Calgary families often ask the same question at orthodontic consults: which has the better value, Invisalign or traditional braces, and what should we budget for the full journey from first scan to final retainer? The short answer is that both can land in a similar overall range, but how you experience the cost day to day, how your lifestyle fits each option, and how your case complexity interacts with fees can shift the math. After years working with patients across the city, from teenagers on hockey teams to professionals juggling client meetings, I’ve learned that the right choice is rarely about a single number. It’s about the total package: clinical needs, treatment length, appointment cadence, insurance coverage, and how reliably you can wear aligners.
What people actually pay in Calgary
For comprehensive orthodontic treatment in Calgary, I typically see these ranges:
- Comprehensive metal braces: 5,000 to 7,800 CAD for most cases. Ceramic braces tend to add 300 to 800 CAD. Invisalign (full or comprehensive package): 5,500 to 8,500 CAD depending on complexity, number of aligner stages, and refinements.
Those numbers reflect treatment of 12 to 24 months in most cases, spread over the active treatment period with monthly or quarterly payments. Mild cases that need only limited movement, like aligning a few front teeth, sit lower, often 2,800 to 4,500 CAD for short braces cases or https://familybraces.ca/five-common-myths-about-metal-braces-debunked/ Invisalign Express-style plans. Severe cases, especially those involving extractions, impacted canines, or jaw discrepancies that require surgical coordination, can creep beyond 9,000 CAD regardless of appliance.
A Calgary orthodontist will structure fees to include the essentials: diagnostics, records, the appliance itself, visits and adjustments, refinements for Invisalign, and initial retainers. Where practices differ is in how they bundle emergency visits, extra refinement rounds, or upgraded retainer options.
What’s in the bill, line by line
If you look beyond the headline fee, the full cost picture usually includes:
Records and planning. Panoramic and cephalometric X‑rays, intraoral scans or impressions, photos, and a treatment plan. In Calgary this can be a standalone 300 to 600 CAD charge, though many clinics roll it into the total fee.
Appliance and adjustments. This is the bulk of the cost. Braces pricing factors in brackets, archwires, elastics, and chair time. Invisalign pricing reflects the number of aligners, smart features like attachments or precision cuts, and refinement stages if needed.
Visits and emergencies. Expect routine checks every 4 to 8 weeks for braces, and every 6 to 12 weeks for Invisalign, with virtual check‑ins growing more common. Emergency visits for poking wires or broken brackets are typically included for braces. Invisalign rarely needs an emergency appointment, though lost aligners can add small replacement fees.
Refinements and finishing. With Invisalign, refinements are normal. Most Calgary invisalign cases need at least one extra set of trays to polish details, usually included in comprehensive packages up to a limit. With braces, finishing adjustments are done with wires and elastics at chair time, sometimes followed by short-term clear aligners for minor detailing if both patient and clinician agree.
Retainers and retention. At debond or after final trays, you will receive retainers. Hawley or clear vacuum‑formed retainers are the norm. Many clinics include one upper and one lower set, and charge 150 to 400 CAD per retainer for spares or replacements. Some patients opt for a bonded lingual retainer on the lower front teeth, an extra 250 to 450 CAD per arch, with potential maintenance costs in the future.
The role of complexity
Case complexity drives cost more than brand names do. Consider three common scenarios:
Mild crowding in the upper front teeth, no bite issues. Braces or Invisalign can both finish in 6 to 10 months. This is where Invisalign Express or Lite tiers shine. Costs often sit in the lower band, and aligners win on convenience.
Moderate crowding with a deep bite and some rotation in the lower arch. Treatment length often crosses 14 to 20 months. Either option works, but braces may offer a slight cost advantage because finishing control with wires can be more direct and require fewer midcourse corrections. Invisalign catches up if the patient is consistent and the orthodontist uses advanced features and attachments strategically.
