Why Choose Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry
Finding the right pediatric dentist in Superior, CO means finding a team that truly understands your child's unique needs. At Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry, we bring specialized training and genuine passion to every appointment. Dr. Alison completed her Pediatric Dental Residency at UCLA, holds a Pediatric Dental Diplomate certification, and earned a degree in child psychology from Wellesley College.
What really sets us apart is individualizing each child's experience. We offer over 70 movies to choose from, multiple toothpaste and fluoride flavors, and small sized instruments designed for children's mouths. Every room is plumbed for nitrous oxide, and we offer all levels of sedation to ensure comfortable care. Parents can accompany their children during treatments, creating the most positive experiences possible.
Our playful waiting rooms feature game machines, a slide, books, and coloring stations. We use camera like xray machines right in treatment rooms so kids continue watching movies during imaging. We even have baby beds for examining the youngest patients. Being a parent herself, Dr. Alison knows that specialized training comes from both education and real life experience.
Our Comprehensive Pediatric Dental Services
We provide complete dental care from infancy through adolescence. We start seeing children at age 1 or six months after their first tooth erupts, whichever comes earlier. We also see newborns for tongue tie evaluations and use soft tissue laser for gentle, effective releases when needed.
Our preventive services include regular cleanings and checkups every six months. During each appointment, we examine teeth, check bite alignment, and look for potential issues with gums, jaw, and oral tissues. We provide fluoride treatments that children can eat and drink immediately after application, eliminating frustrating waiting periods.
For restorative care, we offer white crowns, hall crowns, and fillings. We explain and show children what we are doing every step of the way, building trust through transparency. Our sedation dentistry options include mild, moderate, and deep sedation levels to accommodate different needs. We carefully evaluate each child to determine the most appropriate approach based on age, temperament, and procedure complexity.
We excel at caring for special needs children. Dr. Alison has extensive personal experience and approaches each appointment with patience and understanding. We adjust chair positions, use distraction techniques, offer happy visits for orientation, and customize experiences to help every child succeed. Our TVs, flavor choices, and oral hygiene play items make appointments fun and educational.
Our Proven Process for Stress Free Visits
What to Expect at Your Child's First Visit
Your child's first visit begins with a warm welcome from our friendly team. We keep paperwork simple and billing transparent. Our space is designed to spark joy with bright colors and fun decorations. The initial examination assesses oral health, checks for early tooth decay, and allows us to discuss brushing techniques and answer questions about teething or thumb sucking.
How We Communicate with Children
Before any procedure, we explain what will happen using age appropriate language. We show children the tools and let them touch instruments when appropriate. Instead of scary words, we use gentle terms like "Mr. Thirsty" for the suction tool and "tooth camera" for the dental mirror. Many children love riding the dental chair up and down or choosing movies on ceiling mounted screens.
Family Centered Care Approach
Parents are welcome to stay close during treatment. Our doctors and staff work as a team to keep appointments positive and brief. Our play items about oral hygiene turn education into entertainment, helping kids learn proper brushing and flossing techniques. This family centered approach ensures everyone understands how to maintain healthy teeth at home.
Personalized Treatment Plans
For children needing multiple appointments or complex care, we create customized treatment plans. We consider temperament, medical history, and comfort level when deciding the best approach. Some children do beautifully with multiple shorter visits, while others benefit from sedation allowing us to complete all necessary work in one appointment. This individualized care makes pediatric dentistry different from general family dentistry.
After each visit, children receive praise and small rewards for their bravery. This positive reinforcement creates a foundation for lifelong dental health and reduces the anxiety many adults carry from childhood dental experiences.
The Team Behind Your Child's Smile
Dr. Alison's UCLA Pediatric Dental Residency provided rigorous training in children's oral health. Baby teeth have different anatomy than adult teeth, requiring specific knowledge and techniques. Her Pediatric Dental Diplomate certification demonstrates commitment to staying at the forefront of pediatric dentistry. The child psychology degree gives insights most dentists simply do not have.
Our staff receives ongoing training in the latest pediatric dental techniques and child behavior management. We have successfully treated thousands of children over the years, from calm toddlers to anxious teenagers. This experience means we quickly assess what approach works best for your unique child. We have treated children with sensory sensitivities, developmental delays, dental phobias, and complex medical conditions.
Our entire team truly loves what we do. We remember children's names, ask about their interests, and celebrate their milestones. Located in the heart of Erie at Erie Commons shopping area, we serve families from Superior, Lafayette, Louisville, Broomfield, Boulder, Westminster, Thornton, Johnstown, Berthoud, Brighton, Arvada, and Longmont. Some families even fly in from out of state for our specialized care.
Ready to Give Your Child a Positive Dental Experience?
Don't wait to give your child the gift of a healthy, confident smile. Call us today at 303-500-3202 or click below to schedule your appointment online. We make it easy to get started, and we look forward to welcoming your family to Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry.
FAQS
When should my child first visit a pediatric dentist in Superior, CO? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children visit the dentist by age one or within six months of their first tooth erupting, whichever comes first. At Mini Miners, we welcome babies as young as this for their first checkup. These early visits establish good oral health habits, allow us to catch developmental concerns early, and give parents guidance on proper care for baby teeth. We also see newborns who need tongue tie evaluations.
How often should children come in for dental checkups? ? Children should visit the dentist every six months. It takes approximately six months for a cavity to develop on a baby tooth, making regular checkups essential for catching problems early. These consistent visits also help children build comfort and familiarity with the dental office, reducing anxiety over time.
What makes a pediatric dentist different from a regular family dentist? Pediatric dentists complete two to three additional years of specialized training after dental school, focusing exclusively on children's oral health. This training covers child psychology, behavior management, growth and development, and how to treat the unique anatomy of baby teeth. We use child sized instruments, speak in age appropriate language, and create a fun, welcoming environment designed specifically for kids.
How do you handle children who are anxious or fearful? We explain everything using simple, non threatening language and show children the tools beforehand. We let children make choices about flavors and movies to give them a sense of control. Our staff is specially trained in child behavior management. For children who need extra support, we offer all levels of sedation, from mild nitrous oxide to moderate and deep sedation. We also welcome happy visits where children can tour the office without any treatment.