If you grew up thinking braces were a teenage rite of passage, you’re not alone. Many adults carry that belief right into their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond, even as they quietly wish their bite felt better and their smile looked straighter. Years in the chair have taught me a simple truth: teeth don’t know your age. They respond to forces and biology, not birthdays. Whether you’re 16 or 60, if you’ve wanted to fix crowding, close gaps, or finally address a bite that never felt quite right, an orthodontist can help.
Adult orthodontics comes with its own quirks. Gums have a history. Enamel has lived through coffee and red wine and the odd midnight popcorn kernel. Joints and muscles have adapted to long-standing bite patterns. That’s exactly why adult treatment can be so transformative. A carefully planned approach doesn’t just line up teeth, it makes chewing more comfortable, improves cleaning, takes pressure off restorations, and restores confidence that shows up in job interviews, family photos, and day-to-day conversation.
What changes when you seek treatment as an adult
Teens have growth on their side. Their jaws are still developing, and that opens the door to certain orthopedic changes. Adults, by contrast, bring maturity and patience. They tend to be motivated, follow instructions, and keep appointments, which shortens treatment time more than you’d think. You also come with a dental record: old fillings, crowns, maybe a root canal or an implant, sometimes a history of gum recession or sensitivity. That record doesn’t disqualify you. It simply reshapes the plan.
I once treated a software project manager who had lived with an open bite since high school. She could grind kale through her molars but couldn’t easily bite a noodle in half. We used clear aligners with small bite ramps and inter-arch elastics. It was not about vanity for her. It was about function. Sixteen months later, she could bite through a sandwich without contortions, and her jaw tension eased because her muscles finally had a job they could do efficiently.
Adult orthodontics is not one-size-fits-all. Two people with the same crowding can need entirely different strategies because one has fragile gums and the other has a veneer on a front tooth they love and want to protect. The art is in honoring the mouth you bring and the lifestyle you live.
Why an orthodontist, not just “braces”
Dentists and orthodontists work together, often on the same patient and sometimes on the same tooth. The distinction matters when your goals involve tooth movement. An orthodontist spends additional years after dental https://familybraces.ca/locations/beacon-hill/ school focused almost entirely on diagnosing and moving teeth and guiding jaw relationships. They study growth timing, biomechanics, TMJ patterns, and how tiny changes ripple through the bite. That background is what keeps a case from drifting into “straighter but not stable.”
I’ve seen adults who tried quick fixes and ended up chasing relapse because the bite behind the smile wasn’t addressed. If your teeth are crowding because the lower arch is collapsed inward, for example, widening just the front without supporting the posterior bite can create a nice selfie and a miserable chew. An orthodontist maps the bite first, then designs movement that your muscles and joints can accept long term.
The menu: dental braces, ceramic options, and Invisalign
When people say braces, they usually picture metal brackets. Those are still around for good reason. They are reliable, precise, and cost-effective. For adults, aesthetics matter, so manufacturers now make smaller, smoother brackets and wires that blend better with teeth. Ceramic braces are another option. They’re tooth-colored and far less noticeable in photos or across a conference table. The trade-off is friction. Ceramic can increase sliding resistance a bit, which may slightly lengthen specific movements or require different wire sequences. It’s manageable; it just means the plan needs to anticipate it.
Then there’s Invisalign and other clear aligners. For many adults, aligners make treatment feel invisible in daily life. You pop them out to eat, brush normally, then pop them back in. The newest aligner protocols are far more capable than the early versions you might remember. They can correct moderate crowding, many crossbites, open bites, deep bites, and rotations that used to be considered the exclusive domain of brackets. Aligners shine when periodontal health is a priority because you can clean teeth thoroughly. They also help patients who speak in public and don’t want the visual of metal.
Here’s the part that often surprises people: aligners require discipline. They only work when they are on your teeth, typically 20 to 22 hours per day. If your job involves constant snacking during long shifts or you sip coffee all day, aligners can still work, but you need a plan to rinse, reinsert, and wear them consistently. Braces, by contrast, are “always on,” which can be a blessing for busy minds. A Calgary orthodontist will usually offer both systems, and a frank discussion about your habits and goals will point you toward the best fit. If you’re curious specifically about Calgary Invisalign options, ask how they handle elastics, attachments, and refinements. The details in their answer tell you how comfortable they are with complex aligner cases.
Adult-specific considerations: gums, bones, and restorations
Your gum health sets the stage. If the gums are inflamed or bone support is compromised, moving teeth aggressively can make things worse. A careful adult plan starts with periodontal stability. That means a comprehensive cleaning, home care tuned to your mouth, and sometimes a short period of periodontal therapy before any movement. I’ve paused treatment for two months when gum measurements showed early pockets. After hygiene stabilized, we resumed with lighter forces and more frequent checks. The outcome was better and safer.