Complex malocclusion, such as skeletal discrepancies, crossbite with asymmetry, or impacted canines. Braces often provide faster control with fewer compromises. Invisalign can still handle many of these cases with attachments, elastics, expansion strategies, and sometimes temporary anchorage devices, but more refinement cycles and a longer aligner series increase cost.
A Calgary invisalign provider who treats a wide range of cases will be candid about whether your goals fit comfortably within aligners. If you hear that either option could deliver a similar result, cost and lifestyle can weigh more heavily. If you’re told one route is likely to be more predictable, that guidance usually saves money in the long run.
How lifestyle changes the math
For a teenager playing contact sports, braces mean mouthguards and the occasional broken bracket after a hard hit. Aligners come out for practices and games, which feels simpler, but only if the trays are stored safely and reinserted promptly. Lost aligners add replacement costs and can delay progress.
For adults in client‑facing roles, aligners typically fit better. You can remove them for presentations and lunch, as long as you make up the wear time. If you graze or sip coffee all day, aligners can become a hassle since they shouldn’t be worn while eating, and sugary drinks under trays raise cavity risk. Braces are fixed, so there’s no wear‑time discipline required, but you will need to modify your diet and spend more time on hygiene.
Travel schedules matter too. Braces need more frequent in‑person adjustments. Invisalign allows longer intervals, with multiple sets of trays sent home and virtual check‑ins between visits. If you work in Fort McMurray week on, week off, or you’re on the road for months, aligners can be easier to manage.
Insurance and payment in Calgary
Most dental plans in Alberta cover orthodontics as a percentage up to a lifetime maximum, commonly 50 percent up to 1,500 to 3,000 CAD. The timing of benefits matters. Orthodontic fees are usually spread monthly over treatment, and insurance pays out proportionally as the service is rendered, not as a lump sum. If your employer plan renews or changes during treatment, your benefits may change with it. Get a pre‑determination from your insurer before you start so you know what to expect.
Calgary orthodontists typically offer interest‑free payment plans over 12 to 24 months. Down payments range from zero to 1,000 CAD, depending on the clinic. Credit card payments can add points, though some offices pass merchant fees for large transactions. If cash flow is tight, ask about extended schedules, smaller down payments, or bundling sibling treatment for a small discount.
Invisalign specifics that nudge cost up or down
With aligners, three factors steer price more than anything else: number of trays, number of refinement stages, and extra tools like elastics or attachments.
Number of trays. A 10 to 20 tray series is quick and cheaper than a 50 tray series. Expect longer cases to cost more, not because plastic is expensive, but because planning time, monitoring, and refinements scale with complexity.
Refinements. A single refinement round is normal and usually included. Multiple rounds can push clinic costs and chair time, especially if compliance was spotty early on. Choose a Calgary invisalign provider who shows you their protocol for refinements and how they handle midcourse corrections. Clarity here prevents surprise add‑ons.
Elastics, attachments, IPR. Elastics anchor tooth movement across arches and add control. Attachments are resin bumps bonded to teeth that aligners grab onto. Interproximal reduction, gentle polishing between teeth, creates micro‑space to resolve crowding without extractions. These are not costly line items by themselves, but they correlate with complexity, which correlates with price.
Lost or damaged trays. One or two replacements is no big deal. A pattern of lost aligners drags out the timeline, and longer timelines tend to mean more appointments and more refinements, which can edge cost higher.
Braces details that matter for cost and comfort
Braces come in flavors: stainless steel, ceramic, and self‑ligating designs. In Calgary, metal brackets are the standard value choice. Ceramic brackets blend with tooth color, cost a bit more, and can add friction that lengthens certain mechanics if not managed carefully. Self‑ligating systems sometimes carry a small premium and can reduce chair time, but total treatment time depends more on the orthodontist’s plan than on the clip in the bracket.
Breakage and emergencies. Broken brackets or bent wires add visits. Most clinics include these, but frequent breakage can extend treatment. If you are tough on gear, budget extra time, not necessarily extra money, and talk candidly about foods to avoid.
