A confident smile changes more than photos. It makes conversations easier, interviews less nerve-wracking, and everyday moments feel lighter. Here in Calgary, where coffee catch-ups can turn into last-minute hikes or downtown dinners, people want a straight, healthy smile without adding hassle to a busy life. That’s where Invisalign has found a comfortable home. It does the job of dental braces, but in a way that often fits better with work schedules, gym routines, and the average Calgary winter where scarves and hot drinks are constants.
I’ve seen many paths to a great smile. Some involve traditional metal brackets and wires, others rely on clear aligners. Both can work beautifully when guided by an experienced orthodontist. The key is matching the right tool to your mouth, your goals, and your realities. If you’re considering Invisalign, especially with a Calgary orthodontist, it helps to understand what the process looks like, what it feels like, and where the trade-offs sit.
What makes Invisalign different
At the simplest level, Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear trays that nudge teeth into alignment over time. Each tray, or aligner, is worn for roughly one to two weeks, then swapped for the next in the series. The technology behind those small movements is more interesting than it looks. Digital scans map your teeth in three dimensions, then software simulates a step-by-step plan from where you are to where you want to be. Your orthodontist makes judgment calls within that simulation, choosing which movements to prioritize and where to slow down.
Here’s the part most people underestimate. Invisalign is not just plastic. The quality of the plan matters more than the clarity of the tray. Attachments, small tooth-coloured bumps bonded to teeth, act like handles that the aligner grips to move teeth predictably. Elastics may be used to fine-tune bite relationships. Some cases need interproximal reduction, a tiny reshaping between teeth to create space. When you hear a Calgary invisalign success story, assume there is a thoughtful, technical plan behind it.
Who benefits most from aligners
There are two sides to this question: clinical and behavioural. Clinically, Invisalign can address crowding, spacing, crossbites, open bites, overbites, underbites, and relapse after previous orthodontic treatment. The severity of the problem matters. Mild to moderate crowding or spacing cases are ideal. Deep bite correction and severe rotations can be managed, but they demand more precise staging and patient cooperation.
Behaviourally, you need to wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours per day. That leaves you two to four hours free for meals, snacks, and brushing. If you graze all day or sip sugary coffee for hours, you’ll either wear the aligners less or trap sugars under the plastic. Neither is good. Compliance, more than case type, is the make-or-break factor.
A quick anecdote: a young professional from Beltline started with moderate lower crowding and a narrow upper arch. She worked long hours in tech, met clients in person, and worried about food getting stuck in braces during lunch meetings. Invisalign fit her life. She wore the aligners religiously and used elastic bands for three months to improve her bite. Treatment took nine months and two refinement rounds. The result looked great, but what she talked about most was the control she felt, eating what she wanted when she wanted, plus not fielding questions about braces in every meeting.
Calgary-specific considerations that actually matter
Weather sounds like a strange topic in a dental conversation, but stay with me. Cold air dries tissues. When you step from minus twenty into heated indoor air, your mouth can feel parched. Dry mouth increases the risk of aligners feeling sticky and uncomfortable. It also raises the risk of cavities because saliva normally buffers acids. For winter Invisalign wearers, hydration and oral care routines matter more.
Lifestyle also shapes treatment choices here. A lot of Calgarians are active, whether that’s recreational hockey, climbing, skiing, or weekend mountain trips. Clear aligners are removable, which means you can use a sports mouthguard when you need one and keep control over your routine. With dental braces, mouthguards are important too, but finding a comfortable fit can be trickier, and contact sports can be rough on brackets.
Calgary’s food and drink scene adds another wrinkle. Coffee culture is strong, and so are craft beers and red wines. Aligners stain if you drink these beverages while wearing them. The usual advice, only water while aligners are in, still stands. If you want that mid-morning latte, treat it as an aligner-off moment, then brush or at least rinse and pop the trays back in. Small habits like this add up over an 8 to 18 month treatment window.
Is Invisalign as effective as dental braces
You can get to the same destination with both in many cases, but the route changes. Braces let the orthodontist apply force in a very direct way. Aligners rely on contact with tooth surfaces, attachments, and precise planning. Some movements are easier with braces, for example complex root torque or extruding teeth that sit too low. Some are easier with aligners, like expanding arches in a controlled way or closing small gaps while keeping roots parallel.
