Calgary’s weather loves variety, and so do our smiles. Some teeth cooperate, some drift like a Chinook wind. That’s where Invisalign attachments come in. If you’ve ever wondered why your friend’s “invisible braces” include tiny, tooth-coloured bumps, or your own treatment plan mentions them and you’re not totally sure what they do, you’re in the right place. As a Calgary Orthodontist who has treated thousands of aligner cases from the Beltline to Panorama Hills, I’ll demystify attachments, share where they shine, and be honest about their limitations.
What attachments are, and why they matter
Invisalign aligners are clear trays that fit snugly around your teeth and nudge them in planned increments. They’re excellent at tipping a tooth and closing mild spaces. But teeth aren’t chess pieces you move in two dimensions. Rotations, root torque, vertical movements, and stubborn lower canines call for more grip than smooth plastic can reliably deliver. Attachments are the solution.
An attachment is a small, composite “handle” bonded to the tooth surface. Composite is the same material used for white dental fillings, so the attachment blends with the tooth. Each attachment is shaped and angled to let the aligner apply more precise forces. Think of the attachment like a tiny climbing hold for the aligner to latch onto, so it can pull, rotate, and lift with control.
Orthodontics isn’t just about moving crowns, it’s about moving roots through bone. To get roots where we want them, we need levers, pressure points, and predictable grip. That’s the real role of attachments. Without them, certain movements either take longer, work less predictably, or risk compromising the final fit.
How we decide who needs attachments
Not every Invisalign case needs attachments, and the internet has plenty of photos showing attachment-free smiles. Those are generally straightforward cases: mild crowding, small gaps, a couple of tipped teeth. Once you ask aligners to do heavier lifting, attachments enter the chat.
Based on clinical experience, the teeth that most often need attachments are lower canines and upper premolars, especially when they need rotation. Round teeth like premolars are tricky, since a smooth cylinder gives the aligner little to grab. Rotating them without attachments is like trying to open a jar with wet mittens. You might get there eventually, but your forearms won’t love you.
Vertical movements, like extruding a front tooth that sits a bit higher than its neighbor, almost always need attachments. So does torque, which is how we control the root angle. If a front tooth looks straight but the root is leaning forward, the smile can look “flared.” Torque corrections are subtle and important; attachments help aligners communicate those finer instructions to the tooth.
Finally, when we close larger spaces or advance lower arches, attachments help hold anchor teeth steady while others move. This is classic orthodontics: some teeth are the movers, some are the anchors. Attachments help us designate roles.
What do attachments look and feel like?
If you’ve never had one, picture a lentil glued to your tooth, tinted to match enamel. We bond them with a template tray designed from your digital scan, so each attachment lands precisely where planned. The surface is contoured, so the aligner clicks over it. Most patients can see attachments up close in a mirror, especially on upper front teeth, but they’re not obvious in casual conversation. People typically notice your smile, not tiny bumps on your teeth.
The feel is different the first week. Your cheeks and tongue are creatures of habit, and they’ll complain when you add new terrain. That fades quickly. The bigger sensation is the aligner pressure on the attachments when you seat the tray. You’ll feel that bite, the good kind of pressure that tells you the aligner is doing its job.
Bonding day: what actually happens
Attachment appointments are straightforward, calm, and take roughly 20 to 40 minutes depending on the number of attachments and whether we’re placing them on both arches. We start with a dry field. Saliva is the enemy of adhesion, so cotton rolls, cheek retractors, and sometimes a little suction help us keep things dry and predictable. We clean the enamel, place a gentle etch, and bond the composite through a clear template that positions each shape with millimetre-level precision. A curing light hardens the composite. When the template peels off, your custom attachments stay.
You’ll leave wearing a new aligner that fits over the attachments. We’ll have you practice taking the aligner in and out. The removal technique changes slightly with attachments, since you’re releasing the aligner from those little handles. Most people get the hang of it within a day.
Do attachments stain?
Short answer: they can pick up surface pigment, but less than you might think. I’ve seen strong coffee and turmeric leave a faint tint over months, yet with regular brushing and standard hygiene, attachments stay reasonably camouflaged. They are made of resin, not enamel, so they won’t whiten with bleaching gels the way teeth do. If an attachment does get stained and it bothers you, we can polish it during a checkup, or in rare cases replace it.
Aligners themselves may discolor if you drink coffee or wine while wearing them. That’s one reason we advise removing aligners for anything besides water. Calgary’s café scene is thriving, and I’m not here to separate anyone from good espresso, just from drinking it through aligners.
Comfort, speech, and day‑to‑day life
Most patients forget they have attachments after the first week. Speech is rarely affected beyond a brief adjustment period. The bigger day‑to‑day change is the diligence of wear time. Aligners need roughly 22 hours per day to track accurately. If the fit drifts because of inconsistent wear, attachments can’t help you. They’re levers, not a magic wand. The aligner must be seated fully, consistently, and on schedule.
