Every week in our Calgary clinic, people come in with the same mix of curiosity and caution. They want a straighter smile without feeling like they’ve stepped back into high school with a mouthful of metal. They’ve heard about Invisalign from friends or co-workers who quietly transformed their teeth between quarterly meetings. And they have questions, lots of them. The honest ones usually start the conversation: Will it hurt? How long will it take? Can I afford it? What happens if I forget to wear the aligners?
If you’re kicking the tires on Invisalign, this guide will walk you through the questions that come up most often in our consult room and at the front desk. It’s written from the perspective of a Calgary orthodontist who has seen the upsides, the occasional bumps, and the very real life constraints that shape a treatment plan.
Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?
Candidacy depends on bite complexity, gum health, and your willingness to wear the aligners as directed. Invisalign can successfully treat spacing, crowding, crossbites, overbites, and underbites, often as effectively as dental braces when the plan is well executed and followed. We see excellent outcomes in teens who are motivated and adults who prefer a nearly invisible option for professional or social reasons.
Where Invisalign is less ideal is severe skeletal discrepancies that truly need jaw repositioning, or cases where molars need large movements that require precise root control. Even then, modern attachments and auxiliaries can push Invisalign much further than it could go a decade ago. I routinely treat cases that would have been braces-only when I started practice, using techniques like precision cuts for elastics, optimized attachments for rotation control, and occasional short stints of sectional braces combined with aligners.
If you have active gum disease, uncontrolled decay, or irregular dental attendance, we hit pause. Healthy foundations matter more than appliance choice.
How long does Invisalign take compared to braces?
The honest answer is it depends on the complexity of the bite and your aligner wear. A simple case can wrap in 6 to 9 months. Moderate malocclusions often land around 12 to 18 months. More complex cases can extend beyond 18 months, especially if refinements are needed. That is not a flaw of the system, it is the reality of biology and movement goals.
Compared to dental braces, total treatment time is often similar for comparable cases. Invisalign occasionally finishes faster in patients who are meticulous with wear, because the aligner sequence is planned to move teeth efficiently in three dimensions. If aligners spend more time in a pocket than in your mouth, the timeline stretches, just as it does when braces patients miss elastic wear.
A Calgary-specific note: winter can slow movement when people drink hot beverages constantly and remove aligners for longer stretches. It sounds trivial, but ten minutes off three or four times a day adds up. See the wear-time section for realistic strategies.
Do Invisalign aligners hurt?
Expect pressure, not pain. The first 48 hours of a new tray are when you feel the most tenderness, usually a dull ache that ibuprofen or acetaminophen can manage. Tenderness fades as your teeth accept the new position. Buttons, also known as attachments, can rub your cheeks for a day or two, and edges sometimes need a quick polish.
There are a few tricks that make week one easier. Switch to a new tray at night so you can sleep through the peak pressure. Use chewies, those small cylindrical cushions, for two to five minutes when you insert the aligners to seat them fully. If an edge feels sharp, call your Calgary orthodontist for a quick adjustment, or gently smooth with a nail file if you’re out of town.
How many hours a day do I need to wear them?
The gold standard is 22 hours per day. That gives you time to eat, brush, and take a quick coffee break. There is some leeway, but there’s no getting around the physics: less wear means less movement. Think of each tray as a prescription dosage. Miss too many doses, and the medicine doesn’t work.
If your job demands frequent snacks or you graze while shuttling between meetings on Stephen Avenue, plan a routine. Cluster meals and drinks, keep a travel toothbrush, and set two alarms on your phone: one to remove aligners, another to put them back. The second alarm is the hero.
Will people notice I’m wearing them?
From conversational distance, no. Most coworkers won’t pick up on aligners unless they catch a reflection or you pop them out mid-sentence. Close family might notice the small attachments, which look like clear bumps bonded to your teeth, especially on the canines. Speech can sound slightly sibilant for a day or two after you start, then your tongue adapts. If you host podcasts or do public speaking in Calgary’s business scene, start aligners on a Friday and you’ll be fine by Monday.
How does Invisalign actually move teeth?
Your teeth sit in alveolar bone suspended by the periodontal ligament, a living hammock that responds to sustained pressure. The aligners apply controlled forces that prompt bone to resorb on one side and deposit on the other. Each tray makes micromovements, about a quarter millimeter or less, and the sequence builds those into the final result. Attachments act like little handles to rotate or tip teeth with precision. Elastics can be added to correct bite relationships.
