Picking between Invisalign and braces rarely comes down to a single feature. Cost matters, yes, but so does your schedule, your appetite for discipline, your dental history, and even the hockey season if you have a teenager on the ice. After a decade of working alongside a Calgary orthodontist team and seeing hundreds of cases from signal-to-noise Invisalign refinements to full surgical orthodontics, I can tell you this choice is less about hype and more about fit. Not just fit on your teeth, but fit with your day-to-day life in the city we call home.
The Calgary context: climate, commutes, and culture
Calgary’s lifestyle shapes orthodontic treatment more than people expect. Long commutes from Airdrie or Okotoks test your patience for frequent in‑person adjustments. Winter dryness can make lips crankier around brackets. Stampede week throws off perfect routines. Weekend ski trips, beer league hockey, and rec soccer mean mouthguards are not optional. On the work side, energy-sector shift schedules and health benefits packages change the math on timing and cost.
These practicalities shift the balance. Someone living downtown with a flexible schedule might enjoy monthly visits for braces. A parent juggling rink times at Cardel Rec Centre often prefers the fewer emergency appointments and the sport mouthguard compatibility that clear aligners make easy. Both Invisalign and dental braces can deliver stellar results under a skilled Calgary orthodontist. The trick is aligning the treatment with your reality so you actually finish on time with the smile you want.
What each system does best
Straightening teeth is the headline, but orthodontics is really about correcting the bite, guiding jaw growth when possible, and setting you up for stable, healthy function. Braces and Invisalign both apply controlled forces to move teeth. Everything else is optics, logistics, and case selection.
Braces excel at complex, three‑dimensional movements, especially when we need torque control and root positioning anchored by rigid wire mechanics. Deep bites, significant rotations in small lower incisors, large space closures after extractions, and impacted canine treatments often run faster or simpler with braces. The system is fixed, so compliance is baked in.
Invisalign shines when you want discretion and removability. Many adults, and a growing number of teens, handle aligner wear well. Expansion, mild to moderate crowding, open bites from tongue habits, and relapse cases after old retainer loss often respond beautifully. Attachments and elastics add horsepower, and modern aligner protocols can handle more than they could five or ten years ago, but there are still limits where braces are more efficient.
Comfort and day-to-day feel
Patients ask about pain first. With braces, the initial week and the day after wire changes usually bring soreness. Lips and cheeks need a grace period to toughen up, especially in our dry winters. Wax and lip balm become your friends. Food gets stuck; you learn to keep a travel brush handy.
Invisalign has a different rhythm. The pressure feels like a tight sock on your teeth for a day or two when you switch to a new set of aligners, then it fades. Edges can rub at first, but your orthodontist can polish them, or you can use orthodontic wax in a pinch. The big adjustment is the discipline of wearing them 20 to 22 hours a day and removing them to eat or drink anything besides water.
On comfort alone, most people prefer Invisalign. On autopilot convenience, braces take the prize because there’s nothing to remember besides elastic wear and hygiene.
Speech, photos, and the social side
If you lead meetings at the office or speak on mic at community events, Invisalign usually has the edge. Speech adapts in a couple of days, and attachments are tooth-coloured. You can remove aligners for a critical presentation or wedding photos. That flexibility is a real stress reducer.
Braces show. Ceramic brackets blend a little, but wires still reflect light in photos. Some people wear them proudly, especially teens who treat colour ties like seasonal fashion. Others find the visibility affects their confidence. There is no wrong answer, but it is worth weighing honestly.
Food, coffee, and Stampede
Truth: braces and sticky Calgary treats fight. Caramel apples, kettle corn, and the inventive deep-fried everything that shows up at Stampede will try to break a bracket. Corn on the cob becomes a knife-and-fork affair. If you like to graze, the food rules feel restrictive.
Invisalign lets you eat normally, with two caveats. You must pop the aligners out first, and you need to brush or at least rinse before they go back in. Coffee and red wine stain aligners if you drink with them in, and heat can warp them. If you plan on several daily coffee top-ups on Stephen Avenue, you will either drink through a straw with aligners out or accept more brushing breaks.
Sports and active life
For contact sports, braces require a custom mouthguard that fits over the brackets. They work well, but the guard is bulkier and can trap more saliva. With Invisalign, many athletes simply remove aligners and wear a standard sports mouthguard. That simplicity matters when a coach is yelling line changes and you have 30 seconds to get back on the ice.
Skiing and hiking are no issue for either system. If you camp, Invisalign asks for a bit more planning because you need a clean place to store aligners during meals and a way to brush. I tell aligner patients headed to Kananaskis to pack a small water bottle, travel brush, and vented case.
Hygiene and gum health
Plaque control is a big reason some Calgary orthodontists steer adults toward Invisalign, especially if they arrive with a history of gingivitis or periodontal treatment. Braces turn flossing into an obstacle course and require threaders or a water flosser. It is all doable, but it takes time.
