If you live in Calgary and your bite is off, it does not take long to realize there are two main paths to a straighter smile. Metal or ceramic braces with a wire that gets tightened, or a series of clear trays that move teeth a little at a time. Both work. Both cost money. And because Calgary is a big, spread-out city with different neighbourhoods and different overheads for clinics, the prices swing more than you might expect. The point here is to make those costs make sense, so you can align your priorities with your budget, not the other way around.
I have spent years hearing what patients actually value from an Orthodontist: predictability, comfort, speed, cost, and how much the treatment will interrupt daily life. Calgary has its quirks. Winters that dry out aligners. Hockey mouthguards and cattle shows that collide with bracket wires. Oil and gas shift schedules that make appointment timing tricky. These realities shape what “cost” really means in orthodontics.
What people mean when they ask, “How much does it cost?”
Money is the headline, but it is not the whole story. “Cost” usually covers the obvious items, like the fee quoted by your provider. It also hides the softer expenses: time off work to attend adjustments, parking during rush hour near a downtown tower, mid-treatment refinements that push timelines, and retainers at the end. Calgary braces and clear aligners often land in similar ranges, yet the way each fee is structured can feel very different. That is why two neighbours can compare notes and still be baffled by each other’s totals.
Typical comprehensive orthodontic treatment in Calgary, for teens or adults, usually ranges somewhere between 5,000 and 9,000 CAD. That wide band is not smoke and mirrors. It reflects complexity of the bite, the length of treatment, the reputation and training of the Calgary Orthodontist, and whether you go with metal, ceramic, or a premium clear aligner system like Invisalign. Light, cosmetic tweaks cost less. Full corrections that turn severe crowding into a textbook bite cost more. Your case type is the biggest driver of cost, not the branding on the box.
Where the money actually goes
Start with the first visit. Many Orthodontics practices in Calgary offer complimentary consultations, though some charge a modest fee that may be credited toward treatment. The value lives in the diagnostics. A proper workup includes photos, digital scans, and a radiograph or two. Those records inform the plan, and the plan unlocks the price. If you hear a single price tossed out before anyone sees your x-rays, be cautious.
Braces carry tangible costs: brackets, wires, elastics, and follow-up appointments for adjustments. Metal brackets are durable and less expensive than ceramic, which blend in better but can be more brittle. Aligners like Invisalign front-load costs into planning. The orthodontist designs tooth movements on a digital model, then a series of trays is manufactured. Each tray is worn for a week or two, nudging teeth in small increments. There can be attachments bonded to teeth, which are tiny tooth-coloured bumps that give aligners more grip.
When you look under the hood, the price is not just hardware versus plastic. It is chair time and expertise. A Calgary Orthodontist who can solve a severe overbite with aligners might cost a bit more than a general dentist dabbling in Orthodontics, but you tend to see fewer detours and fewer mid-course corrections. That is not snobbery, it is repetition. The provider who treats complex cases week in and week out develops instincts that software alone cannot substitute.
Braces in Calgary: cost ranges and realities
Metal braces remain the workhorse. For comprehensive cases, metal braces in Calgary usually hit the 5,500 to 8,000 CAD range. Ceramic braces cost more, often adding 500 to 1,200 CAD because the parts cost more and break a bit more often. The total fee often includes the braces, routine adjustments, and a set of retainers at the end. Ask for specifics, because policies vary.
Adjustments typically happen every 4 to 8 weeks, which means a predictable cadence of visits. If you live in Airdrie or Okotoks and drive into the city, consider the logistics. A practice near your office downtown looks convenient until you are caught in afternoon Deerfoot traffic with a busted bracket and a 5 p.m. meeting. The best Calgary braces experiences come from clinics that map your visit schedule to your actual life, not an idealized version of it.
Expected time in braces spans from 12 to 30 months for most patients. The clock depends on bone biology, your starting alignment, and your follow-through on elastics or hygiene. Every Orthodontist in Calgary has stories of a patient whose braces could have come off six months earlier if rubber bands had not sat unopened in a bathroom drawer. That delay is a cost. It might not show up on the invoice, but it shows up on your calendar.
