If you live in Calgary and you’re weighing Invisalign against traditional dental braces, you’re not alone. I see patients every week who want straighter teeth without putting their life on hold. Some are professionals who speak at meetings, others are teenagers juggling school and sports, and a few are adults who wore braces years ago but saw their teeth drift. Invisalign can be a smart, discreet option, but like any treatment, it works best when you understand the process and partner with the right Calgary orthodontist.
This guide draws on real chairside experience and conversations I’ve had with patients and colleagues. You’ll find the practical details you need to decide whether Invisalign is right for you, how it actually moves teeth, and what life looks like during treatment in our dry prairie climate and busy city routines.
What Invisalign Can Do — And Where It Struggles
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to guide teeth into better positions. For mild to moderate crowding and spacing, it’s very effective. Overbites and underbites can often be improved too, especially when the bite issue is dental rather than skeletal. I’ve treated adults in their 50s who never thought clear aligners could correct their crossbite, and teens whose canines came in high and forward. The aligners surprised them with steady, predictable progress.
There are limits. Severe skeletal discrepancies, impacted teeth that haven’t erupted, and large vertical movements often respond better to comprehensive orthodontics with fixed appliances, sometimes combined with jaw surgery. Deep bites that require significant intrusion or rotations of cylindrical teeth, such as lower canines, can demand more chair time and patience. That doesn’t mean you can’t use Invisalign in complex cases, only that your Calgary orthodontist may need to add auxiliary tools like attachments, elastics, or temporary anchorage devices. The more complex the case, the more your provider’s expertise matters.
As a rule of thumb, if you can’t close your lips comfortably or your jaw feels off-center when you bite, you need a thorough orthodontic assessment before expecting clear aligners alone to fix the problem. A seasoned Calgary orthodontist can walk you through realistic outcomes, showing examples of similar patients.
How Invisalign Moves Teeth
Aligners move teeth by applying gentle, continuous forces through plastic trays that are changed frequently. Each aligner is shaped slightly closer to the ideal tooth position than the last. Attachments, which are small tooth-colored bumps bonded to specific teeth, give the aligners something to grip and help direct forces. Tiny adjustments begin within days. Most patients can feel slight pressure for 24 to 48 hours after starting a new tray, then it eases.
A well-planned Invisalign case begins with a digital scan and a bite record. Your orthodontist sequences tooth movements so they don’t compete. For example, we rarely try to derotate, intrude, and move a tooth forward all at once. The software can propose aggressive plans, but real mouths respond better to staged, biologically sensible steps. Good plans also anticipate root movement. Teeth don’t just slide across bone like chess pieces on a board. The roots must follow, otherwise you risk relapse or gum recession. Those details sit behind the clean look of the aligners, and they are where clinical judgment pays off.
What to Expect at a Calgary Orthodontist Consultation
Your first visit is part detective work, part planning session. The orthodontic team will take photos, a digital scan of your teeth, and likely a panoramic X-ray. Some practices add a 3D cone-beam scan for complex cases, especially when assessing impacted teeth or evaluating bone levels.
A typical initial consult conversation covers your goals, habits, and constraints. Want a camera-ready smile for a wedding in eight months? Have a history of clenching at night? Travel frequently for work? These details shape the approach. Your orthodontist will outline options, compare Invisalign with dental braces, and be candid about trade-offs. It’s a good sign when you see your own teeth on the screen with a clear explanation of how and why certain movements are planned. You should leave with a timeline range, a cost estimate, and an understanding of responsibilities, such as wear time and check-in schedule.
Calgary-specific Considerations: Climate, Lifestyle, and Timing
Calgary’s dry climate influences comfort. Aligners can feel drier in winter, which leads to a slight suction effect on removal and the occasional lip irritation. Simple fixes help, like a bedside humidifier, sipping water, or applying a neutral lip balm. The city’s active lifestyle matters too. If you ski at Nakiska on weekends or play rec hockey, a removable aligner can be convenient under a mouthguard, but you do need to remember to put it back in immediately afterward. Stampede season is another curveball. Barbecue sauce, red wine, and sugary cocktails stain attachments and create plaque. A travel brush and a few spare chewies in your pocket can save you grief.
