Designed for Little Smiles
Most parents asking about Invisalign in South Surrey for their child expect to hear 'wait until the teenage years.' The fuller answer is that it depends on what is happening in your child's mouth right now, and in some cases, acting earlier makes the eventual full treatment shorter and less involved.
Dr. Amani Morra, Certified Orthodontic Specialist at Dream Orthodontics, has been assessing and treating children's orthodontic development since founding the clinic in 2008. She completed an 11-year training path that includes a Master of Science in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from the University of Manitoba, with a clinical focus that includes early interceptive treatment for children still in the mixed dentition stage.
Dream Orthodontics holds a TOP 1% Diamond Invisalign Provider designation from Align Technology, covering the full range of Invisalign programs including Invisalign First, which is the specific product designed for children ages 6 to 10.
When Should Children Have Their First Orthodontic Evaluation?
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic screening between ages 6 and 8. At that age, a mix of baby and adult teeth gives Dr. Morra enough information to assess how the jaw is developing, whether there is space for the incoming permanent teeth, and whether the bite is tracking normally.
This does not mean treatment starts at 6 or 7 for most children. It means the orthodontist can monitor development and identify the right window to act, if action is needed at all. The goal of an early evaluation is to know, not necessarily to treat.
Waiting until all the permanent teeth are in before the first visit sometimes works out fine. Other times, it means a problem that could have been addressed more simply during jaw growth now requires more complex intervention. The evaluation is low-stakes and gives parents clear information either way.
What Is Invisalign First?
Invisalign First is a Phase 1, or interceptive, treatment program from Align Technology. It is designed specifically for children ages 6 to 10 who still have a mix of baby teeth and emerging permanent teeth.
Unlike standard Invisalign, which is designed for patients with most or all of their permanent teeth, Invisalign First is built to accommodate teeth that are still erupting. The aligner design accounts for the changing dentition so that treatment can proceed even as the mouth continues to develop.
What Invisalign First can address
Phase 1 treatment using Invisalign First is suited for children who have issues with how the jaw is developing or how teeth are positioned while there is still growth available to work with. Common reasons for early treatment include:
- Narrow dental arch where the jaw does not have enough width for the incoming permanent teeth
- Crowding forming in the primary teeth that predicts a more severe problem with the permanent teeth
- Crossbite where upper and lower teeth do not fit together correctly side to side
- Jaw asymmetry where one side of the jaw is developing differently from the other
- Habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting that are actively affecting jaw development
What Invisalign First is not intended for
Invisalign First is Phase 1. The goal is to create a better foundation, not to finish the job. Most children who complete Phase 1 treatment will still need Phase 2 treatment once all their permanent teeth are in, typically around ages 11 to 14. Phase 1 done well means Phase 2 is often shorter and less complex than it would have been without early intervention.
Why Some Families Choose Invisalign First Over Traditional Phase 1 Appliances
Traditional Phase 1 treatment typically uses fixed expanders or other appliances that are attached to the teeth and cannot be removed. Invisalign First takes a different approach.
Removable, which means easier oral hygiene
Children can take the aligners out to brush and floss normally. Fixed expanders make oral hygiene harder and can trap food, which increases cavity risk during treatment. For parents already managing the daily battle of getting kids to brush properly, removability is a practical advantage.
No brackets, no wires, and less discomfort
Invisalign First uses smooth plastic rather than metal brackets and wires. There are no sharp edges and no risk of a wire poking the inside of the cheek. For younger patients who are nervous about orthodontic treatment, the physical experience is less intimidating.
Designed to accommodate erupting teeth
The Invisalign First aligner design builds in space for teeth that have not yet come in. As teeth erupt during treatment, Dr. Morra monitors progress and adjusts the plan if needed. This is different from a one-size-fits-all appliance, because the treatment sequence is mapped to your child specifically.
Not the right choice for every child
Compliance matters a lot with clear aligners. Aligners only work when worn, which means a child needs to be at a stage of maturity where they can reliably put them back in after meals, activities, and brushing. If compliance is not realistic for your child's temperament and age, Dr. Morra will say so and recommend the alternative that is more likely to produce results.
Cost and Insurance for Kids' Orthodontic Treatment in South Surrey
The cost of Invisalign First at Dream Orthodontics depends on the specific case and the extent of Phase 1 treatment required. Dr. Morra provides a full fee estimate at the consultation before any treatment begins.
BC's Medical Services Plan does not cover orthodontic treatment. Many private dental insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit. Some plans cover Phase 1 and Phase 2 separately, some apply a single lifetime maximum across both phases. 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.
Zero-interest payment plans are available for families who want to spread the cost over time.