Modern Invisalign software lets us stage movements intelligently, for example derotating a stubborn premolar before closing space so you don’t fight conflicting forces. It is not magic, it is biomechanics mapped into a plastic series.
What about eating and drinking with Invisalign?
Take aligners out for meals and anything other than cool water. Hot beverages can warp plastic. Sugary or acidic drinks trapped under the trays bathe your enamel in the worst possible way. If you want the occasional coffee with aligners in for a short commute, use a reusable straw, drink quickly, then rinse and reinsert. That is not best practice, but it is real life. Just do not make it a daily habit.
Hard, sticky foods do not break the aligners, they break your attachments. Popcorn hulls are the silent saboteurs, especially during Stampede nights. If an attachment pops off, call your orthodontist promptly. We can usually re-bond quickly and keep your plan on track.
How much does Invisalign cost in Calgary?
Most comprehensive cases in Calgary land in the 5,500 to 8,500 dollar range, depending on complexity, estimated duration, and whether you need refinements or adjunctive procedures. Limited cosmetic cases that focus on the front teeth can cost less, sometimes in the 3,500 to 4,800 dollar range. Prices vary by clinic experience, technology, and support systems in place.
Insurance through Alberta employers frequently covers a portion of orthodontics for adults and teens, often 1,500 to 3,000 dollars lifetime. Beware the wording. Some dental plans exclude adult orthodontics, while others require pre-authorization. Our front desk teams spend a good chunk of their week translating benefit language for patients. Payment plans are commonplace, with monthly options that spread costs over treatment. If you are comparing a Calgary invisalign quote to dental braces, the difference is often smaller than people expect, sometimes negligible.
Is Invisalign as effective as braces?
For the majority of mild to moderate cases, yes. For complex bites, it comes down to execution. Braces are mechanical and give us tactile control, especially for root torque. Aligners, with the right attachments and carefully staged movements, can produce comparable results, and they shine for expanding arches and aligning crowded incisors without wire pokes or food traps.
I sometimes recommend a hybrid approach. A short, targeted phase of braces to upright molar roots or fine tune torque, followed by Invisalign for the rest of the journey. Patients like the comfort and flexibility of aligners, and the final detailing with braces can be two or three months, not a full year. If you are a musician on 17th Avenue with a brass instrument, or a hockey player worried about gum cuts, aligners are easier to live with.
What does the process look like from start to finish?
Your first visit is a consult, not a sales pitch. We take photos, a 3D scan, and sometimes a panoramic X-ray. If you are a suitable candidate, we discuss trade-offs and options. The digital plan, called a ClinCheck, shows tooth movement step by step. We tweak it for biology, not just what looks nice on a screen. In Calgary, where we see a lot of narrow arches and crowded lower incisors, careful staging avoids jamming teeth against thin bone that could cause recession later.
Once you approve the plan, aligners arrive within a week or two. We bond attachments, place any needed buttons for elastics, and give you your first series. Most patients change trays every 7 days, some every 10 or 14 days depending on the movement. You check in every 6 to 10 weeks, sometimes virtually, sometimes in person. If teeth are not tracking to the plan, we rescan and order refinements. Refinement is normal. Think of it like tailoring a suit after the first fitting.
When the last tray seats perfectly and the bite is balanced, we remove attachments and take a final scan for retainers.
Will I need attachments, elastics, or IPR?
Most Invisalign patients need attachments. They are small, tooth-colored composite bumps that give the aligners leverage for rotations, extrusions, and torque. They are part of why Invisalign today can achieve movements that were difficult a decade ago.
Elastics are common when we correct overbites or underbites. They attach to small precision cuts in the aligners or bonded buttons and run from upper to lower teeth. Wear is typically night and some daytime hours. They are the unsung hero of bite correction.
IPR stands for interproximal reduction, a careful polishing between teeth to create tenths of a millimeter of space. It sounds scary, but it is controlled and gentle, and it preserves enamel when done conservatively. Think 0.2 to 0.5 millimeters between specific teeth, not shaving your smile. We use it to avoid tooth flaring that can happen when crowding is relieved without adequate space.
How do I clean aligners and avoid stains?
Rinse aligners when you remove them, and brush them lightly with a soft toothbrush and cool water twice daily. Avoid toothpaste on the trays, it can micro-scratch and make them cloudy. Soak them once a day in clear aligner crystals or unscented denture tablets for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse. Tea, turmeric, and red wine stain attachments more than the aligners. If staining becomes noticeable, professional polishing at your orthodontic visit clears it quickly.
Anecdotally, Calgary’s hard water leaves more mineral deposits on aligners for some patients. Rinsing with filtered water before drying helps, and an occasional white vinegar soak, diluted one to one with water for 10 minutes, dissolves scale without harming the plastic. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
What if I lose or break an aligner?
It happens. Dogs love aligners, especially golden retrievers. If a tray vanishes, call your orthodontist right away. We’ll decide whether to backtrack to the previous aligner or advance to the next one based on how well the teeth had seated. Keep your last tray for this reason. If you are nearing the end of the week and the next tray fits snugly, you can often move forward. If you are early in the cycle, we may reorder the lost tray and use the previous one to hold position. Most replacements arrive in a few days.
Travel tip: bring your current tray, the next one, and the previous one when you leave Calgary for work or vacation. Toss a small retainer case in each bag. I have watched too many patients hand their aligner to airport security in a napkin, then watch it walk off with a latte.
Can I switch between braces and Invisalign mid-treatment?
Yes, though it is better to choose well at the start. Life changes happen. I have moved braces patients who changed jobs and needed a discreet option, and I have moved aligner patients into short finishing braces for precise torque. Switching adds cost and time, but if the alternative is poor compliance, the switch is worth it.
How often are appointments, and do you offer virtual check-ins?
Traditional braces need adjustments every 4 to 8 weeks. Invisalign often stretches visits to 6 to 10 weeks because you change trays at home. We use remote monitoring where appropriate, with patients sending photos through a secure app so we can confirm tracking and advise on tray changes. In a city like Calgary, where winter roads can be unpredictable, virtual check-ins keep treatment moving when the Deerfoot is a parking lot.
Will I need retainers after Invisalign?
Yes, retainers are non-negotiable if you want to keep your result. Teeth are living structures, and the fibers that hold them in place take months to reorganize. Without a retainer, they drift. Most patients wear clear retainers full-time for two to three weeks, then nights indefinitely. If that sounds dramatic, think of it as dental insurance you pay in time rather than dollars.
For patients with a history of spacing, a bonded lower 3 to 3 retainer behind the front teeth can be helpful. It is a thin wire glued to the back surfaces and is invisible. It requires floss threaders or water flossers for hygiene, which is manageable with a bit of habit building. Clear removable retainers tend to last 1 to 3 years depending on clenching and grinding. Ask for two sets up front if you travel frequently or know you are rough on gear.
What are the biggest mistakes patients make?
The first is underestimating wear-time. The second is sipping lattes with aligners in, then wondering why white spot lesions appear. Third, skipping elastics because they feel fussy. And fourth, not telling us when a tray is not seating fully on a corner tooth. That tiny gap early on compounds into larger tracking issues later. We would rather hear from you at tray four than at tray eighteen.
A real story: a downtown analyst wore trays religiously on weekdays and relaxed on weekends. Monday photos looked great, Friday photos showed lagging tracking. We adjusted his plan to 10-day cycles and added chewies on weekends. He finished on time. The point is not perfection, it is transparency and problem solving in real time.
Is DIY aligner treatment a safe alternative?
Direct-to-consumer aligners cut out essential diagnostics. Without X-rays and a clinical exam, you can move teeth into unhealthy positions or tip roots out of bone. I have treated several patients who arrived after a DIY course with flared incisors and gingival recession that needed grafting. The upfront savings disappeared in corrective costs. A Calgary orthodontist who knows your mouth, your bone levels, and your bite patterns is not a luxury. It is the safety net.
How does Invisalign fit into active lifestyles?
Runners, skiers, and hockey players like the lack of hardware. Aligners are comfortable under mouthguards, and you are less likely to cut your lips in contact sports. For musicians, woodwinds and brass adapt quickly. Singers notice a slight change the first few days of a new tray, then adjust. If you work outdoors in cold weather, keep your case in an inside pocket, since very low temperatures can make the plastic slightly stiffer during insertion.
Parents ask about teens and compliance. We use wear indicators in some teen trays that fade with use. More important is choosing the right kid. If your teen cannot keep track of a water bottle for 24 hours, aligners might be a stretch. If they already manage a sports schedule and homework, they will crush it.
What about whitening during Invisalign?
Whitening gels can be used in aligners if the material is compatible, but we prefer to whiten after attachment removal for even coverage. During treatment, you can use a whitening toothpaste or mild whitening pens for spot maintenance. Heavy bleaching while attachments are on can leave small halos where the composite protected enamel. If your goal is a big reveal, plan a professional whitening in the week after your final polish and retainer delivery.
Are there risks or side effects I should know?
Any orthodontic movement carries a small risk of root resorption, typically minor and clinically insignificant. Good planning and conservative forces minimize this. Gum irritation is common if hygiene slips. Dry mouth from increased mouth breathing can raise cavity risk, so sip water and maintain fluoride with toothpaste or a daily rinse. TMJ soreness can pop up if your bite changes quickly; we adjust staging and elastics to maintain joint comfort.
Attachments can debond, trays can crack, a small percentage of patients develop canker sores. These are inconveniences, not disasters. The more serious risk is untreated periodontal disease before movement. This is why we insist on a hygiene check and, when needed, a periodontist’s clearance.
How does a Calgary orthodontist personalize Invisalign for our city’s patients?
Every city has patterns. In Calgary, we see a high number of adults in professional roles who prefer discretion and cannot miss frequent appointments. We plan for longer intervals, build in virtual checks, and tailor wear schedules around peak work seasons like audit cycles or energy sector reporting. Dry climate? We emphasize hydration and lip balm because cracked corners of the mouth make aligner removal miserable. Winter sports? We plan switch days around tournaments to avoid changing trays in cold locker rooms where plastic is less pliable.
And then there is Stampede. If you are hosting clients for ten days with barbecue and late nights, we stage a slightly slower tray change for that stretch and remind you that ribs plus aligners equals trouble.
What makes a great Invisalign result, beyond straight teeth?
Two things: a balanced bite and gum health. Straight teeth that collide incorrectly will chip and wear. We look at how the front teeth guide your jaw and how back teeth share forces. Cosmetic alignment without bite harmony is a short-term win and a long-term problem.
Gum contours frame the smile. If a tooth erupts too far during alignment, the pink architecture looks mismatched. We use extrusion and intrusion carefully to keep the gum line smooth, and we coordinate with dentists for minor gum lifts or bonding after alignment if needed. Final polish, enamel edge smoothing, and sometimes tiny composite additions bring the result from good to great.
Practical tips for day-to-day success
- Keep two cases: one in your bag, one by the sink. Aligners in napkins are aligners in the trash. Change trays at night, chew a chewie for five minutes, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed. Brush after meals. If you cannot, rinse vigorously with water and pop the trays back in, then brush at the next opportunity. Take weekly selfies of your smile and tray fit. Patterns tell the truth when memory gets fuzzy. Carry a small kit: travel toothbrush, toothpaste, chewies, and a retainer case. Calgary traffic will trap you at the wrong time without it.
What happens if my teeth don’t track to plan?
We reassess. If a tray isn’t seating fully, do not force it. We may extend that tray for a few extra days, add chewies, place a new attachment, or switch to 10-day changes temporarily. If the misfit persists, we take a new scan and order a refinement series. Refinements are part of the journey, not a failure. Plan on one to two refinement rounds in moderate cases. When we finish, the only thing that matters is the final bite and smile, not whether it took 34 trays or 48.
If you’re choosing between Invisalign and braces, how do you decide?
Consider your lifestyle, your bite, and your tolerance for maintenance. If you travel constantly, present frequently, and value easy hygiene, Invisalign suits you. If you know you will forget trays or lose them, braces are safer. For severe rotations or vertical changes, braces may be more efficient, especially early on. Many https://familybraces.ca/finding-right-orthodontist/ Calgary invisalign patients could go either way, and the choice comes down to comfort and discipline. A frank conversation with your orthodontist about pros and cons beats any marketing promise.
Final thoughts from the chair
The best Invisalign cases I have watched unfold share a theme. The patient and the orthodontist are a team. The plan is realistic, the wear is consistent, and small hiccups are handled quickly. If you are considering Invisalign, book a consultation. Bring your questions, your calendar, and your priorities. A good Calgary orthodontist will meet you where you are, map a path that fits your life, and tell you if a different approach would serve you better.
Your smile is personal. The tool is just the means. Whether you choose Invisalign or traditional dental braces, the right plan, executed well, will get you there.
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).