. My son who was 8 years old at the time needed a tooth extraction, fillings, several caps and a variety of other dental procedures. My wife and I called several places in the Prairieville / Baton Rouge area and were discouraged when the estimates came back between $4,000.00 $5,000.00 on average. We do not have any dental insurance. Our prayers were answers when we called Smile Stars. Dr. Ripple met me and my son at his Baton Rouge office at 5:00am the next day. He did all of the procedures that we were quoted
Alecia Victorian
Jan 19, 2021
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We love Dr. Ripple and the staff. The first time we walked in we fell in love with the kid-friendly environment. I think it makes it more relaxing for my daughter. We did live 5 minutes away but we moved to Zachary and I didn't want to change dentist for convenience because they take good care of my daughter and they are always friendly and helpful. Dr. Matt is a wonderful addition to the staff. You will be very happy with the doctors, staff and the cute and clean office.
Courtney E.
Jan 15, 2021
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Shan E.
Sep 03, 2020
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When I tell you I was not expecting to enjoy my baby's first dentist visit as much as I did. The front desk staff was very welcoming and warm. There is a fish tank and child appropriate TV playing
We were given a tour of the back and boy were we in for a treat. A basket ball goal, waterfall with a bridge, large moving butterfly on the wall, you boxes, I can go on and on.
All employees had mask on! The Dr. was so inviting. Casually dressed (which I appreciated) when the hygenist weren't with patients they were cleaning
I texted a friend from there to suggest she chose this dentist
We were given a tour of the back and boy were we in for a treat. A basket ball goal, waterfall with a bridge, large moving butterfly on the wall, you boxes, I can go on and on.
All employees had mask on! The Dr. was so inviting. Casually dressed (which I appreciated) when the hygenist weren't with patients they were cleaning
I texted a friend from there to suggest she chose this dentist
Kathleen S.
Jun 19, 2020
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Dr Ripple has been my dentist of choice for my two children since they were toddlers. They are now 17 and 13. Dr Ripple has a calm low key demeanor which is so good for kids. One of my children is very sensitive ; Dr Ripple was so careful and gentle with her that she has not complained about going to the dentist since those first few visits as a toddler. My other child has a strong dislike of going to the dentist, but he has never complained about the service. Dr Ripple was even able to straighten my dtr's teeth which saved us a fortune in orthodontia. He and his staff are great!
Jennifer W.
Sep 26, 2019
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Great stuff Great Dr‼ Dr. Ripple is awesome! My kids are teenagers now they have been coming here since they were smaller! The staff is really friendly and professional! The rest room is always clean! I just wish they would keep the coffee going on the morning! Lol and I like the early morning appointments!
Lori M.
Apr 10, 2016
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Genny A.
Apr 06, 2016
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I took my nephew to the dentist yesterday afternoon and it was such a nice experience for him. This was the second time I have been with him when he wen to the dentist - the last time was several years ago - but each time has been so nice. The office staff is very friendly and you feel welcome from the moment you walk in.
There is a large waiting room with extremely comfy chairs not the standard hard waiting room chairs. One side of the room has a large screen with kids movies playing while the other has a smaller TV with news for adults. I opted for the news side as that is closer to the
There is a large waiting room with extremely comfy chairs not the standard hard waiting room chairs. One side of the room has a large screen with kids movies playing while the other has a smaller TV with news for adults. I opted for the news side as that is closer to the
Keri H.
Apr 29, 2015
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Lisa H.
Jan 12, 2013
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I took my 10-year-old son to see Dr. Steven Ripple at Smile Stars for what was (sadlyl) his first dental visit. To say my son was nervous is an understatement. He's never been comfortable with medical-type procedures, and I was expecting this appointment to be a trying ordeal for us both. Not so. When my son was called back, I went with him for a tour of the office. They had lots of things for the kids to do while they're waiting, and my son was perfectly happy to wait without me. He came out smiling with his shiny clean teeth and said that Dr. Ripple was awesome! The staff is