Orthodontic questions answered: Dream Orthodontics in South Surrey
These are the questions Dr. Amani Morra and the team at Dream Orthodontics hear most often from patients and families across South Surrey and White Rock. Dr. Morra is a Certified Orthodontic Specialist with a Master of Science in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from the University of Manitoba, and has been treating patients of all ages since founding the clinic in 2008.
The answers below cover treatment options, timelines, cost, Invisalign, braces care, retainers, and what to expect from your first visit. If your question is not here, call 604-542-8552 or book a free consultation and ask Dr. Morra directly.
Getting started with orthodontic treatment
No. Parents and adults can book directly at Dream Orthodontics. A referral from your dentist is welcome but not required. The first consultation is free and includes a full assessment of teeth, bite, and jaw.
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening between age six and eight.
By this age, most children have several permanent teeth that have erupted, letting us evaluate their orthodontic needs.
By this age, Dr. Morra can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.
That’s important, because some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they’re found early.
Most orthodontic patients begin active braces treatment between ages 9 and 14.
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at almost any age. In fact, about one in every four orthodontic patients today is over age 18.
Thanks to today’s smaller, less visible and more comfortable orthodontic appliances, including metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign, adults find treatment appealing.
The first visit is free and typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Dr. Morra will often take photographs, digital X-rays, and 3D images of your teeth and jaw. She reviews the findings with you, explains what she sees, and outlines what treatment would look like for your specific case. If you are ready to start, same-day treatment is possible for some patients.
Common signs include crowded or overlapping teeth, gaps between teeth, an overbite where the upper front teeth extend too far over the lower, an underbite where the lower teeth sit in front of the upper, a crossbite where upper and lower teeth do not align side to side, or jaw pain and discomfort when chewing. Some bite problems are not visible to the untrained eye, which is why the Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends an early screening even when teeth look straight.
Orthodontic treatment is a partnership between the doctor and patient. Dr. Morra provides custom-made fixed or removable appliances that use gentle pressure to move teeth into their proper positions.
Your job is to follow Dr. Morra’s instructions, keep scheduled orthodontic appointments, and maintain excellent oral hygiene to get the best results.
You will also need to see your general dentist as recommended to continue your general dental care.
If you notice an unwanted change in your smile or bite, contact Dream Orthodontics at (604) 542-8552 for information.
You might need an orthodontic tune-up to regain proper alignment.
Treatment options at Dream Orthodontics
Dream Orthodontics offers metal braces, clear ceramic braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, and Invisalign First for younger children.
Metal braces in South Surrey use stainless steel brackets and are the most affordable option. Ceramic braces use tooth-coloured brackets that are much less visible from a conversational distance. Both are fixed appliances that work the same way: a wire threads through the brackets and applies continuous gentle force to move teeth. Ceramic brackets can stain from dark beverages over time.
Invisalign in South Surrey uses a series of clear, removable aligner trays made from smooth plastic. Each tray moves teeth a small amount. You wear each tray for approximately two weeks before moving to the next in the sequence. The aligners are removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing. Treatment typically runs 9 to 18 months for most Invisalign patients at Dream Orthodontics, though complex cases may take longer.
For cases it is suited for, Invisalign produces outcomes equivalent to braces. Invisalign works well for mild to moderate crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Some complex bite corrections or significant tooth rotations are still better handled with fixed braces. Dr. Morra assesses each case and tells you clearly which treatment will produce the best result for your specific situation. She will not recommend Invisalign if braces would serve you better.
Align Technology, the company behind Invisalign, recognizes providers based on case volume and clinical experience. Diamond status at the TOP 1% level means Dr. Morra has treated a high number of Invisalign cases and is among the most experienced Invisalign practitioners in Canada. This designation is awarded by Align Technology based on verified case data.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of orthodontic treatment at Dream Orthodontics depends on the type of treatment and the complexity of your case. Dr. Morra provides a specific fee estimate at the free consultation based on your actual situation. Treatment fees vary because no two cases are identical.
At Dream Orthodontics, the cost of Invisalign is generally comparable to ceramic braces for cases of similar complexity. Metal braces are typically the most affordable option. Dr. Morra discusses the cost of each treatment option that suits your case at the consultation, so you can make an informed decision.
BC's Medical Services Plan does not cover orthodontics. Many private dental plans include an orthodontic benefit, expressed as a lifetime maximum. This applies to braces and Invisalign. The Dream Orthodontics team reviews your specific coverage at the first visit and handles direct billing so you do not need to file your own claims. Check out our insurance & financing page for more details.
Yes. Zero-interest financing is available to spread the cost of treatment over time. The team walks through the monthly amounts at the consultation. There is no obligation to proceed after the consultation, and no surprise fees.
