If you are thinking about straightening your teeth in Calgary, you are likely sorting through options, timelines, and some understandable nerves. I have guided hundreds of patients through braces and Invisalign, from teens juggling hockey practice to adults fitting treatment around oil and gas schedules. The process is more predictable than it seems at first glance. It also rewards small, consistent habits. When you know what to expect, you can plan with confidence and avoid common detours.
The first conversation: consults that actually answer your questions
Your first visit to a Calgary orthodontist is a mix of detective work and planning. Expect clear photos, a 3D scan or molds, and a panoramic X‑ray. We look at the bite from front and side, check how the jaws relate, and measure the crowding or spacing in millimeters. The scan captures nuances that matter later, like the torque of upper incisors or rotations on bicuspids.
New patients often ask for a “ballpark” timeline and cost at the consult. A responsible orthodontist will give ranges and explain what could shorten or lengthen the path. A mild crowding case might take 9 to 12 months. Moderate misalignment usually clocks in at 14 to 20 months. Significant bite corrections, such as deep bites or crossbites, can run 18 to 30 months. Cost varies by complexity and whether you choose dental braces or Invisalign. In Calgary, comprehensive treatment for most adults and teens typically falls between the mid four figures and low five figures before insurance. Many clinics offer in‑house payment plans that spread fees over 12 to 24 months with no or low interest.
Do not hesitate to bring your real‑world constraints. If you travel to the oil sands for two weeks at a time, we factor that in. If your teen’s school schedule makes weekday mornings impossible, later adjustments can accommodate that. You are choosing an orthodontist for a relationship, not a quick fix. You want someone who lays out options and helps you steer.
Braces or trays: how to choose between dental braces and Invisalign
Calgary is firmly on the Invisalign map. Clear aligners handle a wide range of cases, and “Calgary Invisalign” is not just a buzz phrase. That said, braces have not gone out of style or effectiveness. The right tool depends on the case and the person wearing it.
Braces excel when we need precise control of root position, complex rotations, or vertical changes. They are always on your teeth, which cuts out the compliance variable. For teens who might misplace trays or adults with unpredictable schedules, dental braces can be kinder in the long run. Modern brackets are smaller than the ones you remember from the early 2000s, and heat‑activated wires are more comfortable than the steel of old.
Invisalign is discreet, hygienic, and flexible. You can remove trays for photos, instruments, and meetings. The tradeoff is responsibility. To stay on track you must wear aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. If your job involves back‑to‑back coffee and client lunches, taking aligners in and out all day can be a hassle. Some cases still need small attachments on the teeth and elastic bands. These are normal parts of effective clear aligner therapy.
There are edge cases. I have treated a saxophonist who could not manage brackets on the inner lip. Aligners solved that. I also had a patient with a deep bite who wanted aligners, but his lower front teeth were short and worn. We started with braces for six months to create a stable bite, then switched to trays for finishing. If you feel pulled in two directions, ask about a hybrid plan. A Calgary orthodontist who works with both systems can tailor the sequence.
The day you start: what happens at the bonding appointment
Starting braces is more like a long dental cleaning than a medical procedure. We polish the enamel, isolate the teeth to keep them dry, then place a small amount of adhesive on each tooth and set the bracket. Once brackets are on, we thread the first wire through and anchor it with tiny elastics or self‑ligating clips. You choose the color if you want. The first wire is a flexible nickel‑titanium that carries a gentle memory to guide teeth into alignment.
Your cheeks and tongue will explore every new edge for a few days. Most patients report tenderness rather than sharp pain. It peaks on day two or three, then fades. Over‑the‑counter pain relievers and a soft food plan help immensely. Expect to feel pressure but still be able to sleep and work. You will get wax to smooth any spots that rub.
With Invisalign, the first visit is easier on the mouth but heavier on instruction. We place attachments, usually small tooth‑colored bumps made of resin. These allow the trays to grip and move teeth in specific ways. We check the fit of the first few aligners, review wear time, and practice taking them in and out. You leave with a box of aligners, a case, and a schedule.
What the first month feels like
The first two weeks teach your mouth a new normal. Speech adapts quickly, even with aligners. Your bite will feel slightly off as teeth begin to move. That sensation is normal. For braces, soft tissue settles down after a few days. For Invisalign, your tongue learns the edges of the trays and attachments.
Eating becomes strategic. Cut apples instead of biting into them. Baguette can wait. Calgary’s love of steak pushes many new braces patients to order medium rather than well done, and slice thinner pieces. Curry and tomato sauce can stain clear ligatures on ceramic brackets, so keep that in mind if aesthetics matter.
Most orthodontists schedule the first follow‑up around four to eight weeks. If you wear aligners, you may change trays weekly or every ten days depending on the plan. Braces patients may see the orthodontist monthly to six weeks at first.