When to Book an Evaluation
You do not need a dentist referral and you do not need to wait for a school screening. Parents can book directly at Dream Orthodontics. If you notice any of the following in your child, it is worth booking an assessment:
- Baby teeth that fell out too early or too late
- Teeth that appear crowded, overlapping, or rotated
- Difficulty chewing or biting into food
- Mouth breathing or snoring during sleep
- Thumb or finger sucking past age 4 to 5
- Jaw that shifts to one side when biting down
- A parent or sibling who had significant orthodontic treatment
These are not automatic signals that treatment is needed now. They are signals that a closer look is worthwhile. An early evaluation at Dream Orthodontics will tell you clearly whether your child's development is on track or whether there is something worth addressing sooner rather than later.
The Process at Dream Orthodontics
Step 1: Free Evaluation
Dr. Morra takes photographs, digital X-rays, and 3D images of your child's teeth, jaw, and bite. She reviews the findings with you and gives you a clear picture of where development stands and what, if anything, needs attention.
Step 2: Treatment Planning, If Indicated
If Phase 1 treatment is recommended, Dr. Morra uses Invisalign's digital planning tools to map out the tooth movements specific to your child's case. The plan is shown to you before any aligners are made.
Step 3: Aligners Fitted and Treatment Begins
Your child receives the first set of aligners. Dr. Morra goes through how to put them in and take them out, how often to wear them (20 to 22 hours per day), and what to do if there are questions or problems. Aligners are changed approximately every two weeks.
Step 4: Regular Monitoring
Check-in visits happen approximately every eight to ten weeks so Dr. Morra can confirm teeth are moving as planned and make any adjustments to the sequence. These visits are shorter than standard tightening appointments because there is nothing to tighten.
Step 5: Rest Period and Monitoring Toward Phase 2
Phase 1 treatment typically lasts 6 to 12 months. After active treatment, Dr. Morra monitors jaw and tooth development through a rest period until most of the permanent teeth are in. Phase 2, if needed, begins at that point.
Frequently Asked Questions: Invisalign for Kids in South Surrey
What age can my child start Invisalign?
Invisalign First is designed for children ages 6 to 10 who are in the mixed dentition stage. For children who have most of their permanent teeth, typically around age 11 to 14, Invisalign Teen is the appropriate program. Dr. Morra assesses readiness at the free consultation and recommends the program that fits your child's specific development.
Does my child need to wear the aligners all day?
Yes. For Invisalign First to work, aligners need to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day. They come out for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing. If a child is not developmentally ready to manage this consistently, Dr. Morra will discuss the alternatives.
Does Phase 1 treatment mean my child will not need braces later?
Not necessarily. Phase 1 treatment addresses developing problems during the growth window, but most children still need Phase 2 treatment once all the permanent teeth are in. The difference is that Phase 2 is often shorter and simpler when Phase 1 was done at the right time.
Will my child's dentist refer us to Dream Orthodontics?
A referral is welcome but not required. Parents can book a free consultation directly. Dream Orthodontics also works with referring dentists through a doctor-to-doctor referral program. Either path gets your child the same assessment with Dr. Morra.
How is Invisalign First different from a traditional palatal expander?
A traditional palatal expander is a fixed appliance attached to the upper teeth that widens the arch over time. Invisalign First uses removable aligners to achieve arch development and can address a broader range of tooth positioning issues at the same time. Because it is removable, oral hygiene is easier to maintain during treatment.
What if my child loses an aligner?
Contact Dream Orthodontics as soon as possible. Having your child wear the previous aligner in the sequence in the meantime prevents teeth from moving backward while a replacement is arranged. The team will advise you on the quickest path to getting a replacement made.
Which neighbourhoods in South Surrey does Dream Orthodontics serve?
Dream Orthodontics is located at #101 - 3038 Croydon Drive, Surrey, BC and sees children and families from Grandview Heights, Morgan Crossing, Rosemary Heights, Sunnyside, Ocean Park, Elgin Chantrell, Crescent Beach, Pacific Douglas, and White Rock.
Book a Free Orthodontic Evaluation for Your Child
Dream Orthodontics is located at #101 - 3038 Croydon Drive, Surrey, BC V3Z 0T1.
Phone: 604-542-8552
Hours: Monday 9:30 am to 5:30 pm | Tuesday to Wednesday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm | Thursday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm | Friday on Pro-D days (Surrey School District)
Virtual consultations are available for families who prefer to start the conversation from home before coming in for records.
Talk to Us About Invisalign First
At Dream Orthodontics, we like to ease our younger patients into Invisalign First treatment.
During the first six months of treatment, we ask our younger patients to only wear their aligners at home and to bed (not during school hours).
Once they have the Invisalign routine down, we move them to full-time wear.
Schedule your free Invisalign consultation and talk to us about Invisalign First. Follow our social to see other cases like these.