Children’s Orthodontics in Penrith

Early assessment and Phase 1 orthodontic treatment

Best Western Dental Centre provides orthodontic assessments for children in Cambridge Park, Penrith.

Dr Nathan Le assesses the developing teeth, dental arches, bite and jaw relationships to determine whether a child may benefit from early treatment or simply needs monitoring as they grow.

Free orthodontic consultations are available for children from six years of age. A suitable OPG taken within the past six months is required.

Why consider an early orthodontic assessment?

An early assessment can identify how the adult teeth are developing and whether a problem involving the teeth, dental arches or bite may benefit from treatment at a particular stage of growth.

Parents may consider arranging an assessment if their child has:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• A narrow dental arch
• Protruding front teeth
• A crossbite or underbite
• A deep bite or open bite
• A noticeable difference between the upper and lower jaw relationship
• Adult teeth erupting in an unusual position
• Delayed eruption of adult teeth
• Early loss of baby teeth
• Persistent thumb or finger sucking
• Teeth that do not meet comfortably

An orthodontic assessment does not necessarily mean that treatment should begin immediately. In many cases, monitoring dental development until a more appropriate time is the best recommendation.

What is Phase 1 orthodontic treatment?

Phase 1 treatment, also called early or interceptive orthodontic treatment, is undertaken while a child is growing and still has a mixture of baby and adult teeth.

Its purpose is usually to address a particular developing orthodontic problem rather than completely straighten every adult tooth.

Depending on the child’s needs, Phase 1 treatment may aim to:

• Create or preserve space for developing adult teeth
• Correct a crossbite
• Improve the relationship between the upper and lower dental arches
• Reduce the prominence of selected front teeth
• Guide dental arch development
• Address the effects of certain persistent oral habits
• Improve conditions for the eruption of adult teeth

Not every orthodontic concern requires Phase 1 treatment. Treatment is recommended only when Dr Le considers that intervention at the child’s current stage of development may offer a meaningful benefit.

Will braces still be needed later?

Possibly.

Phase 1 treatment focuses on a particular problem during dental and jaw development. It does not guarantee that braces or clear aligners will be avoided after the remaining adult teeth erupt.

Depending on the child’s needs, Dr Le may recommend:

• Monitoring without immediate treatment
• Phase 1 treatment followed by monitoring
• Phase 2 treatment after more adult teeth erupt
• Comprehensive orthodontic treatment at a later age without Phase 1 treatment

Future growth and tooth eruption cannot always be predicted precisely. The expected benefits and limitations will be discussed before treatment begins.

Early orthodontic appliances

The appliance selected depends on the child’s dental development, bite, treatment objectives and ability to cooperate.

ALF appliance

The Advanced Lightwire Functional appliance, commonly called an ALF appliance, is a custom-made removable wire appliance. It may be considered for selected children as part of an individual treatment plan.

Schwarz appliance

A Schwarz appliance is a removable orthodontic plate that may be used to develop the dental arch, create space or assist with selected crossbites.

Functional appliances

Functional appliances may be considered for selected growing children when there is an unfavourable relationship between the upper and lower dental arches or jaws. Depending on the clinical findings, options may include an RN Sagittal appliance or Twin Block.

LEARN ABOUT FUNCTIONAL APPLIANCES

Myobrace treatment

Myobrace treatment combines a removable appliance with prescribed activities focusing on breathing, tongue posture, swallowing and lip function.

It requires consistent appliance wear and completion of the prescribed activities. Myobrace is not suitable for every child and does not replace braces in every case.

LEARN ABOUT MYOBRACE TREATMENT

How is treatment selected?

Treatment begins with an assessment of the child, not with choosing an appliance.

Dr Le considers:

• The child’s age and stage of dental development
• The position and eruption of the adult teeth
• Available space within the dental arches
• The child’s bite
• Upper and lower jaw relationships
• Dental and gum health
• Relevant oral habits
• The child’s ability to cooperate
• The expected benefits and limitations of each option

The same appliance is not appropriate for every child with crowded teeth or a narrow dental arch.

The assessment and treatment process

1. Free initial consultation

We offer one free initial orthodontic consultation per person for patients from six years of age.

A suitable OPG taken within the past six months is required. If your child already has one, please arrange for it to be sent to our practice before the appointment or bring a copy with you.

If a suitable recent OPG is not available, one can be arranged at our practice. The applicable radiograph fee will be explained when the appointment is booked.

2. Preliminary assessment

Dr Le examines the teeth, dental arches and bite and reviews the OPG. He will then discuss whether the child appears to need:

• Monitoring
• Further diagnostic records
• Phase 1 treatment
• Treatment at a later stage
• Assessment by another dental or healthcare professional

3. Comprehensive records and planning

If further planning is appropriate, records may include digital scans, clinical photographs, a lateral cephalometric radiograph and measurements of the teeth, bite and jaw relationships.

After reviewing the diagnostic information, Dr Le will explain the proposed treatment, alternatives, limitations, expected duration, responsibilities and fees.

You will have an opportunity to ask questions before deciding whether to proceed.

Cooperation is important

Many early orthodontic appliances are removable, so treatment depends heavily on cooperation from the child and family.

The child may need to wear the appliance for the prescribed time, complete any recommended activities, maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular review appointments.

If an appliance is not worn or cared for as directed, treatment may take longer or may not achieve its intended objective.

Breathing and oral habits

Mouth breathing, low tongue posture, swallowing patterns and persistent sucking habits may be relevant to dental development in some children.

Orthodontic assessment can consider how these factors relate to the teeth and bite. However, medical symptoms such as nasal obstruction, significant snoring or suspected sleep-disordered breathing may require assessment by a GP, paediatrician, ENT specialist or another appropriate healthcare professional.

Frequently asked questions

Does every child with crowded teeth need early treatment?

No. Some children may benefit from treatment while they are growing, while others are better monitored until more adult teeth have erupted.

How long does Phase 1 treatment take?

Treatment time varies according to the problem, appliance, growth and patient cooperation. An estimated duration will be provided as part of the individual treatment plan.

Are removable appliances effective?

Removable appliances can be effective when they are appropriately selected and worn as instructed. Because they can be removed, cooperation is essential.

What happens after Phase 1 treatment?

After Phase 1 treatment, Dr Le may recommend retention, periodic monitoring or further orthodontic treatment after more adult teeth have erupted.

Book a children’s orthodontic consultation in Penrith

Contact Best Western Dental Centre to arrange an orthodontic consultation for your child.

Best Western Dental Centre
95 Oxford Street
Cambridge Park, Penrith NSW 2747
Telephone: (02) 4731 4655

The information on this page is general and does not replace an individual clinical assessment. Treatment suitability, duration and outcomes vary between children.

Page reviewed by Dr Nathan Le, BDS (University of Sydney), August 2026.