Case selection is where expertise shows. A Calgary orthodontist who works with both systems will look at your bite, gum health, bone levels, and root positions, then recommend the approach that gives a high likelihood of success without making your life miserable. If someone promises perfect results with any method, that’s a yellow flag. Teeth live in bone and gums, and biology imposes limits. Good planning respects those limits.
What the process actually looks like
The first visit usually involves records: a 3D scan instead of traditional molds, photos, and x-rays. The scan is painless and quick, similar to a camera taking a video of your teeth. You’ll talk through goals, not just “straight teeth,” but how you want them to look from the front and profile, how much gum shows when you smile, whether you want a broader arch, and how your bite feels when you chew. People often mention little annoyances like a tooth that always catches floss or the way lower incisors crowd forward under stress.
A few weeks later, you’ll review a digital plan. You’ll see a simulation, but take it as an informed preview rather than a guaranteed trailer. Expect a discussion about attachments, elastics, treatment time ranges, and responsibilities. Most modern plans include one or two refinement phases, which are additional sets of aligners after the first series to polish the result. In day-to-day life, you wear the trays all day and night, taking them out to eat. You clean them with a soft brush and a mild soap, then brush and floss your teeth before they go back in.
Button-style attachments are bonded at an early appointment. They’re smooth, tooth-coloured, and mostly invisible unless someone is looking closely. Some patients get small interproximal reduction, a measured polishing between teeth that creates fractions of a millimeter of space. It sounds scarier than it is. It doesn’t hurt and it allows teeth to align without pushing outward too far.
Expect check-ins every 6 to 10 weeks. Many Calgary clinics now offer hybrid monitoring, where you upload photos between visits to keep on track. That saves time, especially if you commute or juggle shift work.
How long it takes and how much it costs
Timeframes vary with complexity and compliance. Mild alignment changes can finish in 6 to 9 months. Moderate cases take 12 to 18 months. Severe bite corrections can stretch past 18 months. Missed wear adds time. The math is simple: if you short your aligners two hours per day for a month, you have trimmed 60 hours of planned force. That shows up as sluggish movements and more refinements.
Costs in Calgary for Invisalign generally fall in a similar range to comprehensive dental braces, though exact numbers depend on case difficulty, refinements, and whether auxiliaries like elastics or temporary anchorage devices are needed. Many clinics offer payment plans, and some insurance policies cover a portion of orthodontic treatment regardless of method. Ask about what is included: are refinements covered, how many retainers are provided at the end, and what happens if a tray is lost?
Eating, speaking, and social life during treatment
You can eat whatever you like since aligners come out, but your habits might change in small ways. Frequent snacking becomes inconvenient because each removal triggers a rinse or brush. Most patients consolidate snacks into meals, which incidentally can improve oral health. Chewy bread and crunchy raw vegetables won’t break anything when aligners are out, but be mindful of attachments. They’re durable, yet biting directly into very hard items can dislodge one. If an attachment pops off, your orthodontist can rebond it.
Speech usually adapts within a day or two. Some people have a light lisp initially, especially with the first tray. Practice reading out loud for ten minutes on day one. It helps your tongue find new contact points. For big presentations, plan to wear the aligners anyway. Taking them out for a long talk can start a bad habit that eats into wear time. If you must remove them for a short window, set a phone reminder to put them back in.
Socially, most friends won’t notice. Cameras rarely pick up aligners unless the lighting is harsh. If you sip red wine during a long dinner with aligners in, they can stain pink, which is a quick lesson you won’t repeat. Water is your aligner-friendly drink.
Oral hygiene with aligners in a dry climate
Saliva protects teeth. When that buffer is low, plaque acids have a field day. Between heated offices and frosty commutes, Calgary winters create a mouth environment where discipline pays off. A simple routine works:
- Morning and night brushing for two minutes, plus daily flossing or a water flosser if your fingers are less nimble. Rinsing the aligners with cool water after removal, and brushing them with a soft brush and clear, unscented soap. Avoid hot water, which can warp plastic.
That’s one of our two lists. The rest of your care fits into habits. Keep a compact kit in your bag: travel toothbrush, small toothpaste, and a case for the aligners. After a meal out, if you cannot brush, at least rinse vigorously with water for 30 seconds before the trays go back in. Use fluoride toothpaste, and if you’re cavity-prone, ask your orthodontist or dentist about a prescription fluoride gel once a day. For dry mouth, choose sugar-free lozenges with xylitol or a saliva substitute. They’re not glamorous, but they work.
