Calgary has a talent for reinvention. Chinooks turn snow to slush in a morning, old warehouses become coffee roasters, and folks who once hid their smiles suddenly grin like they invented sunshine. Spend enough time in an orthodontic clinic here and you’ll see that arc up close, from the first tight-lipped consult to the day someone starts smiling at strangers in the grocery line. As a Calgary Orthodontist, I’ve had a front row seat to these shifts. Patients come in for straighter teeth. They leave with straighter stories: clearer speech, calmer jaw joints, fewer headaches, better sleep, and the kind of confidence that quietly changes careers, relationships, and habits.
This is a look at what those changes actually involve. Not marketing varnish, not celebrity makeovers. Real people, real trade-offs, real numbers. If you’re weighing braces or Invisalign and wondering what the before and after truly feels like in Calgary, step into the operatory with me for a bit.
The three kinds of “before” I see most
Most smiles fall into one of three patterns, sometimes with a little overlap. The cosmetic “crooked front,” the bite “off by a gear,” and the airway “crowding and clenching” story.
The first group is easy to spot. Crowding in the front teeth, a lateral incisor tucked behind its neighbor, or a canine that refuses to join the line. These patients usually brush well, but flossing is a war. They want photos that don’t require closed lips, and they’re often excellent candidates for Invisalign or braces with minimal attachments.
The second group has a bite that just won’t mesh. Think overbites where the top teeth cover the lowers like a visor, underbites where the bottom teeth jut ahead, or crossbites where one side chews fine and the other side feels wrong every time. Function matters here. Chewing, wear, gum recession, even affordable Calgary braces the way the jaw joint tracks. The fix may involve elastics, sometimes small bite ramps or a brief stint with expanders, and the after photos show more than straight lines. They show a bite that finally looks like a matched set.
The third group is quieter. They show up with chipped edges, tender chewing muscles, and molars wearing flat as a prairie horizon. Nighttime grinding, mouth breathing, and snoring thread through the story. Orthodontics doesn’t cure sleep apnea, but a better arch form and bite can reduce strain. We coordinate with sleep physicians for patients who need that level of care. The before and after may not scream transformation on Instagram, but daily life gets lighter.
A tale of two paths: Calgary braces and Invisalign
People ask me which route is faster, cheaper, better. The honest answer is that it depends. On teeth biology, on the bite, on how consistently someone wears aligners, on growth if the patient is a teen. The best Calgary Orthodontist for you will still need you to do some work, whether it’s wearing elastics or changing trays on time.
Braces are dependable. They move teeth 24 hours a day and don’t get tossed into napkins at lunch. They also collect food like a magnet if you rush the brushing, and they can leave white spot scars if hygiene goes off the rails. Bracket technology has improved, archwires are smarter than the old days, and porcelain brackets can be discreet. But you still need to use floss threaders or a water flosser, and you still adapt your diet around caramel and kettle chips.
Invisalign, when handled by a seasoned Invisalign provider in Calgary, can match the precision of braces for many cases. The aligners are clear. You remove them to eat and to brush. The trade-off is compliance. They need to be in your mouth 20 to 22 hours per day, or your teeth take a holiday. Some movements require attachments, those little tooth-colored bumps, and occasionally we use small elastics with aligners. For surgical cases or severe skeletal discrepancies, braces can still be the better lever.
Costs are similar across Calgary for comparable cases. Typical treatment ranges run from the mid four figures to the low five, depending on complexity and duration. Insurance often covers a portion, with direct billing available in many clinics. The question isn’t just price, though. It’s fit. It’s your job schedule, your travel plans, your tolerance for a bracket popping off during a hiking weekend, and your commitment to wearing aligners while you binge a show instead of letting them sit in the case.
What “after” really means, beyond the photo
Every before and after gallery has glamour shots. Front view, smiling view, side view. They matter, but they’re the surface. The changes underneath drive the health benefits.
Let’s start with hygiene. Crowded lower incisors are plaque traps. After alignment, brushing takes half the time and flossing feels less like threading a needle in winter gloves. We see bleeding scores drop sharply once the crowding unwinds, even if the patient’s habits stay the same. That alone lowers the risk of gum disease.
Then there’s wear. Picture a narrow upper arch where the lower front teeth collide with the backs of the upper front teeth. Every swallow and words like f and v nudge the enamel. Over a decade, that creates chips that composite fillings can’t hide. A corrected bite spreads the load to the molars where it belongs.
TMJ comfort is trickier. Not every jaw joint improves with orthodontics. But when clenching stems from unstable contacts, rebalancing the bite reduces the micro trauma. Pain diaries often show fewer flare-ups after we establish a consistent occlusion. The key is not promising miracles, only designing a bite with both evidence and experience behind it.
Finally, confidence. It shows up in small ways. Someone who used to cover their mouth to laugh finds themselves laughing without thinking. A job candidate stops dodging the headshot request and lands a client-facing role. That’s not magic. It’s alignment meeting intention.
