If you live in Calgary and you’re weighing clear braces against Invisalign, you’re not choosing between good and bad. You’re choosing among strong tools that solve different problems well. As a Calgary orthodontist who has treated kids, teens, and adults through chinook winters and Stampede summers, I’ve seen how lifestyle, bite complexity, and even how often you forget your keys affect which option wins for you.
Both clear braces and Invisalign aim for the same destination: a healthy, stable bite and a smile that feels like yours. They get there in different ways. Clear braces are fixed to your teeth. Invisalign uses removable aligners you click in and out. Those differences ripple into treatment speed, comfort, visibility, maintenance, and how much daily effort you need to put in.
What “clear” really means
Clear braces, sometimes called ceramic braces, use tooth-colored or translucent brackets bonded to the front of your teeth. The wire is still visible, but the overall look blends better than traditional metal. Invisalign and similar clear aligner systems use a series of transparent trays that move teeth step by step. Most patients in Calgary hear “clear” and picture aligners, but clear braces are genuinely discreet in day-to-day life, especially in photos and at a normal conversation distance.
Ceramic braces have improved. The brackets are smaller than what you might remember from the early 2000s. They resist staining better than older versions, though not perfectly. Invisalign has also matured. Attachments, those small tooth-colored bumps bonded temporarily to teeth to help aligners grip, allow more complex tooth movements than the first generation of trays ever could.
Teeth don’t move in a vacuum
Bite issues vary. A mild crowding case in a college student who wears aligners meticulously is a different story from a deep overbite with rotated canines in a busy parent who grazes on snacks all day. The right tool depends on the type of tooth movements needed and your capacity to follow the plan.
Clear braces shine when we need fine-grained control. Think stubborn rotations, vertical changes like intruding overerupted incisors, or coordinating the bite with elastics in many directions. Invisalign handles a wide range too, but some movements require more trays, more attachments, and more refinements. When a patient wants aligners but the case is complex, we can often make it work, yet the path may take longer or cost more chair time.
On the flip side, for mild to moderate crowding or spacing, aligners can be elegant. You see progress weekly, and you don’t have to navigate pokey wires after adjustments. For working adults who speak to clients or present frequently, Invisalign can feel almost invisible from a few feet away.
Everyday life in Calgary: what actually happens
Weather and routine matter. You can go from hot coffee to icy wind on a downtown walk in January. For aligner patients, frequent hot beverages can lead to aligners being out of the mouth longer than recommended. If you nurse tea or coffee for hours, you’ll either drink through the aligners and risk sugar exposure around your teeth, or take them out repeatedly and lose wear time.
Clear braces don’t rely on your memory. They keep working through meetings, dog walks in Nose Hill Park, and kids’ hockey practices. You can eat without removing anything, although you must clean more carefully afterward.
Travel plays a role too. Many Calgary professionals travel to Fort McMurray or out of province for stretches. With Invisalign, trips are easier if you bring the next sets of trays and keep your wear consistent. If you misplace a set mid-trip, it creates a hiccup; most of the time you can drop back to the prior aligner or advance one stage, but it’s not ideal. With clear braces, you’re stable between appointments, and small emergencies like a loose bracket can usually be triaged by wax until you’re back.
Visibility and aesthetics: not just vanity
People often assume aligners are always less visible. In person, Invisalign looks very discreet, though attachments can catch light. Clear braces are visible up close because the wire reflects, but in photos and video calls, the difference is less dramatic than you think. I’ve had TV presenters and teachers choose ceramic braces because they didn’t want the discipline of aligners, and viewers barely noticed.
Aligners can slightly change speech for a day or two after a new set, especially with S and SH sounds. Most patients adjust quickly. Clear braces don’t affect speech directly, but cheek and lip irritation can happen early on until the soft tissues toughen up.
Comfort, pressure, and pokey bits
Both systems move teeth with controlled force, so both cause pressure after adjustments or tray changes. With clear braces, the discomfort typically peaks 24 to 48 hours after wire changes or power-chain placement. With Invisalign, it often surfaces with a new aligner set and tends to be milder but frequent since you change trays more often.
Where clear braces can lose ground is friction and bulk. Ceramic brackets are smoother than metal on the front surface, but they are still fixtures your lips feel. Occasionally a wire end pokes after a meal or sports mouthguard insertion. Wax and small wire trims solve most of these quickly.
Aligners avoid wire pokes, but edges can feel sharp for the first day, and attachments can rub the cheeks. We can buff aligner edges, and cheeks adapt just as they do with braces. I tell patients to keep a nail file handy for rough spots on aligners during travel.
Hygiene and oral health
Oral hygiene is simpler with aligners. Take them out, brush and floss as usual, then brush the trays before they go back in. You do need to clean them consistently to avoid cloudiness and odor. With clear braces, flossing is slower. Water flossers and threaders help, and a small interproximal brush can rescue you after lunch. If you’re prone to plaque buildup or you snack frequently, aligners reduce risk because you can remove them to clean properly, though the discipline of not sipping sugary drinks with trays in is essential.