Where Invisalign shines compared to dental braces
Discretion is the obvious advantage. For adults in client-facing roles, transparent aligners feel less intrusive. Comfort is another. No metal edges to rub on cheeks, fewer emergency visits for poking wires, and less soreness after adjustments. If you travel for work, aligners can be managed on the go. You can carry the next set, switch on schedule, and use virtual check-ins if your clinic supports them.
Oral hygiene is simpler. You brush and floss normally. With braces, cleaning improves with practice, yet it remains a skill that takes time and patience. That said, aligners come with their own discipline demands. If you forget the trays on your lunch tray and toss them, that’s a scramble and a potential setback. Label your case with your phone number. It’s a small insurance policy.
Where dental braces still hold the edge
Certain complex movements are more predictable with brackets and wires. For example, severe rotations of canines, challenging root torque, or cases with impacted teeth often lean toward braces. Also, compliance is baked in with braces. You cannot take them out. For teenagers who struggle to keep aligners in or for adults with irregular schedules, that may be a feature, not a bug. Appointments for braces tend to be more hands-on, which suits patients who prefer frequent, guided progress rather than independent daily responsibility.
The role of the orthodontist, not just the brand
It’s tempting to think Invisalign is a product you buy, like a pair of shoes. It’s not. It’s a platform that an orthodontist uses to design and direct tooth movement. Two patients with similar starting points can have very different experiences based on the clinician’s plan. Elements like overcorrection of rotations, staged expansion, root paralleling near the end, and how attachments are placed matter.
Ask potential providers about their philosophy and case mix. Do they treat with both braces and aligners? How do they decide which to recommend? How often do they use elastics with Invisalign? What is their approach to refinements? A Calgary orthodontist who answers clearly and shows examples of cases like yours offers more than a nice office. They offer a predictable path.
Retainers: the quiet hero of every transformation
Whether you choose Invisalign or dental braces, the end game is the same, retainers that keep teeth where you moved them. Teeth have memory. Fibers in the gum tissue and subtle pressures from lips, cheeks, and tongue all conspire to drift things back. For the first 3 to 6 months after treatment, retention is strict, often full-time or night-time with occasional day wear. Over time, most patients shift to night-only. Think of retainers like a gym membership for your smile. A few nights a week is better than none, every night is best.
Calgary clinics vary in retainer offerings. Some include the first set, others offer upgrade options, like thicker night guards for grinders or fixed lingual wires behind the front teeth. Fixed retainers are great for preventing relapse of lower crowding, but they need floss threaders and occasional maintenance. Discuss which mix suits your bite and your habits.
Realistic expectations and common speed bumps
Attachments sometimes pop off. You might lose a tray at a restaurant. A tooth may lag behind schedule, leading to a small cut-out in the tray for a button and elastic. None of this means failure. It means adaptation. The most disappointed patients are the ones who expected a straight line to a perfect smile without any detours. The happiest ones treat it like training for a 10K. You follow a plan, adjust to aches, hydrate, and keep moving.
Black triangles, those small gaps between teeth near the gumline after crowding is relieved, can appear. They’re structural, caused by the shape of teeth and the level of the papilla. Your orthodontist can plan to https://bracemedia80.gumroad.com/p/orthodontic-treatment-planning-calgary-technology-spotlight minimize them with careful contacts and, when appropriate, composite bonding afterward. Gum health also improves their appearance. If you see redness or swelling, raise it early.
Choosing a Calgary provider with confidence
There are many capable clinics in the city, from downtown towers to community practices in places like Kensington, Marda Loop, and the northwest. Proximity helps, but rapport matters more. You will spend a year or more working with this team. Look for clear communication, flexible scheduling, and support systems like remote monitoring if your life is busy. Ask to see before-and-after images, especially of cases that look like yours. Gauge whether they listen. A provider who hears that you sing, play sports, or travel for months at a time will tailor your plan accordingly.
For those comparing two quotes, don’t just look at the number. Compare inclusions: number of aligners allowed in refinements, emergency appointments, retainer sets, and follow-up period after treatment. Sometimes the higher price reflects more comprehensive aftercare and fewer surprises later.
