Serving Children, Teens & Adults
Dream Orthodontics has been treating children, teenagers, and adults in South Surrey and White Rock since 2008. Dr. Amani Morra, a Certified Orthodontic Specialist with a Master of Science in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from the University of Manitoba, founded the clinic with the goal of providing specialist-level care to families across the community at every stage of life.
One of the things that makes orthodontic treatment different from many other health services is that it is not one-size-fits-all by age. A six-year-old in mixed dentition, a fourteen-year-old in full permanent teeth, and a forty-year-old adult all have different jaw structures, different biological rates of change, and different practical concerns around treatment. They all benefit from treatment designed around where they actually are, not a generic protocol.
Dream Orthodontics treats all three groups under one roof, with the same specialist, which means families with children at different ages or adults treating alongside their kids can manage everything in one place.
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Orthodontics for Adults in South Surrey
About one in four orthodontic patients in Canada today is an adult, according to the Canadian Association of Orthodontists. Many of them come in with teeth that were straightened in their teens and shifted over time without a retainer. Others are getting treatment for the first time. Either way, adult orthodontics works.
The biological difference between treating an adult and a teenager is that adult jaw bones have finished growing, which means teeth move slightly more slowly and the treatment timeline may be a few months longer. This does not affect the range of treatment available or the quality of outcome. What it does affect is the treatment plan Dr. Morra develops, which accounts for adult-specific factors including gum health, tooth wear, and any existing dental work like crowns or implants.
Adults often prefer less visible options
Clear ceramic braces and Invisalign are the most popular choices among adult patients. Invisalign is particularly well-suited for adults who are in professional environments or who simply want to manage treatment without metal brackets. Aligners can be removed for presentations, client meetings, or social occasions in a way that braces cannot.
Gum and bone health matter more for adults
Adult patients are more likely to have some gum recession or past periodontal history than teenagers are. Dr. Morra reviews this at the consultation and works in coordination with the patient's general dentist or periodontist where gum health needs to be stable before or during orthodontic treatment. Straight teeth are also easier to clean, which has a direct benefit for long-term gum health.
Incomplete teen treatment is common
A significant number of adults at Dream Orthodontics had orthodontic treatment as teenagers but did not complete it, or did not wear their retainer and their teeth have moved. In most cases, the current situation is addressable, though the treatment plan reflects where the teeth are now, not where they were at age 16.
Orthodontics for Teens in South Surrey
The teenage years are the most common time for orthodontic treatment. Most permanent teeth are in by early adolescence, the jaw bones are still growing and moving teeth is biologically efficient, and treatment started here usually completes within 12 to 24 months depending on case complexity.
Teenagers also have practical concerns about treatment that are worth taking seriously. A fourteen-year-old's concern about how braces look in school photos or on a sports team is legitimate, not vanity. The range of options available at Dream Orthodontics is broad enough that most teens can find something that works with their life rather than against it.
Metal braces for teens
Modern metal braces are substantially different from the brackets of fifteen years ago. The brackets are smaller, lower-profile, and use nickel-titanium shape-memory wires that apply continuous gentle force without needing to be tightened. Teens with more complex alignment issues, significant bite problems, or who prefer not to manage a removable appliance often do best with fixed braces. Metal braces are also the most affordable treatment option.
Clear ceramic braces for teens
Ceramic brackets are tooth-coloured and less visible than metal from a conversational distance. They work the same way as metal braces and can handle the same range of cases. For teens who want a less noticeable fixed option, ceramic braces are a practical middle ground between metal and clear aligners.
Invisalign Teen
Invisalign for teens in South Surrey is a system of clear removable aligners built for teenage orthodontic cases. It includes compliance indicators built into each aligner so parents and Dr. Morra can verify wear at visits. The aligners accommodate teeth that may still be finishing eruption. For teens who play wind instruments, participate in contact sports, or simply want the least visible option available, Invisalign Teen is the most commonly requested choice.
Dream Orthodontics holds a TOP 1% Diamond Invisalign Provider designation from Align Technology, a credential that reflects a high volume of Invisalign cases treated across age groups including teens.
Orthodontics for Children in South Surrey
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation between ages 6 and 8. At that age, a mix of baby and adult teeth gives Dr. Morra enough information to see how the jaw is developing, whether there is space forming for the incoming permanent teeth, and whether the bite is tracking the way it should.
This early visit does not mean treatment starts right away. For many children, Dr. Morra monitors development over one or two years before any active treatment begins. The value of the early visit is knowing what is happening before a problem that could have been caught during jaw growth becomes more complicated to address after growth is finished.