Staining concerns get exaggerated online. Ceramic brackets themselves are stain resistant. The elastic ligatures can pick up color from turmeric, curry, red wine, and coffee. We swap those elastics at regular intervals, so most staining is temporary. If your diet leans heavily on richly colored sauces, you’ll notice the change more. Invisalign trays can stain too if you drink coffee or wine with them in. Clear, unsweetened sparkling water is usually fine.
Attachments, buttons, and elastics
Modern Invisalign often involves attachments and sometimes buttons for elastics. Attachments are tooth-colored, but they do make aligners more visible, especially on the front teeth. Elastics with aligners must be removed for eating and replaced after. Clear braces use elastics too when coordinating the bite, and their hooks are always there, so it’s easier to remember to wear them.
If you need elastics for many months, braces tend to win on reliability. If you’ll likely forget elastics half the time, clear braces keep you honest because you’ll at least wear the braces full time, and we can often design strategies that rely less on patient compliance. Aligners can be great for compliant adults, but the elastic wear matters as much as tray wear.
Treatment speed and predictability
Both systems can be fast when used in the right case. I’ve finished minor alignment in 4 to 6 months with either option. The myth that Invisalign is always faster or always slower doesn’t hold. Speed depends on movement type, biology, and compliance. Clear braces have a slight edge on predictability for difficult rotations and vertical control, so the number of refinements at the end is often lower. Invisalign has caught up considerably, yet refinements, meaning extra sets of trays to dial in fine details, are common. That’s normal and not a failure, just part of the process.
If you’re aiming for orthodontic perfection, especially with a tricky bite, braces may reach the endpoint with fewer micro-adjustments. If you’re aiming for excellent alignment with minimal lifestyle interference, aligners often deliver satisfaction with fewer daily annoyances.
Cost in Calgary terms
Fees vary by clinic and case complexity. In Calgary, a typical range for comprehensive orthodontics with either clear braces or Invisalign spans roughly from the high four figures to the low five figures, depending on duration and difficulty. Ceramic brackets sometimes cost slightly more than metal because of material price. Invisalign may be priced similarly or a touch higher when multiple refinement phases are anticipated. Many family orthodontist offices offer payment plans. Insurance often covers a portion regardless of appliance type, though policy language matters.
When you compare cost, think total value: your time, follow-up visits, emergency visits, and how well the plan fits your habits. A cheaper option that you struggle to follow can end up longer and more expensive.
Eating, drinking, and social life
With Invisalign, meals look normal because you remove the trays. Spontaneous snacks complicate things. If you graze throughout the day, you’ll either wear aligners less than 22 hours or spend your life brushing. Many Calgary patients settle into three meals and one short coffee break, which works well.
With clear braces, you can eat freely with a short learning curve. I advise cutting crunchy apples into slices and avoiding brittle candy and super sticky caramels. You won’t need to time meals around trays, but you will need to clean after eating, especially midday. For teens and adults who never remember to bring their aligner case, braces can feel simpler.
Sports, instruments, and work
For contact sports, a proper mouthguard matters. With Invisalign, the aligners are not a substitute for a sports mouthguard. You remove the aligners and wear a custom sports guard. With clear braces, we fit a braces-friendly guard that accounts for brackets. Either approach protects teeth well. If you play wind instruments, aligners may be easier. Braces can be managed with wax and practice, but the first few weeks can be awkward.
Public-facing jobs deserve honest expectations. Invisalign is nearly invisible in most lighting, and you can remove trays briefly for a key conversation or a photo. Don’t make that a habit, but flexibility exists. Clear braces are visible close up, but they don’t come Orthodontist out, so you never worry about forgetting them before a board meeting. I’ve had lawyers choose both routes with good results, depending on their comfort and routine.
Maintenance and appointments
Clear braces appointments in a Calgary orthodontics clinic usually occur every 6 to 10 weeks. We change wires, adjust ligatures, and monitor progress. Visits run 20 to 30 minutes on average, longer when we make big changes. Invisalign check-ins can be spaced similarly or even longer when a patient is reliable with virtual monitoring. Many of our adult braces and aligner patients appreciate fewer in-person visits during snowy months. If you crave fewer trips, aligners with remote monitoring can help.
Aligner patients must keep track of trays, change them on schedule, and store them properly. If you have a dog, keep the case closed, or you will learn how fast a labrador can chew through a $200 aligner.
Relapse, retainers, and the long view
No matter which path you choose, retention is forever. Teeth drift toward comfortable positions as ligaments settle. We plan for retainers at the end of both clear braces and Invisalign. Often that means a bonded wire for the lower front teeth and removable night-time retainers for both arches. The future success hinges on your willingness to wear retainers, not on whether you wore ceramic brackets or aligners during treatment.
