Get a Head Start on a Beautiful Smile
Most parents are surprised to learn that the Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation between ages 6 and 8. Not because treatment necessarily starts that early, but because the mix of baby and adult teeth at that age gives an orthodontist enough information to see what is developing and whether it needs attention.
Dr. Amani Morra is a Certified Orthodontic Specialist at Dream Orthodontics, with a Master of Science in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from the University of Manitoba. She founded the clinic in 2008 with a treatment philosophy centred on light force mechanics and non-extraction approaches when possible. For children's cases, that translates to early assessment, honest monitoring, and acting only when there is a clear clinical reason to act.
The free consultation at Dream Orthodontics is available to children of any age. Dr. Morra will tell you what she sees, what it means, and whether anything needs to happen now. Many children leave the first visit with no treatment plan and a scheduled monitoring check-in instead.
Orthodontics for Children - Kids Should Get an Orthodontic Check-Up By 7
By then, your child's teeth have developed enough for subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth to still be spotted while some baby teeth are still present. This check-up may reveal that your child's bite is fine, and braces for kids aren't necessary.
Or, Dr. Morra may identify a developing problem but recommend monitoring your child's growth and development, and then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for your child. In other cases, Dr. Morra might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.
Phase 1 treatment: when early intervention makes sense
Phase 1, also called interceptive orthodontic treatment, is treatment that happens during the window when the jaw is still growing and most responsive to guidance. It typically involves children between ages 7 and 10.
Not every child needs Phase 1. Dr. Morra recommends it when a developing problem is clearly better addressed now than after jaw growth is complete. Common reasons for Phase 1 treatment include:
- A narrow dental arch that does not have enough width for the incoming permanent teeth
- A crossbite that, left untreated, will require more complex correction later
- Significant asymmetry in how the jaw is developing
- Crowding that is forming while baby teeth are still present
What Phase 1 does and does not do
Phase 1 addresses the developing problem. It does not finish the job. Most children who have Phase 1 treatment still need Phase 2 treatment once all their permanent teeth are in, usually in the early teen years. The difference is that Phase 2 is often shorter and less complex when Phase 1 was done at the right time.
The monitoring path
When Dr. Morra does not see a reason to start treatment early, she schedules monitoring visits so she can track development as the permanent teeth come in. This is not doing nothing. It is watching the right things at the right intervals so that treatment, if it becomes necessary, begins at the best possible time.
Treatment options for children at Dream Orthodontics
The treatment choice depends on the child's age, the problem being addressed, and whether the child is mature enough to manage a removable appliance.
Metal braces for children
Fixed metal braces are available for children in Phase 2 treatment, typically from age 11 or 12 once most permanent teeth are in. They work continuously without requiring the child's cooperation to wear them. For children who are not ready for the responsibility of a removable appliance, fixed braces are often the more reliable choice.
Clear ceramic braces for children
Ceramic brackets are tooth-coloured and less visible than metal. They work the same way as metal braces and are an option for children who are self-conscious about the appearance of metal. They are generally reserved for Phase 2 cases, as younger children are more prone to breakage.
Invisalign First
Invisalign First in South Surrey is a clear aligner system designed specifically for children ages 6 to 10 who are still in the mixed dentition stage. Unlike standard Invisalign, it is built to accommodate teeth that are still erupting. It can address arch development and spacing issues during Phase 1.
Invisalign First requires a child who is mature enough to wear the aligners consistently for 20 to 22 hours per day. Dr. Morra is direct with parents about whether a child is ready for that responsibility. If the compliance is not realistic, a fixed appliance or continued monitoring is the more appropriate path.
Dream Orthodontics holds a TOP 1% Diamond Invisalign Provider designation from Align Technology, which includes clinical experience with Invisalign First for early treatment cases.
Choosing the Best Time for Treatment:
While the age that kids get braces may vary, orthodontic treatment most often begins between the ages of 9 and 14. Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they are treated early.
If Dr. Morra thinks your child will need treatment, he let you know when it will be best to begin treatment. This gives your orthodontist the best chance to:
- Guide jaw growth
- Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
- Correct harmful oral habits
- Improve appearance and self-esteem in your child
- Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
- Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face
Signs the Bite's Not Right
It's not always easy to tell when your child may need braces or has an orthodontic problem. Even teeth that look straight may be hiding a problem bite.
Here are some clues that may indicate the need for orthodontic attention:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Breathing through the mouth
- Thumb-sucking
- Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that are too far forward or back
- Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
- Protruding teeth
- Upper and lower teeth that don't meet, or meet in an abnormal way
- An unbalanced facial appearance
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth
Learn More at Your Free Consultation
If your child has a dental issue, please contact us by setting up a free consultation.
We can talk about your child's orthodontic options and develop a treatment plan customized to your child's needs.
Be sure to follow our social pages for office updates and great smiles.
Why choose Dream Orthodontics for your child's orthodontic treatment
Specialist care, not general practitioner treatment
Dr. Morra completed 11 years of total training, including a three-year orthodontic residency and a Master of Science in Orthodontics. Children's orthodontic cases, particularly early treatment decisions, require clinical judgment about jaw growth patterns, timing, and the consequences of acting versus waiting. That judgment comes from specialty training, not from a general dental practice that also offers braces.
Honest assessment with no pressure to start
Many children who visit Dream Orthodontics leave without a treatment plan. Dr. Morra will tell you clearly if your child's development is on track and monitoring is all that is needed. She will also tell you clearly when she sees something worth addressing. The free consultation is designed to give you information, not to generate treatment.
Appointments around the school day
Dream Orthodontics is open on all Surrey School District Pro-D days with early morning hours. Most check-in appointments for children in active treatment do not require taking a child out of school. Families from Grandview Heights, Morgan Crossing, Rosemary Heights, Sunnyside, Ocean Park, Elgin Chantrell, Crescent Beach, Pacific Douglas, and White Rock schedule around the school calendar.
Free consultation, no referral required
Parents do not need a dentist referral to book. The first visit for your child is free. It includes photographs, an assessment of the teeth and bite, and a conversation with Dr. Morra about what she sees and what, if anything, she recommends.
Direct insurance billing
The team handles all insurance paperwork and submits claims directly. If your child's dental plan includes an orthodontic benefit, the team reviews it at the first visit and applies it from day one. Zero-interest financing is available for families who need to spread the cost over time.
Cost of children's orthodontic treatment in South Surrey
The cost depends on the type of treatment and the complexity of the case. Phase 1 treatment, if recommended, is typically a smaller investment than full Phase 2 treatment. Dr. Morra provides a specific fee estimate at the free consultation.
BC's Medical Services Plan does not cover orthodontic treatment. Many private dental plans include an orthodontic benefit with a lifetime maximum. Whether this applies to Phase 1 treatment, Phase 2 treatment, or both depends on the specific plan. The Dream Orthodontics team reviews your coverage at the first visit.
Zero-interest financing is available for families who prefer to spread payments over the treatment period.
Frequently asked questions: orthodontics for children in South Surrey
When should my child have their first orthodontic evaluation?
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation between ages 6 and 8. At that age, a mix of baby and adult teeth gives Dr. Morra enough information to assess jaw development and whether any early intervention would be beneficial. An evaluation does not mean treatment starts immediately.
Does my child definitely need treatment if we come in?
No. Many children who come in for an evaluation at Dream Orthodontics leave with a monitoring schedule rather than a treatment plan. Dr. Morra will tell you honestly whether she sees anything that warrants attention now, or whether your child's development is on track.
What is the difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2 treatment?
Phase 1 is early interceptive treatment during jaw growth, typically for children ages 7 to 10, addressing developing problems before all permanent teeth are in. Phase 2 is full orthodontic treatment of the entire arch, typically starting around age 11 to 14 once most permanent teeth are present. Some children need both phases. Many children only need Phase 2.
Can younger children get Invisalign?
Yes, through Invisalign First, which is designed for children ages 6 to 10 still in the mixed dentition stage. It requires a child who is mature enough to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. Dr. Morra discusses whether this is realistic for your child at the consultation.
Does insurance cover children's orthodontics in BC?
BC's Medical Services Plan does not cover orthodontic treatment. Many private dental plans include an orthodontic benefit. Coverage for Phase 1 versus Phase 2 varies by plan. The Dream Orthodontics team reviews your specific coverage at the first visit and handles direct billing.
Do I need a referral from our dentist?
No referral is needed. Parents can book a free consultation directly at Dream Orthodontics. If your child's dentist has recommended an orthodontic assessment, that recommendation is welcome but not required to book.
How long does children's orthodontic treatment take?
Phase 1 treatment typically runs 6 to 12 months. Phase 2 treatment runs 12 to 24 months depending on case complexity. If a child has both phases, there is usually a rest period between them while Dr. Morra monitors development. She maps out the expected timeline at the start of each phase.
Which neighbourhoods in South Surrey do you serve?
Dream Orthodontics is at #101, 3038 Croydon Drive, Surrey, BC. Children and families come 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 at #101, 3038 Croydon Drive, Surrey, BC V3Z 0T1.
Phone: 604-542-8552
Hours: 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.
Virtual consultations are available for families who want to start the conversation before coming in.