Case notes from the chair
Names changed, details kept honest.
Mara, 28, software analyst in the Beltline, had crowding and a deep bite. She picked Invisalign because she presented to clients on Zoom and didn’t want the look of braces. We planned 14 months. It took 15, thanks to a mid-course refinement. Her check-ins were efficient. She wore attachments on six teeth and elastics nights only for eight weeks. Before: she hid her smile in photos and had bleeding around the lower canines. After: no bleeding, stable overjet, and a grin that shows three more teeth per side. She now flosses in under two minutes. Her words, not mine.
Jai, 16, varsity soccer midfielder in the northwest, had an underbite with a crossbite on the right. Growth was still active, which gave us leverage. We used braces, a palatal expander for four months, then elastics. Total time, 18 months. Before: chewing only on the left, chipped upper incisors, and a habit of jutting his jaw. After: centered midlines, even contacts, and the end of that forward thrust. He smiles in team photos rather than scowling. His coach noticed before his mom did.
Soraya, 43, accountant and new runner, arrived with jaw tension and front tooth wear. Her schedule was brutal during tax season, so she needed flexible visits. Invisalign made sense, with buttons and precision cuts for elastics. We also coordinated with her dentist for nightguard planning after movement. Before: 6 out of 28 teeth had chipping, headaches twice a week. After: fewer clench triggers, chips repaired, and headaches reported once every couple of weeks. She still uses a nightguard. Orthodontics improved the situation, it didn’t erase stress.
The small Calgary quirks that shape treatment
Our dry winters matter. Lips crack, aligners feel tighter in heated offices, elastic bands snap more easily. Patients who keep a simple routine do better: water bottle at the desk, lip balm in the bag, and a spare set of elastics in the car. Chinooks add their own twist. Sensitive teeth can twinge when pressure changes roll in. It’s short lived, but if you know it’s coming you won’t panic.
Commuting across Deerfoot to appointments is annoying at rush hour. We schedule intelligently. Early mornings book fast for a reason. Remote check-ins help, and for Invisalign we can sometimes stretch intervals to 10 to 12 weeks with photo updates, as long as you’re moving predictably.
Hockey and braces are a spicy mix. Mouthguards are non negotiable. Custom guards for braces are different from the boil and bite kind you wore in bantam, so plan a fitting once your initial soreness eases.
What the first week feels like
The honest play-by-play helps. Day one with Calgary braces feels like you taped a Lego piece to each tooth. The pressure is dull at first, then builds. Chewing soft foods for a couple of days, saltwater rinses, and a spoonful of patience work wonders. Wax becomes your new best friend. Ulcers on the inside of the cheeks usually settle after a week as the tissue toughens.
With Invisalign, day one is stealthy. The aligners press in the right places, like a thumb on a doorknob, and your tongue discovers every edge. Speech adapts in 24 to 48 hours. Attachments, once bonded, make the aligners more tactile. Keep the case within reach, because aligners and napkins are sworn enemies.
For both, pain peaks at 24 to 48 hours and drops off. Over-the-counter pain relief helps. Most people do not miss work or school. You’ll brush more often and drink more water. Coffee drinkers learn to sip faster or embrace the joy of removing aligners for a proper mug.
The Invisalign provider in Calgary question
People often ask whether every provider’s results are the same. They’re not. Aligners are a tool. The plan behind them is the craft. A provider who diagnoses with a broad eye, watches the bite not just the front teeth, and refines without ego tends to deliver finishes that age well. It’s not about the brand alone. It’s about experience with attachments, interproximal reduction when needed, anchorage strategies, and realistic staging. In Calgary, you’ll find seasoned providers across the city. The consultation is your audition process for us, and for you.
Calgary braces etiquette, learned the hard way
If you choose braces, you’ll get more compliments than you expect. Adults often whisper they wish they’d done it sooner. Kids will absolutely ask what color you picked. Keep a travel toothbrush at work. Spinach and brackets have a strong relationship.
Broken brackets happen. They’re not catastrophic. If one pops off the last molar, call us and we’ll advise whether to come in immediately or wait until your next visit. Dental wax can tame a poke from a wire that’s gone wild. Elastics only work if they’re on, so make it muscle memory. Shower, brush, elastics, done.
Retainers: the unsung heroes, and how to actually keep the result
Relapse is not an urban legend. Teeth move for life, just as hair insists on its own part. Retainers are the seatbelt that prevents your beautiful after from drifting back toward before. There are two main types, fixed and removable. We often use a bonded wire behind the lower front teeth and a clear removable retainer for the upper. The removable needs nightly wear for the first six months to a year, then many people drop to a few nights a week. Skip too long and it gets tight, which is the retainer telling you it still matters.