If you think you might slack on retainers, talk about fixed options. A bonded retainer is invisible day to day and buys you stability with minimal effort. It requires careful flossing, but most patients adapt quickly.
How I help patients decide
I start by mapping the bite and listing the non-negotiables. If we need complex vertical changes, significant rotations, or jaw coordination that depends on elastics in many vectors, clear braces usually earn the nod. If your priority is discretion and you can promise 22 hours of daily wear, Invisalign Calgary fits like a glove.
Lifestyle questions matter:
- Are you willing to remove aligners every time you eat or drink anything but water, then brush after? Do you want the treatment to keep going even when you forget something because your hands are full with kids, work, or travel?
If your honest answer to the first is yes, aligners might be best. If your honest answer to the second is yes, clear braces simplify your life.
Straight talk on pros and cons
Both options have trade-offs. Here is a concise comparison to help you see the contours without marketing gloss.
- Appearance: Invisalign is usually less noticeable in person, especially without many attachments. Clear braces blend well and look subtle in photos, but the wire shows. Discipline: Aligners demand consistent wear, case carrying, and brushing after meals. Braces demand steady hygiene and occasional wax, but they never depend on memory. Complexity: Clear braces hold an edge in tough cases and tricky tooth movements. Invisalign handles many complex cases today, though often with more refinements. Comfort: Both cause soreness during active movement. Braces bring occasional wire irritation. Aligners bring edge irritation for a day or two with each new tray. Eating and drinking: Aligners mean no food restrictions, but meal structure matters. Braces mean some food modifications and cleaning after eating, with no tray logistics.
That list covers the common questions I hear from Calgary braces and aligner patients. The rest comes down to what you value most: a set-and-forget appliance that works 24/7, or a nearly invisible solution that fits seamlessly into presentations, dates, and photos.
Special situations in Calgary families
Teens: Clear braces tend to be more reliable for teens who are still building habits. Invisalign Teen can work brilliantly for responsible teens, especially athletes and musicians. The indicator dots on teen aligners help track wear, but honesty and routine still rule the day.
Adults: Many adult braces cases succeed with Invisalign because adults usually follow rules they set for themselves. If you travel frequently or entertain clients over meals, aligners can reduce friction in your schedule.
TMJ concerns: Appliance choice rarely determines TMJ outcomes directly. Proper bite design and careful staging do. If you clench or grind at night, aligners add a thin layer between teeth, which some patients find soothing. Others prefer the sturdiness of braces with a nighttime guard later.
Gum health: If you start with tender gums or periodontal concerns, aligners make hygiene easier while we coordinate care with your dentist or periodontist. Braces can still work well with extra hygiene support.
What a typical timeline looks like
Clear braces: We place brackets in about an hour to ninety minutes. The first week, cheeks and lips learn the new landscape. Over months, wire sizes progress from flexible to more rigid, and you see steady alignment gains. Elastics may enter the picture mid-treatment. Appointments stay regular. Debond day is a good one, followed by retainer delivery.
Invisalign: We take a digital scan, create a virtual plan, and review it together. Trays arrive a few weeks later. Attachment placement takes about an hour. You switch trays on a schedule, often every 7 to 10 days. We check fit and progress, and we may order refinement sets near the end to polish details. You finish with retainers and, if needed, a bonded wire.
Either way, most comprehensive cases run 12 to 24 months. Shorter for minor alignment, longer for complex bite corrections. Calgary calendars fill quickly, so booking ahead for key visits helps.
My best advice if you’re still undecided
Take a hard look at your habits. The most beautiful plan fails if it fights your daily rhythm. I’ve watched meticulous coffee lovers succeed with braces because they didn’t want to restructure their mornings. I’ve also watched airline pilots and nurses thrive with aligners because they enjoy the control and discretion.
Ask your Calgary orthodontist to walk you through a case like yours that they’ve finished with each option. Before-and-after photos help. Ask about refinements, emergency visits, and what surprised the patient. If your orthodontist is fluent with both methods, you’ll get candid guidance that matches your goals.
Finally, try a mock day in your head. Imagine breakfast, a mid-morning latte, lunch on the go, an afternoon workout, and dinner with friends. Where do clear braces or Invisalign pinch? Where do they glide? Your answer should feel obvious after that exercise.
The bottom line for Calgary patients
Both clear braces and Invisalign can give you a healthy bite and a confident smile. For compliance-wary patients, clear braces offer steady, reliable progress with minimal decision-making. For discrete, motivated patients, Invisalign Calgary pairs results with flexibility and a nearly invisible look. With an experienced Calgary orthodontist guiding the plan, you can’t really go wrong. The best choice is the one you will live with happily for a year or two, because that’s how you get to the finish line with teeth and gums you’ll be proud of for decades.
NAP (Brand-Level + 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
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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 public clinic listings on Google Maps, including the Beacon Hill clinic listing at https://www.google.com/maps?cid=16805613282543881448.
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).