Elastics and compliance. Braces are fixed, but elastics are not. If you skip elastics, bite correction stalls. That often translates to more months in braces, which might not raise fees in a fixed‑price plan, yet it does raise your soft costs: time and patience.
Time is money, just not always on the invoice
On paper, braces and Invisalign often cost within a few hundred dollars of each other for the same case. The hidden costs show up in time: missed work for appointments, the extra minutes brushing and flossing around brackets, the mental load of tracking aligners, or the stress of rescheduling a visit during busy season.
Here’s a real Calgary rhythm I see frequently. A downtown analyst chooses Invisalign because quarterly financial reporting swallows her calendar. She sees me every 8 to 12 weeks, swaps trays weekly, and checks in by video if a refinement is pending. Meanwhile, a high school goalie picks metal braces, comes in every 6 weeks, and wears a custom mouthguard over his brackets. Both finish in 18 months. Their fees differ by less than 500 CAD, but the way those fees fit into their lives is very different.
Add‑ons you may want to plan for
Retainer strategy. If you know you grind your teeth, ask for a stronger retainer material or a bonded lower retainer plus a clear upper. Upgrades cost more upfront, but fewer replacements save money later. Clear retainers usually last 12 to 24 months with good habits; heavy bruxers can chew through them in 6 to 9.
Whitening and cosmetic touch‑ups. Many adults pair whitening with finishing, adding 200 to 400 CAD for trays and gel. Resin bonding to smooth small edges or close micron‑gaps is optional and case dependent.
Attachments removal and polish. This is included, but plan for a longer final visit to remove bonding resin and polish enamel. If you have composite restorations on front teeth, polishing takes more finesse, not added cost.
Nightguards after orthodontics. For patients with significant grinding, a durable nightguard after finishing can protect the investment. Costs run 400 to 700 CAD and are separate from orthodontic retainers.
How to compare quotes from a Calgary orthodontist fairly
If you gather two or three opinions, you will see different treatment philosophies. A fair comparison focuses on what’s included, how success is defined, and what happens if the initial plan needs midcourse correction.
Ask these five questions during consults:
- What’s included in the quoted fee, from records to final retainers, and what would trigger extra charges? How many refinement rounds are included for Invisalign, and how are lost aligners handled? What visit schedule should I expect, and do you offer virtual check‑ins or extended interval options? If the plan changes, like deciding on extractions mid‑treatment, how does that affect the fee? What is your approach to retention, and how many retainers are included?
Pay attention to how your orthodontist explains trade‑offs. A Calgary invisalign enthusiast who shows you how attachments, staged movements, and elastics will handle your deep bite inspires confidence. A braces‑first orthodontist who outlines why torque control and precise bracket placement will protect your gumline is giving you the same gift: clarity.
Teen patients and school‑year realities
School calendars shape orthodontic timing more than most parents realize. Starting in late August or early September means the first few weeks of adjustments align with back‑to‑school routines. For teens who opt for braces, that’s manageable if they store wax in their backpack and carry a travel toothbrush. For teens choosing Invisalign, the learning curve is remembering to put trays back in after lunch. Calgary winters complicate things: trays wrapped in napkins get tossed in cafeteria bins, and gloves make case handling fiddly. Build habits early, like using a brightly colored aligner case and setting phone reminders.
Sports seasons matter too. For rugby, wrestling, or ringette, aligners are easier if you can commit to wearing them immediately after games. For braces, a quality orthodontic mouthguard saves lips and cheeks. Your orthodontist can heat‑mold one to fit around brackets, and this is usually part of the care without extra fees beyond the guard itself.
Adult patients, gum health, and long‑term stability
Adults bring a different set of variables. Prior gum recession, old fillings, and bone levels influence how aggressively teeth can be moved. Invisalign can offer gentler forces when staged conservatively, though braces can be equally gentle in trained hands. The lesson is not that one appliance is safer, but that adults need meticulous hygiene, regular cleanings, and sometimes a periodontist on the team.
