If you’ve reached the point where you’re done hiding your smile in photos or you’re noticing crowding that makes flossing a chore, Invisalign can be a thoughtful solution. The clear aligners are discreet, removable, and backed by serious orthodontic biomechanics when managed by an experienced clinician. I’ve guided hundreds of Calgary patients through this process, from teenagers worried about yearbook photos to professionals who want straighter teeth without a mouthful of metal. What follows is a practical walkthrough of how Invisalign works in real life, with Calgary specifics that often get glossed over.
What makes an orthodontist’s approach different
Any aligner brand looks simple on the surface, almost like a cosmetic gadget. The truth is, teeth move only when biology and physics line up. A certified orthodontist plans every movement in a specific sequence, chooses where to place attachments, and sets the pace that the jawbone can adapt to safely. That’s the difference between aligners that fit like a glove and aligners that fight you.
I see a range of goals in our Calgary Invisalign patients. Some want a mild tweak to a front tooth that rotates outward whenever the retainer goes missing. Others have deep bites that damage lower incisors, or spacing after an extraction years ago. Invisalign can manage many of these issues, but not all of them. If you need significant skeletal changes, surgical support, or complex root uprighting, fixed dental braces may still be the better tool. A good Calgary orthodontist will tell you this at the start, not halfway through treatment.
The first visit: consults that respect your time
The initial consultation sets the tone. Expect about 45 to 60 minutes. We talk about what’s bothering you, your timeline, and your budget. I like to hear practical constraints, such as work travel, hockey seasons, or a big wedding date. These factors shape the plan just as much as tooth position.
At this visit, we examine your bite, gum health, and jaw function. I check for wear patterns, gum recession, and signs of airway issues that might relate to open mouth posture. In our Calgary clinic, we also look at lifestyle factors common here, like dry winters that can make aligner wear feel different, or high coffee intake that can stain attachments. It all matters when you’re planning for months of daily use.
For teens, we also evaluate growth potential. Aligners can guide certain bite relationships during growth, but we need https://familybraces.ca/orthodontist/ to time it right. Parents often ask if Invisalign Teen can work as well as traditional dental braces. For cosmetic alignment and many bite problems, it can. For complex expansion or significant Class II or III corrections, braces with auxiliaries can still be the quickest route.
Records and 3D scanning: the foundation of your plan
Once you’re a candidate, we take records. Most clinics now use an intraoral scanner to create a digital model. No goopy impressions. We also take photos and panoramic or cone-beam X-rays if needed. Proper imaging lets us assess root positions and bone anatomy. The 3D scan is essential for Invisalign because it becomes the blueprint for every aligner in your series.
This is also when we review any restorative dentistry on the horizon. If you plan to replace a crown, close a diastema and place bonding, or get implants, the orthodontic plan needs to coordinate with your dentist. Good communication saves months. In Calgary, the dental community is tight-knit, and we routinely coordinate with family dentists and periodontists so your Invisalign sequence aligns with timing for whitening, fillings, or gum grafts when necessary.
The digital plan: where millimeters matter
Designing your Invisalign plan is the part patients never see, but it’s where most of the magic happens. We work with a digital treatment setup, sometimes called a ClinCheck. This is not a video to admire, it’s a prescription. I review it with a fine-tooth comb: tooth by tooth, aligner by aligner, movement by movement. We consider anchorage, the order of rotations, root torque control, and where attachments will give the best leverage.
Expect a few days to a couple of weeks before your plan is ready. Revisions are common. If a lateral incisor needs an extra 2 degrees of torque to sit properly in the smile arc, we address it now, not at the end. That attention to detail is what makes a Calgary Invisalign case feel smooth rather than frustrating.
We also plan mid-course checks. Some movements, like derotating canines or extruding a single tooth, demand patience. I set realistic expectations during the plan review. Aligners move teeth predictably when we don’t ask them to do too much at once.
Attachments, IPR, and the first set of trays
When your aligners arrive, we book a longer appointment. This is when we place attachments, small tooth-colored bumps that help the aligners grip teeth and apply specific forces. They’re easy to get used to and far less conspicuous than brackets. We also perform any planned IPR, short for interproximal reduction, which is a precise way of creating a hairline of space between teeth to relieve crowding. Think in tenths of a millimeter. Done carefully, IPR preserves enamel integrity and adds predictability to rotations and alignment.
You’ll leave with your first few trays, sometimes a full set. Most patients in my practice change aligners every 7 to 10 days, but I tailor the pace. Some movements do better with 10 to 14 day cycles at the start, especially in adults with denser bone. Faster isn’t always better. If an aligner feels loose after two days, it doesn’t mean the tooth is ready for the next step. Biology still runs the show.
How long treatment takes in the real world
This is the question I’m asked daily. Simple cosmetic alignment can finish in 4 to 6 months. Moderate crowding or spacing tends to run 9 to 14 months. Complex bites, rotations, or open bites may stretch to 18 to 24 months. Two things tighten these ranges: good initial planning and consistent wear.
