Calgary is a city of hikers, skiers, and commuters who count winter in months, not weeks. That matters more than you’d think when you are planning orthodontic treatment. Teeth don’t move in a vacuum. They move in real life, with coffee on early mornings, chin guards for hockey practice, business meetings, and the odd chinstrap from a snowboard spill. The right Calgary orthodontist will help you set clear goals, build a timeline that fits your calendar, and choose a plan that makes sense for your teeth and your lifestyle. Good outcomes start with honest expectations.
Below, I will walk through how experienced orthodontists frame treatment planning, what to look for at a consultation, and how to decide between dental braces and options like Calgary Invisalign. I will also share what most people forget to ask and the handful of things that derail otherwise smooth cases.
What you can expect from a first visit
A productive first appointment feels a little like an interview on both sides. You want to see how the orthodontist thinks, and they want to understand what success looks like for you. A thorough Calgary orthodontist will start with photos, a panoramic X‑ray or 3D scan, and a bite assessment. They will ask about headaches, grinding, breathing habits, and any dental history that might complicate movement, such as gum recession or prior root canals.
You should walk out with three things: a diagnosis in plain language, a proposed treatment sequence, and a realistic time range. Good clinicians avoid sweeping promises. If your dentist told you that “Invisalign will fix everything in six months,” a seasoned orthodontist might pause. Aligners excel in many cases, but not all, and time depends on biology, not wishful thinking. Expect a window, not a single date. For mild crowding, that might be 6 to 10 months. Moderate bite correction might stretch to 12 to 18 months. Severe skeletal discrepancies can require two years and, in rare cases, surgery.
The other unglamorous topic is cost. Pricing in Calgary varies by case complexity, materials, and lab fees for aligners. You will often see a range rather than a set sticker. Ask what is included. Some clinics bundle refinements, retainers, and emergency visits, while others price them à la carte. Understanding this upfront helps you compare apples to apples.
Defining “smile goals” in a way that holds up
Smile goals need to live in the real world. “Straighter teeth” is too vague. By contrast, “close the gap between upper incisors, reduce crowding on the bottom, and improve the overjet so my front teeth don’t stick out” gives both you and your orthodontist a target. One Calgary engineer I worked with cared less about perfect midlines and more about not chipping his front tooth on a fork anymore. Another patient, a wedding photographer, wanted a broader smile frame for symmetry in pictures. These aren’t vanity points. They guide mechanics and sequence.
Think in layers. Cosmetic goals sit at the front: alignment, spacing, smile arc, and how much gum shows when you grin. Functional goals matter as much: chewing efficiency, reduced jaw strain, and stable contacts so teeth don’t drift back. Longevity goals matter most in the long run: healthy gums, minimal root risk, and a bite that resists relapse.
Your orthodontist will explain trade‑offs. For example, closing spaces can flatten a smile if lip support is already thin. Expanding arches can fill the smile but might strain periodontal tissues if bone is thin. Clear aligners can be almost invisible, but if you hate wearing attachments on the front teeth, we may accept a slightly longer timeline or stage movements differently. That kind of grown‑up conversation saves frustration later.
Braces versus Invisalign, without the marketing gloss
Both fixed dental braces and Invisalign can deliver excellent results. The choice often comes down to biomechanics, compliance, and the fine print of your priorities.
Braces give your orthodontist immediate control. They are always on your teeth, applying gentle forces around the clock, and they don’t rely on you remembering to wear them. They shine with rotations of conical teeth, significant vertical movements, and some challenging bite corrections. If you play contact sports, your orthodontist will recommend a mouthguard, and during hockey season you will want that guard in your bag next to your tape and laces. Expect adjustments every 6 to 10 weeks, sometimes more frequently early on.
Calgary Invisalign brings different strengths. Removability is a gift for meetings, photos, and lunch with spinach salad. Aligners handle crowding, spacing, and many bite issues very well, especially when paired with elastics and attachments. The catch is discipline. For predictable results, aligners need 20 to 22 hours of wear each day. If removing them for coffee turns into removing them for most of the day, the tray no longer fits tightly after a week. In practice, people who travel or who sip beverages all day have to plan their routine carefully. The best candidates are those who like structure and can treat aligner wear like brushing, automatic and non‑negotiable.
Another practical difference is maintenance. Braces ask for diligent brushing and flossing around brackets. Aligners mean cleaning trays, storing them properly, and not wrapping them in napkins you will accidentally throw away at a restaurant. Both options can stain with neglect. Food choices matter more with braces. Aligners demand fewer dietary compromises, though drinking hot liquids can warp the plastic and coloured drinks can tint it. None of this is insurmountable, but it is better to decide with eyes open.
How Calgary’s climate and lifestyle sneak into treatment
Winter affects elastic bands and aligner wear because colds and dry air change habits. People drink more hot tea, which means more aligner removals. Ski days can mean long stretches without a chance to brush. On the flip side, slower winter social calendars can make the first months of braces, when cheeks are tender, easier to get through. During Stampede, aligner patients often come back with a sheepish grin and a confession about barbecue sauce. Life happens, and a good plan flexes.
