About
Dr. Mark Akira Hamanishi is a Orthodontist. Practicing at Guildford Town Centre Orthodontist in Surrey, BC, Dr. Hamanishi is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Hamanishi is licensed by The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in BC. As a certified specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dr. Hamanishi focuses exclusively on the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and comprehensive treatment of malocclusions (improper bites), misaligned teeth, and jaw irregularities using a full range of orthodontic appliances including braces, clear aligners, and retainers for children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Hamanishi serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. For patient convenience, direct billing to many major dental insurance plans may be available at Guildford Town Centre Orthodontist.
Dr. Mark Akira Hamanishi earned a Dental Degree. This was followed by specialized training in advanced training to become a specialist in Specialty Practice in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics. Dr. Hamanishi brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Hamanishi is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Hamanishi remains at the forefront of orthodontic advancements, consistently applying the latest techniques and technologies to deliver optimal patient outcomes.
Key aspects of Dr. Hamanishi's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Hamanishi provides consultations in English.
As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dr. Mark Akira Hamanishi addresses specific and often complex oral health conditions such as:
Preventative Oral Health Topics
- Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.
- Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
Complex Dental Diagnosis Needs
- Need for Detailed 3D Imaging for Diagnosis or Treatment Planning (CBCT): Requiring advanced three-dimensional imaging to precisely visualize teeth, bone structures, nerve pathways, sinuses, and TMJ in intricate detail.
Overbite Underbite Crossbite
- Specific Bite Problems: Overbite, Underbite, Crossbite, Open Bite: Concerns about specific types of malocclusion: excessive vertical overlap of front teeth (deep overbite), lower front teeth protruding past upper teeth (underbite), upper teeth fitting inside lower teeth (crossbite), or no vertical overlap between front or back teeth (open bite).
Crowding Spacing Teeth
- Crowded, Overlapped, or Excessively Spaced Teeth: Addressing issues of dental arch length discrepancy leading to either crowding or spacing of teeth.
This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Hamanishi. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.
- Comprehensive Orthodontic Diagnosis & Treatment Planning: Detailed consultations to discuss all aspects of orthodontic care, including treatment duration, appliance options, and expected outcomes.
- Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
- Clear Aligner Therapy (e.g., Invisalign®, Spark™): Aesthetic and comfortable alternative to traditional braces for correcting various alignment and bite issues.
- Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
- Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Low-radiation digital radiographs to detect cavities between teeth, assess bone levels, view tooth roots, and identify other hidden dental issues.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Hamanishi. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific dental needs, please schedule a consultation.
All dental services by Dr. Mark Akira Hamanishi adhere to scope of practice for Orthodontists in BC and standards of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).
As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dr. Hamanishi is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At Guildford Town Centre Orthodontist, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:
- Overcoming or effectively managing their child having a severe toothache that kept them up at night and required immediate attention is a common journey for patients under Dr. Hamanishi's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause, so that daily routines and pleasures like no longer needing to cut food into tiny pieces or avoid certain textures due to dental problems become straightforward again.
- If the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Hamanishi develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at gaining a clear understanding of their child's orthodontic needs and the available treatment options. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy smiling confidently in photos and social situations without any self-consciousness.
- Numerous patients have successfully addressed needing a thorough dental check-up and clearance before starting a major medical treatment or undergoing surgery (e.g., cardiac surgery, organ transplant, chemotherapy) with Dr. Hamanishi's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy their smile reflecting their inner happiness and confidence once more.
- The journey from concerns about grinding their teeth so forcefully or frequently that their jaw muscles ached or they experienced morning headaches to wellness often involves Dr. Hamanishi's dedicated care. The milestone is their dentures no longer causing sore spots, allowing them to eat and speak with ease, which opens the door back to activities such as no longer having to worry about a loose crown or bridge when they are out.
Your specialized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Hamanishi, will be meticulously designed to address your unique concerns and help you reach your specific objectives within their area of expertise. Dr. Hamanishi is committed to providing the highest standard of specialized care, tailored to your individual needs.
Guildford Town Centre Orthodontist, where Dr. Hamanishi practices, is situated in the Whalley, Surrey City Centre, Bolivar Heights neighborhood of Surrey. The clinic is conveniently located near Surrey City Centre (SFU Surrey, City Hall, Library) and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo Line, Bus). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.
- Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?
- Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used to further minimize exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Hamanishi will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Hamanishi?
- No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Hamanishi for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Guildford Town Centre Orthodontist.
- Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC?
- In BC, provincial health plans (like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics for the general population. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). Verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check your private dental insurance details before starting treatment.
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Hamanishi at Guildford Town Centre Orthodontist?
- At your initial appointment, Dr. Hamanishi and the team will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Hamanishi will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.
- Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?
- While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended, and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans, to have a referral from a general dentist. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Hamanishi identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. Check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance if unsure.
- How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Hamanishi for a check-up and cleaning?
- Generally, every 6 months for most patients is recommended for preventative care. Dr. Hamanishi will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months). Follow Dr. Hamanishi's specific recommendation.
Guildford Town Centre Orthodontist
1259-10355 152 Street
Surrey, BC, V3R 7C1
Phone: (604) 498-4200
Dr. Mark Akira Hamanishi is a licensed Orthodontist in BC, regulated by The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).
Registration can typically be verified through the website of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Hamanishi and the team are committed to providing you with comprehensive dental care. If you have a dental emergency, please contact the clinic promptly. For after-hours emergencies that are life-threatening, proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department.