Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Salem provides orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults in Salem, NH, including LightForce custom braces, clear aligners, early orthodontic treatment, and surgical orthodontics. All orthodontic care is provided by Dr. Tofool Alghanem, a board-certified orthodontist and former Tufts University faculty member, at 389 Main St., Salem, NH 03079. Initial consultations are always free.
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of Salem proudly offers clear orthodontic treatment options, providing children, adolescents, and adults with discreet alternatives to traditional braces. With options like clear aligners or LightForce braces, we prioritize aesthetics without compromising on the effectiveness of treatment, ensuring our young patients can confidently smile throughout their orthodontic journey.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, removable trays that gradually shift teeth into their correct positions without metal brackets or wires. Each tray is worn for one to two weeks before moving to the next in the series, with the full treatment typically completed in 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the case.
Who is a good candidate for clear aligners?
Clear aligners work well for teens and adults with mild to moderate crowding, spacing issues, or bite problems. They are especially popular with older teens and adults who want a discreet option that fits around school, sports, and social activities. Younger children are generally not candidates, as clear aligner treatment requires all or most permanent teeth to be fully erupted.
What can I expect at the first visit?
At your consultation, Dr. Alghanem will perform a complete oral exam and take 3D digital scans of your teeth — no messy impressions needed. She will show you a digital preview of your projected tooth movement and discuss whether clear aligners are the right fit for your smile goals. If treatment is recommended, your custom trays are typically ready within two to three weeks.
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Treatment time varies by case. Mild corrections may take as little as six months. More complex cases involving significant crowding or bite correction typically range from 12 to 18 months. Wearing aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day is the single biggest factor in staying on schedule.
LightForce Braces
LightForce braces are a next-generation orthodontic system that uses 3D printing technology to create brackets that are custom-designed for each individual tooth. Unlike traditional braces, which use standard bracket shapes adapted to each patient, every LightForce bracket is printed to fit the exact contour and prescription of that specific tooth — resulting in more precise tooth movement, greater comfort, and in many cases, shorter overall treatment time.
Who is LightForce right for?
LightForce braces are suitable for children, teens, and adults. They are particularly well suited to patients with more complex alignment or bite issues that benefit from the precision of fully customized bracket placement. Patients who want the reliability of fixed braces — without worrying about remembering to wear a removable tray — are also excellent candidates.
What makes LightForce different from traditional braces?
With traditional metal braces, orthodontists work with standard bracket shapes and make adjustments at each visit to guide tooth movement. LightForce starts with a fully digital treatment plan — Dr. Alghanem maps out the precise final position of every tooth before a single bracket is placed. The 3D-printed brackets are then manufactured to match that plan exactly. This means fewer office visits, more predictable results, and brackets that sit more comfortably against each tooth surface.