Maintenance matters. With braces, you need to work harder to keep plaque from accumulating. Calgary’s dry winter air does not cause cavities, but hot drinks and comfort foods during minus thirty stretches can. Brace yourself for more deliberate brushing and flossing, and keep a small kit in your backpack or purse. A broken wire means an extra appointment, which may not have a direct fee, but it has a time cost.
Clear aligners in Calgary: Invisalign and beyond
Clear aligners win the popularity contest in adult Orthodontics partly because they do not scream teenager. Invisalign is the brand name most Calgarians know, and there are competitors, but Invisalign remains the most widely used system among experienced providers. For full cases, you can expect a Calgary fee in the 5,500 to 9,500 CAD range. Light, cosmetic cases with minor crowding sometimes fall between 3,500 and 5,000 CAD.
Why the spread? Complexity, again. Aligners handle far more than they could 10 years ago. Crossbites, open bites, and even some extraction cases respond well when designed by an Invisalign provider in Calgary who treats this way continually. The planning is done in software, but the craft is human. The best outcomes come from orthodontists who tweak the digital plan, stage movements sensibly, and build in proper anchorage with attachments and elastics.
Aligners ask for commitment. You wear them 20 to 22 hours a day. That is not a suggestion. It is the math that moves teeth. Forget to put them back in after a lunch at the Calgary Farmers’ Market and you may feel your aligner fit tight later. Lose an aligner in the Old Dutch chip bag at a Flames game and you are calling your clinic on Monday. There is convenience, though. Fewer visits, often 6 to 10 weeks apart, especially if the office uses remote monitoring. The trade is responsibility. If “out of sight” means “out of mind” for you, aligners can slow down.
Expect chewies, tiny foam rolls you bite on to seat trays, to live in your pockets. Expect the occasional refinement, a mini round of new trays to polish the result. Some clinics bake refinements into the fee, others cap them, others treat them as extra. Clarify this up front. It affects your final cost and your peace of mind.
The most Calgary factors that tilt costs
A downtown clinic in a Class A tower will have higher rent than a suburban plaza near Glenmore. That shows up in fees, though not always. High-volume, efficient practices can keep fees moderate by running smart systems. Lower-volume boutique practices might charge more and justify it with longer top Calgary orthodontist appointments and extra touches. Neither model is inherently better. What matters is fit.
Seasonality plays a quiet role. Back-to-school August and September book up fast, as do January resolutions. If you have the luxury of time, starting in spring can give you easier access to appointments, which means less time waiting for the next slot and fewer weeks added to the timeline.
Calgary is an active city. Ski weekends, mountain biking near Canmore, and beer league hockey all increase the odds of a lip to bracket encounter. If you choose braces, get a proper mouthguard and use it. If you choose aligners, you can wear them under a guard or remove them while you play, then put them back immediately. Lost or broken appliances add cost. Plan for your hobbies.
Where insurance fits into the picture
Many Calgary employers offer dental plans with lifetime orthodontic maximums for dependents, and sometimes for adults. A common benefit is 50 percent coverage up to a lifetime maximum of 2,000 to 3,000 CAD. Adult coverage is less consistent. Because orthodontic treatment spans months, your clinic may structure payments over time to align with your plan’s reimbursement schedule. Some insurers want pre-determination, which your clinic can submit once a plan is established.
Do not confuse submission schedules with coverage limits. If your lifetime orthodontic maximum is 2,500 CAD, it does not refresh each year like regular dental benefits. Once it is used, it is used. Factor retainers into the overall plan. Many clinics include a set in the treatment fee, but if you need replacements later, those are separate, and insurance may not cover them.
The payment mechanics you can actually control
Most Calgary Orthodontics clinics offer in-house payment plans. A typical structure includes an initial fee at the start, followed by monthly payments over the active treatment period. There is usually no interest if you keep to the schedule. External financing exists, but read the fine print before paying fees to a third party.