A day-in-the-life with aligners
Picture a typical weekday. You wake up, remove the aligners, brush, floss, and clean the trays. Coffee happens with breakfast while aligners are out. Before leaving home, trays go in. Water is your companion during the morning. At lunch, you pop the trays into a case, eat, rinse, and brush if you can. Afternoon meetings roll by. A mid-afternoon tea means a quick tray break or switching to plain water. After dinner, a thorough brush and floss, then aligners back in for the evening. Maybe elastics go on for a few hours. Before bed, you swap to the new tray if it’s changeover night. Some pressure for the first 12 to 24 hours is normal. Chewing exercises with aligner seaters help them fit snugly.
Weekends are similar, but social plans add twists. A long dinner? Keep trays in your case and set a phone timer to avoid a three-hour lapse. A day on the slopes? Bring your case in an inner pocket so the plastic doesn’t get brittle in the cold. Hydrate more than you think you need. It’s not glamorous advice, but it’s how you keep momentum.
The transformation beyond teeth
Straightening teeth changes how you chew and how you clean. It can reduce uneven wear on enamel and make flossing faster. For some, it lessens jaw strain by improving how upper and lower teeth meet. The confidence boost is real, but so are the functional wins. People often tell me they smile more freely in pictures and stop hiding their teeth with their lips. They also report fewer food traps and less bleeding when flossing.
One patient, a teacher from the southeast, started with a crossbite and crowding that made flossing a chore. She wore aligners diligently, taught all day without anyone noticing, and leaned into a consistent hygiene routine. At the end, her hygienist spent less time scraping and more time cheering. The teacher called it the first “boring” cleaning of her adult life, which is the kind of boring everyone should want.
How to decide, and what to do next
If you feel pulled toward Invisalign because it fits your lifestyle, you’re not alone. It’s a strong option in Calgary, where flexibility matters and winter demands smarter oral care. Traditional dental braces remain a powerful tool, and some bites do best with them. The smartest move is a consultation with a Calgary orthodontist who can outline both paths, including timelines, responsibilities, and likely outcomes. Bring your questions, your calendar, and your habits to that conversation. Together, you can align not just your teeth, but your expectations and your daily life.
For most adults and teens who choose Calgary invisalign treatment, the process is smoother than they feared and more structured than they expected. Plastics and plans only get you so far. Consistency does the rest. Wear the trays, clean them, show up for checks, and use refinements to polish the result. Months later, when you catch your reflection and see straighter teeth smiling back, the small daily choices will feel like a fair trade.
And when chinook winds roll in and the city warms for a spell, you might just notice you’re smiling at strangers without thinking about it. That’s a transformation worth the effort.
6 Calgary Locations)
Business Name: Family Braces
Website: https://familybraces.ca
Email: [email protected]
Phone (Main): (403) 202-9220
Fax: (403) 202-9227
Hours (General Inquiries):
Monday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Thursday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Friday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Locations (6 Clinics Across Calgary, AB):
NW Calgary (Beacon Hill): 11820 Sarcee Trail NW, Calgary, AB T3R 0A1 — Tel: (403) 234-6006
NE Calgary (Deerfoot City): 901 64 Ave NE, Suite #4182, Calgary, AB T2E 7P4 — Tel: (403) 234-6008
SW Calgary (Shawnessy): 303 Shawville Blvd SE #500, Calgary, AB T2Y 3W6 — Tel: (403) 234-6007
SE Calgary (McKenzie): 89, 4307-130th Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 3V8 — Tel: (403) 234-6009
West Calgary (Westhills): 470B Stewart Green SW, Calgary, AB T3H 3C8 — Tel: (403) 234-6004
East Calgary (East Hills): 165 East Hills Boulevard SE, Calgary, AB T2A 6Z8 — Tel: (403) 234-6005
Google Maps:
NW (Beacon Hill): View on Google Maps
NE (Deerfoot City): View on Google Maps
SW (Shawnessy): View on Google Maps
SE (McKenzie): View on Google Maps
West (Westhills): View on Google Maps
East (East Hills): View on Google Maps
Maps (6 Locations):
NW (Beacon Hill)
NE (Deerfoot City)
SW (Shawnessy)
SE (McKenzie)
West (Westhills)
East (East Hills)
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Family Braces is a Calgary, Alberta orthodontic brand that provides braces and Invisalign through six clinics across the city and can be reached at (403) 202-9220.
