If you live in Calgary and you’re thinking about straightening your teeth, you’re probably toggling between two familiar options: braces or Invisalign. Both move teeth with steady, gentle pressure. Both can deliver healthy, confident smiles. And both require a Calgary orthodontist who knows how to match treatment to your bite, your schedule, and your habits. The difference lies in how each approach meshes with your day, your budget, and your goals.
I’ve worked with families, teenagers in hockey gear, new grads interviewing downtown, and grandparents who finally decided they wanted to smile without hesitation. The right choice looks a little different for each person. What follows draws on that real-world mix: what actually matters when you balance orthodontics with Calgary life.
How each option actually moves teeth
Braces rely on brackets bonded to teeth and a wire threaded through them. Your orthodontist adjusts the wire’s shape and tension to guide teeth into position. Modern Calgary braces come in several forms: traditional stainless steel, smaller low-profile metal brackets, and clear braces made from ceramic that blend with tooth colour. The hardware is fixed, so it’s always working.
Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners that fit snugly over your teeth. Each set is worn for about one to two weeks, then replaced by the next set in the series. They’re engineered to make small, sequenced movements. Most cases also use small tooth-coloured attachments that act like handles to help the aligners grip and move teeth with precision. The aligners are removable, which gives you flexibility, but it also puts the responsibility for wear time squarely on you.
Both can be remarkably precise when planned by an experienced Calgary orthodontist. The choice often comes down to how willing you are to wear and care for the system you pick, and how complex your bite is at the start.
A quick way to frame the decision
For a lot of patients, decision-making crystallizes around three questions. Do you want something removable or fixed? How complex is your bite? How important are aesthetics during treatment?
That’s the elevator version. But the real decision includes what you eat, whether you clench your teeth, how often you travel, and if you’re likely to forget an aligner on a restaurant napkin. Those details matter as much as the technology.
What Calgary braces do best
I see braces shine in several situations. If you have significant crowding, rotated canines, or a deep overbite with strong muscle patterns, fixed appliances often deliver faster control early in treatment. Braces don’t rely on you to remember to wear them. Teen hockey players who power through long practices tend to do well with braces because there’s no aligner to keep track of in the locker room. For adults with stubborn tooth roots, the direct force transfer from wire to bracket is reliable and efficient.
Clear braces offer a middle ground for adults who want discretion without aligners. Ceramic brackets are less noticeable in photos and across a boardroom table. They’re not invisible, but they tone down the look significantly. You’ll still have a thin wire across the teeth, though your orthodontist can use a low-reflection wire to minimize shine.
Braces handle complex biomechanics efficiently. If you need vertical control, such as intruding upper front teeth to reduce a gummy smile, or if you have a crossbite or asymmetry that calls for elastic wear, braces provide robust anchor points. invisalign Mini-implants or temporary anchorage devices can be paired with braces to solve tricky movements, and yes, they can also be used with aligners, but the integration is often more straightforward with brackets.
Where Invisalign fits beautifully
When someone asks for a treatment that meshes with client lunches, airplane travel, and casual photos, Invisalign comes up early. Aligners look clean in person and essentially disappear in most photos. For people who care about discretion, that is a real benefit. Oral hygiene is easier with aligners because you can brush and floss normally. If you’ve had gum issues or are prone to plaque buildup, the removability can be a health advantage, provided you’re disciplined about wear time.
There’s also comfort. Smooth plastic edges reduce cheek irritation. You’ll still feel pressure with each new set, but most patients describe it as a dull ache that fades in a day or two. If you grind your teeth at night, the aligners function like a thin guard. That can help protect enamel during treatment.
Modern Invisalign, planned by an experienced Calgary orthodontist, can correct many cases that a decade ago would have gone straight to braces. We can expand arches, rotate premolars, level curves of Spee, and close extraction spaces in the right candidates. The key variable is compliance. If you reliably wear aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, you can achieve excellent outcomes.
A realistic look at treatment time
Patients often ask which is faster. The honest answer is that for mild to moderate cases, treatment length is similar, typically 12 to 24 months. Complex cases might run closer to 24 to 30 months, sometimes longer, regardless of modality. Braces can be a bit quicker for heavy rotations or severe crowding. Invisalign can be quicker for cases that rely on finely staged movements and consistent wear. Add-ons like accelerated vibration devices have mixed evidence and, at best, shave weeks, not months.
In real life, treatment time is less about the tool and more about the execution. Missed appointments delay braces. Skipped aligner wear delays Invisalign. A cracked bracket or a lost aligner can each add weeks. Patients who build steady habits see steady progress.
Daily life: food, speech, sports, and selfies
Eating is simpler with aligners. You remove them, enjoy your food, brush, and pop them back in. That means no food restrictions. Barbecue corn at a Stampede event, almonds on the trail to Elbow Falls, sushi with crunchy tempura, all fair game. With braces, you modify. You’ll avoid sticky caramels, biting straight into apples, and hard nuts that can pop off a bracket. None of this is unmanageable, but it does require attention.
Speech is a short adjustment for both systems. Braces can feel bulky at first. Aligners may soften some consonants for a day or two, especially if you have attachments on front teeth. Most people adapt quickly. If you present frequently or record podcasts, aligners have a slight edge because you can time new tray changes for quieter days.
For sports, both work. With braces, you’ll use a sports mouthguard made to fit over brackets. With Invisalign, many athletes wear aligners as a slim guard for non-contact practice and switch to a proper guard for games. If you play high-contact hockey, braces plus a custom guard is rugged and predictable.
Photos and events are where Invisalign tends to win. Aligners are discreet enough for weddings, family photos, or client meetings. Clear braces are also subtle, but the reflectivity of the wire is still visible at close range. Some patients do a hybrid approach, starting with braces to tackle heavy lifting, then finishing with Invisalign for detail work and photo-friendly polish. Ask your family orthodontist whether a combo is right for your case.
Comfort and soreness, the unvarnished version
Tooth movement creates pressure and a bit of inflammation, which equals soreness, especially in the first week of any orthodontics. With braces, you can expect wire-tightening days to be the sorest. With aligners, the first day or two of each new tray is the same story. Biting on chewies, lukewarm saltwater rinses, and over-the-counter pain relievers taken right after an adjustment can help. Orthodontic wax on braces softens hotspots. Nail buffers can smooth a rough aligner edge if needed, though your orthodontist can also polish them during a check-in.
How maintenance differs
Braces need diligent brushing around brackets and along the gumline, plus special threaders or floss picks to clean under the wire. You’ll spend a few extra minutes twice daily. If you already battle plaque, your orthodontist might recommend a fluoride rinse, a water flosser, or more frequent cleanings with your general dentist.
Invisalign makes daily cleaning straightforward: brush and floss normally, then brush your trays with a soft brush and cool water. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic. Keep aligners in their case every time they’re out of your mouth. The number one cause of lost aligners is wrapping them in a napkin at a restaurant. Calgary’s dry winters can make saliva evaporate fast, so aligners wrapped in paper tend to get tossed.
Office visits and schedule fit
Traditional braces appointments typically occur every six to eight weeks for adjustments. Aligners often stretch to eight to ten weeks, especially if virtual check-ins are part of your clinic’s system. Some Calgary orthodontists use remote monitoring apps where you submit quick photos. That can reduce in-person visits and help catch small issues before they snowball.
If you travel often or work irregular shifts, aligners can be easier to manage. Your orthodontist can provide several sets in advance, and you can carry the next trays in your bag. For braces, a broken bracket away from home means finding a local office willing to do a quick fix, which is doable but not always convenient.
Cost in Calgary and how to think about value
Fees vary across clinics and depend on case complexity. In Calgary, comprehensive treatment for adults usually lands somewhere between the mid 5,000s and mid 8,000s CAD, sometimes more for complex cases or surgical coordination. Braces and Invisalign Calgary pricing often overlap. Clear braces may be slightly higher than metal; Invisalign can be similar or a touch higher depending on lab fees and the number of aligners needed.
Most orthodontists offer monthly payment plans with little or no interest. If you have dental benefits, orthodontic coverage is usually a lifetime maximum rather than an annual amount. It’s worth having your clinic check your exact coverage before you decide. When comparing quotes, consider what is included: retainers, refinements for Invisalign, replacement of damaged brackets, emergency visits, and post-treatment follow-ups. The lowest sticker price isn’t always the best value if it excludes essential pieces.
Discipline and personality fit
I often ask a simple question during the consult: Do you want to think about your treatment every day, or would you rather it run in the background? Aligners require daily choices. You remove them to eat, brush after meals, and aim for 20 to 22 hours of wear. If you snack frequently, sip coffee throughout the day, or forget small items, aligners may frustrate you. If you like structure and checklists, you’ll do great.
Braces are steady. They work while you live your life. You’ll still have to avoid certain foods and keep them clean, but you don’t have to remember to put them in. For teens whose parents don’t want to nag about wear time, braces can be calmer for the household. For adults who prefer to control timing and appearance, Invisalign fits naturally.
Specific bite issues and which tool handles them better
Open bite from thumb sucking or tongue thrust: Aligners can be very effective, especially with attachments and careful staging, though you may also need habit retraining. In severe cases, braces with elastics or temporary anchorage devices can be more predictable. Discuss both routes.
Deep bite with strong masseter muscles: Braces often excel because they can intrude incisors and level the bite efficiently. That said, aligners can do deep bites well in disciplined hands. Compliance and case planning decide it.
Severe crowding with extractions: Braces remain the workhorse for closing extraction spaces predictably, though Invisalign has advanced here too. If you hear your Calgary orthodontist recommending braces for extraction space management, it’s likely a precision call rather than a preference.
Relapse after earlier braces: Invisalign is a popular choice for adults who had braces as teens and need a moderate touch-up. Treatment lengths can be shorter, often in the 6 to 12 month range, depending on goals.
Single-arch treatment: Some patients want only upper or lower adjustments. Either method can work, but your orthodontist will check how the arches meet. Moving one arch alone can create new problems if not planned carefully.
The role of the orthodontist
Technology matters, but the clinician matters more. A skilled Calgary orthodontist understands how to stage movements, manage roots in bone, and read your facial proportions so that the end result looks natural from every angle, not just straight-on. They’ll talk through trade-offs, outline risks, and set expectations that match reality. If you’re comparing clinics, look beyond branded names. Ask to see before-and-after photos of cases like yours. Notice how they discuss retention and long-term stability. Teeth can move at any age, so a solid retention plan is non-negotiable.
Retainers: the forever topic no one wants to hear about
Once treatment ends, retainers hold the result while bone remodels and soft tissues settle. It takes months for the internal scaffolding to stabilize. After that, teeth still respond to life forces: swallowing patterns, grinding, even how you sleep. Most adults wear retainers nightly long-term. Consider them part of your new smile’s maintenance, like flossing. Options include clear removable trays and bonded wires behind front teeth. Your orthodontist will match the retainer to your bite and your habits.
What treatment feels like the first month
With braces, the first week is a learning curve. Your cheeks adapt to the brackets, and you’ll use wax on any spots that rub. Choose softer foods for a few days. Cut fruit instead of biting into it. Cold water helps. After the second or third appointment, most people hit a rhythm.
With Invisalign, you’ll notice a firm hug on your teeth. Expect a day or two of new-tray tenderness every switch. Attachments may feel like small bumps on your teeth. Keep a to-go kit in your bag with a toothbrush, small toothpaste, a case, and travel flossers. If you’re in Calgary’s winter air frequently, drink more water; aligners feel more comfortable when your mouth isn’t dry.
Special considerations for teens and adults
Teens handle both systems well. Braces are simpler for school schedules. Invisalign Teen includes built-in wear indicators and extra replacement aligners for mishaps. If your teen is in drama, debate, or music, aligners offer flexibility around performances. If they love popcorn at the movies, that’s a braces hazard. Plan accordingly.
