Invest in Your Teen
The teenage years are when most orthodontic treatment happens, and for good reason. Most permanent teeth are in by early adolescence. The jaw is still growing, which means teeth move efficiently. And whatever is going to be addressed is better addressed now than in adulthood, when bone density increases and treatment takes longer.
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 has been treating teenagers from across South Surrey and White Rock since founding the clinic in 2008, and understands that a fourteen-year-old patient has different concerns about treatment than an adult does.
Dream Orthodontics offers metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and Invisalign Teen. Which one fits your teen depends on their case, their temperament, and their life.
When to start teen orthodontic treatment
Most active orthodontic treatment for teenagers begins between ages 11 and 16, once most of the permanent teeth are in and the jaw has enough structure to respond to treatment forces consistently.
Some teenagers have had Phase 1 treatment as younger children and are now moving into Phase 2. Phase 2 is the full treatment of the entire arch, and it often takes less time than it would have without the earlier foundation work. Dr. Morra reviews any prior treatment history at the consultation.
For teenagers who have not had previous treatment, the consultation assesses the teeth, bite, and jaw, and Dr. Morra gives a clear picture of what treatment looks like, how long it will take, and what it will cost. There is no charge for the first visit and no obligation to proceed.
Signs your teen may benefit from an orthodontic assessment
You do not need to wait for a school screening or a dentist referral to book an evaluation. If you notice any of the following, it is worth booking a free consultation at Dream Orthodontics:
- Teeth that appear crowded, overlapping, or noticeably rotated
- Gaps between teeth
- An overbite where the upper front teeth extend too far over the lower
- An underbite where the lower jaw sits ahead of the upper
- A crossbite where upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly side to side
- Jaw that shifts or clicks when opening and closing
These are not automatic signals that treatment is urgent. They are signals that a closer look is worthwhile. Dr. Morra will tell you clearly whether treatment is needed now, whether monitoring makes more sense, or whether the bite is fine as it is.
Treatment options for teens at Dream Orthodontics
Metal braces
Modern metal braces use smaller brackets and nickel-titanium shape-memory wires that apply continuous gentle force without needing tightening appointments. They are the most affordable option and can handle any level of case complexity, including significant bite correction. For teens with more involved cases, or teens who are not confident they will manage a removable appliance consistently, metal braces are often the most reliable choice.
The brackets come in a range of colors, which many teenagers find more interesting than the clinical look of ceramic. Life with braces does require some food restrictions and more careful brushing, but the adjustments are manageable with a short settling-in period.
Clear ceramic braces
Ceramic brackets are tooth-coloured and much less visible than metal from a normal conversational distance. They work exactly the same way as metal braces. The trade-off is that ceramic is slightly more fragile than metal, and ceramic brackets can be a small amount more expensive. For teens who want a fixed appliance with less visibility, ceramic braces are a practical middle ground.
Invisalign Teen
Invisalign Teen in South Surrey is a series of clear, custom-fit aligner trays that shift teeth into position. The aligners are virtually invisible when worn and can be removed for eating, brushing, sports, and instrument playing. They need to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day for treatment to stay on track.
The system includes compliance indicators built into each tray: small blue dots that fade with wear. Dr. Morra and parents can see at each visit whether the aligners are being worn as directed. The system also includes replacement aligners in case a tray is lost or broken, which is a realistic concern with teenagers.
Dream Orthodontics holds a TOP 1% Diamond Invisalign Provider designation from Align Technology, which reflects a high volume of Invisalign cases across age groups. Dr. Morra has treated a large number of teen cases with the system and understands how to account for teeth that may still be finishing eruption.
Braces vs Invisalign Teen: how to choose
This is the question most parents and teenagers ask at the consultation. The honest answer is that both achieve equivalent outcomes for cases they are suited for. The difference is practical.
Choose braces if
The case involves significant bite correction that requires precise control. The teen is not confident they will wear aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day. The teen is prone to losing things. Metal braces are also the lower-cost option when budget is a consideration.
Choose Invisalign Teen if
The teen plays a wind instrument or a contact sport and needs the ability to remove the appliance. The teen strongly prefers the less visible option and is motivated enough to wear aligners consistently. The case is mild to moderate in complexity and does not require the precise force control that braces offer. Dr. Morra will be direct at the consultation about whether Invisalign is suitable for your teen's specific case.
Why choose Dream Orthodontics for teen orthodontics
Specialist training, not general practitioner treatment
Dr. Morra is a certified specialist with 11 years of training that includes a three-year orthodontic residency and a Master of Science in Orthodontics. She plans and monitors every patient's treatment personally. General dentists can and do offer orthodontic treatment including Invisalign, but orthodontists train specifically in how teeth and jaws move. That distinction matters most in teenage cases where bite correction and jaw growth are both factors.
Appointments that work around school
Dream Orthodontics is open on all Surrey School District Pro-D days with early morning appointments. Most standard check-in appointments do not require pulling your teen out of class. 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 regularly.
Free consultation with no referral required
Parents can book directly. No dentist referral is needed. The first consultation is free and includes a full assessment of teeth, bite, and jaw. Dr. Morra gives you a clear treatment plan, timeline, and cost estimate before any commitment is made.
Direct insurance billing
The team handles all insurance paperwork and submits claims directly. You do not fill out your own forms. Many private dental plans include an orthodontic benefit that covers a portion of teen treatment costs. The team reviews your specific coverage at the first visit.
Zero-interest payment plans
Teen orthodontic treatment is a significant cost for families. Zero-interest financing spreads the investment over the treatment period. Monthly amounts are discussed at the consultation so there are no surprises.
Cost of teen orthodontic treatment in South Surrey
The cost depends on the treatment type and the complexity of the case. Dr. Morra provides a specific fee estimate at the free consultation based on your teen's actual situation.
BC's Medical Services Plan does not cover orthodontics. Many private dental plans include a lifetime orthodontic benefit that applies to teen treatment. The Dream Orthodontics team reviews your coverage at the first visit and handles direct billing from day one.
Zero-interest financing is available to spread the cost over time.
Frequently asked questions: orthodontics for teens in South Surrey
Book a free teen orthodontic consultation
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your child’s future. By scheduling a free consultation, Dr. Morra will be happy to discuss the benefits of treatment with both of you, as well as any of the risks with putting off or skipping treatment.
Although adults can successfully complete orthodontic treatment, a teen’s jaws and teeth can respond quicker to orthodontic treatment, shortening their total treatment time.