Taking aligners in and out with attachments is a skill. Avoid yanking from the same spot each time, or you may loosen an attachment. Gentle fingertip pressure at the back corners, then along the sides, releases the aligner evenly. If an attachment does pop off, don’t panic. Call us. Depending on timing in your series, we’ll rebond it or note it for your next scheduled visit. One missing attachment for a few days rarely derails a case, but we prefer to keep everything as planned.
Why your aligner plan shows so many attachment shapes
When you see your ClinCheck or digital plan, it might look like your teeth are auditioning for Lego. Those shapes aren’t random. They’re designed for force vectors, and the algorithm suggests standard designs that we then customize. A beveled edge here might add rotational control. A rectangular pad there might add torque. Think physics. We’re not just moving teeth, we’re steering roots in three dimensions, and each little bump helps generate the right pressure at the right angle.
We also use attachments as anchors for elastics. If we need to correct a slight overbite or underbite, small cutouts in the aligners can connect to elastics that hook around buttons. Some buttons are bonded metal, others are composite. Elastics are old‑school Orthodontics meeting new‑school aligners, and they still work.
Attachments vs no attachments: when minimal is realistic
Everyone loves minimal. The cleanest possible smile during treatment is attractive. As an Invisalign provider in Calgary, I try for attachment‑light plans whenever they make sense. Here’s when we often go minimal: mild anterior spacing, small amounts of crowding limited to one or two teeth, and cases where only tipping is required. In those situations, we may place a couple of discreet attachments or none at all.
Where I resist minimalism is when it risks the finish. If you’re investing time and money to straighten your teeth, you deserve a result that holds up. Skipping needed attachments can lead to trays not tracking, mid‑course corrections, refinements, and longer treatment. The irony is that declining a few tiny attachments to keep things simple can create extra appointments and more aligner sets down the line.
Aligner tracking: the quiet make‑or‑break
Attachments only work if the aligner seats fully with each change. If you’re due to switch on a Thursday night and the new tray doesn’t click all the way down over an attachment, that’s a red flag. clear aligners Invisalign You may need chewies to seat the aligner, an extra couple of days in the current tray, or a quick visit. Calgary braces rely on wires and brackets for engagement; aligners rely on fit. That fit is everything.
We look for little signs: blanching of the gum when the tray seats, no air gaps near attachments, and no rocking when you press along the incisor edges. If an area starts to lag, we can add pressure points, revise attachments, or slow the tray change schedule. Smart planning beats stubbornness. Teeth move at the pace biology allows, not the speed your calendar wants.
The physics in plain language
Teeth move because bone remodels under pressure. On the side where we push, bone resorbs. On the opposite side, bone lays down. The aligner must control where the pressure lands, in what direction, and how much at a time. Attachments change the contact geometry between tooth and tray, which changes the direction and magnitude of force. A small bevel can turn a raw pull into a controlled rotation. A taller pad can provide a moment to tip a root without flaring the crown. That’s why two attachments that look almost identical to you can behave differently to us.
The size and placement matter. Too small, and the aligner slips. Too large, and it irritates soft tissue or makes removal difficult. We balance grip with comfort. We also account for enamel anatomy: some surfaces bond better than others, and old composite or fluorosis might require adjusted protocols. Calgary’s water is fluoridated, which helps enamel strength, but it can change etch response in some people. Small details like that add up to predictable bonding.
Eating, drinking, and social life
Attachments stay on during meals because they’re bonded to teeth, not to the aligner. You remove aligners to eat. Chewing with attachments feels normal. Crunchy foods are fine for attachments, but sticky candies can tug. If a chunk of caramel pulls an attachment off, it will also pull your patience off, so choose smart snacks. If something does pop off, keep the aligners in and call us.
Public meals are the most common anxiety. Aligners come out discreetly if you plan ahead. A small case in your pocket or bag, a quick rinse in the washroom, and you’re set. Calgary is a city that runs on lunch meetings; just excuse yourself for thirty seconds, no one will blink.
Cleaning and maintenance
Treat attachments like part of the tooth. Brush as usual, angle the bristles slightly around the edges to clear plaque. Interdental brushes help around attachments near the gumline. Floss normally. If you have a water flosser, great, but it’s an adjunct, not a replacement.
For aligners, use a clear, unscented soap and lukewarm water. Avoid hot water that can warp the plastic. Specialized cleaning crystals are useful, especially if you’re prone to buildup. Don’t soak aligners in mouthwash with dye, unless you prefer emerald‑tinted trays.
When attachments come off during treatment
It happens. Composite bonding is strong, but life is stronger. A pulled aligner, a crunchy almond, an energetic toothbrush session, even a grinding habit can shear one off. Call us. The plan dictates whether we re‑bond immediately or note it for the next visit. Time matters most in the first week after a new tray, when the attachment is crucial to the movement that tray demands. If you’re late in a tray’s cycle, we have a bit more flexibility.
If you notice repeated debonds on the same tooth, that’s a clue. We might tweak the attachment shape, roughen the enamel slightly for better adhesion, or adjust your removal technique. Patterns tell stories, and we listen.
A few case snapshots from Calgary
A downtown professional with mild crowding wanted the most discreet path possible. We used four attachments on the upper premolars and canines, kept the incisors attachment‑free, and finished in nine months. She wore aligners faithfully and said her colleagues never noticed.