If you clench or grind, expect your clinician to talk about intrusion mechanics, bite turbos, or posterior support to prevent flaring front teeth. These strategies aren’t line items on a bill, yet they protect your long‑term result, which is a financial decision as much as a clinical one. Stability costs less than relapse.
Are mail‑order aligners cheaper in Calgary?
Direct‑to‑consumer aligners attract attention with low sticker prices. They are typically intended for very mild crowding, and the care model doesn’t include in‑person diagnostics or bite correction. The savings come from reduced chair time and simplified cases. In practice, I’ve met patients who finish satisfactorily for minor spacing, and others who end up paying twice when they switch to a Calgary orthodontist to fix a bite that wasn’t addressed.
If your goals are limited and you accept the risks, you may save money. If you want bite correction, arch development, or predictable rotation control on canines and premolars, a supervised plan with a Calgary invisalign provider or braces is usually more cost‑effective over the full cycle.
Practical ways to manage the investment
There are a few straightforward strategies that consistently lower the total outlay without cutting clinical corners:
Time your start to insurance. If you and a spouse both have plans with orthodontic benefits, coordinate dual coverage. Start after pre‑determination is approved. If a plan change is coming at work, lock in benefits before the switch.
Choose the right package. If your case is mild, ask directly whether a limited treatment package can meet your goals. For braces, that might mean a single arch or front‑six alignment with minor bite adjustments. For Invisalign, a Lite or Express tier.
Be honest about compliance. If you worry you’ll forget trays or snack constantly, braces might save you months, which for many clinics translates to the same fee but a smoother experience, fewer refinements, and less time off work.
Protect retainers. Budget for at least one backup set in the first year. Losing a retainer right after finishing is the most expensive cheap mistake in orthodontics because teeth start to drift within days.
Keep dental cleanings on schedule. Hygienist visits every three to four months during treatment reduce the chance of cavities or gum inflammation that would pause progress. An interrupted case costs more time and sometimes more money.
What a typical Calgary timeline looks like
From first call to retainer night, here’s how most cases run:
Initial consult and records. Often booked together. You get photos, scans, and X‑rays, then a treatment discussion. Expect 60 to 90 minutes.
Plan review and start. A second visit to place braces or deliver first aligners. Braces day takes 60 to 120 minutes. Invisalign delivery takes 45 to 75 minutes, especially if attachments are bonded.
Active treatment. Braces adjustments every 6 to 8 weeks. Invisalign aligner changes weekly or biweekly, with check‑ins every 6 to 12 weeks. Midcourse refinements for Invisalign commonly happen around months 6 to 12.
Finishing and detailing. The final stretch focuses on root positions, bite settling, and symmetry. With braces, this may include lighter wires and elastic patterns. With Invisalign, it often means one last refinement set.
Debond or final trays and retainers. Braces come off, attachments are removed and teeth polished, retainers made and delivered. You will wear retainers full time for a short period, then nights long term.
Retention checks. Follow‑ups at 6 to 12 weeks, then at 6 months. Many clinics offer ongoing retainer replacements at a preferred fee if you maintain periodic checks.
The bottom line on cost, value, and comfort
If your case is moderate and you can commit to wearing trays, Invisalign and braces in Calgary sit on the same cost shelf, usually mid‑5,000s to mid‑7,000s CAD, with outliers above and below. Aligners deliver flexibility, fewer chair visits, and a discreet look. Braces deliver relentless consistency, strong bite correction, and less day‑to‑day willpower. The real price difference often lives in how smoothly the treatment runs, and smooth treatments come from a clear plan, honest alignment between tool and lifestyle, and a Calgary orthodontist you trust.
If you’re weighing options, book two consults. Bring questions about what’s included, expected timeline, retention, and how refinements or emergencies are handled. Ask to see example cases similar to yours. Whether you choose dental braces or Invisalign, the best value is the one that you can follow comfortably, with a team that makes it easy to stay on track. That’s the investment that pays you back every time you 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)
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).