Answers for Phoenix families
Pediatric dentistry and braces, explained clearly.
Get direct answers about first dental visits, affordable braces, special-needs care, sedation, AHCCCS, insurance, and costs at Parsons Center.
Healthy growing smiles
Pediatric dentistry
First visits, preventive care, common treatments, and dental emergencies for children and teens.
Explore pediatric dental services →What is pediatric dentistry?
Pediatric dentistry focuses on the oral health of infants, children, and teens, including patients with special health care needs. Care is adapted to a child’s growth, development, comfort, and ability to participate in treatment.
When should my child first visit a dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends establishing a dental home by a child’s first birthday. An early visit lets the dental team check development, discuss home care, and help prevent problems before they become painful.
How often should children have a dental checkup?
Many children benefit from a dental exam and cleaning about every six months, but the right schedule depends on cavity risk, oral health, development, and treatment needs. Your Parsons dentist will recommend an interval for your child.
What happens at a child’s first dental visit?
A first visit usually includes a gentle introduction, a review of health history, an age-appropriate exam, and guidance for brushing, nutrition, and prevention. Cleanings, fluoride, or X-rays are recommended only when appropriate for the child and visit.
What is included in the $45 new-patient special?
The $45 new-patient special includes a comprehensive exam, X-rays, a professional cleaning, fluoride treatment, and a braces consultation. Call 602-353-5435 if you want help confirming eligibility or planning the visit.
Why do baby teeth matter if they eventually fall out?
Baby teeth help children chew, speak, smile confidently, and hold space for permanent teeth. Treating decay early can reduce pain, infection, missed school, and problems that may affect the developing adult teeth.
How can I help prevent cavities in my child?
Help your child brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth when they touch, limit frequent sugary drinks and snacks, and keep preventive dental visits. Fluoride treatments and sealants may provide additional protection when recommended.
What are dental sealants?
Sealants are thin protective coatings placed in the grooves of back teeth, where food and bacteria can be difficult to remove. They can lower cavity risk and are quick to apply when a dentist recommends them.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Dental X-rays are used only when the expected diagnostic benefit supports taking them. The type and timing depend on a child’s age, cavity risk, dental history, growth, and what the dentist can see during the exam.
What pediatric dental treatments does Parsons Center provide?
Parsons Center provides exams, cleanings, X-rays when needed, fluoride treatments, sealants, fillings, crowns, root canal treatment, extractions, emergency support, and orthodontic evaluations for children and teens. The recommended care is based on an individual exam.
What should I do if my child has a dental emergency?
Call Parsons Center at 602-353-5435 for guidance about tooth pain, a broken tooth, swelling, or a dental injury. Seek emergency medical care immediately for trouble breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, serious facial trauma, or other life-threatening symptoms.
Straighter smiles
Braces and orthodontics
Straight answers about orthodontic evaluations, timing, treatment, and affordable braces in Phoenix.
Explore affordable braces →How much do braces cost at Parsons Center in Phoenix?
Braces are $2,800 when paid in full or $3,600 with the Parsons Payment Plan. Prices may change, and the team will confirm the exact treatment, total cost, insurance benefits, and payment schedule before treatment begins.
What is included in the Parsons braces price?
Your orthodontic evaluation is used to create a personalized recommendation and explain the expected treatment process. Because every smile is different, the team will review exactly what is included in your written treatment plan before you decide.
At what age should a child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check no later than age 7. An early evaluation can identify growth, bite, spacing, or eruption concerns and does not mean a child will need braces right away.
Does an orthodontic evaluation at age 7 mean my child needs braces?
No. Many children who are evaluated at age 7 do not need immediate treatment. The orthodontic team may recommend observation and periodic checks until growth and tooth development make treatment appropriate.
What signs may mean my child needs an orthodontic evaluation?
Consider an evaluation for crowded or protruding teeth, early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty biting or chewing, a bite that does not meet normally, jaw shifting, or concerns about tooth eruption. An exam is the only way to determine whether treatment is needed.
What happens at a braces evaluation?
The orthodontic team examines the teeth, bite, jaw growth, and treatment goals. You receive a personalized recommendation that explains timing, expected treatment, price, and payment choices in plain language.
How long do braces usually take?
Braces treatment time varies with the bite, tooth movement needed, growth, and how consistently appointments and home-care instructions are followed. The orthodontic team will give you a personalized estimate after an evaluation.
Do braces hurt?
Teeth can feel sore for a few days after braces are placed or adjusted, but discomfort is usually temporary. The care team will explain simple comfort steps and when to call if a bracket, wire, or unusual pain needs attention.
How do children and teens care for teeth with braces?
