Calgary winters build character, and anyone who has scraped ice off a windshield at 7 a.m. knows it. Teeth alignment tends to work the same way. It isn’t glamorous, it requires consistency, and the payoff shows up gradually until one day the mirror reflects a straighter, easier-to-clean smile. If you’re wondering whether clear aligners like Invisalign are a good fit for you, this is a practical tour from a clinician’s chair to your daily routine, with Calgary-specific realities and a clear-eyed look at who does best with this type of Orthodontics.
What clear aligners actually do
Clear aligners move teeth using controlled force delivered by a series of plastic trays that you wear 22 hours per day. Each tray is staged to shift teeth a fraction of a millimeter, usually 0.2 to 0.25 mm, and a fraction of a degree of rotation. Over dozens of steps, that adds up to meaningful alignment, improved bite function, and healthier gums. Invisalign is the brand name you hear most, but the principles apply across designed systems. The core advantage is removability: you take the trays out to eat, drink anything but water, and brush.
A Calgary Orthodontist will often pair aligners with “attachments,” the small tooth-colored bumps that act like handles to help the trays grip and guide stubborn movements. Don’t panic when you see them. They are bonded with the same material used for fillings, polished at the end, and they make tough tooth movements possible with plastic instead of brackets. Sometimes we add elastics to fine-tune the bite, and in select cases a few brackets for one or two teeth if a movement proves especially resistant.
The Calgary factor: lifestyle and logistics
Clear aligners love routine. Calgary life loves to throw curveballs. Stampede corn dogs, hockey schedules, mountain weekends, coffee that functions as personality, and dry winter air that makes lips prone to cracking all show up in your aligner story. The people who do best with Invisalign build micro-habits that survive a busy day. They keep a small case in their jacket or purse, a travel toothbrush at work, and a backup set of trays in case a dog decides tray plastic is the best chew toy of all time. I have seen more than one border collie develop a taste for aligners. Plan accordingly.
Weather matters too. Aligners can become slightly more flexible when warm and can warp if exposed to heat. Leaving trays on the dashboard while the car bakes in an April sun is a fast way to extend treatment. Calgary’s colder months are less risky for warping, but they are harder on lips. A simple beeswax or lanolin balm before inserting trays minimizes friction ulcers in the first week of a new set.
Who makes a good candidate
Candidacy is not one-size-fits-all. The right Invisalign provider in Calgary will ask about your bite, your gum health, and your schedule with equal interest. Based on years of fitting and finishing aligner cases, here is how I think about fit.
Mild to moderate crowding or spacing responds beautifully. Think small gaps between the front teeth, crowding where one tooth overlaps its neighbor by a few millimeters, or mild rotations. Class I bites, where the molars already fit well but the front teeth need alignment, suit aligners perfectly.
Overbites are usually fixable, often with the help of bite ramps built into the trays and elastics to guide the jaw. Underbites are a tougher story. Some are aligner-friendly, others need braces, and a fraction require surgery. If your lower front teeth sit fully in front of the uppers, a careful evaluation is essential.
Crossbites and open bites can be treated with Invisalign, but the devil is in the details. Posterior crossbites often improve with expansion built into the aligners, but significant skeletal constriction may require appliances or a braces approach. Open bites caused by a habit like thumb sucking or tongue thrust often relapse if the habit stays. Aligners can close them, but long-term retainer strategies and habit retraining are key.
The bite force and enamel quality matter. If you grind your teeth hard at night, you might chew through trays faster than average. We can plan for that with stronger plastic, more frequent tray changes, or auxiliary strategies. If enamel is thin or you have a history of recession, we set gentle movement sequences and pause when needed to keep roots and gum tissue healthy.
Age is flexible. Teens do well, especially active ones who appreciate the no-wire aspect, provided there is enough maturity to keep trays in their case instead of a hoodie pocket. Adults love aligners for meetings and photos, and they often bring a discipline that helps treatment finish on time. I have treated 70-year-olds who wore aligners more reliably than their grandchildren.
When aligners might not be the best tool
Clear aligners are powerful, not magical. Some cases are simply safer, faster, and more stable with braces. Severe rotations of canines, impacted teeth, large vertical discrepancies, or the need for significant arch coordination might push us toward traditional or hybrid approaches. If you are hoping for a short timeline with complex movements and you also travel constantly, a braces plan may be less prone to detours. Good Orthodontics is like carpentry: choose the right tool for the job.
A hybrid plan is often the sweet spot. I have placed braces on just the lower molars for three months while the rest of the teeth moved in aligners, then finished with trays alone. The patient avoided full braces, the heavy lifting got done, and the bite fit beautifully.
