Clear Braces in South Surrey, BC
Ceramic braces are also referred to as clear braces, tooth-coloured braces, or aesthetic braces.
At Dream Orthodontics, we offer clear ceramic braces as part of a full range of orthodontic options for children, teens, and adults across South Surrey, White Rock, and our surrounding communities. Dr. Amani Morra, Certified Specialist in Orthodontics, will assess your teeth, explain your options honestly, and help you decide what makes the most sense for your situation, your lifestyle, and your budget.
About Ceramic Braces
At Dream Orthodontics in South Surrey, our clear braces are crafted to be significantly less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
These braces have been redesigned to be smaller and are made from nearly invisible, tooth-colored polycrystalline ceramic material.
These ceramic braces blend seamlessly with your natural smile.
While not entirely invisible, our clear brackets are very similar in size and shape when compared to metal braces and are far more discreet.
About Dr. Amani Morra – Expertise You Can Trust
Dr. Morra founded Dream Orthodontics in 2008 after completing one of the most rigorous training paths in the field: four years of college, four years of dental school with honours at Dalhousie University, and a three-year Master of Science in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at the University of Manitoba. She's a mother of four, deeply involved in the South Surrey and White Rock community, and approaches every patient's care the way she'd want her own family treated.
Her approach to clear braces, as with all treatment, starts with a thorough diagnostic assessment. She doesn't recommend ceramic braces because a patient asks for them. She recommends them when the clinical picture supports it, and she'll tell you plainly when a different option would serve you better.
Her credentials:
- Dental degree with honours – Dalhousie University
- Master of Science in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics – University of Manitoba
- Certified Specialist in Orthodontics
- Member, Canadian Association of Orthodontists (CAO)
- Former instructor, University of Manitoba and UBC
- Published author in orthodontic literature
- Conference presenter in orthodontics
See before and after results from real Dream Orthodontics patients.
Blend in With Clear Braces in South Surrey
Our ceramic brackets offer a discrete way to straighten your smile when combined with clear, white, or tooth-coloured wires and elastic ties. This makes them a great choice for adults and teens seeking a visually pleasing treatment option without the extra hassle and responsibility of wear time associated with removable aligners like Invisalign®.
While many patients appreciate the discreet nature of ceramic braces, some teens and adults enjoy adding coloured ligature ties. This creates an almost neon look that stands out in a fun and unique way.
The vibrant colours pop against the clear brackets, offering a distinctive appearance that most people haven't seen before.
You may be worried about ceramic braces staining, but that hasn’t been a problem for several years.
Our ceramic brackets won’t stain. With that being said, the adhesive we use to attach the brackets to your teeth and the clear elastic ties used to hold the wires in can stain.
This can give an overall impression of discolouration or staining over time. You can choose to avoid things like coffee and tea, red wine, tomatoes, mustard, etc. to cut back on the chance of any staining, but this isn’t necessary since we change your elastics at every adjustment appointment.
As long as you maintain a good oral hygiene routine, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about giving up your morning cup of coffee or evening glass of wine.
Clear Braces vs. Metal Braces vs. Invisalign
It helps to understand how clear ceramic braces compare to your other main options before you make a decision.
Clear Ceramic Braces vs. Metal Braces
Both are fixed appliances that stay on your teeth throughout treatment. Both use brackets and archwires. The main difference is appearance. Ceramic brackets blend with your tooth colour, making them far less noticeable than metal. Metal braces, on the other hand, are more durable and typically the most affordable fixed option. For patients where appearance is a priority but Invisalign isn't the right fit, clear braces often make the most sense.
Clear Ceramic Braces vs. Invisalign
Invisalign uses removable clear aligner trays instead of fixed brackets and wires. Invisalign is the most discreet option of the three, as the trays are nearly invisible. But Invisalign requires strong patient discipline, wearing the aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, and it isn't recommended for every type of bite issue. Clear ceramic braces are fixed, so there's no risk of forgetting to wear them. They also work well for more complex cases that aligners may not handle as effectively.
The right choice genuinely depends on your individual case. Dr. Morra will go through all three options with you at your free consultation and give you her honest clinical recommendation.