The middle stretch: steady progress, fewer surprises
After the first wire for braces has done its job, we step up to thicker wires that refine rotation and align roots. This is where the smile shapes, and teeth that were stubborn at first start to behave. Appointment rhythm settles into every six to ten weeks. Visits are short, often 15 to 25 minutes. If you drive in from Airdrie or Okotoks, ask whether your Calgary orthodontist can coordinate remote check‑ins for certain intervals. Some clinics use secure photos between in‑person visits.
With Invisalign, mid‑treatment is where discipline shows. Consistent 20 to 22 hour wear keeps trays tracking. If an aligner starts to feel loose or you see a gap between the tray and a tooth, contact the clinic early. Minor course corrections are easier at week 12 than week 40. You may get a refinement set partway through, essentially a second series of trays that fine‑tune movements. That is normal and built into most comprehensive aligner plans.
Elastics deserve their own mention. Rubber bands correct bite relationships, not just tooth positions. They connect from small hooks on brackets or attachments. Many patients worry they will be obvious. They are clear or beige and sit inside your mouth. Wear them as prescribed. The difference between 20 hours a day and “when I remember” can add months.
Oral hygiene that actually works in real life
Braces complicate brushing. Food hides in bracket corners and under wires. Calgary’s dry winters do not help either, since low humidity dries the mouth and can reduce saliva’s natural cleaning role. A simple routine works best. Brush morning and night, plus a quick rinse after lunch. Use a small, soft brush with a compact head. An interdental brush slides under the wire where a regular brush struggles. Floss threaders or a water flosser cover the spaces you will miss otherwise. Fluoride mouthwash before bed adds a layer of protection and helps with early white‑spot lesions if you are prone to them.
Aligner patients get easier cleaning but not a free pass. Trays trap what you eat. If you sip coffee with aligners on, the liquid wicks under and holds against enamel. That is a recipe for staining and demineralization. Drink water with trays in. For anything else, pop them out and rinse your mouth before putting them back. Keep a travel toothbrush in your bag or truck.
If you are out skiing Nakiska or at a Flames game, you are not hauling a bathroom drawer. Plan small. Sugar‑free gum for aligner https://blogfreely.net/maldorgtbu/speeding-up-orthodontic-treatment-calgary-innovations-g0q5 breaks, pre‑cut wax strips for a bracket rub, and a mints tin that holds elastics.
Appointments and life in Calgary
Weather and work schedules can derail even the best plan. Winter storms close Deerfoot, road salt chews through windshield wipers, and an appointment downtown is suddenly not happening. Communicate early with your Calgary orthodontist when you need to reschedule. If your braces wire is poking after a missed visit, use wax and small nail clippers to trim a tiny amount at home as a temporary measure. For aligner delays, extend the last well‑fitting tray for a few extra days rather than skipping ahead.
Athletics are common here. For contact sports, wear a mouthguard made to fit over braces. Boil‑and‑bite guards work in a pinch, but a guard fitted by the clinic protects better without pressing on brackets. For aligner wearers, remove trays for contact play and store them in the case. Do not wrap them in a napkin, because the next step is the garbage bin.
What affects how long treatment takes
People often anchor on the number they heard first. It is better to think in ranges with two variables that matter most: biology and cooperation. Some bodies remodel bone faster. Younger teens often move quicker. Adults can be just as efficient with healthy gums, but smoking and gum disease slow things down. Medication matters too. Certain anti‑resorptive drugs that strengthen bone for osteoporosis also make movement more resistant. If you are on long‑term medication, bring it up at the consult.
Cooperation is the one you control. Good elastic wear, clean teeth, and showing up for adjustments cut months off the calendar. Broken brackets add repair visits and usually cost you time. If you anticipate a period with less compliance, say busy tax season or a newborn at home, tell your orthodontist. We can adjust the plan temporarily and keep momentum.
Comfort tips that patients actually use
Expect occasional tenderness after wire changes or new aligner sets. Chewing on silicone chewies for a minute helps seat trays and eases pressure. For braces, warm saltwater rinses soothe irritated cheeks. Orthodontic wax is underrated. Dry the bracket with a tissue first, then press a small ball over the rough spot. At night, a soft silicone lip guard can help if you clench.
Diet tweaks are not forever. Popcorn hulls are the enemy of braces. Caramels pull at wires. Nuts are fine if chopped and chewed gently on molars. Spicy food can sting if there are fresh sores, but there is no rule against it. If hot beverages are your comfort, wait until soreness settles before tackling super hot tea with aligners. Heat can warp trays if it is extreme, so let drinks cool a notch.
Emergencies and fixes at home
Real orthodontic emergencies are rare. Pain that wakes you, swelling, or a wire embedded in soft tissue needs quick attention. Most issues are annoyances you can tame until you get to the clinic. Poking wire end? Wax first. If you can see a clearly long tail and feel comfortable, a clean cut with small clippers solves it temporarily. Loose bracket sliding on the wire? Leave it in place and avoid sticky foods. Broken elastic hook? Make a note and carry on until your appointment. Lost aligner? Go back to the previous tray if the current one is missing, then call for advice on whether to move forward or order a replacement.