Calgary’s school calendars and holidays often dictate when families want to start treatment. Many teens begin in late summer so they settle into the routine before classes ramp up. Adults often start in January as part of a health reset or when insurance benefits refresh. Good clinics in the city book up early in those windows. If you need a specific timeline, plan a consult at least a month or two ahead.
How Long Invisalign Takes
Most straightforward Invisalign cases in adults take 9 to 15 months. Teens with growth-friendly movements can be similar, sometimes slightly longer if erupting teeth are guided into place. Complex cases may require 18 to 24 months, especially when bite correction is involved. The number of aligners isn’t the whole story. Refinements, which are additional sets of trays after the main series, are common and worth it. They address small gaps, rotations, or bite nuances that show up once the major corrections are complete.
Wear time drives speed. Aligners are designed for about 22 hours a day. If you consistently fall to 16 or 18 hours, progress slows and accuracy drops. I’ve watched enthusiastic patients get months ahead of schedule by being meticulous, and I’ve seen timelines double when trays sit in a napkin during meals and go missing.
Daily Life With Aligners
The first week feels foreign. Speech can be slightly lispy for a day or two, and saliva production may increase as your mouth tests the new plastic. Your cheeks and tongue adapt quickly. Using aligner chewies for a few minutes helps seat trays fully and reduces sore spots. Most patients swap to a new set every 7 to 10 days. Shorter intervals count on high compliance and healthy tissues, while longer intervals suit heavier movements or tenderness.
Eating is easy since you remove the aligners. Hot beverages are the exception. Tea and coffee can warp trays and stain them, so either take them out for your morning cup or let the drink cool a bit. After meals, rinse your mouth and the aligners. A quick brush is ideal, but if you’re at a restaurant, rinse well and brush when you get home. Small habits like this maintain clear, odor-free trays and keep gums healthy.
Attachments, Buttons, and Elastics
Attachments often surprise people. They’re small composite bumps placed on teeth to improve control. They blend in, but they’re not invisible, and they collect stain if hygiene slips. Buttons are similar and may anchor elastics to correct bite discrepancies. Elastics are common in mid-treatment, especially for overbites or crossbites. Wearing them looks more complex than it feels. Most patients manage easily after a few days, and the mechanical advantage is significant. If your Calgary orthodontist recommends elastics, it’s not a sign the plan failed. It’s a tool to improve outcomes without switching to braces.
Pain, Pressure, and Comfort
Expect mild pressure for a day or two after each change. Over-the-counter pain relief such as acetaminophen usually covers it. Avoid frequent use of NSAIDs if you can, since some evidence suggests they may slow tooth movement, although the effect in real-world dosing seems small. If a tray edge rubs, a nail file or an orthodontic relief wax fixes it in seconds. Persistent discomfort can signal a tight spot or a tooth that’s moving faster than planned. That’s a call your orthodontist wants to receive. Tweaks are part of the process, not a burden.
Keeping Teeth and Aligners Clean
Calgary’s water is mildly hard in many neighborhoods, which can leave mineral deposits on aligners if you only rinse in hot water. Use lukewarm water and a clear, unscented soap or a non-abrasive aligner cleaner. Skip toothpaste on aligners. It scratches and clouds the plastic. For teeth, an electric brush with soft bristles and a fluoride toothpaste keeps enamel strong. Floss or use a water flosser once daily. The aligner environment reduces plaque in some spots but traps it in others. Gums tell the truth. If they bleed, you need more thorough cleaning or a check for overhanging edges.
Comparing Invisalign and Dental Braces
Braces still hold an edge for some movements, especially when roots need heavy torque or teeth must be extruded significantly. They don’t rely on patient compliance to the same degree. On the other hand, braces complicate oral hygiene and diet, and in photos they’re visible. With Invisalign, you’ll enjoy the freedom to eat anything, and you avoid brackets and wires that can poke. Speech impacts are generally milder and short-lived.
