People often assume orthodontics means a mouthful of brackets and wires. Then a friend shows up with a straighter smile and no one can remember seeing braces. That quiet transformation is usually Invisalign at work. I have guided hundreds of patients through clear aligner treatment, from busy teenagers juggling sports and band practice to professionals who spend their days in meetings. The core principles are the same, yet the details matter: tooth biology, treatment planning, patient habits, and the skill of the orthodontist all shape the outcome.
What Invisalign Actually Does
Invisalign uses a series of custom clear aligners to move teeth in small, planned increments. Each aligner is worn for one to two weeks and nudges the teeth closer to their ideal positions. The plastic is not magic. It is a controlled delivery system for forces that remodel bone around teeth. Under steady pressure, bone on the pressure side resorbs while new bone forms behind the tooth. Think of the tooth traveling through bone, not sliding over it.
The aligners are fabricated from a multilayer polymer that balances stiffness with elasticity. The material springs back to its programmed shape after you place it over your teeth, which is how it delivers the force. The force must be gentle and continuous. Too little, and the tooth stalls. Too much, and the periodontal ligament becomes inflamed, which can delay movement and create soreness that serves no purpose.
The artistry of Invisalign lies in the digital plan. Before anyone orders aligners, a Calgary orthodontist or another trained provider captures a 3D scan of your teeth, analyzes the bite, and builds a virtual treatment plan. The plan dictates every aligner’s geometry and the sequence of movements. Good planning solves problems before they appear, like avoiding collisions between roots or managing the way the bite settles as front teeth align.
The First Appointment Sets the Tone
Strong outcomes start with careful diagnostics. A thorough Invisalign exam includes a 3D intraoral scan, photographs of your smile from multiple angles, and radiographs to evaluate root positions and jaw relationships. The scan allows the software to visualize every surface of the teeth, right down to small rotations that photographs might miss.
I pay attention to details that software cannot judge alone. Does the upper jaw arc match the lower jaw arc? Are there wear facets that expose a nighttime grinding habit? What is the gumline shape when the patient smiles? Even the way the lips rest can matter if we plan to slightly expand the upper arch for a broader smile.
It helps to talk openly about goals. Patients often say they want straight teeth, but straight is not specific. I ask whether black triangles between teeth would bother them after alignment, whether they prefer a wider smile, and how they feel about their profile if there is crowding that could require slenderizing a few contacts or even extracting a tooth in complex cases. An honest discussion sets realistic expectations and trims weeks from the timeline.
The Digital Plan, In Human Terms
Invisalign’s software animates the whole journey, from crowding to a clean arch form. Patients love watching their final smile on the screen. The animation is not a promise, it is a blueprint. The key questions I ask while reviewing the plan:
- Are the movements biologically reasonable for the scheduled pace? Do the roots clear one another during rotations and translations? Is the bite functionally stable at the end, not just pretty?
That last point is where experience shows. You can have straight incisors and still chip them if the final bite leaves the lower teeth hitting the backs of the upper teeth too steeply. I often stage movements so we correct rotations first, gain space second, and refine the bite last. Some cases need attachments, which are small, tooth-colored bumps bonded to specific teeth. They look like tiny tabs and give the aligner something to grip, especially for challenging movements like extruding a short lateral incisor or derotating a stubborn canine.
Attachments are often the difference between “almost there” and polished. They are removed at the end, and a light polishing erases the bonding resin. Most people can barely see them from conversational distance, yet their effect on control is enormous.
Why Aligners Work for Some Problems and Not Others
Invisalign handles many cases that used to belong only to dental braces, including moderate crowding, spacing, crossbites, deep bites, and mild open bites. Advances in software and the physics of attachments have widened the lane. That said, not every challenge yields easily to a removable appliance.
Severe skeletal discrepancies, especially where the jaws do not meet well, may require adjuncts like elastics, temporary anchorage devices, or even jaw surgery. True intrusion of multiple posterior teeth, complex root angulations after past trauma, and significant transverse deficiencies can be unpredictable with aligners alone. I have seen beautiful results in such cases with careful staging and patient compliance, but the upfront conversation should be honest. If your Calgary Invisalign case would be faster and more predictable with fixed appliances for a short phase, a candid orthodontist will say so and explain why.
The Feel of Treatment, Day to Day
When you place a new aligner, you will feel a tightness that fades within 24 to 48 hours. This is normal. Mild soreness is a sign that the periodontal ligament is receiving the right nudge. I tell patients to switch to the next aligner at night, take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed, and let sleep do the heavy lifting.
Talk is cheaper than habits. The two habits that make or break Invisalign are wear time and cleanliness. Wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours per day. If you treat them like an accessory, the teeth will not track the plan. Cleaning matters because aligners create a microenvironment around the teeth. Rinse after meals, brush before reinserting, and clean the trays with a non-abrasive soap or aligner crystals. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic.