How Clear Braces Work: The Treatment Process
Step 1 – Free Consultation and Assessment
Your first visit to Dream Orthodontics is always complimentary. Dr. Morra takes photos, reviews your records, and uses 3D digital imaging to assess your teeth and jaw in detail. If clear braces are the right fit, she'll walk you through a clear, practical treatment plan, including an estimated timeline and what your adjustment schedule will look like.
Step 2 – Bonding Your Clear Braces
The bonding appointment typically takes around 60 to 90 minutes. Your teeth are cleaned and prepared, and each ceramic bracket is precisely positioned and bonded to the tooth surface. The archwire is threaded through and secured. You'll leave with your braces in place and a full briefing on care and maintenance.
Step 3 – Adjustment Appointments
You'll typically come in on a regular schedule (determined by you and Dr. Morra) for check-up appointments. At each visit, Dr. Morra assesses your progress and may change the archwire as your teeth move. These visits are usually 20 to 30 minutes. For tips on keeping your braces clean and your teeth healthy between appointments, our orthodontic care guide is a helpful resource.
Step 4 – Braces Removal and Retainer Fitting
Once your teeth are in their final positions, the brackets are removed and your teeth are cleaned. We then take impressions for your retainer. Wearing your retainer as directed is what keeps your results permanent over time.
Caring for Clear Braces
Ceramic brackets need a little more attention than metal when it comes to everyday care. Here's what matters most:
Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing properly with clear braces is essential. Food and plaque can collect around the brackets and the gumline, so thoroughness matters more than speed. We recommend brushing after every meal and flossing at least once daily. Our life with braces guide has practical tips for making this routine as simple as possible.
Staining
Ceramic brackets can pick up staining from certain foods and drinks over time. Dark beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine are the main culprits, as are sauces like soy and tomato. Smoking can also stain the brackets. None of this is irreversible, but it's worth being mindful of during treatment.
Foods to Avoid
Hard, crunchy, and sticky foods can chip ceramic brackets or pull them loose. Popcorn, hard candy, ice chewing, gum, and very chewy foods should be avoided throughout treatment. Your team at Dream Orthodontics will give you a complete food list at your bonding appointment.
Cost of Ceramic Braces in South Surrey
One of the biggest factors that affect the cost of your treatment will be the materials used to make your braces.
In our office, ceramic brackets cost a little more than metal brackets.
The work it takes to put your braces on, adjust them, and take them off must also be factored into the total cost of treatment.
Placing and removing ceramic braces are more sensitive to technique and requires more time.
Our treatment coordinators will be happy to go over the cost with you at your first free consultation.
Who Are Clear Braces Best For?
After an initial orthodontic consultation with Dr. Morra & team, we'll be able to determine what treatment you may need, and which treatment option will be best for you and your smile.
Typically, we think ceramic braces are better suited for adults and older teens.
This is because ceramic brackets are sometimes more likely to break, and can often be more expensive than metal brackets.
Schedule a free consultation with our orthodontist in Surrey to learn if clear braces may be right for you.
Why Choose Dream Orthodontics for Clear Braces in South Surrey?
Specialist-Only Care
Every patient at Dream Orthodontics is treated directly by Dr. Amani Morra, Certified Specialist in Orthodontics. She completed many years of training, including a Master of Science in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from the University of Manitoba, and has taught orthodontics at both UBC and the University of Manitoba. When you come here, you're seeing a specialist, not a general dentist offering braces as a side service.
Light Force Mechanics
Dr. Morra uses light force mechanics throughout treatment, applying steady gentle pressure rather than aggressive force. This approach is better for the long-term health of your teeth and roots, and it tends to make the overall experience more comfortable.
Advanced Technology
We use 3D digital imaging to plan every case with precision before treatment begins. This gives Dr. Morra a complete picture of your teeth, roots, and jaw before a single bracket is placed.
Direct Insurance Billing and Zero-Interest Financing
Our team handles all insurance paperwork directly from your first appointment. You don't have to file claims yourself or chase reimbursements. We also offer zero-interest financing plans for patients who want to spread treatment costs over time. Full details are on our insurance and financing page.
