Calgary winters build character and great excuses for comfort food. They also test the discipline of anyone trying to manage orthodontic treatment around hockey practice, Stampede week, or a busy downtown commute. If you’re choosing between invisible aligners and braces, you’re not picking a gadget. You’re picking a system that will shape your day-to-day life for a year or two, plus the smile you carry for decades. As a Calgary Orthodontist, I’ve treated everyone from teenagers with stubborn canines to executives who’d rather not showcase metal in board meetings. The right choice is less about hype and more about fit, biology, and honest logistics.
What aligners and braces are actually doing
Orthodontics is controlled, sustained pressure on teeth and bone. Braces use brackets and wires to apply force continuously. Invisible aligners, like Invisalign, use a series of clear trays that nudge teeth in small increments, usually 0.25 to 0.33 mm per tray. Both rely on the same principle: bone responds to pressure through remodeling, which is why consistent wear is non-negotiable. Where they differ is how that force gets delivered, and how much cooperation the system needs from you.
The high-level decision factors
When patients sit down in my chair at an Invisalign provider in Calgary, we talk through five themes that predict success: complexity, compliance, comfort, aesthetics, and cost. None of these exist in a vacuum. Aesthetic needs might bend to complex tooth movement. Budget can be influenced by treatment length. The trick is honest evaluation, not wishful thinking. Aligners can do a lot, but they do not magically do everything. Braces can handle nearly anything, but they’re not the best choice for every lifestyle.
Aesthetic priorities and real-life visibility
Aligners are, unsurprisingly, less visible. In most social settings, no one will notice if you’re wearing them. You can pop them out for photos or presentations, then tuck them back in. Attachments change the equation slightly. These are small composite bumps we place on teeth to help aligners grip and move more predictably. Attachments can be visible at conversational distance, especially on front teeth, though they’re tooth-colored and not shiny like metal.
Braces offer options too. Ceramic brackets on upper front teeth can be relatively low profile. They’re not invisible, and they can be more fragile, but they soften the look compared to metal. Teens sometimes prefer metal simply because it’s straightforward, durable, and you can choose elastic colors. Calgary braces culture ranges from stealth to celebrate, depending on age and vibe.
If you need the lowest possible visual footprint for professional reasons, aligners usually win. If you can tolerate some visibility and want maximum control with minimal daily fuss, braces still have strong advantages.
Comfort, soreness, and day-to-day feel
Both systems create soreness after adjustments or new trays. In the first 48 hours of a new aligner, expect pressure and tender teeth. With braces, the discomfort peaks after wire changes, then settles. Aligners are generally less abrasive on cheeks and lips, although attachments can rub slightly. Braces can cause friction hotspots, especially in the first month. Wax helps. So does strategic saltwater rinsing.
Eating is where aligners often feel liberating. You remove them, eat what you like, brush, and put them back. That means no broken brackets from pizza crust or torqued wires after almonds. The catch is discipline. Aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours per day. Take them out for too many “quick” snacks and you’ll drift below 18 hours faster than you think, which slows or derails progress.
With braces, you eat with them on. That means mindful choices: softer bites, smaller pieces, minimal stickiness, caution with nuts and crunchy bread. Most patients adapt within a few weeks. If you travel often, are likely to misplace aligners, or forget to reinsert them after meals, braces remove a lot of temptation.
Complexity and predictability
Here’s where clinical judgment matters. Straightforward crowding, spacing, mild rotations, and minor bite refinements do beautifully with aligners in skilled hands. Modern software and attachments have expanded what’s possible, including some bite changes, crossbite corrections, and root torque. But certain movements still favor braces, particularly when multiple planes of movement and anchorage control must happen at the same time.
Situations where braces often shine:
- Significant overjet reduction that requires precise root positioning and anchorage Severe rotations of round teeth like canines or premolars Substantial vertical changes, such as intruding many teeth to reduce a gummy smile Complex extractions where space must be managed meticulously over long distances Impacted teeth that need chains and controlled traction
Aligners can handle many of these with elastic wear, attachments, and staged planning, but the risk of refinement cycles increases. Refinements are additional sets of trays to dial in final details. They’re common, reasonable, and often necessary. With braces, adjustments happen continuously through wire changes and elastic configurations. If you want a one-and-done system with fewer mid-course re-scans, braces can be more predictable in challenging cases.
Treatment length and the myth of speed
Everyone asks which is faster. The truthful answer: it depends on your biology and your case. Average comprehensive treatment for adults ranges from 12 to 24 months. Teen cases vary wildly depending on growth and the starting bite. Aligners can feel faster because you change trays every week or two, but the total number of aligners in more complex cases can be high, and refinements add time. Braces sometimes look slower because appointments are spaced four to eight weeks apart, but they are working every minute of every day.
