Braces in Penrith

Braces for Teenagers and Adults

Braces are a reliable and effective way to straighten teeth, improve the bite and create a healthier, more balanced smile. At Best Western Dental Centre, we provide personalised orthodontic treatment for teenagers and adults from our practice in Cambridge Park, Penrith.

Every patient is different. Your treatment plan will be based on your teeth, bite, facial profile, jaw development and individual concerns—not simply on making the front teeth appear straighter.

Request an Orthodontic Consultation

What Can Braces Treat?

Braces can be used to manage many orthodontic concerns, including:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Protruding teeth
• Deep bites
• Open bites
• Crossbites
• Underbites
• Teeth that do not meet correctly
• Teeth that have moved after previous orthodontic treatment

Treatment may improve the alignment of the teeth, the way the upper and lower teeth meet, and the overall appearance of the smile.

Our Approach to Orthodontic Treatment

Dr Nathan Le generally prefers a non-extraction approach whenever it is clinically appropriate.

Rather than automatically removing teeth to make space, treatment may involve developing or expanding the dental arches where suitable. The aim is to create space for the teeth while considering the patient’s bite, facial profile and long-term stability.

In some cases, additional approaches such as elastics, functional appliances or limited reshaping between selected teeth may be recommended.

Although extractions are rarely required in Dr Nathan’s orthodontic treatment, they cannot always be avoided. They may still be recommended when necessary for a safe, balanced and stable result. This will be discussed clearly before treatment begins.

Braces for Teenagers

The teenage years can be an ideal time for orthodontic treatment because many of the permanent teeth have erupted while growth may still be occurring.

Depending on the individual patient, braces may be used to:

• Straighten crowded or rotated teeth
• Improve the relationship between the upper and lower teeth
• Close unwanted spaces
• Guide the teeth into more suitable positions
• Improve smile balance and dental function

Some teenagers may have already received early orthodontic treatment or an arch-development appliance. Braces may then form the second phase of treatment to refine the alignment and bite.

For information about earlier treatment, please visit our Children’s Orthodontics in Penrith page.

Braces for Adults

There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. Many adults choose braces to improve long-standing crowding, spacing or bite concerns, or because their teeth have moved since previous orthodontic treatment.

Before treatment begins, the teeth and gums must be healthy. Any decay, gum disease or other dental concerns should be managed before braces are fitted.

For some adults, orthodontic treatment may also be coordinated with other dental care such as implants, crowns or cosmetic treatment.

Braces or Clear Aligners?

Both braces and clear aligners can straighten teeth, but they work differently.

Braces remain attached to the teeth throughout treatment and provide continuous control over tooth movement. They can be particularly useful for more complex tooth movements or bite corrections.

Clear aligners are removable and less noticeable, but they must be worn consistently and are not suitable for every orthodontic problem.

Dr Nathan will assess your teeth and bite and discuss which option may be more suitable for you. You can also read more on our Clear Aligners in Penrith page.

What Does Orthodontic Treatment Involve?

1. Initial Consultation

Your first orthodontic consultation allows us to discuss your concerns and carry out an initial assessment of your teeth, bite and facial profile.

One complimentary orthodontic consultation is available per patient. A suitable OPG taken within the previous six months is required for the consultation. If you do not already have one, an OPG can be arranged at our practice for $130.

2. Orthodontic Records

If you would like to proceed, detailed orthodontic records may include:

• Digital scans of your teeth
• Clinical photographs
• Relevant radiographs
• Bite and facial assessment
• Additional orthodontic measurements and analysis where required

These records allow Dr Nathan to prepare an individual treatment plan.

3. Treatment-Plan Discussion

We will explain the proposed treatment, estimated treatment time, fees, alternatives and any relevant limitations or risks.

Orthodontic treatment is individual, and exact treatment times or outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Treatment may need to be modified depending on growth, tooth movement, biological response and patient cooperation.

4. Fitting the Braces

The braces are attached to the teeth, and instructions are provided on cleaning, eating and caring for them.

5. Regular Adjustments

You will attend regular appointments so the braces can be adjusted and your progress monitored. Keeping these appointments and following instructions are important parts of successful treatment.

6. Retainers

After the braces are removed, retainers are required to help maintain the new tooth positions. Teeth naturally tend to move over time, so long-term retainer wear is important.

Caring for Your Teeth During Braces

Good oral hygiene is particularly important while wearing braces because food and plaque can collect around the brackets and wires.

During treatment, you should:

• Brush carefully around every bracket and along the gumline
• Clean between the teeth each day
• Attend regular dental check-ups and cleans
• Avoid hard or sticky foods that may damage the braces
• Wear a suitable orthodontic mouthguard during contact sports
• Contact us if a bracket or wire becomes loose or damaged

Poor cleaning may lead to tooth decay, gum inflammation or permanent white marks on the teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Braces Hurt?

Your teeth may feel tender for several days after the braces are fitted or adjusted. This is usually temporary and settles as your mouth adapts.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Treatment time varies according to the complexity of the tooth and bite correction required. Your estimated treatment time will be discussed after your orthodontic assessment and records have been reviewed.

Will I Need Teeth Removed?

Dr Nathan generally uses a non-extraction approach and may consider arch development or expansion where clinically appropriate. Extractions are rarely required, but they may still be recommended in some cases when necessary for a balanced and stable result.

Can Adults Have Braces?

Yes. Adults can have orthodontic treatment provided their teeth, gums and supporting bone are healthy enough for treatment.

How Often Will I Need Appointments?

Adjustment appointments are generally required at regular intervals throughout treatment. The timing will depend on your treatment plan and progress.

Will My Teeth Remain Straight Permanently?

Retainers help maintain the result, but teeth can continue to move naturally throughout life. Long-term retainer wear is recommended.

Examples of Orthodontic Treatment Results

These photographs show actual patients treated at our practice. Orthodontic needs, treatment experiences and outcomes vary between patients, and similar results cannot be guaranteed.

Request an Orthodontic Consultation

If you are considering braces for yourself or your teenager, request an orthodontic consultation at Best Western Dental Centre in Cambridge Park, Penrith.

We will assess your teeth and bite, discuss your concerns and explain the treatment options that may be suitable for you.

Request an Orthodontic Consultation

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