Costs in Calgary vary with case complexity. As of recent years, you’ll see a wide range, roughly from the low 4,000s to the high 7,000s CAD for comprehensive care, including follow-ups and retainers. Braces and Invisalign often price out similarly when you include the full scope of professional time and refinements. Insurance plans with orthodontic coverage typically reimburse a portion up to a lifetime maximum. It’s worth asking your clinic for a pre-determination letter to clarify benefits before you start.
Why Provider Skill Matters
Two patients with similar teeth can end up with very different experiences, and the difference usually lies in planning and monitoring. A seasoned Calgary orthodontist tailors the virtual plan, knows when to slow down a movement, when to add an attachment, and when to pivot to a refinement set early. They also watch your bite, not just your smile. Good providers aim for stable occlusion, healthy gums, and roots aligned within the bone. The result looks good and lasts.
Be wary of plans that promise fast, dramatic changes without discussing retention or bite stability. Clear aligners are powerful, but they are tools in a system that includes your biology, your habits, and the clinician’s judgment.
A Walkthrough of the Treatment Journey
From the first scan to your final retainer, the process follows a predictable arc with personal variations. Here’s a simple sequence most patients in Calgary experience:
- Digital records and 3D planning, including a conversation about goals, timeline, and responsibilities. Delivery of the first aligners, placement of attachments, and guidance on wear and hygiene. Regular check-ins every 6 to 10 weeks, sometimes virtual, to confirm fit, track progress, and adjust the plan. Refinement phase if needed, with new scans and additional trays to polish details. Debonding of attachments, polishing, and retainer delivery with instructions tailored to your case.
That final step matters. Retainers keep teeth where you worked to place them. Most providers recommend full-time wear for a couple of weeks, then nights only. Long-term, a few nights a week preserves alignment. Teeth don’t have a calendar. They respond to forces and habits. Nightly retainers are low effort compared to redoing orthodontics later.
Managing Travel, Meetings, and Social Life
Invisalign fits well around busy schedules. If you travel for work, carry your next set of trays and a case in your luggage. If a tray cracks on day six, switch to the next set early rather than back to the previous one, but let your clinic know. For frequent presenters, it’s helpful to change to a new tray on Thursday night so any lisp fades before Monday meetings.
Dining out is straightforward. Remove the trays, place them in a case, and sip water with your meal. Avoid wrapping them in a napkin. Restaurants throw out more aligners than you’d believe. If you do misplace a tray, call your clinic. They’ll advise whether to use the previous set, advance to the next, or order a replacement.
Teen Invisalign: What Parents Should Know
For teens, clear aligners work best with family support. Aligner compliance indicators, those small blue dots that fade with wear, can help parents and orthodontists gauge actual wear time. Teens appreciate the freedom during sports and band practice, and they like that school photos look natural. The flip side is responsibility. Lunch periods are short, and brushing after pizza isn’t always feasible. A quick rinse and a habit of putting aligners back in immediately go a long way.
Growth can be an advantage. A Calgary orthodontist trained in growth modification may pair Invisalign with elastics to guide bite development while the jaw is still maturing. The result can rival braces when it’s managed thoughtfully.
Bite Finishing and the Feel of a Great Result
Patients often notice cosmetic changes first, then bite comfort. A good finish feels effortless when you close your teeth and chew. If your back teeth don’t touch evenly at the end of treatment, your orthodontist may add a focused refinement or adjust the occlusion. Aligners can open the bite slightly during treatment, then it settles as attachments are removed and chewing resumes. Your provider should pay attention to both your smile arc and your functional bite.
Black triangles, those small gaps near the gum line between teeth, sometimes appear after crowding relief. They relate to tooth shape and gum contour. Mild cases improve with interproximal polishing and contouring. More significant cases may need bonding. Discuss these possibilities early. Setting expectations avoids surprises.
Working With Dry Mouth and Bruxism
Calgary’s climate and indoor heating can aggravate dry mouth, especially in winter. If you wake with dryness or clench at night, tell your orthodontist. Aligners can serve as a basic barrier for grinders, reducing wear on enamel, but heavy clenchers may crack trays more often. Switching sets on schedule still works, and some patients add a nighttime tray made from a tougher material once treatment ends. Hydration, a bedroom humidifier, and sugar-free xylitol mints during the day help with dryness and reduce cavity risk.