If you grind, your upper retainer may double as a nightguard, or we coordinate a separate guard that preserves the bite. If a retainer cracks, do not wait months. Call. It’s cheaper to replace a retainer than to fix shifted teeth. Calgary is dry enough that clear retainers can cloud fast if you don’t rinse and brush them gently. Avoid hot water, and keep them away from curious dogs.
Why some cases still need extra help
Occasionally, orthodontics is one player on a bigger team. Impacted canines may need a short surgery to guide them into place. Severe skeletal discrepancies might benefit from orthognathic surgery in adulthood, timed when growth has finished. Gum recession around thin biotypes could require a periodontist’s input before or after tooth movement. We don’t drag teeth through tissue that won’t support them. We stage, we watch, we consult. Calgary has excellent specialists, and good collaboration speeds recovery and improves long-term stability.
Timeframes that hold up in real life
Most comprehensive treatments run 12 to 24 months. Simple alignment-only cases can finish in 6 to 10 months with disciplined aligner wear. Crossbites, open bites, and significant rotations push toward the longer end. Teens move a touch faster when growth helps, adults a touch slower, but the difference is smaller than you’d guess if compliance is strong.
Appointment intervals vary. Braces typically need adjustments every 6 to 10 weeks. Invisalign can space to 8 to 12 weeks with virtual checks in between. Life happens, and a missed visit doesn’t doom a case, but momentum matters. The patients who make steady, small progress without big gaps end up finishing cleanly and on time.
What people don’t expect, in a good way
They don’t expect that their lips will look fuller when the teeth support them properly, without filler or filters. They don’t expect their s’s to sound crisper, even if they’d never noticed a lisp. They don’t expect that straightening a single rotated premolar reduces a food trap that used to catch popcorn hulls every movie night. They don’t expect how quickly friends adapt, compliment them once, then stop noticing. Your smile becomes yours again, not a project.
When not to start, and what to do instead
If your gums bleed heavily and pockets are deep, focus on periodontal care first. If you travel constantly and can’t commit to consistent visits or aligner wear, consider a lighter plan or wait for a calmer season. If your health is in flux due to pregnancy or complex medical treatment, discuss timing and medications with your care team. Orthodontics works best when it’s not fighting on multiple fronts. We will still give you a roadmap even if now isn’t the month to begin. A great Calgary Orthodontist won’t rush the starting line.
The money talk, without fluff
For full treatment, Calgary braces and Invisalign often land between 5,000 and 8,500 dollars, anchored to complexity, time, and add-ons like appliances. Limited cosmetic corrections can be lower. Insurance plans commonly cover a lifetime orthodontic maximum, often in the 1,500 to 3,000 range, with direct billing easing the process. Most clinics offer payment plans that spread over the treatment timeline with little or no interest. Retainers are usually included, sometimes with a backup at a small cost. Ask for a written plan that itemizes everything, including what happens if you lose a retainer at a Stampede pancake breakfast.
The two habits that separate stellar results from so-so
- Wear what we ask you to wear, as much as we ask you to wear it. Aligners need hours. Elastics need consistency. Skipping weekends can add months. Brush like you mean it. Two minutes, twice daily, plus a quick clean after lunch if you can. Add a water flosser if you have braces. Teeth move better in healthy gums.
A few practical comparisons to help you choose
- Visibility: Invisalign is quieter in photos. Clear braces are discreet in person, but not invisible. Metal braces reflect light and are unapologetically braces. Food: Invisalign lets you eat anything, since you remove trays. Braces require avoiding sticky, hard foods. Hot wings, fine. Toffee apples, no thanks. Responsibility: Invisalign asks for discipline. Braces ask for patience and meticulous cleaning. Pick your challenge. Repairs: A lost aligner can be replaced or you can advance or revert a tray with guidance. A broken bracket needs a chair visit. Soreness cycle: Braces give you a few sore days after adjustments. Invisalign gives you a smaller bump every new tray, often weekly.
Before and after, Calgary-style
There’s a moment at the end of treatment that always gets me. We take the final photos, scan for retainers, polish the enamel. The patient looks in the mirror and tilts their head a little, testing angles they used to avoid. The room goes quiet for a beat, then they laugh. That sound feels like summer, even in February.
Your before is personal. Maybe it’s a canine that never cooperated, a bite that wears you down, or a smile you’ve kept small to stay safe. Your after doesn’t need to be perfect to be life changing. Orthodontics is a partnership, equal parts science and daily habit, with a dash of stubborn optimism. In Calgary, we add a touch of practicality and a decent coat for the walk from the car in January.
If you’re ready to explore, bring your questions. Bring your coffee. Bring the photo you like least and the one you’d like to take next. Whether you lean toward Invisalign or Calgary braces, whether your case is a quick polish or a full rebuild, the transformation is doable and worth it. Teeth don’t care how old you are. They care that you show up, one appointment, one aligner, one elastic at a time. And when you do, your smile learns a new language: one that says yes, without hesitation.
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).