What an assessment looks like with a Calgary Orthodontist
The first visit is equal parts science and coaching. We take a 3D scan rather than goopy impressions, photos from multiple angles, and low-dose digital X-rays to measure roots and bone levels. Then we talk. What bugs you most about your smile? What deadlines matter? Do you speak on stage, play a wind instrument, or have a job where frequent coffee sips are non-negotiable?
A responsible Invisalign provider in Calgary will sequence movements to protect gum and bone health. If your lower incisors already sit outside the bony housing, we avoid pushing them further just to chase a straighter line on a photo. We can use interproximal reduction, a careful polishing between teeth, to borrow fractions of a millimeter of space in several spots rather than flaring teeth outward. Think of it like tailoring a suit instead of buying a size too big.
Expect to review a digital treatment plan. You’ll see a simulation of how teeth will move, how many aligners the first phase includes, and where attachments will go. The simulation is a map, not gospel. Real teeth sometimes negotiate for slight detours, which is why refinement sets are normal. They are not failures. They are the orthodontic equivalent of turning a wrench half a notch after a test drive.
Timeframes, costs, and what affects them
Most aligner cases in Calgary run 6 to 20 months. Simple crowding or spacing can finish in 4 to 8 months. Complex cases with bite changes often land in the 12 to 24-month range. Treatment length depends on biology, not just number of trays. Teeth respond in their own time, and gums and bone need steady, gentle force to remodel safely. Ferocious speed is rarely your friend.
Costs vary widely. Expect a range that often starts around the mid 4,000s and can reach the mid 7,000s or more for complex adult bites, depending on the clinic, the number of refinements, and whether adjunctive procedures are needed. Many Calgary practices offer interest-free payment plans and will check insurance. If your benefits mention Orthodontics, aligners usually qualify.
Daily life with trays: what patients actually notice
There is a learning curve in week one. Your tongue keeps checking for new edges, speech feels off for a day or two, and you might lisp on certain consonants until your mouth calibrates. By week two, most people forget they have trays in during a long Zoom meeting.
Eating becomes deliberate. Since you remove aligners for anything but water, snacking shrinks. That is the hidden health perk of Invisalign. You eat in windows, brush, pop trays back in, and move on. Calgary coffee culture calls for a small adjustment. If you sip lattes for three hours, your trays will stain and your teeth will bathe in acidity. A better rhythm is to enjoy the drink without trays, rinse, and reinsert.
Cleaning is straightforward. A soft brush and lukewarm water clear most film. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic. Specialized cleaning crystals or mild unscented soap help on days the trays smell like last night’s garlic fries. Keep a spare case and a mini brush in your backpack or glove compartment. And never wrap aligners in a napkin during lunch. That is how they find their way into the bin behind the pho restaurant on 17th Avenue.
Compliance is the real lever
If Invisalign has a secret, it’s wearing the trays. Not many things in life pay off at exactly 22 hours per day, but aligners do. My most predictable finishes come from patients who choose a new set on the same evening Calgary braces each week, seat the trays with chewies for a minute or two, and keep a simple tracker on their phone. These are small acts that shave months off treatment time.
Sometimes life intervenes. A ski trip. A work conference. The flu. If you miss hours, do not panic. Wear the current set longer. Text your Calgary Orthodontist if they feel loose or tight after gaps. The worst choice is to push ahead to the next tray when the current one hasn’t fully seated. That is how teeth start playing catch-up and movement loses accuracy.
Attachments, elastics, and why they’re worth it
Attachments do the heavy lifting. Without them, aligners can skate over smooth teeth. With them, rotations and root angulations become predictably possible. If your plan calls for 10 to 20 attachments, that is normal. They are placed with a template, polished smooth, and removed at the end with no harm to enamel. Elastics add a second vector of movement, guiding the bite into a more stable relationship. They look intimidating in photos and boring in real life. Wear them as prescribed and you’ll likely finish weeks earlier.
A short comparison: Aligners vs Calgary braces
Calgary braces have their place, especially for complex movements. Braces are bonded to the teeth and work 24 hours a day. You cannot forget to wear them. For severe crowding, impacted teeth, or big bite corrections, braces may achieve certain changes faster. Aligners win on discretion, easier hygiene, fewer emergencies, and less food restriction. They also reduce the risk of white spot lesions that can appear around brackets if brushing falls short, which happens more in teenagers during exam season when cortisol and pizza both spike.
Retainers: the long game
Teeth have excellent memories. They will drift towards their old positions after any Orthodontics, whether you wore Calgary braces or Invisalign. Retainers are the answer, and they are not negotiable. Expect to wear them nightly for at least the first year, then several nights a week for as long as you want to keep your result. This is not a trap. It is like wearing a seatbelt. After a while, you do it automatically.