I can usually tell from the fit if a patient is slipping. The aligner will look perched and will not fully seat over certain teeth. In those moments, chewies or seating aids help, but they do not replace consistent wear. If tracking falls behind, we can often course-correct with a refinement scan, yet that adds weeks. If you are a coffee grazer who sips all day, aligners force a lifestyle upgrade: drink water with aligners in, save coffee for dedicated breaks, then brush or at least rinse before reinserting.
Comparing Invisalign to Dental Braces
Both Invisalign and dental braces move teeth via controlled forces. Braces attach to the tooth and guide a wire; aligners wrap around the teeth and deliver force through their shape and attachments. Comfort, appearance, and convenience differ, and so does the psychology of compliance.
Braces are anchored to the teeth, so they keep working 24 hours a day. They can handle certain movements with direct wire bends that are hard to replicate in plastic. They are visible, collect food, and can irritate lips. Eating requires more care, especially with sticky foods or popcorn hulls that love to wedge behind a bracket.
Invisalign is nearly invisible at conversational distance, removes for eating and brushing, and allows a normal diet. Speech is generally unaffected after a day or two. The downside is responsibility. The aligners only work when they are in your mouth. If your workday is a parade of coffee and snacks, or if you think you will misplace trays often, braces might be less stressful. I have converted die-hard aligner hopefuls to short-term braces for this reason, then switched to aligners once the heavy lifting was done.
What a Typical Timeline Looks Like
The duration depends on complexity and compliance. Mild crowding or spacing can wrap in 6 to 9 months. Moderate cases often land around 12 to 18 months. Complex cases can go beyond 18 months, especially when bite changes are involved. Most patients will have one or two refinement phases. A refinement is a mid-course correction, similar to updating a flight plan. We take a new scan, adjust goals based on how the teeth responded, and order another set of aligners. This is not a failure. It is how we turn a good result into a great one.
Visit frequency averages every 6 to 10 weeks. Some orthodontists use remote monitoring tools to check fit and progress between visits. When I can avoid an unnecessary appointment without sacrificing quality, I will. But I like to see the bite in person at key moments, particularly when moving canines, closing spaces, or transitioning to finishing movements.
Attachments, Elastics, and Other Helpers
Attachments deserve a closer look, because most Invisalign success stories rely on them. They help the aligner apply force where it matters and resist unwanted tipping. Their shapes vary: beveled, rectangular, ellipsoid. Placement is strategic. A lateral incisor might get a vertical rectangle to assist extrusion, while a premolar might carry a beveled attachment for rotation control.
Elastics can be paired with aligners to adjust the bite front to back. Imagine tiny rubber bands connecting clear cutouts in the aligner to small hooks, guiding the jaws toward a better relationship. Consistent wear, typically 12 to 20 hours per day, can refine overjet or close a mild Class II or Class III discrepancy. Few patients love elastics, but they work.
Occasionally, slenderizing the contact points between teeth by a few tenths of a millimeter, known as interproximal reduction, creates space that would otherwise require expanding the arch or pushing teeth forward. The enamel reduced is minimal and stays within safe limits. I explain why it is chosen and show before and after measurements. Patients appreciate knowing we are not guessing.
The Calgary Angle: Climate, Lifestyle, and Access
If you are looking for a Calgary orthodontist, you are not short on options. The city’s dental community is collaborative, with many clinicians comfortable managing both braces and Calgary Invisalign cases. Local factors do matter. Dry winters can make aligner edges feel more noticeable on lips, so a simple lip balm can save irritation. Ski weekends and Stampede season are famous for food that can break braces. Aligners avoid those surprises, but only if you keep them safe. I suggest a hard case in every bag, not a tissue in a pocket that heads for the laundry.
Access to care is straightforward in most neighborhoods. Many clinics offer early morning or evening appointments. This helps with the cadence of swapping trays every 7 to 10 days without missing school or work. Ask about after-hours support for lost aligners or urgent comfort issues. I prefer to plan ahead and give patients “if this, then that” guidance so a lost tray does not derail the week.
What It Costs, and What You Are Paying For
Fees for Invisalign vary by region, complexity, and provider expertise. In Calgary and similar markets, expect a range that often overlaps with braces. Mild cases may come in lower; complex, multi-phase plans can be higher. Insurance that covers orthodontics typically applies to Invisalign the same way it does to braces, though caps and co-pays vary widely. Ask for a written estimate that lists everything included: diagnostic records, attachments, elastics, refinements, emergency visits, and retainers afterward. Transparency makes budgeting easier, and it is a litmus test for the clinic’s communication style.