A hockey coach from the northwest needed rotation on two lower canines and torque control on uppers. He started skeptical about “bumps.” We placed eight attachments total, added elastics mid‑treatment, and shaved two months off the estimated timeline by keeping tracking perfect. He’s now a walking advertisement, often while yelling from the bench.
A university student with a small open bite needed vertical extrusion of upper incisors. That movement is classic attachment territory. We used well‑placed vertical attachments and a careful wear schedule. She adapted in a week and finished with proper incisal contact that improved both speech and bite stability.
Why your friend had fewer attachments than you
Teeth tell different stories. Even siblings with similar arches can need very different plans. The shape of individual teeth, the thickness of cortical bone, tongue posture, and even chewing patterns affect the prescription. Instagram is not your diagnostic tool. Your plan exists for your biomechanics.
Also, technology evolves. As a Calgary Orthodontist, I’ve seen attachment design improve over the years. We now use more refined shapes, often fewer but smarter. The goal is always minimal necessary hardware with maximal control.
Refinements: not failure, just tuning
Refinements are additional aligner sets after the first series. They’re common, especially if we’re chasing precise root positions or detailing small edges. Attachments may change at refinements. We might remove some, reshape others, or add new ones to address movements that need more grip. Patients sometimes worry that refinements mean something went wrong. In reality, refinements are part of how aligner Orthodontics dials in the finish. Braces do the same with wire adjustments. Different tools, same goal: polish the result.
Retention and attachment removal
When treatment wraps, we pop off the attachments with a carbide polisher that slices composite without touching enamel. You’ll feel vibration, not pain. After a final shine, your teeth feel blissfully smooth. We take a new scan for retainers. You’ll wear retainers nightly, then taper as recommended. Retention is non‑negotiable. Whether you chose aligners or Calgary braces, teeth have memories, and retainers keep them honest.
When braces beat aligners, and why honesty matters
Attachments expand what Invisalign can do, but not every case belongs in aligners. Severe skeletal discrepancies, complex impacted canines, and certain vertical problems still lean toward braces or even surgical Orthodontics. I love aligners, and I also love telling a patient the truth about which tool fits the job. If you push aligners into a role they aren’t built for, you risk longer treatment, more refinements, and compromised outcomes. A skilled Invisalign provider in Calgary should offer you that straight talk, not just a sales pitch.
Cost and value: what attachments add, and what they don’t
Attachments themselves don’t usually change the fee. They’re part of the aligner system. Costs relate more to case complexity and expected chair time. A case with minimal attachments but multiple refinements can end up just as resource‑intensive as a case with more attachments that sails smoothly. The real value is predictability. Good attachments reduce guesswork and rework.
If you’re comparing quotes, ask about what’s included: number of aligners, refinements, in‑person checks, retainer sets, and post‑treatment maintenance. A lower sticker price with fewer included refinements or limited follow‑up can cost more in frustration later.
A quick guide to living well with attachments
- Seat aligners with chewies for 5 to 10 minutes after each change to lock in fit. Remove trays evenly from the back corners to avoid popping off attachments. Keep them clean: brush teeth and rinse aligners before reseating after meals. Carry a case, not a napkin. Aligners in napkins end up in restaurant bins. If an attachment breaks, keep wearing the aligners and call us promptly.
The Calgary factor: dryness, altitude, and busy lives
Our climate is dry, which is lovely for chinook arches and not so lovely for lips and cheeks. Dry tissues can feel more sensitive as they adapt to attachments. A bland lip balm helps. Calgary also runs on busy schedules. If you travel for work or hit the mountains on weekends, build habits that guard your wear time. Keep a spare case and chewies in your daypack. Drink water often. If you’re coaching at WinSport all evening, set a phone reminder to re‑seat aligners after snacks.
Choosing your provider
Orthodontics is both science and craft. The software suggests attachments, but clinical judgment decides which to keep, reshape, or omit. An experienced Calgary Orthodontist will look at the big picture: skeletal relationships, gum health, enamel quality, lifestyle, and your goals. Ask to see finished cases similar to yours. Ask how often they see refinements and how they handle tracking issues. A good Invisalign provider in Calgary should welcome these questions and answer without jargon.
Final thoughts from the chair
Attachments are small things that make a big difference. They turn aligners from gentle nudge devices into precision instruments. Most patients forget they’re there. The ones who remember tend to be the ones who skip wear time or chew sticky caramels. If your plan includes attachments, that’s a sign your orthodontist is aiming for accuracy, not Calgary braces just aesthetics on day 30, but stability at year 10.
Calgary braces or aligners, wires or plastic, the goal is the same: a healthy bite and a smile that looks right on your face. If tiny, tooth‑coloured handles help us get there with fewer detours, they’re worth the cameo. And since we’re Calgary folk, we’ll keep it practical, respect your calendar, and make sure your smile is ready for whatever the Chinook blows in next.
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
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Maps (6 Locations):
NW (Beacon Hill)
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SW (Shawnessy)
SE (McKenzie)
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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
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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).