Ask three questions during your consults. First, what exactly is included in the fee? Records, appliances, emergency visits, refinements, retainers, and retainer checks for a set period are common items. Second, what could trigger an increase later? Extended treatment due to missed appointments, non-compliance, or major plan changes are the usual suspects. Third, what happens if you move mid-treatment? Life shifts, and a good plan includes a transfer protocol so you are not stranded.
How braces and aligners differ beyond the bill
Technology aside, these are two different experiences. Braces are fixed. Once they are on, they work 24 hours a day, whether you are focused or distracted. Aligners require discipline. Some people like the accountability. Others do better when the appliance does not depend on their habits.
Eating is different. With braces, you avoid sticky and risky foods. With aligners, you remove the trays to eat and drink anything but water. If coffee is your lifeblood, you will be popping aligners in and out more than you expect. That is fine if you are organized and carry your case everywhere. It is a hassle if you are forgetful and leave trays wrapped in napkins at Pho Hoai yet again.
Speech and comfort differ too. Aligners have a gentle lisp for a day or two at the start of each new tray, then fade. Braces can irritate cheeks until the soft tissues toughen up. Wax helps. So does patience. Either way, the first couple of weeks are an adjustment.
Case complexity, straight talk
Mild crowding and spacing are the low-hanging fruit. Either braces or aligners handle these well. The cost range narrows for simple cases, often toward the lower end. Things get interesting with rotations of canines, vertical problems like open bites, or significant overjet. Aligners can do a lot here when engineered by a seasoned Invisalign provider in Calgary. If an orthodontist recommends braces for your particular bite, it is not because aligners cannot move teeth. It is because the predictability and control with brackets and wires in that exact scenario might be better for your biology and your goals.
Here is a Calgary-flavoured example. A middle-aged oilfield consultant with limited home days each month wants minimal visits. He has moderate crowding and a deep bite. He eats on the road and forgets things in hotel rooms. He wants aligners because his colleagues had them. We can make aligners work, but the missed wear during travel weeks could push a 14-month plan into 20 months. Braces with longer intervals between adjustments may deliver a shorter, steadier path for him, even if they are more visible. That extra six months of aligner time is a cost, not just a delay.
What a reputable Calgary Orthodontist will tell you about price
Good clinics do not sell hardware. They sell outcomes. Expect them to show you before and afters of cases similar to yours. Expect specifics about timelines, steps, and responsibilities. Expect a fee that maps to the complexity and the materials used. If one quote is thousands lower than the rest, ask why. Maybe it is a shorter, cosmetic plan that addresses only the front teeth, not the bite. There is nothing wrong with that if it matches your goals, but it is a different product.
Beware of numbers that keep shifting without clear reasons. A small increase after a major plan change makes sense. A steady creep every few months does not. If refinements are capped, know the number. If retainers are included, confirm whether they are clear removable, fixed lingual, or both. If you grind your teeth at night, ask about thicker retainer options and their costs.
Calgary braces or Invisalign: the maintenance aftermath
Every orthodontic journey ends with retainers. Teeth have memory. Without retention, they drift, and all that money goes soft around the edges. Clear removable retainers are standard. They cost in the range of a few hundred dollars per arch if replacement is needed later. Fixed retainers bonded behind the front teeth can be brilliant for maintaining alignment if you are not diligent with wearing removable retainers, but they require floss threaders and good hygiene.
Plan on wearing retainers full-time for a short period after treatment, then nights long term. That is not a marketing line. It is how biology works. If your lifestyle makes retainers hard, ask your provider to tailor the plan. Some patients split the difference with a fixed retainer on the lower front teeth and a removable up top, so they can keep speech crisp during the day. Those decisions have small cost implications now and big value later.
The uncomfortable truth about “cheaper” options
Direct-to-consumer aligners tempted a lot of people. The sales pitch was tidy: fewer appointments, no trips to a clinic, and a lower sticker price. Many Calgarians learned the hard way that complex movements without proper oversight lead to bites that feel off and teeth that do not meet properly. Fixing a misaligned bite often costs more than doing it right the first time. If you need a small cosmetic tweak and you are a perfect candidate, a simplified approach can be reasonable under professional supervision. Otherwise, a Calgary Orthodontist should be in the driver’s seat.
