Walk into any Calgary orthodontist’s clinic on a weekday afternoon and you’ll see as many adults as teens in the waiting room. The reasons vary. Some missed braces growing up, some had teeth shift after years without retainers, and others want to protect expensive dental work by improving their bite. What used to be a rite of passage in junior high has become a smart, practical step for adults who want to chew comfortably, smile confidently, and keep their teeth for the long haul.
Adult orthodontics is not just about straighter teeth. It is about function, jaw health, gum stability, and preventing wear. If you have crowns, implants, gum recession, or a history of grinding, the approach is more nuanced than simply lining up teeth. That is where an experienced Calgary orthodontist can tailor a plan around real life, Alberta seasons and all.
Why adults seek orthodontic treatment now
Three themes come up again and again. First, confidence. Calgary is a city where your smile is in half your interactions, from pitching ideas downtown to chatting at the rink. Adults who spent years hiding their teeth often say they felt invisible. Second, comfort. Bite problems lead to uneven wear, cracks, and jaw pain. Straight teeth are easier to clean, which matters more as we age and gum health becomes the foundation of everything. Third, longevity. When your bite is balanced, expensive dental work tends to last longer. That $1,400 crown stands a better chance if it isn’t taking the full brunt of your bite.
Anecdotally, the pandemic nudged many people to finally address their teeth. Masks hid the process, remote work eased appointment schedules, and the “I’ll get to it someday” barrier dropped. Even now, Calgary invisalign packages and low-visibility options keep adult treatment discreet and manageable.
What makes adult orthodontics different
Treating adults is a different sport than treating adolescents, for a few reasons. Bone is denser in adults, so teeth may move slightly slower. There can be periodontal considerations, like recession or bone loss, that limit aggressive movement. Many adults have restorations, such as crowns, veneers, and implants, which require careful planning. An implant, for instance, does not move, so the orthodontist moves the adjacent teeth around it instead. And then there is time. Adults juggle work and family, which calls for fewer appointments and options that integrate with daily life.
I have watched cases succeed or run into trouble based on one factor: collaboration. The best outcomes often come from teamwork between your general dentist, a periodontist if your gums need support, and your orthodontist. A quick example helps. A client in their early 40s had a deep bite, two old crowns, and mild recession. We staged treatment in three phases, starting with Invisalign to open the bite gently, then periodontal therapy to firm up the gum foundation, and later replaced a worn crown once the bite forces were balanced. The end result looked great, but just as important, the bite functioned properly and the recession stabilized.
Braces vs. Invisalign for adults
Both paths work. The choice depends on your goals, your bite, your lifestyle, and your ability to follow instructions. Dental braces give the orthodontist direct control of tooth movement and can be more efficient for complex rotations, large vertical changes, or cases involving impacted teeth. They come in metal or ceramic. Ceramic braces blend in better and are popular with professionals who want a more subdued look. Metal still wins points for durability, especially if you grind your teeth or drink a lot of hot coffee that can stain elastics.
Invisalign aligners have advanced far past their early days. When used by a skilled provider, clear aligners can handle crowding, spacing, open bites, posterior crossbites, and many Class II and Class III cases with the help of attachments and elastics. The catch is compliance. For Calgary invisalign to work as designed, aligners must stay in your mouth 20 to 22 hours daily, coming out only for meals and brushing. If you forget them for a weekend in the mountains, expect a setback.
From a comfort standpoint, adults often prefer aligners because they avoid bracket irritation and make hygiene easier. You remove the trays to brush and floss. With braces, cleaning takes more time and dedication, which is not a dealbreaker but requires honest habit-building. If you enjoy curry, red wine, and blueberries, aligners come off for meals so staining is less of a long-term worry. On the other hand, braces never forget to be in your mouth, which helps those who know compliance might slip on a hectic week.
How long treatment takes for adults in Calgary
Most adult cases in Calgary run 9 to 24 months. Simple alignment with minimal bite changes often wraps up in 9 to 12 months. Moderate cases with a deep bite or crossbite commonly land in the 12 to 18 month range. Complex situations involving multiple extractions, impacted teeth, or heavy bite correction may run 18 to 24 months, occasionally longer. Remote monitoring tools, which many clinics in the city now use, can shorten in-person visits while keeping treatment on track. You might scan your teeth at home once a week with a phone attachment and only come in when adjustments are needed.
I advise planning around life events. If you are heading into a stretch of business travel, talk to your Calgary orthodontist about pacing your aligner shipments or scheduling wire changes to coincide with your downtime. Winter in Calgary also plays a role. Dry air can make aligner edges feel rougher on the lips. Orthodontic wax, a nail buffer to smooth an edge, and a reliable lip balm earn their keep from November to March.
What orthodontists check during your first consult
A thorough consult covers more than a quick look and a fee. Expect photographs, a digital or physical scan of your teeth, and a 3D X-ray if your root positions, bone levels, or airway need evaluation. The orthodontist will study your bite from the side and front, noting midline positions, overbite depth, crossbites, and the space available for each tooth. They will ask about clenching, headaches, and any history of gum disease. For adults, periodontal stability is mission-critical. If gums are inflamed or bone support is weak, any orthodontic movement can put teeth at risk. Good clinics in Calgary screen for this and work with your hygienist to set the stage.
