First visit
A get-to-know-you visit with no treatment: your child rides the "magic" chair, counts teeth with the little mirror and goes home with a certificate.
Pediatric dentistry in Denver
Big smiles for little teeth
Dear parents, here a trip to the dentist feels like playtime. Our dentists treat kids only, we have patience by the bucketful and a colorful office where fear just doesn't fit. That's how kids grow up unafraid of the dentist.
👶 from age 1🦷 kids only⭐ 4.9 out of 5 from parents
3,500+fearless kids
What we do for little ones
Services designed for kids
From the very first tooth to teenage braces. We explain everything in kid language and in parent language.
Checkups and cleanings
A checkup every 6 months, gentle removal of plaque and tartar, and brushing lessons on a plush tooth.
Sealants
We cover the deep grooves of permanent molars with a thin layer of resin so food can't get stuck there. Painless, with no numbing needed.
Fluoride
We paint on a fluoride varnish that strengthens enamel and stops cavities early. It takes 5 minutes and tastes like strawberry or mint.
Baby teeth care
Baby teeth with cavities hurt and can damage the adult teeth underneath. We treat them with colorful fillings and numbing kids barely feel.
Early orthodontics
We spot crowded teeth or a bad bite early. A removable appliance worn at the right time can make later treatment much shorter.
Kids' emergencies
Toothaches, swelling or a tooth bumped at the playground: we keep open slots every day for emergencies and give advice over the phone.
Laughing gas
For very anxious kids we use a mask with "scented" air that helps them relax. Your child stays awake and feels normal again in minutes.
Your child's first visit
Meeting the dentist, without the tears
We recommend the first visit when the first tooth appears, or by age 1 at the latest. Here's how it goes, step by step.
We say hello
Your child explores the room, presses the chair buttons and meets Toothy, our mascot. You stay right beside them the whole time.
We count teeth
With a little mirror and a flashlight, the dentist "counts" the teeth and checks that everything is growing well. No needles, no drill.
We learn to brush
We show how to brush properly on a plush tooth, and tell you which toothpaste and toothbrush to use at home.
Certificate and surprise
At the end, your child gets a "Brave Patient" certificate and a surprise from the treasure chest. You get a simple care plan.
Tips for parents before the visit
- Talk about the dentist as a friendly doctor who "counts teeth".
- Avoid words like "hurt", "needle" or "don't be scared", which can frighten kids.
- Pick a time when your child is well rested, ideally in the morning.
- Let us do the explaining: we have words and games for every age.
About us
A dental office made to kid size
Little Smiles opened in 2015 in Denver, started by two pediatric dentists who wanted to change the way kids see the dentist. We have pictures on the ceiling, cartoons on the screen above the chair and a play corner in the waiting room.
We only see kids, from babies to teens, so everything from our instruments to the words we use fits their age. And we talk to parents openly: what we found, what's urgent and what can wait.
11years with kids only
3,500+little patients
0kids ever scolded
SP
Dr. Sarah Palmer
Pediatric dentist
Our founder, with a real gift for kids who cry at the mere mention of the dentist.
TR
Dr. Tyler Russell
Orthodontics for kids and teens
Keeps an eye on jaw growth and starts braces at exactly the right moment.
GC
Dr. Grace Coleman
Dentist, prevention
Takes care of sealants, fluoride and our "brushing school" for kids and parents.
Why choose us
What kids and parents get
Patience, not hurry
We book 45 minutes for every child, so we never have to rush. If today isn't the day, we'll try again next time.
Parents stay close
You're welcome in the room for the whole visit. Your child feels safe, and you see everything.
Prevention comes first
The best treatment is the one that's never needed. Sealants, fluoride and clear advice to keep teeth healthy.
Plain-English answers
You get a written treatment plan with prices and priorities. No jargon and no pressure.
Typical fees
What it costs at Little Smiles
These fees are a guide. You'll know the exact cost after the exam, in your child's treatment plan.
First happy visitages 1–3$85
Exam and treatment plan$110
Kids' cleaning$95
Fluoride varnishupper and lower teeth$40
Sealantper tooth$50
Baby tooth filling$165
Baby tooth nerve treatment$295
Baby tooth extraction$150
Space maintainer$395
Removable orthodontic appliance$1,200
Metal bracesone arch$2,800
Laughing gasper visit$70
💡 No dental insurance? Ask about our Kids' Smile Club: checkups, cleanings and fluoride for the whole year at one flat fee, plus flexible payment plans for bigger treatment.
What parents say
Straight from moms and dads
★★★★★
"Mason used to cry just walking past a dental office. With Dr. Palmer he sat in the chair all by himself, and now he asks when we're going back to 'the tooth lady'."
Rachel T.Mason's mom, age 5
★★★★★
"We had sealants done for both kids. Quick, no tears, and they explained exactly why they help. You can tell they only work with children."
Mike M.dad of Sophie and Luke
★★★★★
"Dr. Russell caught early on that our daughter would need an appliance. We started with a removable one and avoided bigger problems. Thank you for your patience!"
Amanda C.Lily's mom, age 9
★★★★★
"We came in with an emergency, a tooth chipped on the playground. They saw us the same day and calmed everyone down, my son and me."
Brian P.Andrew's dad, age 7
Our office
A colorful place kids love to visit
FAQ
What parents often ask us
When should I bring my child to the dentist for the first time?
When the first tooth comes in, or by age 1 at the latest. The first visit is mostly a get-to-know-you meeting and a quick check, plus tips for parents on brushing, bottles and diet.
Are baby teeth worth treating if they fall out anyway?
Yes. Some baby teeth stay in until age 11–12. Untreated cavities hurt, can get infected and can affect the adult teeth growing underneath. Baby teeth also hold the space for the new ones.
What are sealants, and when are they done?
A sealant covers the deep grooves on the molars with a thin resin so food and bacteria can't collect there. It's done on permanent molars, usually between ages 6 and 8 and again between 11 and 13, with no numbing and no pain.
My child is really scared. What do you do?
We never force anything. We start with one or two visits just to get comfortable, use the "tell, show, do" approach and, if needed, light sedation with laughing gas. For extensive treatment in very young children we may recommend general anesthesia in a hospital setting, with an anesthesiologist.
When is the right time for an orthodontic check?
Around age 7, even if the teeth look straight. That's when jaw growth problems are easiest to correct, and sometimes a removable appliance worn early avoids braces later on.
Can parents stay in the room?
Of course. With little ones we encourage parents to be there. With older kids we sometimes suggest they try it "on their own, like a big kid", but we always decide together with you.
Book online
Book your little one's visit
Fill out the form and we'll call you back the same business day to find a time that works for your child.
Contact
Come see us in Denver's Highland neighborhood
Address875 Aspen Grove Lane, Denver, CO 80211
Parent parking right in front of the building
Parent parking right in front of the building
Phone(555) 010-0100
Emailhello@example.com
Hours
| Monday – Friday | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |