Ask three people how long their braces took, and you’ll hear three different timelines. One friend was done in 10 months, another wore them through two Stampede seasons, and someone else swears their Invisalign trays felt endless until the final retainer day. Orthodontics is like that. The end point looks similar — straighter teeth, a healthier bite — yet the path and pace vary, and not just by a little. As a Calgary orthodontist will tell you, the clock depends on biology, bite complexity, technique, and how closely you follow the plan.
Let’s walk through what actually determines treatment length in Calgary, what realistic ranges look like for braces and Invisalign, and the small decisions that help you finish faster without cutting corners.
What “done” means in orthodontics
People often picture “done” as the day the brackets come off or the final aligner snaps in. That’s only part of it. Orthodontic treatment has three phases. First, we make the movements. Teeth shift through bone that remodels and heals behind them. Second, we refine. Small tweaks close micro-gaps and adjust the bite for chewing comfort and joint health. Third, we hold the result. Retainers stabilize teeth while the tissues adapt. Skipping or rushing that last phase can undo months of work.
In other words, on-braces time and total treatment time are cousins, not twins. Expect the “active” phase to carry most of the calendar weight, then retention to run for life in a low-maintenance way.
The ranges Calgary patients actually see
Every practice’s sample is a bit different, but across family orthodontist clinics in the city, you’ll generally hear these ballpark figures:
- Mild crowding or spacing with healthy bites: 6 to 12 months, sometimes less if you’re using Invisalign and wear trays exactly as prescribed. Moderate crowding, mild bite corrections: 12 to 18 months with braces or clear aligners. Significant crowding or rotations, bite changes involving elastics: 18 to 24 months. Complex cases, impacted teeth, surgical orthodontics, or growth modification in teens: 24 to 30 months, occasionally longer.
These aren’t promises. They’re useful anchors when you’re comparing Calgary braces options or wondering whether Invisalign Calgary timelines are comparable to metal or clear braces. In straightforward tooth alignment, Invisalign can match or beat bracket timelines. In cases with complex vertical or skeletal issues, braces may still offer more control, although modern aligners with attachments and elastics can handle much more than they could a decade ago.
What drives the calendar: biology, bite, and behavior
Three forces set your finish line: what we start with, how your body remodels bone, and how consistently you follow instructions.
Starting condition is the biggest variable. Ten degrees of rotation on a lateral incisor sometimes turns easily, sometimes resists like a stuck jar lid. Lower incisor crowding of 3 millimeters often resolves quickly. Nine millimeters with a deep overbite slows things down. If a canine is impacted and needs to be exposed and guided into place, add months.
Biology plays quiet but decisive defense. Healthy adults move teeth just fine, though not as quickly as teenagers. Teens in active growth phases can change their skeletal pattern, which helps certain bite corrections finish earlier. Adults bring better discipline but less growth, so movement relies entirely on bone remodeling. There are exceptions. I’ve had a 52-year-old patient outpace a 15-year-old simply because she followed instructions religiously.
Behavior is the lever you control. Broken brackets and missed appointments create gaps in force application and extend timelines. With Invisalign, not wearing trays 20 to 22 hours per day slows or stalls movements and creates “tracking” issues that require mid-course corrections. Elastics are one of the biggest determinants of pace. When patients wear them exactly as prescribed, bite changes happen on schedule. Skipping or “mostly” wearing them adds months.
Braces vs. Invisalign: does one finish faster in Calgary?
Patients often come in expecting Invisalign to be faster because it’s digital. Others assume braces are faster because they seem stronger. Both perspectives miss the nuance. Digital planning helps map movements precisely, but teeth still move through bone at the speed your biology allows. Braces are not inherently faster. They simply exert continuous forces without relying on patient wear time, which is why they can be more predictable for some complex changes.
If the bite is healthy and the goal is aligning and leveling, Invisalign can finish in the same timeframe as braces, sometimes faster. For significant overbites, crossbites needing expansion, or impacted canines, braces often get you there more efficiently. Clear braces can be a nice middle ground for adults who want a low-visibility look without aligner wear discipline.
There’s also the Calgary factor: lifestyle. If you travel frequently, snacks between meetings, or plays rec hockey, each option has pluses and trade-offs. Aligners demand daily consistency but allow you to remove for meals and sports. Braces move even when life gets hectic, but you’ll need to manage brackets with a mouthguard and be more mindful of what you chew. The faster path is the one you can follow perfectly.