The most reliable pattern I see is 20 to 22 hours of daily wear. If you remove aligners often for snacks or forget them during long meetings, treatment drifts. The trays still fit, but the teeth lag behind the plan. In those cases, we regularly add a refinement phase, which is normal but adds time. Calgary Invisalign patients who travel for work often do well when we map out aligner changes around flights and set phone reminders for reinsertion after meals.
Living with Invisalign in Calgary’s climate
Aligners are light, but they respond to heat. Leaving them on a car dashboard during a Chinook is a bad idea. Use the case, always. Winter dryness can make your mouth feel sticky with aligners in. I suggest room-temperature water sips throughout the day and a humidifier at night for those who wake with dry mouth.
Coffee and tea drinkers ask if they can keep aligners in while sipping. Technically you can with clear fluids, but staining and warping are real risks with hot drinks. If you do it, keep temperatures warm, not hot, and rinse with water afterward. From a hygiene standpoint, it’s cleaner to remove trays for meals and drinks, brush if you can, and rinse before putting them back.
Athletes often ask about contact sports. Aligners are not mouthguards. For hockey or basketball, take them out and wear a proper guard. Put aligners back in immediately afterward. Musicians on woodwinds or brass typically adapt within a week, though I may adjust wear schedules around rehearsals early on.
Cleaning, hygiene, and avoiding the funk
Aligners collect plaque the same way teeth do. If you trap food debris under a tray, you create a greenhouse for bacteria. The routine that works for most adults is simple: brush after meals when possible, or at least rinse thoroughly if you’re out. Clean aligners morning and evening with a soft brush and clear liquid soap, then rinse well. Avoid abrasive toothpaste on the trays.
Soaking aligners 2 to 3 times a week in non-colored, non-scented cleaning crystals or a mild retainer cleanser helps keep them clear. Avoid hot water. Calgary’s hard water can leave mineral spots on trays, especially in older houses. A dedicated soak followed by a cool rinse prevents buildup.
Gum health matters during Invisalign. If you notice bleeding, tenderness, or a sour smell from trays, let your orthodontist know. We might adjust your schedule, recommend a water flosser, or coordinate a cleaning with your dentist. Neglecting gums during orthodontics is like painting over damp drywall, the finish won’t last.
What to expect at check-ins
We schedule check-ins every 6 to 10 weeks, sometimes virtually if everything lines up. In-person visits are still valuable because we can assess fit, track attachment wear, and measure how close reality is to the plan. A tray that doesn’t seat fully on one canine tells us more than any photo.
Some visits include adding or adjusting attachments, finishing a round of IPR, or taking new scans for refinements. If you’re flying in and out of Calgary often, tell us in advance. We can stage aligner deliveries in sets, but I prefer not to hand out six months at once unless we know you’re on track and motivated.
Refinements: the normal extra lap
Almost every Invisalign case has a refinement phase. Think of it as the detailing after the car is washed. Teeth are living structures, and even the best plan needs a few tweaks by the end. Refinements might address a lingering rotation, subtle black triangles, or bite settling. You’ll get a new scan and a short series of trays, sometimes with a couple of new attachments. Patients who expect this step from day one stay patient and finish happier.
I often use refinements to perfect the smile arc, ensure midline symmetry, and dial in canine guidance. These are small things that separate an acceptable result from a polished one.
Comparing Invisalign with dental braces in Calgary terms
Price, visibility, and lifestyle fit tend to drive this decision. Invisalign usually costs similar to dental braces for comparable complexity. The difference comes down to convenience and control. Aligners let you remove trays for dental cleanings, important presentations, or family photos. Braces don’t require the same discipline, because they are always working, 24 hours a day. Teens who misplace things easily sometimes do better with brackets. Adults who value discretion and have predictable routines often thrive with aligners.
Bite correction with elastics is possible in both systems. You might wear elastics with Invisalign, anchored to small cutouts or buttons. It’s not glamorous, but it’s effective. I discuss elastic wear frankly at the start, especially for overbite or underbite corrections. The fastest cases wear elastics faithfully.
Costs, insurance, and payment rhythms
In Calgary, comprehensive Invisalign typically ranges from the high 4,000s to the mid 7,000s in Canadian dollars, depending on complexity and length. Short cosmetic cases can be less. Orthodontic insurance benefits often cover a percentage up to a lifetime maximum. We help patients confirm coverage with their provider, and we structure payment plans around aligner delivery milestones. Expect a deposit at the start, then monthly payments that fit your budget.
Ask about what the fee includes. In my practice, refinements, attachments, and a first set of retainers are included. Replacement aligners for accidental loss may incur a modest fee. Clarity at the start prevents surprises midstream.
Retainers: the habit that protects your investment
Teeth have a memory. After any orthodontic treatment, they want to drift back, especially in the first year. We deliver retainers as soon as we remove attachments. Typically, you’ll wear retainers full-time for a few weeks, then nightly. Over time, most patients shift to a few nights a week. Skipping retainers for months is the most common reason I see relapse. If you grind your teeth, we may design a retainer that also functions as a night guard.