A practical tip: bring your dental history. If you have a crown on tooth 36, say so. If your dentist mentioned a crack in an upper molar, mention it. Orthodontic forces are gentle but constant. Knowing where teeth are vulnerable helps your orthodontist plan attachment positions, choose lighter wire sequences, or avoid certain movements entirely.
Cost, insurance, and value
Adults often ask two questions at the same time: how much does it cost and is it worth it. Fees vary by office, complexity, and appliance system. In Calgary, most adult cases fall between about $4,800 and $8,500, with straightforward aligner cases on the lower end and complex combined therapies higher. Ceramic braces tend to cost slightly more than metal. Invisalign pricing often aligns with braces for similar complexity, though add-ons like Vivera retainers can change the total.
Insurance for adults is uneven. Some employer plans cover a portion of orthodontics, often 50 percent up to a lifetime maximum of $1,500 to $3,000. Others exclude adult orthodontics entirely. Ask for a predetermination so you know your out-of-pocket before starting. Many clinics offer zero-interest payment plans that spread the cost across 12 to 24 months. When comparing clinics, look beyond the sticker price. Consider chair time, frequency of visits, length of warranty on retainers, and whether refinements for Invisalign are included. A slightly higher fee can be better value if it includes robust finishing and fewer workday interruptions.
Functional benefits beyond a nicer smile
The esthetic advantage is obvious, but the functional payoff matters more long term. A balanced bite distributes load across teeth and joints. That can reduce chipping on front edges, slow down enamel wear on lower incisors, and remove the hyper-function on a single molar that cracks every five years. Orthodontics can also open space for implants in areas of congenital missing teeth, commonly lateral incisors. Aligners or braces position roots neatly so an implant enjoys solid bone on both sides. Orthodontics also helps with hygiene. Crowded lower front teeth are plaque traps. Straightening them can lower inflammation scores and make 4 mm pockets shrink to 3 mm with good home care and professional cleanings.
TMJ symptoms are more nuanced. Some patients feel improvement after their bite is leveled, especially if they had posterior interferences that forced their jaw forward. Others see no change because their joint pain stems from muscle habits or arthritis. A measured Calgary orthodontist will not promise a cure, but can explain how bite changes might influence your symptoms and suggest adjunct therapies like a night guard after treatment.
Invisalign refinements and braces finishing work
The last 10 percent of treatment often takes 30 percent of the time. With Invisalign, refinements are common. You wear a first set of aligners for several months, then your orthodontist rescans and orders a second set to dial in precise movements. This is not a sign of failure, it is the nature of moving teeth in living tissue with attachments that sometimes debond or rotate. With braces, the finishing phase includes detail bends, wire changes, and possibly elastic wear to fine-tune midlines and canine guidance.
Expect the final months to focus obsessively on how your teeth meet. You might feel like your orthodontist has become a perfectionist about a half millimeter. That half millimeter can decide whether your front teeth chatter against each other when you talk or glide smoothly for decades.
Oral health during treatment
Your hygiene routine needs to level up. With braces, a water flosser is not strictly necessary but is a sanity saver. Interdental brushes, a silicone-tipped gum stimulator, and a low-abrasion toothpaste help keep your gums calm. For Invisalign, the aligners can trap sugar and acids if you snack with them in. Most adults learn to batch meals, then pop the trays back in after brushing or at least a vigorous rinse. Coffee is trickier. You can drink it with aligners in if it is not piping hot and you do not mind staining, but expect your trays to discolor faster. Many patients shift to iced coffee through a straw.
If you have sensitivity, talk to your orthodontist about a lower force wire or a slower aligner change schedule. Switching aligners every 10 days instead of 7 can make a big difference in comfort without sacrificing outcomes. Anti-inflammatory medication can help on day one of a new aligner or wire, but you should not need it regularly. If pain lingers past a couple of days or localizes to a single tooth, flag it. A high spot or a rotated tooth stuck against its neighbor can be adjusted.
Retainers and keeping the result
Teeth remember where they came from. Retention is not optional. Think of it as seatbelts for your new smile. After braces or Invisalign, you will wear retainers full time for a few months, then shift to nights. The exact schedule varies, but many adults end up on a lifelong night retainer habit three to five nights a week. This is not punishment, it is maintenance, like changing furnace filters before winter hits.
Fixed retainers, a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth, are popular for the lower arch. They keep alignment stable and require diligent flossing with a threader. Removable retainers come in two styles: clear Essix trays or classic Hawley with an acrylic plate and a thin wire. Clear retainers look better and hold precise alignment, but they can crack if you clench. Hawleys are tough and adjustable, but more visible. Some Calgary clinics recommend a combo: fixed lower plus a removable upper.
Set calendar reminders to replace retainers before they warp. A good rule is to order a backup set every one to two years, sooner if you grind your teeth. Most emergencies that send adults back to the orthodontist involve a lost retainer after a late flight or a dog chewing one to pieces. Dogs love the smell of saliva-cured plastic, so keep retainers in a case, not a napkin.