For adults, career and social life often tip the scales toward Invisalign. Clear braces are a strong alternative if you want fixed simplicity without a metal smile. Adults also tend to be strong aligner wearers because the goal is self-driven. If you have TMJ symptoms or clench your teeth, tell your orthodontist. Aligners can protect enamel, but bite changes need careful planning to avoid aggravating joints.
Clear braces versus clear aligners
Clear braces are ceramic brackets bonded to the front of teeth. From across a room, they blend well. Up close, you can still see them, and ceramic is a bit more brittle than metal, so your orthodontist may avoid certain wire bends early on. Clear aligners, on the other hand, are removable and cover the full tooth surfaces. The visual difference is that aligners make teeth look slightly glossier, while clear braces keep teeth’s natural texture visible but with a slim wire.
If your priority is lowest visual profile in person and in photos, Invisalign usually wins. If you want fixed simplicity but don’t want a metallic look, clear braces strike a good balance.
When a mixed approach makes sense
Some cases benefit from a two-phase adult plan. For example, you start with four to six months of braces to quickly derotate and level, then switch to Invisalign for finishing and detailing. This hybrid approach can combine the efficiency of brackets with the discretion and hygiene benefits of aligners. It requires thoughtful planning and transparent pricing, since you’re using two systems. Ask whether refinements and retainers are included.
Calgary-specific tips: climate, lifestyle, and practicalities
Dry winter air means more static and less moisture, which can make lips and cheeks feel sensitive early on. Keep a lip balm handy. Drink water often. With braces, a humidifier at night can ease mouth breathing. With aligners, a dry mouth increases plaque risk, so frequent sips and good brushing routines matter.
If you spend weekends in the mountains, build a mini kit for the car: orthodontic wax, flossers, a small brush, and spare elastics if you wear them. For aligners, store the previous tray as a backup in case you lose the current one on a hike or at a lodge. Your clinic can often mail a replacement set, but having the prior tray keeps teeth from drifting while you wait.
Two small checklists to help you decide
- Choose Calgary braces if: you want a fixed, low-maintenance routine; your bite is complex and your orthodontist recommends robust control; you or your teen are unlikely to wear aligners 20 to 22 hours daily; cost needs to be as predictable as possible without lost aligners; you’re comfortable modifying what and how you eat for a while. Choose Invisalign Calgary if: you want nearly invisible treatment in photos and face-to-face; you can commit to consistent wear and good habits; you travel or work irregular hours; you value easy brushing and flossing; you prefer fewer food limitations and the freedom to remove aligners for short events.
What to expect at a first consult with a Calgary orthodontist
A thorough consult will include photographs, a digital scan, and a 3D X-ray if needed to evaluate roots, bone, and airway. You’ll review your goals: esthetics, function, comfort. The orthodontist will discuss options with pros and cons, outline an estimated timeline, and present fees with what’s included. If you’re comparing multiple clinics, pay attention to how clearly they explain trade-offs and how tailored the plan feels. A family orthodontist who treats children and adults often brings a wider lens to stability and growth patterns, which can be helpful even for adult cases.
Ask three questions: What are the main risks if I choose this option? What could slow us down? How will we handle refinements or hiccups? Good answers here reveal experience and a commitment to clear communication.
The long view: stability and smile health
Straight teeth are easier to clean, which lowers risk of gum disease and decay. A balanced bite distributes force more evenly, which protects enamel and reduces chipping. Those are the lasting benefits beyond aesthetics. Whether you choose Calgary braces or Invisalign, success rests on similar pillars: a thoughtful plan, consistent follow-through, and retention. The hardware is a means to an end. The end is a smile that feels like you, looks good from every angle, and holds up over time.
If you’re deciding between options, book a consult with a Calgary orthodontist who is comfortable with both braces and aligners. Bring your questions, your calendar, and a sense of your daily habits. The best orthodontics choice is the one that fits your life and keeps you smiling, not just at the end, but along the way.
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).