Eating, Speaking, and Living With Aligners
You remove aligners to eat. Drink water freely with them in. Hot drinks can warp the plastic, and pigmented beverages like red wine or turmeric tea can stain them. If a client insists on a quick coffee between meetings, I will sometimes build that into our plan, but the rule is simple: aligners out for anything but water, then clean and reinsert. Most patients find speech normal after a day. A small percentage notice a faint lisp for a week, then it fades as the tongue adapts.
Travel is easy with aligners. Pack the next set, the current set, a retainer case, and a small brush. If something goes off-track mid-trip, wear the last well-fitting set until you can check in with your orthodontist. Skipping ahead rarely helps if the current stage is not fully seated.
Edge Cases and Lessons Learned
Teeth with short roots demand gentle staging and patience. I check radiographs periodically in such cases and avoid heavy forces. Adults with periodontal history need coordination with a periodontist to ensure gum and bone support are stable. Aligners can be more comfortable for these patients because they impose lighter, more controlled forces than some wire sequences.
Restorations like veneers or crowns alter the way attachments bond and how the aligner grips. It is not a deal-breaker. We modify the plan, sometimes leaning more on adjacent teeth for anchorage. If you are considering cosmetic work like veneers, coordinate timing with orthodontics. Moving teeth after new veneers can jeopardize the margins; we usually align first, restore second.
Black triangles can appear when aligning crowded, triangular-shaped teeth. The contact point shifts as teeth uncrowd, exposing small gaps near the gumline. I bring this up early and propose options: minor enamel reshaping to round the angles, soft tissue contouring if appropriate, or setting expectations if the triangles will be subtle and acceptable.
How Retainers Protect the Investment
Teeth move throughout life. After any orthodontic treatment, retainers hold the new positions while bone consolidates and soft tissues adapt. Expect to wear retainers full time for a few weeks to a couple of months, then nights long term. If that sounds excessive, think of it as brushing your teeth. A habit that takes five minutes prevents a problem that costs time and money later.
I use two main styles: clear removable retainers that look like aligners, and bonded wires behind front teeth. Each has pros and cons. Clear retainers are easy to clean and replace; bonded wires are convenient and always on, but they require floss threaders and good hygiene. Some patients choose both for belt and suspenders: a bonded lower retainer with a removable upper.
How to Choose the Right Provider
Invisalign’s technology is excellent, but the results depend on planning and follow-through. Look for an orthodontist who treats a broad range of cases and can explain not just the “what” but the “why.” Ask to see examples similar to your bite. If a clinic promises a final number of aligners before a proper exam, that is a red flag. Treatment length is better estimated after careful diagnostics.
Pay attention to chairside manner. You are signing up for many months together. You want clear communication and a plan that adapts when life happens, whether that means a wisdom tooth flares, a job relocates you for a few months, or you need a pause for a family event.
A Simple, Realistic Care Plan
Here is the routine I give to busy patients who want to stay on https://familybraces.ca/blog/ track with minimal stress:
- Wear aligners 20 to 22 hours daily, switching to the next set at night every 7 to 10 days unless advised otherwise. Rinse after meals, brush before reinserting, and clean trays once daily with non-abrasive soap or crystals. Keep a travel case, a mini brush, and chewies in your bag or car to seat trays fully after breaks.
That small habit stack handles 90 percent of the challenges people hit. The other 10 percent, we solve together.
Why Invisalign Appeals to So Many
Beyond the near invisibility, the biggest win is freedom. You can remove aligners for an interview, a trumpet recital, or a wedding toast, then put them back in. You can floss normally. You can eat popcorn at a movie without worrying about a bracket popping off. For athletes, aligners double as a thin mouthguard in a pinch, though I still recommend a dedicated guard for contact sports.
The trade-off is personal responsibility. If you are the type who misplaces sunglasses weekly, plan systems that make compliance automatic. Two cases, one at home and one for the road, plus a calendar reminder for tray changes, removes friction.
The Bottom Line for Calgary Invisalign Seekers
If you are considering aligners in Calgary, start with a consultation that includes a 3D scan and a bite analysis. Ask how your provider stages movements, whether attachments and elastics are likely, and how refinements are handled. Discuss costs, including retainers. If you have goals beyond straight teeth, such as improving gum symmetry or widening the smile, say it out loud. The best plans align clinical possibilities with personal priorities.
Invisalign is not a gimmick, and it is not one-size-fits-all. It is a tool that, in practiced hands, can deliver precise, healthy, and handsome changes. I have watched patients walk in hiding their teeth and walk out months later smiling with ease. That shift affects more than photos. It lifts conversations, interviews, and how people carry themselves.
If you are ready to explore, a Calgary orthodontist who works with both dental braces and aligners can show you where Invisalign shines and where another approach might serve you better. Good care is measured not just by straightness, but by the comfort of the journey and the stability of the result years down the line.
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).