Treatment Timelines
Treatment time at Dream Orthodontics depends on the complexity of the case. Straightforward cases may complete in 12 months. More involved cases, particularly those with significant bite correction, may take 18 to 24 months or longer. Dr. Morra maps out an estimated timeline at the start of treatment and revisits it as treatment progresses.
Most Invisalign patients at Dream Orthodontics complete treatment in 9 to 18 months. Simpler cases can finish faster. The biggest factor affecting Invisalign timelines is compliance. Wearing aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours per day every day keeps treatment on schedule. Falling below that consistently adds time.
For braces patients, check-in appointments typically occur every six to eight weeks. For Invisalign patients, check-ins are usually every eight to ten weeks. These are shorter appointments than the initial setup and are used to assess progress and adjust the plan if needed. Because Invisalign does not require wire tightening, aligner appointments tend to be faster.
Elastic bands worn as directed by Dr. Morra are part of the force system moving your teeth and jaw into position. Inconsistent elastic wear is one of the most common reasons a treatment timeline extends beyond the original estimate. The closer you follow the prescribed wearing schedule, the closer your treatment stays to the original projection.
What to expect while wearing braces
Getting braces placed does not hurt. The bonding process is painless. Within a few hours of having braces or a new wire placed, you may notice tenderness and soreness as the force starts working. This typically fades within two to three days. Over-the-counter pain medication at the recommended dose and soft foods for the first couple of days help manage this. Soreness between adjustment visits is less common once your mouth has adapted.
Hard foods can break brackets. Sticky foods can pull brackets off the tooth. The foods to avoid include hard candies, popcorn, ice, chewy sweets like toffee and caramel, chewing gum, hard pizza crust, raw carrots and apples bitten straight in, and beef jerky. You can still eat most foods, including these, if you cut them into small pieces rather than biting directly. The team at Dream Orthodontics can give you food guides or tips at your bonding appointment.
Brush after every meal with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Angle the bristles above and below the brackets to clean the gumline and the bracket edges. Flossing with braces requires a floss threader to guide floss under the archwire. Interproximal brushes, which look like small pipe cleaners, are useful for cleaning around brackets. A water flosser is a helpful supplement but does not replace string floss. The orthodontic care page on the Dream Orthodontics website covers the full routine in detail.
Yes. Dream Orthodontics strongly recommends wearing a custom-fit mouthguard during any contact sport. A standard mouthguard provides good protection for the teeth and appliance from impact. With Invisalign, the aligners can be removed during contact sport and replaced immediately after.
Yes, though wind instrument players often experience an adjustment period while the inner cheeks adapt to the brackets. Most musicians adapt within two to four weeks. If instrument playing is a significant concern, Invisalign, which can be removed for practice and performance, may be worth discussing as an alternative to fixed braces.
Retainers after treatment
Teeth do not stop moving when braces come off. Bone around the tooth roots is constantly remodeling, and without a retainer holding them in place, teeth tend to drift toward their original positions. A retainer keeps your teeth where Dr. Morra has placed them while the surrounding bone stabilises. Skipping the retainer is the most common reason for post-treatment shifting.
Dr. Morra typically prescribes full-time retainer wear for the first few months after braces are removed, transitioning to nighttime-only wear after that. Most patients wear a retainer nightly indefinitely to maintain their result. Teeth continue to have a tendency to shift throughout life, and consistent retainer use is the most reliable way to protect the work that was done.
Contact Dream Orthodontics as soon as possible. Without a retainer, teeth can shift relatively quickly, particularly in the months immediately after treatment. The sooner a replacement retainer is made, the less movement will occur. Do not wait to see whether the teeth feel different first.
The relationship between wisdom teeth and post-treatment shifting is often misunderstood. Research does not support the claim that wisdom teeth reliably cause other teeth to move. Teeth shift after treatment primarily because of the natural tendency of teeth to drift throughout life, which is why retainers matter. Your general dentist or Dr. Morra can advise whether wisdom tooth removal is appropriate for you based on your specific dental situation.
About Dream Orthodontics
Dr. Morra is a Certified Orthodontic Specialist. She completed four years of dental school with honours at Dalhousie University, followed by a three-year Master of Science in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at the University of Manitoba. Eleven years of total training. General dentists can offer orthodontic treatment, but orthodontists train specifically and exclusively in how teeth and jaws move.
Yes. Virtual consultations are available for patients who prefer to start the conversation before coming in for in-person records. The virtual option is particularly useful for busy adults or families who want to ask questions and get a general sense of treatment before committing to an in-office visit.
Dream Orthodontics is at #101, 3038 Croydon Drive, Surrey, BC. Patients come from Grandview Heights, Morgan Crossing, Rosemary Heights, Sunnyside, Ocean Park, Elgin Chantrell, Crescent Beach, Pacific Douglas, and White Rock.
Monday 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Tuesday and Wednesday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Thursday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Friday on Surrey School District Pro-D days with early morning appointments. Contact our team today if you have any questions or if you would like to schedule a free consultation.