Compliance adds another layer. A brace on your tooth works whether you feel like it or not. Aligners only work when they’re in your mouth. I’ve seen minor cases stretch months longer due to inconsistent wear, and complex cases finish ahead of schedule because the patient treated aligners like a full-time job.
Hygiene and oral health during treatment
This one is not glamorous, but it matters. Calgary’s dry winters and busy schedules can breed shortcuts, and shortcuts show up in gums. With aligners, oral hygiene is straightforward. You remove trays, brush and floss, clean the aligners, and move on. No food gets trapped against the tooth surface for long. That reduces the risk of decalcification spots, those chalky white scars that never fully go away.
Braces demand diligence. You need to brush thoroughly around brackets and along the gumline, and flossing requires threaders or water flossers. The rewards are worth it, but the system is less forgiving. Teens in particular need a frank conversation about snack frequency and brushing time. I’d rather protect enamel than win a speed contest.
Gum health also influences movement efficiency. Inflamed gums slow treatment and increase discomfort. Whether you choose aligners or braces, strong hygiene shortens your timeline and improves the final look.
Cost realities in Calgary
Costs vary by provider, case complexity, and length of treatment. Calgary braces and aligner fees typically fall in a similar range for comprehensive cases. Some practices charge slightly more for aligners due to lab fees. Others balance fees across modalities. Insurance plans often reimburse orthodontics as a lifetime maximum, not per modality, usually in the $1,500 to $3,000 range, though some plans are more generous. Ask about direct billing and payment plans. Good clinics budget for refinements in aligner cases rather than nickel-and-diming you for every tweak.
A red flag: prices that look dramatically lower than the city average. Orthodontics is not a commodity. Quality photos, 3D scans, precise planning, and regular supervision by a qualified Orthodontist are part of what you are buying. If something seems too cheap, you might be paying in time, predictability, or results.
Sports, music, and the real-life test
Calgary’s recreation culture is no joke. If you or your child plays contact sports, aligners pair nicely with mouthguards because the trays come out before practice. With braces, you can still wear a mouthguard designed for brackets, but impact can irritate the lips. For woodwinds and brass, aligners usually cause fewer embouchure issues. Braces players adapt, but there is a learning curve and occasional wax.
Frequent flyers should consider TSA checks, lost cases, and access to clean water in transit. Aligners are portable, but you must budget for cleaning and a secure storage case. Braces are attached, which simplifies travel. If you’re trekking in the Rockies for a week, aligners work as long as you plan the hygiene piece.
Eating and social life, without the wishful thinking
Aligners seduce with the freedom to eat anything. The trade-off is the ritual: remove, store, eat, brush, insert. Coffee sippers face a choice. Drink with aligners in, and you risk staining and warping from heat. Drink without, and you’re off-track unless you wear aligners more the rest of the day. Wine tastings, networking events, Stampede midway snacks - you can do them all, but you need a mental timer.
Braces require vigilance but not choreography. Avoid sticky candy, popcorn shells, very hard nuts, and gnawing on bones. You’ll learn the rhythm quickly, and your social life remains intact. Photo day at work is not the hardship you imagine. Most people are thinking about their own teeth anyway.
Precision of finishing and those last 5 percent tweaks
Finishing Calgary braces details separate a good result from a great one. We’re talking about root angles, bite contacts, and the way your upper incisors frame your lower lip when you smile. Braces give me granular control in three dimensions at the same time, which is why they’re a comfortable choice for complex finishes. Aligners can achieve elegant results as well, but if attachments are suboptimal or wear is inconsistent, we rely on refinements. It’s not a failure, just part of the system.
An experienced Invisalign provider in Calgary will plan for realistic staging, use appropriate attachments, and coach you on wear patterns that protect those final details. If you reach the last tray and a tooth still needs rotation, another scan and a short refinement set closes the gap.
Retainers: the part nobody wants to talk about but everyone needs
All smiles drift. Teeth have memory, and your bite changes subtly as you age. Whether you choose aligners or braces, you’ll leave treatment with retainers and clear instructions. Expect full-time wear for a short period, then nights indefinitely. For patients who know they’ll forget, a bonded retainer behind the front teeth can be a lifesaver, though it requires meticulous hygiene. Replace cracked or loose retainers promptly. I’ve seen years of work fade in months when retainers gather dust in a drawer.