In Calgary’s dry winters, store retainers with a small vented case, and keep a spare set once you’re stable. I like to scan and make a backup retainer early, so you’re not stuck if one cracks during a trip.
Edge cases and smart workarounds
Every so often a case requires creativity. Here are a few examples I’ve seen in Calgary practice:
- A patient with an old bridge spanning a missing molar. We plan movements around the bridge, sometimes staging implants after space creation. Aligners can hold space precisely while a surgeon places an implant, then we finish fine-tuning. A violinist who needed steady embouchure for performances. We used a slightly slower change interval to avoid soreness before concerts and coordinated check-ins between rehearsals downtown. A marathon trainee worried about dry mouth during long runs. The solution was simple: store aligners for the run, reinsert after a rinse, avoid sugary gels with trays in, and add one extra day per aligner to compensate. A patient with significant black triangles after crowding relief. We used papilla-friendly tooth shaping and very precise IPR sequencing to reduce the gaps, then polished for better light reflection.
These are the little accommodations that make treatment humane. A Calgary orthodontist who asks questions about your work and hobbies will tailor the plan so you can live your life while your teeth move.
Troubleshooting common bumps in the road
Attachments can feel odd for a day or two. Chewing on aligner seaters, small cylindrical foam tools, helps the trays engage. Mild pressure is normal for 24 to 48 hours after a new tray. If a tray cuts your cheek, a nail file can smooth a sharp edge, or we can polish it at the clinic. Persistent rubs near the frenum deserve a quick look.
If a tray won’t fully seat on one tooth, don’t skip ahead. Use chewies several times a day, and wear that aligner an extra 2 to 3 days. If it still won’t seat, call us. Sometimes an attachment worn flat needs replacing, or the tooth needs a micro-adjustment to the plan.
Lost a tray? If you just started it, go back to the previous one. If you were near the end of the week, try the next one and check the fit carefully. Let your orthodontist know. We can order a replacement from the digital file, which usually takes a few days.
A day-by-day feel of the first month
The first week sets your habits. Day one, the trays feel snug. Day two, pressure peaks, and you might prefer softer foods. By day three, soreness drops and speech sounds normal. Most people acclimate quickly, especially adults who have a clear reason for choosing Invisalign. By week two, you’ll find your rhythm: remove to eat, rinse, brush, and reinsert. A travel kit with a compact brush, flossers, and your case makes all the difference.
By the end of the first month, the bite sometimes feels strange as teeth shift. That’s normal. If chewing feels different in a concerning way, we check contacts and ensure the plan accounts for the changes. The subtle changes often excite patients. A rotated lateral that starts to show more enamel by week three is a great motivator.
Picking the right Calgary orthodontist for Invisalign
Experience with aligners matters. Ask how many Invisalign cases they complete annually, and request to see photos of cases similar to yours. Look for a clinician who talks about biology, attachments, and staging, not just the brand name. The focus should be on your goals and dental health beyond straight teeth.
Convenience matters too. Downtown patients might value early morning appointments before office hours. Families may prefer a clinic near schools or transit. Ask about virtual check-ins. Calgary traffic during winter storms can make remote monitoring a welcome option when appropriate.
Finally, consider the vibe. You’ll be seeing this team for a year or more. A supportive staff who remembers your preferences, a clean sterilization routine, and transparent financials all add up to a smoother experience.
When braces are the wiser call
There are times I recommend dental braces over Invisalign. Severe rotations, large vertical movements, complex root uprighting, or significant arch expansion can go faster and more predictably with brackets and wires. Patients with inconsistent schedules, or teens who misplace retainers weekly, sometimes succeed more easily with braces. It is not a step backward. It is choosing the tool that fits the job and the person. In many cases, we even combine methods: a few months of braces to handle heavy lifting, then a transition to clear aligners for finishing and polish.
Life after Invisalign: keeping the smile you earned
The day attachments come off feels fantastic. We polish residual bonding, take final photos, and fit retainers. This is when I talk about long-term habits. Wear retainers at night. Keep up cleanings every six months. If you grind at night, protect the enamel. If you plan whitening, aligners can serve as custom trays, but only once active treatment ends and we approve the gel strength.
Expect subtle settling over the first few months as the bite finds its new home. That is normal and often positive. Should any tooth feel like it’s drifting, call sooner rather than later. Small corrections are easy if we act quickly.
A Calgary-specific final thought
Calgary has its own rhythm. Chinooks, winter sports, patios when the sun finally returns, and a work culture that ranges from downtown offices to field shifts. Invisalign is flexible enough to fit that life, provided the plan respects your schedule and biology. If you’re honest about your habits and your orthodontist is meticulous with the plan, clear aligners can deliver a healthy, confident smile without putting your life on pause.
If you’re considering Calgary Invisalign treatment, start with a consultation. Ask candid questions. Share your timeline and concerns. Whether you choose aligners or dental braces, a thoughtful plan from a skilled Calgary orthodontist will save you time, protect your enamel and gums, and give you a result that looks natural in photos and feels comfortable when you bite into that first apple of spring.
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).