If your job involves speaking all day, such as teaching or sales, the first week of braces or aligners may feel awkward. Most patients adapt within days, but if your calendar is stacked with presentations, schedule starts accordingly. Musicians who play wind instruments appreciate custom wax strategies or soft silicone covers over brackets. Marathoners and cyclists might ask about fueling during long training sessions. Braces tolerate gels and liquids without removal. Aligners need more thought unless you can plan a quick rinse.
The arc of treatment, step by step
A typical journey has phases, though the length of each phase varies with your biology and the chosen appliance.
Diagnosis and planning come first. This is where your orthodontist maps tooth roots, bone thickness, and airway considerations. Clear aligner planning, in particular, lives or dies by a careful digital setup. Think of the animation as a weather forecast. It is helpful, but it is still a model. Calibrating those models with real‑world check‑ins is what seasoned clinicians do well.
Initial alignment follows. You will see the most visible change here. Crowding reduces, rotations unwind, and that one stubborn tooth finally joins the row. With braces, this period uses light flexible wires that look delicate but do most of the heavy lifting. With aligners, the early trays are gentle but steady. This phase can produce small aches that respond well to saltwater rinses, wax, and over‑the‑counter pain relief on the first day or two after each adjustment.
Space management and bite correction sit in the middle of treatment. Elastics often join the picture. They look simple, little rubber bands hooked to tiny pegs or brackets, but they are the workhorses that move jaws into harmony. Skipping them stalls progress more than missed appointments. Sometimes, interproximal reduction, a careful polishing between teeth of fractions of a millimeter, creates room in a controlled way. For severe overbites or open bites, your orthodontist may add temporary anchorage devices, small pins that give leverage where teeth alone cannot.
Finishing is where patience pays. Tiny tooth movements polish the result, midlines line up, and edges look like they were meant to live together. This stage tests attention to detail. It also tests consistency, because progress is less dramatic. If aligners no longer feel snug, your orthodontist may order refinements, a new series that fine‑tunes positions. That is normal, not a failure.
Retention finally locks in the win. Teeth have memories, and gums remodel slowly. Retainers, whether fixed wires on the back of front teeth or removable night trays, keep your investment stable. Skipping this step is the fastest way to get reacquainted with your orthodontist in five years.
Timelines that respect biology
Most adult cases land between 10 and 20 months. Teens can move a little faster, but only a little. The variables that matter most are severity, bone density, and compliance. I have seen mild crowding wrap up in half a year when a patient wore aligners faithfully and kept appointments. I have also seen a planned 12‑month case drift to 18 when elastics became optional in the middle of exam season. That is not a scolding, just a reminder that little daily habits add up to months saved or lost.
People sometimes ask if they can “speed it up.” There are adjuncts that claim to accelerate movement through vibration or micro‑osteoperforations. Evidence for meaningful time savings varies, and the cost often outweighs the benefit. More importantly, moving teeth too quickly risks root resorption and gum recession. Gentle, steady forces are safer and more predictable. Your orthodontist’s job is to move at the pace your biology tolerates.
What success looks like on X‑ray and in a mirror
Results are not just straight lines when you smile. A great finish shows solid root alignment on X‑ray, minimal black triangles between teeth, and contacts that feel comfortable when you chew. From the front, the edges of your top teeth should follow the curve of your lower lip when you smile. From the side, your upper and lower teeth should meet like gears, not collide like cogs. If you grind at night, your orthodontist may adjust the bite to reduce force on vulnerable edges.
One nuance that surprises people is the interplay between tooth size and jaw width. If teeth are relatively small for the size of the jaw, closing spaces can create triangular gaps near the gum line even if the edges touch. Your orthodontist may suggest slight reshaping or composite bonding after orthodontics for a balanced look. That is not vanity, it is harmony. Conversely, if teeth are wide for the available bone, gentle enamel polishing between certain teeth preserves gum health while achieving alignment.
Calgary Invisalign in day‑to‑day practice
If you lean toward Invisalign, think through routine in real terms. A good rule is to pair tray changes with something you already do weekly, like Sunday night laundry. Keep a small kit in your bag: case, travel toothbrush, and a couple of chewies to seat trays firmly after meals. Tea and coffee are fine, but removing trays first protects the plastic and avoids sugar resting against enamel. If you are on a series of 30 trays, changing weekly gets you through the active phase in about seven months. Refinements are common. Expect one or two refinement sets if your goals are detailed.
Attachments are the little tooth‑coloured bumps that help trays grip and move teeth. People worry they will be obvious. In practice, most colleagues will place them strategically and keep key front teeth as clear as possible if your case allows. If your work is public‑facing, ask whether your https://familybraces.ca/orthodontic-treatments-for-underbites-what-you-need-to-know/ plan can stage attachments so that the most visible ones appear later, perhaps after a big event. That can be done as long as the mechanics still add up.
