Pre-Orthodontic and Orthodontic Assessments

Pre-Orthodontic and Orthodontic Assessments

An orthodontic assessment checks how your teeth, jaws and bite are aligned and developing. For children, this is ideally done between ages 6 and 10 while the jaws are still growing, giving us the best window to identify and address problems early. For adults, it can identify issues contributing to tooth wear, gum problems, jaw discomfort or cosmetic concerns.

Your Guide to Orthodontic Assessment and Early Treatment

Misaligned teeth can:

  • Increase the risk of decay and gum disease by making teeth harder to clean
  • Raise the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
  • Affect chewing, comfort and self-confidence

Early detection means more treatment options, often simpler and shorter.

Interceptive (pre-orthodontic) treatment is carried out during childhood to guide jaw growth and tooth development before problems worsen. It takes advantage of your child's natural growth phase and may involve:

  • Correcting crossbites or bite problems early
  • Maintaining space for adult teeth when baby teeth are lost prematurely
  • Breaking habits such as thumb sucking, mouth breathing or tongue thrusting

This can reduce the severity of orthodontic problems, lower trauma risk, and potentially shorten or simplify any future treatment.

There are several ways to straighten teeth and correct bite problems. Your dentist will recommend the best option based on your individual needs.

  • Traditional braces use metal or ceramic brackets bonded to the teeth, connected by wires that are periodically adjusted to move teeth into position. They remain the most versatile option, effective for mild through to complex cases.
  • Clear aligners (e.g. Invisalign) are a series of custom-made, removable transparent trays that gradually shift teeth. They offer improved aesthetics and comfort, and because they are removable, oral hygiene is easier to maintain compared to fixed appliances.
  • Removable appliances such as plates, expanders or functional appliances can be used in growing children to guide jaw development, correct crossbites or maintain space. They are typically removed for eating and cleaning.
  • Fixed functional appliances (e.g. Herbst appliance) are attached to the teeth and work by encouraging forward growth of the lower jaw, often used in children with a significantly receded lower jaw.

In some cases, a combination of approaches may be used at different stages of treatment to achieve the best result.

If you have any concerns about your own or your child's teeth, bite or jaw development, speak with us and book in for a consultation. An early assessment gives us the best opportunity to plan the right approach for a healthy, confident smile.

At MedCentral Dental, We Accept All Health Funds!

We Are Preferred Providers for

Get in touch

Dr Raymond AU

Principal Dentist

Speaks English and Vietnamese

Born and raised in Melbourne, Dr Raymond has spent several years working across both private and public practices in metropolitan Melbourne and rural Victoria. This diverse experience has strengthened his ability to connect with individuals and families from all walks of life, allowing him to deliver care that feels both personalised and accessible.

With a strong focus on family dentistry, Dr Raymond is experienced in both general and cosmetic dentistry, supporting patients at every stage of life. He is particularly proficient in wisdom teeth extractions, and has a special interest in clear aligner treatment and smile makeovers – including porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges.

Known for his calm and reassuring manner, Dr Raymond is especially attentive to patients who may feel anxious about dental visits. He creates a relaxed, supportive environment designed to ease concerns and build trust over time. His goal is to make every appointment a positive experience and believes that visiting the dentist should feel comfortable, not confronting.

Outside the practice, he enjoys travelling, playing tennis, and spending quality time with family and friends.

×
Dr Emily Pow

Dr Emily was born in Melbourne and was raised in the local Knox area. She previously worked in private practices across Melbourne, and has worked for the public sector at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne.

She also gained a significant amount of experience working previously as the Hospital Dental Officer at Monash Medical Centre where she treated medically compromised, special needs and cancer patients.

She enjoys most aspects of dentistry including cosmetic dentistry and working with children. She has a special interest in the area of orthodontics (braces, clear aligners and early intervention) and can provide Myobrace treatment.

Dr Emily is currently undergoing a Post Graduate Diploma in Orthodontics to further her passion in this area.

She loves helping her patients with clear aligner treatment so that they can smile confidently.

In her spare time, Dr Emily enjoys going out for good food, spending time with family and going on nature walks with her dog Chino.

×
Dr Lilian Phu

Dr Lilian Phu graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Biomedicine (Honours) and Doctor of Dental Surgery. Her passion for helping people achieve their dental and oral health goals is reflected by the quality, care and attention she gives to each patient she encounters. Additionally, her friendly and bubbly nature will be sure to bring a smile on anyone’s face.

Dr Lilian is also a preclinical supervisor for dental students at Melbourne University, sharing her knowledge with the future generation of dentists.

In order to deliver the best dental care to her patients, she regularly attends continuing education courses and is currently undertaking a two-year postgraduate course in orthodontics. Dr Lilian has a special interest in implants and clear aligner treatment, and can talk to you about how you can improve your smile.

Outside of dentistry, she enjoys digital drawing and spending time with her loved ones including a dog and three cats.

×
Dr Edward Wang

Speaks English

Education:

Edward is a kind and caring dentist who is dedicated to providing his patients with high quality dental care while prioritizing patient comfort to ensure that his patients have a positive experience.

Edward believes in taking a more patient-centered approach to dental care, whether it be by providing information to patients about prevention of dental disease, or by providing and explaining all available treatment options so that patients can be fully informed about their oral healthcare.

Outside of work, you’ll find Edward playing volleyball or in the kitchen as he enjoys cooking dishes from many different cuisines from around the world.

×