Could your son or daughter benefit from orthodontic treatment? Here at Children's Dental Care of New Hampshire in Amherst, NH, your dentists, Drs. James McAveeney, Andrew Cheifetz, and Agata Bartels, help parents decide when the time is right for orthodontics—read on to learn more.

When should children receive their first orthodontic evaluation?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first evaluation by the age of 7. Although treatment may not be required yet, the visit helps your child's dentist determine if orthodontic treatment might be needed at some point in the future. Active treatment may begin immediately in some cases, might not start for several years, or may not be needed at all.

My child's teeth look fine. Are orthodontics still needed?

An overbite, underbite, or noticeably crooked teeth aren't the only reasons that kids benefit from orthodontic treatment. In fact, your child may suffer from a bite problem even if their teeth appear perfectly straight. Bite problems can affect chewing and speech, cause abnormal wear on the teeth, trigger jaw pain/headaches, and even cause temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). Braces improve the alignment of the teeth, eliminating these problems.

What treatment options are available?

Depending on the severity of your child's orthodontic issues, one of these treatments from our Amherst office may offer the ideal solution:

• Metal braces: Metal braces uses a system of wire and brackets attached to the fronts of your child's teeth. Adjustments to the wire tension gradually improve alignment. Metal braces are used for all types of orthodontic problems, from mild to complicated.
• Ceramic braces: Ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces but are a little less noticeable. They consist of tooth-colored brackets threaded with clear or white wires. Ceramic braces are a good option for mild-to-moderate orthodontic problems.
• Clear aligners: Clear aligners offer the most discreet straightening option. For this treatment, your child receives a series of clear, removable aligner trays worn over the teeth for 20-to-22 hours per day. Each aligner set in the series exerts constant, gentle pressure on the teeth, slowly improving their alignment.

Could orthodontics help your child's smile? Call Children's Dental Care of New Hampshire in Amherst, NH, today by dialing (603) 673-1000.