If you are weighing braces against Invisalign and you live in Calgary, you are not choosing between good and bad. You are choosing between two good tools that solve different problems in different ways. The right choice depends on your bite, your habits, your schedule, and your priorities, from cost and convenience to how much you value discretion. I have guided hundreds of patients through this decision, including teenagers who play hockey every weekend, engineers who travel to Fort McMurray on rotation, and executives who want to keep treatment quiet during board season. Calgary has its own quirks too: a dry climate, hard water in many neighborhoods, and a calendar full of chinook swings that can make lips crack and aligner wear less comfortable if you are not prepared. Those details matter.
This guide walks through how orthodontists think about cases, what day‑to‑day life feels like with each option, what Calgary pricing and timelines realistically look like, and how to choose a Calgary orthodontist who fits your goals. I will flag trade‑offs and edge cases that don’t make it into glossy brochures.
What an orthodontist evaluates at the first visit
An orthodontist does not start with aesthetics. The starting point is function. We look at three layers: skeletal pattern, dental alignment, and soft tissue balance. Skeletal pattern means how your upper and lower jaws relate in three dimensions. Dental alignment covers crowding, spacing, rotations, and the bite contacts. Soft tissue means the lips and tongue and how they influence or limit tooth movements.
For most adults and teens with mild to moderate crowding, either dental braces or Invisalign can deliver excellent results. The gray zone is in bite corrections and root torque. When the lower jaw sits back, or the upper jaw is narrow, or the molars are cross‑biting, the plan may need elastics, temporary anchorage devices, palatal expansion, or in rare adult cases, jaw surgery. Aligner technology has improved dramatically, especially with attachments and precision cuts that hold elastics, yet there are still cases where braces use biomechanics more efficiently.
Your Calgary orthodontist will likely take digital scans, photographs, and a panoramic X‑ray during the diagnostic visit. Many clinics use intraoral scanners to avoid impressions, which helps patients with a gag reflex. Expect the consult to cover not just a single plan, but variations that address cost, speed, and comfort. It is reasonable to ask for a “most efficient” plan and a “most discreet” plan, then compare.
How Calgary life shapes the decision
Lifestyle is not fluff. Treatment success hinges on habits repeated every day for a year or more. Calgary’s reality can help you decide.
If you work downtown and sip coffee between meetings, clear aligners must come out for hot drinks. Heat can warp aligners, and coffee will stain them. Some patients switch to iced coffee through a straw to avoid removing aligners frequently. That sounds simple until you realize you take sips twelve times a day. If you know you will not hit 20 to 22 hours of daily wear, braces may suit you better.
If you play contact sports, both braces and Invisalign need protection. Mouthguards fit over braces with a bit more bulk. Aligner trays can act like a slim guard, but high‑impact sports still require a proper guard. Hockey players often lean toward Invisalign for fewer cheek abrasions, though I have also treated defensemen in braces who do just fine with a boil‑and‑bite guard. Calgary minor hockey seasons run long, so think in terms of months, not weeks.
If you travel for work, aligners are convenient because you can take multiple sets on the road and do virtual check‑ins. I ask frequent fliers to carry a travel kit with chewies, a case, a small toothbrush, and Movicol or a similar product if they are prone to dry mouth and clenching during flights. Braces travel well too, but snapped wires at a job site north of Red Deer on a Saturday can be annoying. If you choose braces, ask your clinic for a wax supply and instructions for minor fixes until you get back.
Calgary’s dry winter air can aggravate mouth dryness. Aligners seal saliva from teeth, so any tendency toward dry mouth becomes more noticeable. A humidifier at night, sips of water, and fluoride rinses help. With braces, lip balm becomes your best friend in late January when chinooks bounce temperatures and the wind picks up.
What braces do best
Braces give orthodontists direct control over teeth through the wire. That matters when we need to upright molars, expand arches with full‑size steel wires, or push roots through dense bone. We can stage movements to avoid side effects and we can apply forces 24/7 without relying on your compliance. If you forget to wear elastics for a day, the wire still keeps the rest of the plan on track.
I tend to prefer braces for patients with severe rotations, impacted canines, or significant vertical problems like an open bite combined with tongue thrust. Braces with auxiliary appliances can intrude or extrude teeth more predictably. Teenagers with mixed dentition often benefit from hybrid phases, starting with partial braces on front teeth and moving to full treatment once molars erupt.
Modern bracket systems are not the train tracks you might remember. Brackets are smaller, the edges smoother, and wires shape‑memory. Ceramic brackets blend with tooth color and look understated in photographs. That said, ceramic is a bit bulkier and can feel more prominent against the lips for a few weeks. Metal brackets, while more visible, glide more easily on the wire and sometimes shorten treatment by a few visits.
Day‑to‑day life with braces follows a rhythm. You see the clinic every 6 to 10 weeks to change wires or adjust. You avoid very sticky or hard foods to protect brackets. You brush carefully, use floss threaders or a water flosser, and you learn to manage small irritations with wax. Most patients find discomfort peaks 24 to 48 hours after an adjustment, then fades. It is sore, not debilitating. Over‑the‑counter pain relievers and soft foods help for the first day.