Family Braces offers orthodontic services such as Invisalign, traditional braces, clear braces, retainers, and early phase one treatment options for kids and teens in Calgary.
Family Braces operates in multiple Calgary areas including NW (Beacon Hill), NE (Deerfoot City), SW (Shawnessy), SE (McKenzie), West (Westhills), and East (East Hills) to make orthodontic care more accessible across the city.
Family Braces has a primary clinic location at 11820 Sarcee Trail NW, Calgary, AB T3R 0A1 and also serves patients from additional Calgary shopping-centre-based clinics across other quadrants.
Family Braces provides free consultation appointments for patients who want to explore braces or Invisalign options before starting treatment.
Family Braces supports flexible payment approaches and financing options, and patients should confirm current pricing details directly with the clinic team.
Family Braces can be contacted by email at [email protected] for general questions and scheduling support.
Family Braces maintains six public clinic listings on Google Maps.
Popular Questions About Family Braces
What does Family Braces specialize in?
Family Braces focuses on orthodontic care in Calgary, including braces and Invisalign-style clear aligner treatment options. Treatment recommendations can vary based on an exam and records, so it’s best to book a consultation to confirm what’s right for your situation.
How many locations does Family Braces have in Calgary?
Family Braces has six clinic locations across Calgary (NW, NE, SW, SE, West, and East), designed to make appointments more convenient across different parts of the city.
Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist at Family Braces?
Family Braces generally promotes a no-referral-needed approach for getting started. If you have a dentist or healthcare provider, you can still share relevant records, but most people can begin by booking directly.
What orthodontic treatment options are available?
Depending on your needs, Family Braces may offer options like metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign, retainers, and early orthodontic treatment for children. Your consultation is typically the best way to compare options for comfort, timeline, and budget.
How long does orthodontic treatment usually take?
Orthodontic timelines vary by case complexity, bite correction needs, and how consistently appliances are worn (for aligners). Many treatments commonly take months to a couple of years, but your plan may be shorter or longer.
Does Family Braces offer financing or payment plans?
Family Braces markets payment plan options and financing approaches. Because terms can change, it’s smart to ask during your consultation for the most current monthly payment options and what’s included in the total fee.
Are there options for kids and teens?
Yes, Family Braces offers orthodontic care for children and teens, including early phase one treatment options (when appropriate) and full treatment planning once more permanent teeth are in.
How do I contact Family Braces to book an appointment?
Call +1 (403) 202-9220 or email [email protected] to ask about booking. Website: https://familybraces.ca
Social: Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, YouTube.
Landmarks Near Calgary, Alberta
Family Braces is proud to serve the Beacon Hill (NW Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for orthodontist services in Beacon Hill (NW Calgary), visit Family Braces near Beacon Hill Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the NW Calgary community and offers braces and Invisalign options for many ages. If you’re looking for braces in NW Calgary, visit Family Braces near Costco (Beacon Hill area).
Family Braces is proud to serve the Deerfoot City (NE Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in Deerfoot City (NE Calgary), visit Family Braces near Deerfoot City Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the NE Calgary community and offers braces and Invisalign consultations. If you’re looking for Invisalign in NE Calgary, visit Family Braces near The Rec Room (Deerfoot City).
Family Braces is proud to serve the Shawnessy (SW Calgary) community and provides orthodontic services including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for braces in Shawnessy (SW Calgary), visit Family Braces near Shawnessy Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the SW Calgary community and offers Invisalign and braces consultations. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in SW Calgary, visit Family Braces near Shawnessy LRT Station.
Family Braces is proud to serve the McKenzie area (SE Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for braces in SE Calgary, visit Family Braces near McKenzie Shopping Center.
Family Braces is proud to serve the SE Calgary community and offers orthodontic consultations. If you’re looking for Invisalign in SE Calgary, visit Family Braces near Staples (130th Ave SE area).
Family Braces is proud to serve the Westhills (West Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in West Calgary, visit Family Braces near Westhills Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the West Calgary community and offers braces and Invisalign consultations. If you’re looking for braces in West Calgary, visit Family Braces near Cineplex (Westhills).
Family Braces is proud to serve the East Hills (East Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in East Calgary, visit Family Braces near East Hills Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the East Calgary community and offers braces and Invisalign consultations. If you’re looking for Invisalign in East Calgary, visit Family Braces near Costco (East Hills).