Most patients choose clear removable retainers because they mirror aligners and feel familiar. Some cases benefit from a bonded wire behind the front teeth. That wire is invisible to others and saves you from nightly forgetfulness, though it needs extra flossing attention. Discuss what fits your habits and risk tolerance.
Edge cases and pro tips from the clinic
Pregnancy and Orthodontics can coexist, but we pause X-rays unless absolutely necessary and watch gum health closely. Hormones can make gingiva swell and bleed more easily. Gentle cleaning and shorter intervals between check-ins help. If you are planning to conceive soon, start treatment with the understanding that we may slow down for a trimester if needed.
Dental implants do not move. If you already have one, we plan movements around it and sometimes use it as an anchor. If you need one, we often align first, then place the implant when the space and angulation are perfect.
TMD and jaw discomfort are nuanced. Some patients find that better alignment helps distribute force and reduces muscle strain. Others need splint therapy before or during Orthodontics. Aligners can be part of a TMD strategy, but they are not a cure-all. A Calgary Orthodontist who works closely with your dentist or a physiotherapist is your best bet.
Sports and musical instruments are aligner-friendly. Hockey players appreciate not worrying about a bracket lip cut mid game. Clarinetists often remove trays Continue reading for practice and wear them right after. Build a routine that respects your craft and your treatment.
How to choose an Invisalign provider in Calgary
The brand matters less than the brain guiding it. Technology gives us tools. Experience and judgment aim them well. Look for a clinic that shows a range of finished cases similar to yours, explains trade-offs, and does not overpromise. The best consults feel like a conversation, not a sales pitch. If your provider talks openly about what aligners cannot do as easily as they list what they can, you are in good hands.
A few ask-better-questions prompts can sharpen your choice:
- What movements in my case are straightforward, and which ones are tricky with aligners? How many refinements do you expect for a case like mine, and are they included in the fee? If my bite needs elastics, what is the plan and timeline for them? Do you ever recommend a hybrid approach, and would that benefit me? If I travel for work, how do you handle remote check-ins or lost trays?
What finishing well looks like
The final weeks are for tuning. That is where we make small adjustments to the curve of a smile, fine-tune canine guidance so the jaw moves smoothly side to side, and close micro-gaps that only show up in certain lighting. Patients sometimes underestimate this stage, but it is where smiles go from better to balanced. A good Calgary Orthodontist will spend as much attention here as on the first digital plan.
Expect a retention conversation that includes your gum health, wisdom teeth status, and future dental work. If veneers or bonding are in your plans, we coordinate sequence and space. If your gums are thin, we may discuss a soft tissue graft after alignment to protect roots. Orthodontics can isolate problems that were easy to ignore when teeth overlapped. That is a good thing. It gives us a chance to fix them on your terms, not in an emergency.
The realistic path to yes
If you are staring at your reflection thinking, I want straighter teeth, but I babysit coffee like a hobby, and travel to Toronto twice a month, aligners can still work. The key is honest planning. We might choose slightly slower tray changes to match your schedule. We might line up virtual check-ins when you are on the road. We will show you where we are asking for 10 out of 10 compliance and where a 9 will not derail things. With that kind of partnership, Invisalign becomes less a product and more a process you can live with.
On the other hand, if your bite is complex, your enamel is fragile, and your calendar is chaos, braces could finish more predictably. You can still keep things low profile with ceramic brackets. Calgary braces have graduated from shiny steel in many clinics, and the finish can be just as refined.
A small personal note from the operatory
One of my favorite Calgary stories involves a teacher who started aligners in August. She kept a case on her lanyard and a travel brush in the staff room. Her students asked why she spoke a bit differently in September, then stopped noticing by October. She hit every tray change on Thursday nights, wore elastics like clockwork, and baked cinnamon buns to celebrate her refinement set. We finished in 11 months. She wears her retainers three nights a week now and swears her coffee habit diminished just enough to help her sleep. Orthodontics did not change her life, but it changed a part of it that made everything else easier.
Ready to find out if you are a candidate?
A short consultation with a Calgary Orthodontist will give you clarity faster than a hundred internet opinions. Bring your priorities. Bring your questions. Expect a straightforward answer about whether Invisalign, Calgary braces, or a hybrid plan suits your mouth and your lifestyle. If aligners are right for you, you will leave with a plan that fits your calendar, not the other way around. And if braces are the smarter path, you will know that before months of tray selfies and wishful thinking.
Either way, straighter teeth are not just about looks. They make flossing simpler, reduce wear patterns, and can help your jaw work with less strain. If you want the smile to match the grit you use to scrape that windshield, you have options, and good ones, right here in Calgary.
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:
Facebook
Instagram
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
YouTube
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).