Brush carefully around brackets and along the gumline, clean between teeth every day with recommended tools, and keep dental cleanings and orthodontic visits. Avoid foods the orthodontic team identifies as likely to bend wires, loosen brackets, or become trapped.
Can a child play sports while wearing braces?
Yes. Children and teens can usually continue sports while wearing braces. Ask the orthodontic team about an orthodontic mouthguard designed to protect the mouth while allowing room for brackets and tooth movement.
Does AHCCCS cover braces?
Parsons Center accepts AHCCCS, but orthodontic coverage is not automatic and may depend on the plan, age, medical necessity, documentation, and prior authorization. The team can help verify benefits, but AHCCCS or the health plan makes the final coverage decision.
How do I request an affordable braces evaluation in Phoenix?
Use the online appointment request or call Parsons Center at 602-353-5435. The clinic is at 3140 W. Buckeye Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85009, and provides orthodontic evaluations and braces for children and teens.
Comfort with a plan
Special-needs care and sedation
How Parsons prepares for anxiety, sensory preferences, complex care, and different comfort needs.
Explore comfort and sedation options →Does Parsons Center care for children with special needs?
Yes. Parsons Center welcomes children and teens with special health care needs. Share communication preferences, sensory sensitivities, mobility needs, past experiences, triggers, and comfort strategies so the team can plan appropriate support.
How can the dental team help an anxious child?
The team can use age-appropriate explanations, patient pacing, caregiver partnership, and comfort planning. Depending on the child and treatment, the dentist may also discuss nitrous oxide, moderate oral sedation, or deep or IV sedation.
What sedation options are available for children?
Parsons Center offers nitrous oxide, moderate oral sedation, and deep or IV sedation when clinically appropriate. The safest option depends on the child’s health, age, anxiety, ability to cooperate, and the treatment being planned.
Is sedation dentistry safe for children?
Sedation requires careful patient selection, health-history review, trained clinical staff, appropriate monitoring, and recovery instructions. The dentist will discuss expected benefits, risks, alternatives, fasting or medication instructions, and whether sedation is appropriate for your child.
What is nitrous oxide for dental care?
Nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas, is inhaled through a small mask and may help reduce anxiety, discomfort, and gagging while a patient stays awake and responsive. The dentist decides whether it is appropriate for the visit.
How should I prepare my child for a sedation appointment?
Follow the clinic’s instructions exactly, including guidance about food, drinks, medicines, illness, transportation, and supervision after the visit. Call before the appointment if your child becomes sick or if any instruction is unclear.
Clear next steps
Costs, insurance, and appointments
What families need to know before choosing a visit, confirming benefits, or starting care.
See Parsons pricing →Does Parsons Center accept AHCCCS?
Yes. Parsons Center accepts AHCCCS for covered dental services. Coverage, limitations, and authorization requirements vary, so the team can help review benefits before treatment.
Does Parsons Center accept private dental insurance?
Parsons Center accepts most private dental insurance plans. Benefits differ by employer and plan, and an estimate is not a guarantee of payment, so the team will help explain your expected share when possible.
Can my child receive care without dental insurance?
Yes. Parsons Center serves insured, underinsured, and uninsured families. Published pricing, the Parsons Payment Plan, and financing options can help families understand and plan for care.
How does the Parsons Payment Plan work?
Qualifying payment plans start with $150 down and do not require a membership fee. Your care team will review the treatment total, exact payment schedule, and available choices before care begins.
Are financing options available?
Zero-percent financing options may be available through outside financing providers, subject to eligibility and terms. Ask the team which payment or financing choices may fit your child’s treatment plan.
Why are Parsons Center prices more affordable?
Parsons Center is a nonprofit Brighter Way Institute clinic. Its Get a Smile, Give a Smile model uses revenue from insured visits to help expand access for underinsured and uninsured youth in the Phoenix community.
Where is Parsons Center located?
The Bob & Renee Parsons Center for Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is located at 3140 W. Buckeye Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85009. Call 602-353-5435 if you need directions or help choosing the right appointment.
How do I make an appointment?
Submit the online appointment request with a few details or call 602-353-5435 to speak with the team. Share the reason for the visit, insurance information, comfort needs, and any urgent symptoms so the clinic can help plan the right next step.
What ages does Parsons Center treat?
Parsons Center provides pediatric dental and orthodontic care for children and teens, including children with special health care needs. Call the clinic if you are unsure whether a particular visit is appropriate.
Trusted guidance
Helpful answers, personalized care.
This page provides general education and does not replace an individual exam, diagnosis, treatment plan, or insurance decision.
*Prices and qualifying payment terms may change. Exact treatment, cost, benefits, and payment schedules are confirmed before treatment begins.
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Let’s plan a comfortable visit.
Tell us what your family needs, or call and we’ll help you choose the right appointment.