Special cases: gum recession, implants, and missing teeth
Calgary’s dry climate can make recession feel more prominent, but the tissue issue is usually rooted in a thin gum biotype and heavy brushing. If you have recession, orthodontic forces must be gentle and directed. In some cases, orthodontics can improve the tissue environment by repositioning teeth over thicker bone. In others, a gum graft before or after treatment creates a safer buffer. Your orthodontist and periodontist will coordinate timing.
Implants complicate movement since they anchor to bone and stay put. If you plan to replace a missing tooth, orthodontics often sets the stage by opening the right amount of space and aligning roots. This is one of those places where precision matters. A millimeter too narrow and your implant crown will look pinched. Too wide and the contact picks up food. Also consider sequencing with your general dentist, especially if you need a temporary solution. Flippers, bonded pontics, or even aligners with a tooth-colored pontic can fill the gap during treatment.
When premolars were removed as a teen or a tooth was extracted after a fracture, adults sometimes want to close that space to avoid an implant. Whether that is wise depends on your bite and profile. A Calgary orthodontist who treats adults daily will walk you through the facial and dental trade-offs, including how closing space can flatten lips or deepen a bite.
What to expect at Calgary clinics
The standard of care in the city is high. Many clinics use digital scanners instead of gooey impressions, and treatment plans are often simulated in 3D so you can see predicted movements. Some clinics offer evening or early morning appointments for commuters. Parking matters more than you think in winter, and you will appreciate a clinic with heated underground or at least easy access when the snow piles up on 17th Avenue.
Communication is a differentiator. Clear expectations about timing, your role in elastic wear or aligner compliance, and how refinements work can make the process smooth. Ask about after-hours support for pokey wires and how the clinic handles emergency visits if you https://familybraces.ca/locations-overview/ are out of town.
Everyday life with braces or aligners
Both options fit adult life, but in different ways. Braces are always “on,” so you do not have to think about them at meetings or on flights. You will change how you eat apples and corn on the cob, and you will carry a travel brush. Aligners are more flexible but demand discipline. You will learn to excuse yourself after lunch to brush, and you will time your morning coffee before popping trays back in. If you host clients, a discrete bathroom kit with a compact brush, a small bottle of mouthwash, and your aligner case keeps things simple.
Speech adapts. Aligners can soften S and SH sounds for a day or two after each change, then your tongue finds a new groove. Braces rarely affect speech beyond an initial lisp if you had a bite turbo placed to open your bite. If your job involves microphones or daily presentations, schedule attachments or turbo placement on a Friday and give yourself the weekend to adjust.
Realistic outcomes and how to judge them
Great orthodontic results look natural. The smile arc follows your lower lip. The midlines match or are close enough that your eye reads harmony, not measurement. The bite feels even when you tap. Front teeth overlap enough to protect edges, but not so much that you cannot see lower incisors when you talk. Black triangles between teeth may appear as crowding is relieved. Your orthodontist can minimize these with controlled interproximal reduction and by managing root angulations, but some triangle at the gumline is a trade-off for aligned teeth in a mature gum frame.
Be wary of perfectionism that ignores biology. If a tooth is slightly shorter due to years of wear, a minor cosmetic bonding at the end might complete the picture better than months of extra movement. If a molar has a crack line, your orthodontist may choose lighter forces and accept a tiny bite compromise to protect the tooth.
A simple decision guide
Here is a compact way to think about your options if you are choosing between Calgary invisalign and dental braces.
- Pick Invisalign if you value removable, nearly invisible treatment, can commit to 20 to 22 hours per day of wear, and prefer easier hygiene with frequent business meals. Pick ceramic or metal braces if you want a set-it-and-forget-it appliance, have complex rotations or vertical changes, or worry that compliance will slip during busy weeks.
Getting started without overwhelm
Call two clinics and book consults. Pay attention not just to the plan, but to how they explain it. Do they talk about your gums, your bite function, and retention, or only about straightening the front six teeth. Ask to see cases similar to yours and how long they took. Bring your insurance details to the first visit so the financial conversation is concrete. If you are on the fence, ask whether the clinic offers a short trial with limited aligners to test compliance, or a phased plan that addresses a pressing issue first.
The best time to start treatment is when you have a stable routine for three months. That gives you space to build habits, schedule your first two adjustments, and avoid the temptation to cheat the process. Your future self will thank you when you realize you are chewing on both sides evenly and no longer thinking about how your teeth look on video calls.
The bottom line for Calgary adults
Adult orthodontics is practical healthcare that pays dividends for decades. Whether you choose braces or Invisalign, a thoughtful plan from a skilled Calgary orthodontist balances esthetics with function and long-term stability. Expect clear communication, a few moments of patience as your mouth adapts, and a final phase where details matter. Stick with your retainers. Keep your hygienist close. And let your teeth do what they are designed to do, quietly and comfortably, while you get on with your life in a city that rewards showing up with a real smile.
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).