Braces are still the most versatile tool an orthodontist has. They can rotate stubborn teeth, close gaps, level deep bites and move roots into better positions with a level of control that suits almost any case. At Beyond Braces in South Surrey, registered orthodontic specialist Dr. Walinder S. Dhol has placed braces for children, teens and adults for more than twenty years, and he plans every case himself.
This page covers the types of braces we offer, how treatment works from start to finish, how long it usually takes and what it is like to live with brackets day to day.
Types of braces at our Surrey office
Metal braces
Today’s metal brackets are much smaller and smoother than the ones most parents remember. They are strong, efficient and hard to beat for complex rotations and significant bite correction. Kids and teens can choose coloured elastic ties at each adjustment, which turns a routine visit into something to look forward to.
Clear ceramic braces
Ceramic brackets are tooth-coloured or translucent, so they blend in with the teeth. They work the same way as metal braces and suit adults and older teens who want something less noticeable while still getting the precision of fixed appliances.
Braces or Invisalign?
Many patients can be treated well with either option. Braces are fixed, so they work around the clock without anyone needing to remember to wear them. Invisalign uses removable clear aligners instead. Dr. Dhol will tell you honestly which one he would choose for your case.
How braces treatment works, step by step
- Complimentary consultation. We take a 3D iTero scan and imaging, Dr. Dhol examines the teeth, bite and jaws, and you leave with a written plan and the full fee.
- Placement. Brackets are bonded to the teeth and connected with a light archwire. The visit is painless; the teeth feel tender for a few days afterwards as they begin to move.
- Adjustments. Every four to six weeks we change wires or elastics to guide the next stage of movement. Between visits, DentalMonitoring lets some patients send progress scans from home.
- Removal and retainers. Once the teeth and bite are where they should be, the braces come off and retainers hold the result.
How long do braces take?
Comprehensive treatment at our Surrey office typically runs between fourteen and twenty-four months. Limited corrections can be shorter, and complex bite problems can take longer. The biggest factors are how far the teeth need to move, whether the jaws are still growing, and how consistently elastics and appointments are kept.
| Factor | How it affects your timeline |
|---|---|
| Severity of crowding or spacing | Larger movements simply take more time |
| Bite correction | Overbites, underbites and crossbites add months compared with straightening alone |
| Age and growth | Growing patients can respond faster to some bite corrections |
| Elastics and appointments | Missed elastics and visits are the most common cause of delays |
Living with braces
The first week is the adjustment period. Teeth feel sore for a few days and lips and cheeks get used to the brackets. Soft foods help. After that, most patients barely notice their braces outside of brushing time.
- Cleaning. Food collects around brackets, so brushing after meals and using interdental brushes or a water flosser matters.
- Sports. Wear a mouthguard for contact sports.
- Breakages. A loose bracket or poking wire is rarely urgent. Call or text us and we will tell you what to do.
Braces at every age
Braces are not just for teenagers. Children sometimes need a short early phase to guide jaw growth, teens make up the bulk of comprehensive cases, and adults are a growing share of our patients. We have dedicated pages on braces for kids, braces for teens and braces for adults that explain what is different at each stage.
Why families choose Beyond Braces for braces
Dr. Dhol holds a DDS, an MSc and the FRCD(C) designation and is a registered specialist in orthodontics. The practice is family-owned, treatment happens in closed private rooms, and the same specialist sees your family from consultation to retainers. Fees are transparent, with no-down-payment options, interest-free monthly plans and direct billing to most insurers. Try the payment calculator for a sense of monthly figures, or ask us about the factors behind your quote at the consultation.
What to expect at the first adjustment
About four to six weeks after placement, the first adjustment visit checks how the teeth have responded and moves treatment to the next stage. We may change to a slightly stronger wire, add elastics or adjust individual brackets. Teeth can feel tender again for a day or two afterwards, though usually much less than the first week. This is also a good time to ask questions about cleaning, food or anything that has been rubbing, because small fixes early make the months ahead more comfortable.
Braces questions we hear in Surrey
Do braces hurt?
Placing braces does not hurt. Teeth are usually tender for a few days after placement and after some adjustments, and over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods take care of it.
Can I choose the colours?
Yes, with metal braces you can change the elastic colours at each adjustment.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly with our office.
Start with a complimentary consultation
If you are thinking about braces for yourself or your child, the first step costs nothing. Book your complimentary consultation, call or text (604) 502-5155, or stop by our Morgan Crossing office.
Beyond Braces
15735 Croydon Drive, Unit 101, Surrey, BC V3Z 2L5
Call or text (604) 502-5155