Where Invisalign shines
Invisalign, or clear aligners in general, can be incredibly efficient for crowding, spacing, and cosmetic alignment. The real draw is flexibility. You remove trays to eat, to floss freely, and for occasional big moments like a wedding toast or a presentation. Speech adapts quickly, usually within a day or two. Most patients change trays every 7 to 10 days. You might only visit the clinic every 8 to 12 weeks if you are progressing as planned.
Attachments, the small tooth‑colored bumps placed on teeth, are the unsung heroes of Invisalign. They give the trays something to grip so they can rotate or extrude teeth. You will see them up close in the mirror, but from a conversational distance they are subtle. If you expect a completely invisible look, understand that most comprehensive plans use attachments on several teeth.
Success with aligners lives and dies on wear time. A patient who consistently hits 21 hours per day will often finish faster than a braces patient with similar crowding. A patient who averages 15 hours per day can drag treatment six months longer. I ask aligner patients to build triggers into their routine. When the coffee cup sits down, trays go back in. After brushing, chewies for 60 seconds to seat the aligner fully. On day one of a new tray, use chewies while watching TV to ensure full adaptation.
Refinements are normal. After the first set of trays ends, we rescan and order a short series to polish details. Expect at least one refinement series. Good clinics set that expectation early so you do not feel like you did something wrong.
Cost, time, and what’s typical in Calgary
Calgary fees vary with case complexity and the clinic’s technology and follow‑up schedule. Ballpark ranges for comprehensive treatment, including retainers, fall around these numbers:
- Braces, metal or ceramic: roughly 5,500 to 8,500 CAD in most practices. Invisalign or comparable clear aligners: roughly 6,000 to 9,500 CAD depending on the number of aligners and complexity.
Insurance plans often cover a lifetime orthodontic maximum, not per year. Many Calgary plans sit in the 1,500 to 3,000 CAD range. Most clinics spread the balance over 18 to 24 months with no or low interest. If a quote is far lower than the ranges above, ask what is included: are retainers covered, how many refinement sets, and what happens if treatment goes longer than planned.
Timelines depend on biomechanics and compliance. A mild crowding case may wrap up in 6 to 10 months regardless of method. Moderate cases land around 12 to 18 months. Complex bite corrections can run 18 to 30 months. Aligners can be faster when wear time is perfect and movements are mainly tipping and spacing. Braces take the lead for root torque, vertical control, and multi‑plane corrections.
Calgary clinics often book check‑ins around school and work schedules. Early morning and late afternoon chair times fill up first. If you need those slots, ask about schedule flexibility before you commit. During Stampede week, clinics may run lighter schedules. If you know you will be out of town, plan tray changes or adjustment intervals accordingly.
Oral hygiene, comfort, and the small daily wins
I pay close attention to gum health during treatment. With braces, food impaction around brackets feeds plaque. https://familybraces.ca/five-common-myths-about-metal-braces-debunked/ Electric toothbrushes with orthodontic brush heads help. So do short bursts of a water flosser aimed at the gumline. I like patients to use a fluoride rinse at night, such as a 0.05 percent sodium fluoride. Calgary’s hard water can leave mineral scale on aligners if you rinse them under hot tap water; use cool water and a clear, unscented soap or tablets made for aligners. Avoid toothpaste on aligners, which scratches plastic and fogs the surface.
Soreness feels different between methods. Braces produce localized tenderness around specific teeth after an adjustment. Aligners create a steady pressure across many teeth, especially on days one and two of a new tray. Some patients pop the new tray in after dinner so the first hours of pressure pass during sleep. Switching trays in the morning is fine too if you are the type who wants control and quick feedback.
Speech issues with aligners usually improve in 48 hours. If your job involves calls every hour, start treatment on a Friday. Musicians who play wind instruments should bring this up in the consult. I adjust plans and staging so that attachments on front teeth do not land during concert weeks.
Treatment edge cases and hybrid plans
Not everything fits a box. I have treated adults who start with braces for four to six months to quickly derotate stubborn teeth, then switch to Invisalign for finish work. Others use Invisalign for upper teeth and braces for lower because lower incisor torque is tricky in their case. Teens with bite issues sometimes respond better to braces with elastics for the first phase, then clear aligners for the second phase as they mature.
Surgically facilitated orthodontics, such as micro‑osteoperforations or corticotomies, can speed movement in dense bone. These are specialty options, not routine, but they have a place in select adult cases where we want to finish faster without raising forces that would strain roots. Calgary has specialists who coordinate this with orthodontists when appropriate.
If you grind or clench, aligners can protect enamel at night, a side benefit. The flip side is that clenching against a plastic tray may increase muscle tension for some. We can adjust tray thickness or stage movements to minimize that. With braces, clenchers often wear down the tips of brackets if they have deep bites, so we add bite turbos or build ups to open the bite slightly during early phases.
How to choose a Calgary orthodontist who fits you
Beyond credentials, look for a practice that treats cases like yours often. Ask to see before‑and‑after photos of similar bites. Pay attention to how they explain risks and limits. A confident orthodontist will candidly say where Invisalign is excellent and where braces will be more reliable, even if your preference runs the other way.