Treatment length by age: kids, teens, and adults
Children with early interceptive treatment, like expanding a narrow palate or guiding erupting teeth, usually see shorter “Phase 1” timelines — often 6 to 12 months. The second phase in the teen years still takes time, but interceptive work can prevent more complex corrections later.
Teenagers tend to have the fastest overall timelines for full braces or Invisalign. Growth helps correct certain bite relationships, and their bone remodels quickly when forces are well managed. The caveat is compliance. If aligners live in a backpack instead of the mouth, the advantage disappears.
Adults do very well with both braces and Invisalign. Expect the 12 to 24 month range for most cases. Adult braces are routine, and a growing number choose clear braces for aesthetics. Invisalign for adults works beautifully when worn as prescribed. Adults typically outscore teens on compliance, which helps close the biologic gap.
The Calgary calendar: seasons, schedules, and weather
This city runs on seasons. I’ve watched treatment stay on schedule simply because a patient planned smartly around holidays and sports seasons. Stampede can sabotage aligner wear if you spend long days on the grounds snacking and socializing. Winter dry air plus furnace heat can irritate lips around brackets, which encourages some to play with wires and cause breaks. Ski trips timed near wire changes can mean you miss an appointment window.
There’s a simple solution. Align big steps with quiet months. For students, start in early summer, get through the first month of adjustments before school. For parents, choose a start right after major travel. For adults navigating busy quarters, schedule around reporting cycles. Calgary weather also nudges your dental habits. Keep wax handy in winter, sip water to avoid dry mouth around brackets, and stash a clean case for aligners in every jacket you wear.
What a typical timeline looks like, step by step
The first weeks are all about adapting. With braces, you feel pressure and a bit of soreness the first few days after bonding and after the first couple of wire changes. With Invisalign, the first tray and each change brings gentle pressure and sometimes slight edge irritation that polishes away fast.
By the third month, cosmetic changes become visible. Crowding evens out, rotations start behaving, and you notice the smile line smoothing. This is when impatience can creep in, because the visible front teeth look “done,” but the back teeth and the bite still need coordinated movements. That’s why the second half takes as long as the first.
In months six through twelve, bite correction gets attention. Elastics come into play, and your orthodontist adjusts torque, angulation, and curve of Spee in braces, or programs refinements in Invisalign to fine tune. If you started with a deep bite or crossbite, this is when progress feels slower because bite changes are more subtle to the eye than crowding fixes.
For longer cases beyond a year, there’s a refinement or finishing phase. In aligner therapy, this often means a second set of trays to address micro-movements and polishing the bite. With braces, we switch to lighter wires, increase detailing, and sometimes use small bends to finish the occlusion. Patience here avoids relapse later.
Two timelines that surprised patients — and why
A downtown accountant came in with mild crowding and a narrow upper arch. He wanted Invisalign for a professional look. He wore his trays 20 hours on weekdays but slipped on weekends. At month five, progress lagged, and his aligners stopped tracking on a rotated canine. We paused for a week, added attachments, and gave him a stricter wear schedule. He got serious, wore trays religiously, and finished in 14 months instead of the original 10 to 12 estimate. The lesson: consistency beats any brand promise.
A high school hockey player had significant overjet and crowding. He chose clear braces to avoid aligner hassle in the locker room. He wore elastics exactly as prescribed and never broke a bracket, even through playoffs. He finished in 16 months — faster than projected, because compliance was perfect and we caught his growth window for bite correction. The lesson: the right appliance, matched to real life, shortens the journey.
How your Calgary orthodontist estimates your time
At the consult, we evaluate four elements: tooth alignment, bite relationship, jaw size and shape, and gum and bone health. We use photos, digital scans, and X-rays to model movements. If there’s an impacted tooth or significant jaw mismatch, we set a longer baseline. If the case is all in the front six teeth with a stable bite, we chart a shorter path.
Orthodontists speak in ranges for a reason. Even with good planning, we respond to your biology as it unfolds. A Calgary braces estimate of 14 to 18 months means that with average bone remodeling and good appointment attendance, you land somewhere within that window. If you miss two adjustments because of travel, a cold snaps a bracket, and elastics go on holiday for a month, the range grows. Estimating is a blend of experience, data, and your goals. Clear communication matters as much as clinical skill.
Choosing between adult braces, clear braces, and Invisalign in Calgary
Adults often weigh discretion, pace, and convenience. Invisalign wins for removable flexibility and low-profile aesthetics. Clear braces look clean and professional, and they avoid the discipline burden of aligners. Metal braces are durable and efficient, especially for tougher movements.