Braces done thoughtfully
If braces make more sense, ask about bracket type and wire sequence. Standard metal brackets remain the most efficient, despite the aesthetic options on the market. Clear ceramic brackets look good, though they can be bulkier and slightly more brittle. The wire matters more than the bracket. Modern nickel‑titanium wires are gentle and resilient. A typical progression starts light for comfort and alignment, then steps into stiffer wires to detail the bite.
People worry about food restrictions. The spirit of the rule is to protect the bond between bracket and tooth. Popcorn hulls, sticky caramels, rock‑hard nuts, and chewing on ice are the biggest risks. You can still enjoy most Calgary staples, from pho to grilled salmon. Cut apples into slices. Slice steaks smaller. The first week is tender, so soups and soft foods shine.
Emergencies that aren’t really emergencies
Wires poke at inconvenient times. Wax is the band‑aid for today, and a quick trim at the clinic solves it tomorrow. A loose bracket is not a crisis unless it is on a molar acting like a hinge, in which case call soon. With aligners, a lost tray is surprisingly common. If it disappears under a napkin at lunch, move to the next tray if it fits well. If it is too tight, go back to the previous tray and call for guidance. Keep at least one spare case in your backpack or glove box.
The rare true emergency is significant facial trauma. If you take a puck to the mouth and a tooth is displaced, call immediately. Orthodontics pauses while we stabilize injury. Good mouthguards prevent most of this. Ask your orthodontist to fit one around braces that offers protection without binding to brackets.
How retainers keep you smiling five years later
Retention is simple, and it is where many people stumble. Teeth are supported by fibers that stretch during movement and slowly reorganize. That takes months. A fixed retainer behind the lower front teeth is a reliable safety net. Upper retainers vary by case. Removable retainers, worn nightly, maintain arch form and keep spacing from returning. Replace them if they crack or stop fitting after a lapse. Retainers are like seatbelts. Ninety‑nine days out of a hundred, you wonder why you are wearing one. Day one hundred, you are grateful you did.
Your orthodontist should check retainers at least once a year at first. As life moves on, your general dentist can monitor them, but call the specialist if the wire comes loose or your bite shifts. Many clinics in Calgary scan patients at the end of treatment so they can print a new retainer fast if yours goes missing. That digital file is worth gold on vacation.
What to ask a Calgary orthodontist before you start
Use your consultation wisely. If you ask the right questions, you will learn how your orthodontist thinks under the hood, not just how they present.
- Based on my scan, which movements are straightforward and which are the pain points, and why did you choose braces or Invisalign for me? What is the realistic time range, and what would make it longer or shorter? How will you monitor progress, and what happens if we plateau? What is included in the fee, and what scenarios create extra costs? How will my routine need to change in month one compared to month six?
Listen not just for answers, but for the details in the explanations. Experienced clinicians talk about roots, gum biotype, and functional goals as much as straight lines. They also talk about plan B. Aligners that are not tracking at tray 14 need a pivot, not pep talk.
Costs, insurance, and why apples‑to‑apples matters
Orthodontic fees in Calgary cover diagnostics, appliances, appointments, and finishing items like retainers. Insurance plans often contribute a lifetime orthodontic maximum per person. Read the fine print. Some policies pay a percentage up to a cap, others pay a fixed amount. Many clinics offer monthly payment plans that align with your treatment length. When comparing options, ask about refinements for aligners, bracket repairs, and office hours for urgent fixes. A lower base fee can end up higher if add‑ons stack.
Do not let cost be the only compass. The cheapest plan that does not address your bite fully often costs more later in dental wear, chipped enamel, or gum issues. A Calgary orthodontist who treats conservatively, respects your biology, and measures carefully is not an extravagance. It is risk management.
When perfect is the enemy of done
Perfection belongs in textbooks. Real mouths live with crowded buses, business travel, and toddlers who wake three times a night. A wise finish leaves you with a healthy bite, a smile you like, and a maintenance plan you can keep. If your canines are half a degree from textbook, but the alternative means six more months you cannot sustain, choose health and stability. Good orthodontists will reflect this back to you and help you decide knowingly.
I think often of a Calgary paramedic who wore aligners during night shifts. He nailed the first half of treatment, then his schedule went sideways during wildfire season. We revised the plan, accepted a slightly longer timeline, and prioritized a healthy bite over chasing a perfectly centered midline. He wears his retainers faithfully, his jaw is comfortable on 14‑hour shifts, and no one studying him across a coffee shop would guess we cut that last one percent.
The case for starting sooner
Teeth don’t care about perfect timing, but gums and bone respond better when inflammation is under control and daily habits are steady. If your hygienist has flagged bleeding gums, clean up the foundation first. If you grind at night, get a baseline assessment. If you are weighing Calgary Invisalign versus braces, try a week with a clear retainer to test your tolerance for wearing trays 22 hours a day. People often discover that removability is either a gift or a temptation. Better to learn that before you invest.
Most of all, choose an orthodontist who will tell you what you need to hear, not what sells fast. The right partner will map the road, set milestones, and adapt with you. You bring the goals and the daily follow‑through. Together, you turn a sketch into a smile you can count on.
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).