Realistic timelines and how they tie to cost
Speed sells. Fast treatments exist for minor adjustments, but biology sets a pace that we cannot bully. Moving teeth too fast risks root resorption and gum problems. A smart plan uses efficient movements, not aggressive ones. That keeps teeth and bone healthy and reduces the need for course correction, which ultimately keeps costs in line. If someone promises to halve your timeline without explaining the mechanics, ask harder questions.
Two quick sanity checks before you decide
- Does the proposed plan match your goals and habits, and are the total costs, including retainers and potential refinements, transparently laid out in writing? Does the clinic’s visit schedule, location, and communication style fit your actual life, not the version you wish you had?
Putting numbers on the table without oversimplifying
Let’s anchor the abstract with a few composite scenarios typical of Calgary patients:
A university student with mild upper crowding, seeking subtlety: Invisalign Lite or a short series of aligners could land around 3,800 to 5,200 CAD, with 6 to 9 months of wear, visits every 8 to 10 weeks, and one refinement likely built in. A similar braces plan with limited upper brackets might be slightly less on paper, but cosmetic demands often tilt the choice to aligners.
A teen with moderate crowding and an overbite: Metal braces for 18 to 24 months, around 6,200 to 7,800 CAD. Ceramic on top adds several hundred dollars. Compliance with elastics dictates the finish line. Many families like braces for teens because compliance is built in.
An adult with significant rotations and a deep bite who wants aligners: Full Invisalign case, 7,000 to 9,500 CAD, 14 to 20 months. Success hinges on consistent wear and a provider comfortable with bite deepening mechanics in aligners. Expect attachments and elastics.
In each case, retainers are often included. Confirm whether replacement retainers in the first year are covered. Citywide, single-arch retainer replacements tend to run a few hundred dollars. If you lose retainers often, a subscription retainer program from your clinic can be worth it.
Experience matters more than the logo on the box
Whether you choose braces or aligners, the person planning and supervising your care matters more than brand names. A Calgary Orthodontist who sees your specific bite pattern often will spot pitfalls faster than a generalist who treats Orthodontics irregularly. The aligner plan’s digital animation is not a guarantee of real tooth movement. It is a proposal. Wire bends and power chains are not magic either. They are tools. Experience is the hand that guides them.
If you are pricing out options, try two or three consultations. Pay attention to how the provider explains trade-offs. If they say yes to everything you want without flagging a single constraint, be cautious. Orthodontics involves constraints. A good guide will point to them early, not after you have paid.
The Calgary way to choose between braces and aligners
Start with your bite, then layer your life on top. If your bite needs the torque and minute control that braces deliver, choose braces and make peace with a mouth full of metal or ceramic. If your bite is aligner-friendly and you are honest about wearing trays, choose Invisalign and enjoy the flexibility. Both paths can finish with a smile you are proud of and a bite that functions.
Budget is part of that decision, but do not let a few hundred dollars drive you into a plan that does not fit how you live. Over the course of 18 months, the difference between 6,500 and 7,100 CAD is real, but the difference between a frictionless process and a frustrating one is larger. Missed visits, broken appliances, and compliance hiccups eat time, and time is expensive.
If you want an easy starting point, look for an Invisalign provider in Calgary who is comfortable handling complex cases and a braces-focused Orthodontist who treats adults often. Ask both to map your case in a way that respects your habits and work schedule. Then compare apples to apples: total fee, inclusions, visit frequency, expected timeline, and what could extend it.
A final word on value
Orthodontics is one of the few purchases that changes how your face looks and how your jaw works for decades. A stable bite reduces uneven tooth wear and makes hygiene easier. That has downstream value you do not see on day one. The cheapest plan is not always the least expensive over a lifetime.
Calgary gives you options: established clinics with deep benches, quieter boutique practices, and everything in between. Whether you land on Calgary braces or Invisalign, insist on clarity, ask for specifics, and pick the team that earns your trust. The right partnership does more than move teeth. It makes the process feel manageable, even during a February cold snap when your truck will not start and you are tempting fate with a hot double-double while your aligner case sits on the passenger seat.
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).