Orthodontics For Kids In Broomfield, CO

Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry provides orthodontics for kids in Broomfield, CO, with three treatment options designed to guide your child's teeth and jaw development during the critical early years. Led by Dr. Alison Grover, a Board-Certified Diplomate Pediatric Dentist, our practice offers Invisalign for Kids, removable appliances, and traditional braces for children ages 6 to 10. We have served families in Broomfield, Erie, and surrounding Colorado communities since 2017.

Addressing orthodontic issues early, while your child is still growing, can lead to simpler treatment, better results, and healthier smiles for life. At Mini Miners, your child receives orthodontic care and routine dental care in the same familiar office, from the same team they already know and trust. No referrals, no coordinating between offices, and no extra appointments at unfamiliar locations.

What Is Phase 1 Orthodontics for Kids?

Phase 1 orthodontics is early orthodontic treatment for children between the ages of 6 and 10 who have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. At Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Alison Grover uses this window of active jaw growth to correct developing problems before they become more complex and costly to treat later.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, enough permanent teeth have come in for a dentist to identify issues with jaw alignment, tooth spacing, and bite development. Not every child will need Phase 1 treatment, but early evaluation ensures problems are caught at the stage when they are easiest to address.

Phase 1 treatment focuses on several important goals. It helps guide proper jaw growth so the upper and lower jaws develop in balance. It creates space for permanent teeth that are crowded or blocked from coming in correctly. It corrects bite issues like crossbites before they cause uneven wear or jaw pain. And it can reduce or eliminate the need for tooth extractions and more extensive orthodontic work during the teenage years.

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Common Orthodontic Issues We Treat in Children

Dr. Grover evaluates children for a range of orthodontic concerns during their regular dental checkups at Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry. Catching these issues early allows for gentler, more effective treatment while your child's jaw is still growing.

Crossbites. A front crossbite occurs when upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth. A back crossbite occurs when upper back teeth sit inside the lower back teeth. Both types can lead to uneven jaw growth, abnormal tooth wear, and discomfort if left untreated. Early correction helps the jaws develop symmetrically.
Severe crowding. When there is not enough room in your child's mouth for permanent teeth to emerge properly, crowding can lead to impacted teeth, difficulty cleaning, and a higher risk of cavities. Phase 1 treatment creates the space permanent teeth need to come in straight.
Bite misalignment. Overbites, underbites, and open bites affect how your child chews, speaks, and even breathes. Correcting these issues during the growth phase is far simpler than addressing them after jaw development is complete.
Oral habit effects. Habits like prolonged thumb sucking, extended pacifier use, and tongue thrusting can push teeth out of alignment and affect jaw shape. Orthodontic appliances can gently guide teeth and jaws back into proper position after these habits are addressed.

Our Orthodontic Treatment Options at Mini Miners

Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry offers three orthodontic treatment options for children, each suited to different needs and situations. Dr. Grover will recommend the option that best fits your child's specific orthodontic issue, age, and comfort level.

Invisalign for Kids

Removable Appliances

For certain orthodontic issues, such as a simple crossbite, Dr. Grover may recommend a removable appliance. These devices are custom-fitted and can be taken out when your child eats and brushes their teeth, making them more convenient and easier to keep clean than fixed appliances.

Removable appliances work by applying gentle, consistent pressure to guide teeth or jaws into the correct position over time. They are often used for shorter treatment periods and are a comfortable option for younger children who may not be ready for braces.

Invisalign clear aligners are custom-made trays designed for younger patients with developing smiles. They are removable, which means your child can take them out to eat, brush, and floss normally. There are no food restrictions and no brackets or wires that can break during play.

Invisalign is an excellent choice for active kids and young athletes. The aligners are virtually invisible, so most people will not notice your child is wearing them. Treatment involves a series of aligners that are replaced every one to two weeks as your child's teeth gradually shift into the correct position.

Invisalign for Kids often results in fewer office visits than traditional braces because there are no wires to adjust and no emergency visits for broken brackets. Dr. Grover monitors progress at regular checkups and provides new aligner sets as needed.

Traditional Braces for Kids

Mini Miners offers kid-friendly braces designed specifically for younger patients. Phase 1 braces are often placed on just a few teeth rather than a full set, focusing on the specific issue that needs correction. This targeted approach keeps treatment simpler and shorter than a full course of braces.

We use braces when the orthodontic issue requires precise, controlled tooth movement that aligners or removable appliances cannot achieve. Dr. Grover selects the approach that gives your child the best outcome with the least amount of time in treatment.

We also offer competitive pricing for braces that is below many standalone orthodontic practices, because we believe every child deserves access to a healthy, properly aligned smile.

Comfortable Orthodontic Care for Every Child

Getting braces or starting orthodontic treatment does not have to be stressful. Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry is one of the only practices in the Broomfield area to offer comfort options specifically designed for children during orthodontic procedures.

Nitrous oxide during braces installation. For children who feel anxious about having braces placed, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help them stay relaxed and calm throughout the appointment. This is a unique comfort option that most orthodontic offices do not provide.
Special techniques for sensory-sensitive children. Our team is trained to work with children who have sensory processing differences or special needs. We adjust our approach to match your child's comfort level, using gentle techniques and clear communication at every step.
Kid-friendly environment. Your child can watch a movie on our ceiling-mounted TVs during their appointment, pick a prize from our prize tower afterward, and enjoy a welcoming office with a slide and arcade games in the waiting room. Our "no scary words" policy means we always use positive, reassuring language throughout treatment.