Here’s a simple lens: if you’re confident you can wear aligners 20 to 22 hours daily, Invisalign Calgary timelines should match braces for most cases. If you know you’ll snack often, sip coffee throughout the day, or struggle to keep trays in meetings, choose braces. If you have public-facing work and want minimal visual impact without removable trays, clear braces strike a nice balance.
How to finish faster without cutting corners
There’s no magic appliance that makes teeth sprint. There are, however, habits that keep your case on the fast track:
- Wear elastics precisely as instructed, not “most of the time.” For Invisalign, hit the 20 to 22 hour mark every day and change trays on schedule. Avoid hard or sticky foods that break brackets. If a bracket breaks, call right away. Don’t miss appointments, especially the refinement or finishing visits. Keep gums healthy. Inflamed gums slow tooth movement and muddy the bite.
A clean mouth moves faster. Calgary’s dry winters can leave gums cranky. Step up fluoride rinses and keep water nearby. Switching to an electric toothbrush and adding a water flosser is one of the best investments you can make for speed and comfort.
Do accelerators or lasers shorten treatment?
You might hear about vibrating devices, photobiomodulation, or micro-osteoperforations marketed to speed orthodontics. Some patients report faster aligner changes and reduced soreness. The evidence remains mixed. A Calgary orthodontist who uses these adjuncts may offer them in select cases, but they’re not a substitute for biology and compliance. If someone promises to cut your time in half, ask for peer-reviewed data and talk through cost-benefit. For most people, consistent wear and healthy gums deliver more reliable gains.
When timelines stretch, and how to reset
Treatment runs long for a handful of reasons. Teeth can be stubborn. Life interrupts appointments. A tooth surfaces from the gum in a different angle than expected. Aligners lose tracking and need a re-scan. None of this is failure. It’s the work doing its work.
When this happens, your orthodontist will often propose a course correction. With braces, that might be bracket repositioning, a different wire sequence, or revised elastic patterns. With Invisalign, a refinement scan produces a new set of trays aimed at the final stretch. The key is transparency. Ask what changed and what you can do to help. Most timelines recover quickly when plan and compliance align again.
Retainers: why the end isn’t really the end
If you think of orthodontics as sculpting in bone, remember that the sculpture lives. Teeth drift toward where muscles and habits push them. Nighttime clenching, tongue posture, and even the way you swallow can nudge teeth over years. That’s why retainers are for life, especially if you want a smile that looks as good at 60 as it did the week your braces came https://alexiscjak489.image-perth.org/calgary-orthodontist-early-orthodontics-and-interceptive-care-1 off.
Retention schedules vary. Many Calgary orthodontics practices use nightly wear for the first year, then taper to a few nights per week long term. Some patients choose bonded lower retainers along with a removable upper at night. If a retainer feels tight after a few skipped nights, that’s your nudge to wear it more consistently. The small habit beats a second round of treatment.
Cost, insurance, and the temptation to rush
Cost often rides alongside time in your decision-making. For Calgary braces, fees usually reflect case complexity rather than months on the calendar. Invisalign pricing likewise centers on the number of aligners and refinements anticipated. Rushing to save a month rarely saves money. In fact, short-changing the finishing or retention phases can make things more expensive later. If budget is tight, ask your family orthodontist about payment plans. A slower, well-managed plan is better than cutting crucial steps.
What to ask at your consult
A good consult sets expectations and trims surprises. Consider these five questions:
- Based on my bite and goals, what’s the realistic time range and what might shorten or lengthen it? Would braces, clear braces, or Invisalign be faster or more predictable for me, and why? How often will I need appointments, and what happens if I miss one? What’s the plan for elastics, and how will we measure progress? What retention schedule do you recommend for my case?
The answers will reveal not just the plan but the clinic’s philosophy. A Calgary orthodontist who explains trade-offs clearly and ties recommendations to your lifestyle is a strong partner.
The human side of the calendar
Orthodontic treatment sits in the background of your life for a while. It’s present but shouldn’t run the show. A carefully chosen plan respects your work meetings, your kids’ practices, and your weekends in the Rockies. Treatment length isn’t just a number. It’s a fit. When the appliance matches your habits and the clinic supports you with clear instructions, on-time appointments, and responsive help when something breaks, the months feel shorter, and the results hold.
If there’s one constant across thousands of Calgary smiles, it’s this: the finish line arrives on schedule when biology, biomechanics, and behavior pull in the same direction. Pick the method you can stick with, care for your gums, keep appointments, and commit to elastics or aligners like they’re non-negotiable. Do that, and the calendar becomes an afterthought — right up until the day you realize you haven’t hidden your smile in months.
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).