Who tends to thrive with aligners
- Highly motivated adults who value aesthetics and can commit to 20 to 22 hours of wear Teenagers with responsible routines and supportive parents who can monitor wear time Professionals who travel and appreciate the ability to remove trays for key moments Patients with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or relapse after old orthodontic treatment
Who often does better with braces
- Patients with significant bite problems or multiple planes of movement Anyone likely to snack frequently or remove aligners often Teens who struggle with routines, or who lose things regularly Cases involving impacted teeth, complex extractions, or large rotations
A Calgary-specific lens: climate, commutes, and clinics
Winter dryness dries out aligners and lips. Keep a small case and a travel-size aligner spray or gentle soap in your bag. In very cold weather, don’t drink hot beverages with aligners in. Heat can warp trays just enough to derail tracking. Summer at the Stampede brings sticky foods and long days. If you’re in aligners, plan a rinse kit and a quick toothbrush in your pocket. With braces, keep interdental brushes handy to sweep away mid-day debris.
Choose a Calgary Orthodontist with convenient appointment options. Downtown locations help if you work near the Core. Suburban clinics along major roads are a gift when Deerfoot backs up. The best orthodontics is the one you can stick with.
The money-and-time conversation you should have at the consult
Ask three questions that reveal more than a brochure can:
- For my case, what movements are hardest, and how will your plan address them? If progress stalls, what’s your plan B within the same system? What does success look like at six months, and how will we measure it?
If the doctor can show you your digital setup for aligners, ask how attachments, elastics, and staging will make the tricky movements predictable. For braces, ask which wire sequence they expect and when elastics will come into play. A thoughtful plan doesn’t promise perfection. It anticipates friction points and plots a path around them.
Common myths I hear every week
“Aligners can’t fix bites.” They can improve many bites, especially with elastics and careful staging, but they’re not universal bite magicians. Big skeletal discrepancies still need comprehensive strategies that sometimes include surgery, growth guidance, or braces.
“Braces always hurt more.” They tend to cause more cheek irritation early. Aligners cause pressure soreness too. Pain isn’t the metric of success. Good pain control includes over-the-counter analgesics, wax, and a simple soft diet after major adjustments.
“Aligners are easier.” They are easier to clean around and look better. They are not easier if you struggle with routines. The easiest system is the one you will follow daily without fail.
“Braces stain teeth.” Braces don’t, but plaque does. Aligners don’t either, but trapped sugary drinks do. Hygiene decides this one.
A short story from the clinic
A young engineer came in with moderate crowding and a crossbite on one molar. He wanted Invisalign because his firm was bidding on a big project and he’d be in client meetings. We mapped a plan with attachments and nighttime elastics. He wore trays faithfully, clocked 22 hours most days, and used a reminder on his phone after meals. We needed one refinement set of 12 trays, plus two months of elastics to polish the bite. Total time: 18 months. He kept his meetings, no one noticed the trays, and his bite feels stable a year later.
Contrast that with a teen hockey player who loved sticky snacks and hated flossing. We started with aligners, but compliance fell apart during tournament season. We switched to braces with a protective mouthguard. He adapted, snack habits improved with help from his parents, and we finished in 20 months with a stronger occlusion than we were trending toward with aligners. The system fit the person, not the other way around.
How to decide without second-guessing yourself
Start with your priorities. Be frank about your habits. Consider the complexity your Orthodontist outlines. If you want invisible but your case is complex, ask for a hybrid plan: braces for the heavy lifting, a shorter aligner phase for finishing, or vice versa. If you’re set on aligners, commit fully to wear time and hygiene. If braces are your choice, lean into the routine benefits of adult braces and protect your enamel.
The right Invisalign provider in Calgary or a clinic that excels with Calgary braces should be comfortable telling you when each system will shine for your exact case. A good orthodontic partner is not trying to sell you the latest gadget. They’re matching biomechanics to your lifestyle so you can get on with your life while your teeth quietly move where they belong.
Practical pointers for smoother treatment
- Build a wear ritual. Pair aligner insertion with a daily anchor: after every meal and before any commute. Habits beat willpower. Create a travel kit. Case, small toothbrush, travel toothpaste, interdental brushes, and a couple of chewies for aligner seating. Keep one at work and one in your bag. Respect elastics. Whether used with aligners or braces, elastic compliance often decides whether your bite finishes beautifully or just okay. Track time honestly. Use the aligner app or a simple note on your phone. If you dip below 20 hours often, talk to your Orthodontist sooner, not later. Guard your enamel. Fluoride toothpaste, soft brush, and a no-nonsense floss routine. Consider prescription fluoride if your enamel marks easily.
The bottom line from the chair
Both systems work. Both can fail when misapplied. Aligners thrive when you wear them religiously and your case suits staged movements. Braces excel when complexity is high or consistency might be shaky. Calgary offers plenty of skilled options in Orthodontics. Pick a clinician who explains their reasoning, shows you your plan, and invites your questions.
If you live for coffee and client lunches, aligners plus a disciplined brushing routine might fit you best. If you prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach where the appliance works full-time, braces make sense. Either way, commit to the process, protect your gums, and wear your retainers like the future depends on it. Your smile does.
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).