Affordable Orthodontics For Kids In Broomfield, CO

Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry believes that orthodontic treatment should be accessible to every family, not a luxury item. We offer competitive rates for Phase 1 orthodontics that are below many standalone orthodontic practices in the Broomfield area.

Most dental insurance plans do not cover orthodontic treatment for children. We understand that this can make the cost feel overwhelming. That is why we offer flexible payment options to help families budget for their child's care without financial stress. Our team will walk you through pricing and payment plans during your consultation so there are no surprises.

We also save families money in a less obvious way. Because Mini Miners handles both dental care and orthodontics, your child does not need appointments at two separate offices. Fewer offices means fewer co-pays, less time off work, and a simpler schedule for busy families.

What Happens After Phase 1 Treatment?

After Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is complete, Dr. Grover continues to monitor your child's dental development during regular checkups at Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry. This monitoring phase tracks how the remaining permanent teeth come in and whether the jaw continues to develop properly.

Not every child who completes Phase 1 will need Phase 2 treatment (full braces or aligners during the teenage years). In many cases, early intervention resolves the issue completely or simplifies future treatment so significantly that Phase 2 is shorter and less complex.

If Phase 2 treatment is needed, Dr. Grover will discuss the timing, options, and expected outcomes with you well in advance so your family can plan accordingly. The goal of Phase 1 is always to give your child the best possible foundation for a healthy, aligned smile, whether or not additional treatment is needed later.

Why Choose Mini Miners for Orthodontics For Kids In Broomfield, CO?

Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry is a dedicated pediatric dental practice that also provides Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, giving your family the convenience of a true dental home. Dr. Alison Grover is a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry with specialized training in children's dental development and early orthodontic intervention.

One office for everything. Your child's orthodontic care, cleanings, fillings, fluoride treatments, and any other dental needs are all handled in the same familiar location by the same team. There is no need to coordinate schedules between a dentist and a separate orthodontist. Dr. Grover already knows your child's full dental history, which means better-informed treatment decisions.
Three treatment options. We offer Invisalign for Kids, removable appliances, and traditional braces. Most pediatric practices in the area offer only one or two orthodontic options. More choices allow Dr. Grover to match the treatment to your child's specific needs.
Comfort-first approach. Nitrous oxide during braces installation, sensory-sensitive techniques, ceiling-mounted TVs, and a prize tower after every visit. We make orthodontic treatment something kids can feel good about.
Competitive pricing. Our rates are below many standalone orthodontic practices because we believe early orthodontic treatment should be financially accessible for every family.
Serving Broomfield and surrounding communities. Our office is located in Erie, Colorado, just a short drive from Broomfield. We also serve families from Louisville, Superior, Westminster, Lafayette, and Northglenn. Since opening in 2017, we have helped thousands of children build healthy, confident smiles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics For Kids In Broomfield, CO

When should my child first be evaluated for orthodontics?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, enough permanent teeth have emerged for a dentist to identify developing problems with bite, spacing, and jaw alignment. At Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Grover screens for orthodontic issues during your child's regular dental checkups, so you do not need a separate referral or appointment to get started.

How long does Phase 1 orthodontic treatment take?

Phase 1 treatment typically lasts between 6 and 18 months, depending on the complexity of the issue being corrected. Simple crossbites or spacing problems may be resolved in as little as 6 months. More complex bite corrections or crowding issues may take closer to 18 months. Dr. Grover will give you a specific treatment timeline during your child's consultation.

Does my child need braces if they still have baby teeth?

Yes, in many cases early treatment while baby teeth are still present is the ideal time to address orthodontic problems. Phase 1 orthodontics takes advantage of your child's active jaw growth to guide development and create space for permanent teeth. Waiting until all permanent teeth are in can make certain issues harder and more expensive to correct. However, not every child needs early treatment, and Dr. Grover will only recommend it when the benefits are clear.

What is the difference between Invisalign and braces for kids?

Invisalign uses clear, removable trays to gradually shift teeth into position. Your child can remove them to eat, brush, and play sports. There are no brackets or wires and fewer emergency visits. Traditional braces use brackets bonded to the teeth with wires that apply precise pressure. Braces are better for certain complex movements that aligners cannot achieve. Dr. Grover will recommend the option that best fits your child's specific orthodontic needs.

How much does orthodontic treatment cost for kids?

The cost of Phase 1 orthodontics varies depending on the type of treatment and the complexity of your child's case. Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry offers competitive rates below many standalone orthodontic practices in the Broomfield area. Most dental insurance plans do not cover orthodontics for children, but we offer flexible payment options to make treatment accessible. Call (303) 500-3202 for a consultation, and our team will provide a clear cost breakdown with no surprises.

Will my child need Phase 2 orthodontics later?

Not always. Some children complete Phase 1 and do not need any additional orthodontic treatment. Others may benefit from a shorter, less complex Phase 2 during their teenage years once all permanent teeth have come in. Dr. Grover monitors your child's dental development after Phase 1 is complete and will discuss whether additional treatment is needed well in advance so your family can plan.

Can my child play sports with braces or Invisalign?

Yes. Invisalign aligners can be removed during sports, which is one reason many families of active kids choose this option. For children with traditional braces, we recommend wearing a mouthguard during contact sports to protect the braces and your child's teeth. Dr. Grover can recommend the right mouthguard for your child's situation.

Can a pediatric dentist provide orthodontic treatment?

Yes. Board-Certified pediatric dentists like Dr. Grover receive training in children's dental and jaw development, including early orthodontic intervention. Providing Phase 1 orthodontics in a pediatric dental office means your child receives orthodontic care from a team that already knows their dental history, anxiety triggers, and comfort needs. This dental home approach eliminates the need for referrals to a separate orthodontic office.