Early Interceptive Treatment: When It Applies
Some children benefit from Phase 1 treatment, sometimes called interceptive orthodontics, between ages 7 and 10. This is treatment during the window when the jaw is still actively growing and can be guided with less effort than after growth is complete. Not every child needs it. When it is appropriate, addressing a narrow arch, a crossbite, or significant crowding during Phase 1 means the eventual Phase 2 treatment is shorter and often involves less complexity.
Treatment options for children
Dream Orthodontics offers metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and Invisalign First for children still in the mixed dentition stage. The right option depends on the child's age, the issues being addressed, and their readiness to manage whichever appliance is recommended. Dr. Morra reviews options clearly at the consultation so parents have the information they need to make a practical choice.
Most active treatment starts between ages 9 and 14
Once most of the permanent teeth are in, usually between ages 9 and 14, active orthodontic treatment for the full arch becomes possible. This is the most common window for starting braces or Invisalign Teen. Children who had Phase 1 treatment move into Phase 2 at this stage. Children who did not need Phase 1 start their full treatment here.
Why Families in South Surrey Choose Dream Orthodontics
Dream Orthodontics sees children, teens, and adults from the same families. Parents sometimes start their kids on treatment and then decide to address their own teeth at the same clinic. The practical benefits of that are straightforward.
One specialist, all ages
Dr. Morra is the treating orthodontist for every patient, regardless of age. Families do not get passed between different providers or general practitioners depending on who in the family is being treated.
Same-day treatment starts available
For patients who have had their free consultation and are ready to begin, Dream Orthodontics offers same-day treatment starts. Records are taken, treatment is planned, and in some cases appliances can be placed at the same visit.
Direct insurance billing for the whole family
The office handles all insurance paperwork and files claims directly for every patient. Families with multiple members in treatment do not need to manage separate insurance submissions.
Pro-D day and early morning appointments
Dream Orthodontics is open on all Surrey School District Pro-D days with early morning hours. Kids do not need to miss school for most appointments, and adults can book around their work schedule on those days. Families from Grandview Heights, Morgan Crossing, Sunnyside, Rosemary Heights, Ocean Park, Elgin Chantrell, Crescent Beach, Pacific Douglas, and White Rock regularly book on these days.
Zero-interest payment plans
Treatment costs for multiple family members adds up. Zero-interest financing is available to spread the investment over time. The team reviews options at the first consultation so there are no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions: Orthodontics for All Ages in South Surrey
What is the right age to start orthodontic treatment?
There is no single right age. The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends a first screening between ages 6 and 8 for children, but most active treatment begins between 9 and 14 when the permanent teeth are in. Teens and adults can also begin treatment at any point. Dr. Morra assesses each patient individually and recommends timing based on where that person's development actually is.
Can adults get Invisalign?
Yes. Invisalign is frequently used for adult patients, and many adults at Dream Orthodontics specifically request it because aligners fit into a professional life more easily than fixed braces. The treatment plan for adults accounts for adult-specific factors including jaw bone density and any existing dental work.
What if my child does not need treatment right now?
Dr. Morra will tell you that clearly at the consultation. Some children's development is completely on track and no intervention is needed. In those cases, she may recommend a monitoring schedule to check in at intervals as the permanent teeth come in. The first visit is free and there is no pressure to proceed with treatment if it is not indicated.
Can more than one family member be treated at the same time?
Yes. Dream Orthodontics treats family members of all ages concurrently. The office handles each patient's insurance separately and direct-bills each plan. If scheduling is a consideration, the team can coordinate appointments to reduce the number of trips to the office.
Is the free consultation available for adults too?
Yes, the free consultation applies to every new patient regardless of age. Dr. Morra reviews your teeth, jaw, and bite, discusses what treatment options apply to your case, and gives you a cost estimate before you make any decision.
What treatment options are available for teens who want something less visible?
Clear ceramic braces and Invisalign Teen are both options for teens who prefer less visibility. Ceramic brackets blend with the tooth colour and are much less noticeable than metal from a distance. Invisalign Teen is virtually invisible when worn. Dr. Morra can discuss which is more appropriate for your teen's specific case at the consultation.
Does Dream Orthodontics see patients from across South Surrey?
Yes. The clinic is at #101 - 3038 Croydon Drive, Surrey, BC, and sees patients from Grandview Heights, Morgan Crossing, Rosemary Heights, Sunnyside, Ocean Park, Elgin Chantrell, Crescent Beach, Pacific Douglas, and White Rock. Pro-D day and early morning appointments reduce the disruption to school and work schedules for families across the area.
Book a Free Consultation: All Ages Welcome
Dream Orthodontics is located at #101 - 3038 Croydon Drive, Surrey, BC V3Z 0T1.
Phone: 604-542-8552
Hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Virtual consultations are available for patients who want to start the conversation before coming in.