With aligners, you remove the plastic and brush and floss normally. The catch is you must also clean the aligners. A soft brush with clear soap works well, and periodic soaking in an aligner cleaner helps. Skipping hygiene with either system invites white spot lesions around brackets or stained, smelly aligners. The patients who keep their gums the healthiest are the ones who build a simple routine and protect it like a non-negotiable meeting.
Treatment time: reality versus sales pitch
Marketing likes to promise speed. Real life is about biology. Most adult cases in Calgary take 12 to 24 months whether you choose braces or Invisalign. Teens can be similar, though growth can speed certain corrections. Mild cases can wrap in 6 to 9 months. Complex cases run 24 months or more. With aligners, refinements are common and add a few months while new trays are fabricated.
The variable you control is compliance. Aligners not worn 20 to 22 hours a day stretch timelines. Braces with elastics ignored will stall. I have seen apparent 12‑month cases turn into 20 months purely from inconsistent https://familybraces.ca/terms-and-conditions/ wear. On the flip side, motivated aligner patients sometimes finish faster than equivalent braces cases because they never miss a beat and never break hardware.
Cost in Calgary and what affects it
Prices vary by clinic, complexity, and insurance relationships, but you can expect ballpark ranges:
- Typical comprehensive braces in Calgary: often in the 6,000 to 9,000 CAD range. Ceramic brackets and extended cases sit toward the higher end. Invisalign in Calgary: commonly 6,000 to 9,500 CAD. Smaller cases land lower. Significant refinements, extra aligner sets, or complex movements nudge the number up.
Insurance matters. Many employer plans in Calgary list orthodontic coverage as a lifetime maximum per person, often between 1,500 and 3,000 CAD, sometimes higher. Pre-authorization is worth the hassle, and most clinics will help you file. Flexible payment plans are standard. The real difference in cost is rarely massive for comparable complexity, so I encourage patients to weigh lifestyle fit at least as heavily as a few hundred dollars either way.
Attachments, elastics, and the fine print
Modern Invisalign almost always uses attachments, the small tooth-coloured shapes bonded to teeth that give aligners something to grip. They improve control dramatically. If your mental picture of aligners is a perfectly smooth, almost invisible tray, realize that attachments make them more visible up close. Still discreet, just not invisible.
Elastics exist in both systems. Braces use hooks on brackets. Invisalign uses little plastic nubs or cutouts in the aligners. I see compliance drop with aligner elastics slightly more often, partly because they are easier to forget. Put extra bags in your car, desk, and gym bag.
Travel is another small factor. If you travel frequently for work in the oil sands or tech, Invisalign can be convenient because your Calgary orthodontist can dispense several sets at once. Virtual check-ins have improved, though occasional in‑person visits remain important. Braces need periodic wire changes and checks you cannot do remotely.
Teen patients: motivation and growth
Teens can succeed with either option. Parents often assume their teenager will never wear aligners enough, but that isn’t always true. Athletes, musicians, and kids sensitive about photos may be highly motivated. Invisalign Teen includes wear indicators on the trays and replacement aligners for the occasional lost set, which helps.
That said, fixed braces carry a built-in advantage during exam season or summer jobs when routines wobble. Early teen growth lets orthodontists use braces to guide eruption and create space with efficiency you cannot always match with aligners alone. For impacted canines or significant overjet with habits, braces with auxiliaries and occasional surgical exposure remain the workhorse.
Here is a simple parent-facing checklist I use in consults:
- Does your teen reliably follow daily routines without reminders? Are sports or instruments a big part of life where removability helps? Are they highly photo-conscious for grad or team pictures this year? Is there a history of gum issues where hygiene with braces might be tough? Is the case complexity high, making braces a faster, surer path?
Three or more yes answers for removability, appearance, and hygiene tilt toward Invisalign. A tough case and shaky routines usually tilt toward braces.
Adults: professional demands and long game
Adult patients often prioritize discretion and minimal disruption. For consultants, nurses switching shifts, or anyone who networks over coffee, Invisalign’s rhythm fits. I see better hygiene and fewer emergency visits from broken brackets in adults choosing aligners. I also see the best results when adults are frank about their own limits. If you know you will forget trays on the counter twice a week, braces are a kind favor to your future self.
Some adults bring specific dental histories. Existing crowns, implants, or gum recession influence mechanics. Implants do not move, and planning around them can be easier in a digital aligner setup. On the other hand, significant root torque on upper incisors or closing extraction spaces to improve profile can run more predictably with braces. A skilled Calgary orthodontist can walk you through simulations for both paths.
Emergencies and maintenance
Braces come with the occasional popped bracket or poking wire. Clinics save chair time for quick fixes, but you might drive across town during rush hour. An ortho wax kit in your bag saves many evenings.
