YOUR QUESTIONS. OUR ANSWERS.
Browse through our frequently asked questions from parents (just like you!).
Getting Started
What's the age range of children seen at Colorado Dentistry for Children?
We see children from the moment their first tooth emerges, which is often before they are 1 year old. So the short answer is: Children (close to) 1 to 18 years old.
Do I need a referral to see a pediatric dentist?
Definitely not! Every child is welcome at Colorado Dentistry for Children. Schedule your appointment now!
When should my child see a dentist?
By age 1 or when the first tooth appears in the mouth. Past that? That’s okay – it’s never too late to have your child see a dentist!
Why fix baby teeth if they are only going to fall out?
Every situation is unique and it depends on the tooth. Baby teeth are used to help kids bite, chew, have normal oral function, and hold space for permanent teeth. Infections in baby teeth can spread and cause serious problems. Making sure all teeth stay healthy is important.
When are braces needed?
We will evaluate your children for braces as permanent teeth start to appear in the mouth. Most children don’t need braces until 11-12 years of age; however, we may suggest earlier braces if particular problems are present.
Insurance and Forms
What is the insurance policy at Colorado Dentistry for Children?
Our well-trained team and children’s dentist will submit insurance claims for you! But please remember, insurance is often a method of reimbursement and not a method of payment. If there is an out-of-pocket expense, we will assist you in estimating those prior to any treatment being performed.
To maximize your dental benefits, we will need current insurance information prior to every appointment. Please call us to update your information or if you have any questions!
We accept all insurance, Credit Card, Debit Card, Cash, and CareCredit.
Where do I send my patient forms?
Please download the New Patient Forms and fax them to 970-840-2359 or email them to [email protected] prior to your appointment. If you are unable to complete the forms prior to your appointment, please arrive 30 minutes early to fill out the necessary paperwork. We look forward to taking care of you and your children!
Dental insurance Facts
FACT 1 – DENTAL INSURANCE IS A CONTRACT BETWEEN YOU, YOUR EMPLOYER AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY. We are not a party to that contract.
FACT 2 – DENTAL INSURANCE IS NOT MEANT TO COVER ALL FEES. It is meant to be an aid to your investment in your child’s dental healthcare. Many routine dental services are not covered by dental insurance.
FACT 3 – VERY FEW INSURANCE PLANS PAYS 100% OF ALL PROCEDURES. Many patients think that their insurance pays 90%-100% of all dental fees. This is not true! Most plans only pay between 50%-80% of the average total fee. Some pay more, some pay less. The percentage paid is determined by the plan you or your employer has chosen for coverage and/or the type of contract you or your employer has set up with the insurance company.
FACT 4 – FREQUENCIES & LIMITATIONS OF BENEFITS. The frequency of payment for some procedures may be limited by an insurance company. This is most often encountered in a pediatric dental office with fluoride treatments. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend the application of fluoride every 6 months since it is proven to be highly effective against tooth decay. Our office follows those recommendations in order to achieve optimal oral health for your child. Therefore, if an insurance plan limits the frequency of the fluoride treatment, the parent will be responsible for this cost. This can also be encountered with other procedures, such as x-rays and sealants.
FACT 5 – BENEFITS ARE NOT DETERMINED BY OUR OFFICE. CDFC has contracts with several insurance companies. Generally, we are required to submit claims for all services rendered. We have agreed to accept specific fee reimbursement for some procedures but there may also be a copayment amount due for services not covered by your plan or a percentage of the fee not covered by your plan. Deductibles also apply to most plans. We encourage our pa ents to review your coverage information you receive from your insurer. This may provide further clarification as to how you can expect the claims to be paid. Furthermore, we encourage our pa ents to review all explanation of benefits for each claim to ensure it was paid accurately. You as the subscriber can also call your insurer to further understand your benefits and how claims are paid.
AS A COURTESY, we do our best to help our pa ents understand their insurance plan and benefits and will gladly send an estimate of coverage prior to initiating treatment. However, it is ultimately your responsibility to understand how your plan works.
We will always provide the best care consistent with standards set by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association. Insurance plans may not follow the same standard with coverage.
What insurance plans are accepted at CDFC?
CDFC accepts most dental insurance plans*, including Medicaid and CHP+
General Questions
When should I start to use toothpaste?
It’s safe to use toothpaste as soon as teeth erupt, but you don’t need much. A “smear” or “rice-size” amount is good until about age 3; use a “pea-size” amount for ages 3-6.
Does breast milk cause cavities?
Not by itself; however, breast milk can cause cavities to grow faster. Brush or wipe your infant’s teeth after breastfeeding to help prevent early childhood cavities.
Is fluoride safe?
Fluoride is considered the standard of care and is endorsed by the American Dental Association, the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the CDC, and many other dental associations. We use fluoride on our children!
My child is afraid of the dentist, now what?
Do you have a fear of going to the dentist? Your child’s fear may be the result of what you have told them. Regardless, dental fear is very common, especially if a child has had a negative experience at the dentist in the past. Come stop by for a visit, and you’ll see we will do everything we can to ensure a safe and calm experience.