Invisalign During Pregnancy or Dental Work
Pregnancy isn’t a barrier to aligners, but gum sensitivity can increase due to hormonal changes. Keep hygiene meticulous and see your hygienist more frequently if your provider recommends it. If you need a filling or crown mid-treatment, coordinate with your orthodontist first. Changing tooth shape without adjusting the digital plan can affect aligner fit. A quick rescan and a small plan update keeps everything on track.
Choosing a Calgary Orthodontist
Look for a clinician who shows you case photos similar to yours, explains risks and alternatives, and welcomes questions. Ask how many Invisalign cases they complete each year and how they handle refinements. You want a practice that schedules you quickly if a tray doesn’t fit or if an attachment pops off, not one that leaves you waiting weeks.
Convenience matters, but expertise matters more. A clinic that invests in careful planning, precise attachment placement, and thoughtful refinements will likely deliver a result that holds up. Friendly, clear communication is a good sign, as is a team that teaches you how to manage real-life hiccups rather than promising a perfectly linear journey.
Aftercare and Retention: Protecting Your Investment
The most common cause of relapse is inconsistent retainer wear. Teeth shift slowly but persistently toward their original positions if you let them. Plan on nightly retainers for the first year, then taper as advised. Many adults happily wear retainers three to four nights a week indefinitely. Consider a bonded retainer behind the lower front teeth if your crowding was significant. It keeps those slender incisors in check. Bonded retainers require floss threaders or a water flosser and periodic checks to ensure the glue is intact.
Store your retainers in a case, keep them out of hot cars, and replace them when they loosen or crack. Calgary orthodontists can typically produce a new set within a week if they have your scans on file. Keeping your original digital records saves time and cost.
Cost Transparency and Payment Options
Most clinics in Calgary offer payment plans that spread costs over the treatment length with little or no interest. Ask about what’s included. The best plans wrap in refinements, emergency visits, and retainers. If a quote seems low, clarify whether it covers those items. Insurance coordination varies, but good administrative teams will help you submit claims and manage assignment of benefits when available.
If budget is tight, discuss phased care. Addressing the most visible crowding first, then planning a later phase to refine the bite, can be reasonable in select cases. Your orthodontist should explain the compromises honestly so you can decide based on your priorities.
When Invisalign Isn’t the Best Choice
There are times when dental braces win. Severe rotations, impacted canines that need traction, and large vertical corrections often proceed more predictably with brackets and wires. Patients https://donovannmbo102.lowescouponn.com/your-child-s-first-orthodontic-visit-calgary-expectations who know they won’t wear aligners consistently should also consider braces. That isn’t a failure. It’s wisdom. I’ve switched patients from aligners to braces mid-course when progress stalled, and we finished strong. The right tool is the one that gets you a healthy, stable result you can maintain.
A Calgary Snapshot: Realistic Outcomes
A young professional came in with mild upper crowding and a narrow smile. She wore aligners faithfully and used elastics for eight weeks to correct a slight overbite. Twelve months later, her smile filled out, and her bite felt natural. Another patient, a teenager with a crossbite and a rotated canine, needed attachments, interproximal reduction, and two refinement rounds. The case took 20 months. He finished with a balanced bite and healthier gums because crowding no longer trapped plaque. Both chose clear retainers at night. Different journeys, equally satisfying outcomes.
Final Thoughts for a Confident Start
Invisalign pairs discretion with effectiveness, especially when guided by an experienced Calgary orthodontist. The keys are an honest assessment, a plan that respects biology, and consistent wear. Daily life remains flexible. You’ll eat what you want, smile in photos without brackets, and watch your teeth transform month by month. If you bring commitment and your orthodontist brings skill, the process is straightforward and the result holds up.
Whether you lean toward Calgary Invisalign or traditional dental braces, make your decision after a clear conversation about goals, timeline, and maintenance. Teeth don’t care about trends. They respond to good planning and steady follow-through. If that resonates, you’re ready to take the first step.
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:
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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).