The consult should feel like a two‑way interview. You are hiring a team for a year or more, not buying a gadget. Notice how the staff communicates, how they handle emergencies, and whether they teach you the mechanics of care. If you plan to move neighborhoods next year, check whether the clinic has multiple locations across Calgary or collaborates with colleagues for transfers.
I encourage people to ask four questions at the end of a consult: What is the most efficient plan? What is the most discreet plan? What could make my case take longer than expected? If I do my part perfectly, what result can I reasonably expect? The answers will clarify your priorities fast.
The social side: teens, adults, and expectations
Teenagers often start treatment because parents push for it. Motivation waxes and wanes with school progress, sports, and friendships. Braces remove the willpower variable, which is a gift in Grade 9. On the other hand, some teens are spectacular aligner patients because they love the control and the shorter visits. I have seen 15‑year‑olds hit 22 hours a day and score a finished result in 11 months.
Adults tend to be highly compliant but have more complex bites and old dental work. Crowns, implants, and missing teeth add wrinkles to the plan. Implants do not move, so we plan around them. Aligners can be nice here because we can digitally plan precise staging avoiding implant sites. Braces can do the same with careful wire bends and customized brackets, though the chair time might be a bit higher.
Self‑image plays a role. Some adults do not mind braces at all. One Calgary firefighter I treated chose metal brackets because he wanted the classic look and the most durable hardware on shift. A downtown lawyer wanted Invisalign to avoid client questions. Both finished well. Choose the method that lets you show up to your life comfortably for a year or two. That comfort will carry you through the inevitable slow weeks.
What changes after you start
The first two weeks set the tone. With braces, cheeks toughen and brushing becomes routine. With Invisalign, the habit of removing, rinsing, and reseating after meals becomes second nature. Track wear time honestly for the first month. Some apps help, but a simple notebook works too. The act of recording keeps you accountable.
I like patients to set a mid‑course check at the halfway mark to measure progress against the initial plan. If a canine is lagging or a rotation is stubborn, we adjust early. For aligners, that might mean a power arm or a revised attachment. For braces, it might mean a stiffer wire or a different elastic pattern. Small course corrections prevent long surprises.
Expect plateaus where the smile looks the same for weeks. Those are root movements you cannot see. Patience matters. When you feel restless, ask your orthodontist to show you the progress photo series. Seeing molar bands shift or arch widths expand reminds you the system is working.
Retainers: the part most people underestimate
Teeth move for a lifetime. Retainers hold your hard‑won result. In Calgary, I tell patients to plan on night‑time retainer wear indefinitely. It is easier to keep teeth where you put them than to chase relapse later. You will receive either clear overlay retainers, a bonded wire behind the front teeth, or a combination. Clear retainers show wear over time, especially if you grind. Budget to replace them every 1 to 3 years depending on use.
If you chose Invisalign, your last set of trays can act as provisional retainers until the final retainers arrive. With braces, you get retainers on debond day. Keep a case in your nightstand and another in your travel bag. Dogs love to chew clear retainers, so do not leave them on the nightstand within reach. In a pinch, call your Calgary orthodontist quickly if you lose one. Fast replacement prevents teeth from drifting.
A Calgary‑specific comparison, pared to what matters most
Here is a lean comparison that reflects how choices play out locally:
- Reliability. Braces deliver 24/7 force without patient decisions. Invisalign depends on 20 to 22 hours of daily wear. If you doubt your consistency during Stampede, ski season, and work travel, braces protect your timeline. Comfort. Invisalign has fewer cheek irritations, helpful in dry winters. Braces create occasional sores, manageable with wax and lip balm. Hygiene. Aligners make flossing easy. Braces demand more effort but respond well to electric brushes and water flossers. Visibility. Invisalign is discreet, though attachments are visible up close. Ceramic braces are subtle at a distance. Metal brackets are visible and rugged. Complexity. Severe bite corrections often favor braces or hybrid plans. Moderate alignment is fair game for either method.
If the above points all weight equally for you, your clinical diagnosis will tip the scale. If one or two points dominate, let those drive the choice.
The path to a confident yes
You do not need to become an orthodontic expert to make a good decision. You do need clarity about your priorities and honesty about your habits. Start with a consult at a Calgary orthodontist who treats both braces and Invisalign regularly. Ask to see scenario plans that align with your goals. Try sample aligners in your mouth to gauge speech and comfort. Handle a bracket model so you know what will sit on your teeth.
Give yourself a week after the consult to think, then set a start date. The first step often feels like the biggest. Six months later, when a friend says your smile looks different but cannot pinpoint why, you will know the plan is working.
Whichever route you choose, remember that the tool does not create the result on its own. The partnership with your orthodontist, and the small choices you repeat every day, do. Calgary has excellent specialists, and there is a version of this plan that fits your life. If you respect the trade‑offs and commit to the routine, you will get there with a smile that holds up in chinook winds, in office lighting, and in photos twenty years from now.
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)
Social Profiles:
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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).