Same-Day Treatment Start
In many cases, you can start your clear braces the same day as your consultation. No waiting through multiple appointments before anything gets done.
Flexible Scheduling for South Surrey Families
We offer early morning and evening appointments on all Pro-D school days to fit around Surrey School District schedules. Families from Sunnyside, Elgin Chantrell, Ocean Park, Crescent Beach, and Pacific Douglas come to us regularly, and our hours are built around the reality of busy family life.
Serving South Surrey and the Surrounding Area
Dream Orthodontics is located at #101 – 3038 Croydon Drive, Surrey, BC, just minutes from most South Surrey and White Rock neighbourhoods. We regularly see patients from:
- Morgan Crossing
- Grandview Heights
- Rosemary Heights
- Ocean Park
- Elgin Chantrell
- Sunnyside
- Crescent Beach
- Pacific Douglas
- White Rock
Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Braces
Are clear ceramic braces as effective as metal braces?
Yes. Ceramic brackets work the same way as metal brackets. They use the same bracket-and-archwire system to apply steady pressure and move teeth into alignment. The difference is in the material, not the mechanics. For the vast majority of orthodontic cases, clear braces are just as effective as metal.
Do clear braces stain?
The ceramic brackets themselves can pick up staining from dark foods and drinks, like coffee, tea, red wine, and tomato-based sauces. The elastic ties that hold the archwire can also discolour between adjustment appointments. Staying mindful of what you eat and drink, and brushing promptly after meals, keeps staining to a minimum. Dr. Morra's team will go through this in detail at your bonding appointment.
Are clear braces more expensive than metal braces?
Generally, yes. Ceramic brackets cost more to manufacture than metal, and that difference is reflected in treatment pricing. In BC, orthodontic treatment with clear braces typically runs slightly higher than metal braces. The gap isn't always large, and many insurance plans cover a portion regardless of bracket type. Our team will give you a full cost breakdown at your free consultation.
Can clear braces fix the same issues as metal braces?
For most cases, yes. Clear ceramic braces can treat crowded teeth, gapped teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, and misaligned midlines. There are some very complex cases where metal braces give the orthodontist more control, and Dr. Morra will be straightforward with you if your case falls into that category.
How do I keep clear braces clean?
Brush after every meal, floss at least once a day, and use an interdental brush to clean around the brackets. Avoid foods and drinks that stain, and keep up with your adjustment appointments so Dr. Morra can monitor everything. Our orthodontic care guide walks through the full cleaning routine step by step.
Will clear braces affect how I speak?
Most patients notice a slight adjustment period in the first few days as their tongue and lips get used to the brackets. This usually settles within a week or two and doesn't cause lasting speech changes.
Do I need a referral to book a consultation?
No referral needed. You can call us directly at 604-542-8552 or book online. We also accept referrals from local dentists through our doctor referral program.
What happens after my clear braces come off?
Once the brackets are removed, you'll be fitted for a retainer. Wearing your retainer as instructed is what keeps your teeth in their new positions long-term. Most patients wear their retainer full-time initially, then transition to nights only.
Is a free consultation actually free?
Yes, completely. No hidden fees, no pressure. Dr. Morra will assess your teeth, answer your questions, and go through your options at no cost. We want you to feel comfortable making a decision before you commit to anything.
Not Sure If Clear Braces Are the Right Fit?
Clear ceramic braces are one of several options we offer at Dream Orthodontics. Depending on your clinical needs and preferences, metal braces or Invisalign may be a better match. You can also browse our full treatments overview to compare options side by side before your consultation.
Book Your Free Consultation for Clear Braces in South Surrey
If you've been thinking about clear braces for yourself or your teen, the next step is a conversation. Book a free consultation with Dr. Amani Morra, Certified Specialist in Orthodontics, and find out exactly what your options are.
We offer both in-office and virtual consultations. Same-day treatment start is available in many cases.
Dream Orthodontics #101 – 3038 Croydon Drive, Surrey, BC, V3Z 0T1 604-542-8552