If you are traveling, ask for a small emergency kit. I pack mine with wax, chewies, compact brush, travel toothpaste, elastic baggies, and a tiny orthodontic tweezer for elastics.
The day the braces come off, and what comes next
Debond day feels like a milestone because it is one. We remove the brackets, polish the adhesive, and hand you a mirror. Your teeth will feel strangely smooth. You will also see the real shade of your enamel for the first time without brackets, so whitening questions often come up. I usually suggest waiting a couple of weeks to let the enamel rehydrate and your gums settle before bleaching.
Retainers are not optional, they are insurance. Teeth shift toward where they came from if given a chance. A fixed lingual retainer bonded behind the lower front teeth and a removable clear retainer for the upper is a common Calgary setup. Some patients prefer removable retainers for both arches. The success is not in the type but in whether you wear them. Nightly retention after the first few months becomes a habit like putting your phone on the charger.
Expect a few retention checks in the first year. If your retainer feels tight after skipping nights, wear it more often for a bit. If you grind your teeth, ask about a retainer designed to double as a night guard. It is a small tweak that prevents cracks and wear on the new bite.
Costs, insurance, and practical planning
Orthodontic insurance benefits in Alberta usually have a lifetime maximum for dependent children and sometimes adults. Read the fine print. Many plans do not cover the full fee, but they offset a substantial portion. Clinics typically submit a pre‑determination so you have clarity before starting. Payment plans are the norm. Avoid anchoring solely on the lowest quote without understanding what is included, like refinements with Invisalign or retention visits.
There are small costs beyond the headline fee. Replacement aligners after loss, extra sets of retainers, or long gaps that need re‑scanning may carry charges. Ask upfront, and you will not be surprised later. If budgeting is tight, ask your Calgary orthodontist whether you can combine routine dental cleanings on the same day as adjustment visits to save time and travel.
A few local quirks that matter
Calgary’s dryness and winters make lip balm a brace wearer’s best friend. Keep one in the car and at your desk. If you commute on bikes during chinook days, beware of dry air and dust, which can irritate gums. For families with kids in hockey, keep elastics in the gear bag. They often go missing around tournament weekends.
Water is hard in many neighborhoods. Mineral deposits can cloud aligners. Use a gentle clear soap and cool water for cleaning trays, and avoid hot water that can warp them. A weekly soak in specialized aligner cleaner or diluted vinegar helps keep them clear.
What a Calgary orthodontist looks for during treatment
Each visit is not just a wire change. We track how the upper and lower midlines align with your face, not just each other. We check for black triangles and plan ways to minimize them, either by slenderizing teeth or adjusting torque. We watch gum health closely because persistent inflammation slows down movement and affects aesthetics. For teens, we monitor growth. If there is a late spurt, we can harness it. If growth is done, we rely more on tooth movement and sometimes jaw surgery in complex cases, though that is relatively uncommon.
For Invisalign, we look at tray fit with an eye for subtle lift, especially on canines and molars. We assess how faithful your bite is to the digital plan. If reality drifts, we re‑scan and refine. Refinements are normal, not a sign of failure. Orthodontics is not about luck, it is about adjusting to biology in real time.
A realistic path to a confident smile
Orthodontic treatment asks for patience and gives you daily feedback. You will feel tightness one week and notice a rotated tooth finally look straight the next. You will have small frustrations, like a wire that pokes on a Friday night or the day you forget your aligner case at an office lunch. Those are normal bumps, not warnings.
Most patients forget about their braces by month three and treat aligners like another daily accessory. The best part arrives when the smile matches the effort. Teeth line up, the bite feels stable, and chewing is easier. Photos stop being a worry. If you have been thinking about it, talk to a Calgary orthodontist. Bring your schedule, your constraints, and a clear picture of what you want. Between braces and Calgary Invisalign options, there is almost always a path that fits your life.
Here is a simple way to get started that keeps momentum without stress:
- Book a consult and ask for a digital scan with a printed or emailed simulation, plus a written estimate that lists what is included and what is not. Decide on braces vs Invisalign after hearing how each would address your bite, not just the front teeth, and how they fit your daily routine.
And once you begin, anchor on two habits:
- Keep your hygiene tight and your elastics schedule honest. Small daily wins shrink the timeline. Protect your investment with consistent retainer wear. A few nights a week today prevents drifting for years.
A well planned orthodontic journey blends expertise with your lifestyle. Calgary has a deep bench of orthodontists who understand both the technical side and the realities of Prairie life. Choose a partner you trust, stay consistent, and let the process work.
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:
Facebook
Instagram
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
YouTube
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).