Invisalign emergencies are rarer. You can crack or lose a tray, especially if a dog finds one. If that happens, most clinics advise stepping back to the previous tray or moving forward one set depending on fit. Keeping your last set as a backup is smart. Attachments can debond and will need a quick rebonding appointment.
Retainers are forever regardless of system. Teeth drift slowly, and Calgary’s dry winters with mouth breathing at night do not help. Plan on nightly retainer wear for at least a year, then a supported long‑term schedule. I like hybrid plans: nightly for 12 months, then 3 to 5 nights a week for maintenance. Ask about fixed retainers on lower incisors if your case had significant crowding.
Hygiene routines that actually stick
Patients do best with routines that survive bad days. With braces, keep a soft brush and a tiny interdental brush in your car and bathroom. A water flosser shortens evenings dramatically, though it is not a replacement for floss entirely. Fluoride toothpaste and a weekly fluoride rinse reduce white spot risk.
With Invisalign, morning and night look like normal brushing and flossing. Add 30 seconds to brush aligners with clear, unscented soap. Midday, if you are at the office, rinse after lunch and brush when you can. Calgary’s office towers have more dental kits in handbags than most realize. For coffee loyalists, time your cups with meals so you are not constantly removing trays.
How to decide in a real consult
An initial consult with a Calgary orthodontist should feel like a two‑way briefing. You bring your priorities and pain points. The orthodontist brings a clinical assessment and options. I encourage patients to ask for two plans when feasible: one optimized for braces, one for Invisalign, including expected time, number of visits, and what could go wrong. If the Invisalign plan relies on perfect wear and multiple refinements for a borderline movement, hear that as a nudge. If the braces plan adds months mainly because of logistics, weigh whether your schedule can absorb it.
Two quick Calgary anecdotes illustrate the nuance. A geologist commuting to site every other week wanted minimal clinic visits and was meticulous about routines. We chose Invisalign, batched check-ins, and finished in 14 months with one refinement. A teen hockey defenseman with a deep bite and impacted canine needed braces with a surgical exposure, chain traction, and elastics. The mouthguard concerns were solved with a custom guard, and the case finished strong in 22 months. Both choices fit their lives, not just their teeth.
A word on marketing vs. maker
Patients sometimes ask for a brand by name. Invisalign is the most recognized clear aligner maker, and many Calgary clinics deliver outstanding results with it, including advanced features and digital planning. Some clinics also use other clear aligner systems. Results hinge more on the orthodontist’s diagnosis, plan design, and course corrections than the logo on the box. For braces, similar logic applies: self‑ligating, ceramic, or traditional metal brackets are tools. The hand that guides them, and your commitment, drive the outcome.
The candid pros and cons
Here is a compact snapshot to sanity-check your instincts:
- Invisalign: discreet, removable, easier hygiene, fewer urgent visits, great for travel and sports. Demands consistent wear and tray care. Attachments make it visible up close. Coffee routines need rethinking. Braces: always working, highly effective for complex tooth movements, no tray discipline required. More visible, food restrictions apply, hygiene is more involved, and occasional emergency visits happen.
If you are already leaning one way and your case allows it, that preference counts. People finish what they believe in.
Timing your start in Calgary
Seasonality helps. Parents often start teens right after school ends. That gives a few quiet weeks to adjust without presentations or exams. Adults sometimes launch in fall after summer travel, or in January when benefits reset. If you have a winter heavy with travel to site, ask for a schedule that avoids wire changes during your away weeks or aligner transitions when you will be off the grid.
Calgary winters dry out lips and cheeks. A simple lip care kit makes early braces easier: hydrating balm, a little wax, and a soft toothbrush. For aligners, dryness matters less, but keep water nearby. Hydration also keeps aligners clearer.
When hybrid or staged treatment makes sense
A small subset of cases benefit from a hybrid approach. We might use braces briefly to upright or derotate stubborn teeth, then switch to Invisalign for finishing. Or we use Invisalign for most movements and add a short braces phase for a tough rotation. This staged plan adds complexity, but it leverages strengths. If your case sits on the line between systems, ask whether a hybrid plan could trim months or reduce refinements.
Final guidance before you book
Choose the Calgary orthodontist you trust, not just the appliance. Look for clear explanations, realistic timelines, and transparent fees. If you feel rushed, get a second opinion. Bring your calendar, insurance details, and a list of priorities: visibility, speed, comfort, travel, sports, coffee, hygiene. A good clinician will map those to a plan that works in your real life.
For many adults and active teens, Invisalign fits beautifully. For complex movements or shaky compliance, braces are still the king of predictability. With either path, consistent habits and a responsive clinic team determine how smooth your journey feels.
Calgary is a city that rewards planning. The same applies here. Pick the system that you can live with on your busiest weeks, not your best ones. Wear what needs wearing, clean what needs cleaning, and keep your checkups. Sixteen or twenty months later, you will thank your past self every time you catch your reflection on a bright winter morning.
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:
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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).