Bone density changes with age, but research shows adults can move teeth predictably when forces are gentle and steady. The rate may be a bit slower in your 50s than in your teens, yet the difference is often measured in months, not years. Braces might take 14 to 20 months for many adult cases. Aligners have similar timelines, with a range of 10 to 24 months depending on complexity and compliance.
Restorations add another layer. Crowns and veneers can handle orthodontics, but they require cautious bonding and sometimes alternative attachment positions. Implants are the exception. They do not move because they are integrated with bone. If you have an implant in a row of teeth we need to align, we plan movements around it or, in rare cases, replace an old implant crown after teeth are moved to improve the fit. If you are considering an implant for a missing tooth, orthodontic alignment first can create ideal spacing so the final implant looks and functions naturally.
Bite problems adults commonly fix
Crowding is the most common reason adults seek treatment. Teeth drift inward and twist over time, especially after wisdom teeth erupt or if you stopped wearing retainers from your teenage treatment. Crowding isn’t just cosmetic. Overlapping teeth are harder to clean. Plaque sticks in the nooks. Gum inflammation flares and the cycle continues.
Spacing sits at the other end of the spectrum. Gaps can be genetic or the result of missing teeth. Closing or redistributing spaces can set up better aesthetics and create a healthier, more stable bite. In some cases we coordinate with your dentist to finish with bonding or veneers after the spaces are intentionally adjusted for symmetry.
Deep bite, where upper front teeth cover most of the lowers, leads to wear facets on the back of upper teeth and notching on the lower fronts. Correcting it protects enamel and balances muscle function. Open bite, where front teeth don’t touch when molars do, affects speech, chewing, and long-term joint comfort. Crossbite, where some upper teeth sit inside lower teeth, can cause asymmetrical wear and gum recession on specific teeth. Each of these patterns has clear strategies in braces or aligners, and adults usually feel the benefits quickly. Chewing becomes easier. Headaches lessen if they were linked to clenching. The bite feels like it “finds home” when you close.
The truth about extractions, IPR, and why less can be more
Adults often ask whether they will need teeth removed. Extractions are less common than you might think, but they are sometimes the right tool. If you have severe crowding and a proud profile already, removing teeth can allow alignment without pushing lips further forward. More often, we use IPR, short for interproximal reduction, which is the precise polishing of tiny slivers of enamel between teeth, typically fractions of a millimeter. Think of it as creating space by sanding the shoulders of a couch to slide it through a doorway rather than knocking down a wall. When done conservatively with smooth polishing, it doesn’t increase cavity risk, and it can prevent over-expanding arches beyond what your gums will support.
Pain, tenderness, and what real adults report
Moving teeth is a biologic process. Expect tenderness, not agony. Most adults describe the first week as a dull pressure with certain bites feeling sharp, like biting into a hard baguette. Over-the-counter pain relief for a day or two usually covers it. Wax helps with braces if a bracket rubs your cheek. With aligners, the edges can feel new on day one of a tray. A quick buff with a clean emery board often solves it. The second and third days are the peak for soreness when starting or changing aligners, then it settles.
People who clench at night sometimes notice one of two things. Either clenching eases because the bite balances, or it spikes briefly during early movement because the muscles are adapting. Nightguards are an option and can be designed to play nicely with orthodontics. It’s worth mentioning to your orthodontist if you wake with tight jaw muscles.
Realistic timelines and what influences them
Most adult cases land between 10 and 24 months. Mild crowding with healthy gums and great aligner wear can wrap up in 9 to 12 months. Complex bite changes, rotations on round teeth like lower canines, or coordination with other dental work can push toward two years. Missed appointments and inconsistent aligner wear are the most common reasons timelines stretch. On the flip side, staying on schedule and following elastic wear precisely can claw back weeks. Adults tend to excel here because they’re doing the treatment for themselves, not because a parent booked the visit.
Life with braces or aligners when you have a job, family, and a calendar
This is where adult treatment either flourishes or frustrates. Food is the biggest shift with braces. Sticky and brittle foods become traps. You learn to carve corn off the cob and approach almonds with respect. The reward is that braces keep working whether you are on a red-eye or juggling a client call. With aligners, you keep your normal diet, but you stop grazing. Coffee becomes a sit-down event, not a constant sip. You remove aligners to eat, then brush or at least rinse before popping them back in. If your days are stacked end to end, keep a small travel kit with a brush, floss picks, and travel toothpaste. Fifteen clean minutes saves hours of frustration later.
A Calgary Invisalign patient I worked with was a paramedic. Long shifts, unpredictable meals. He committed to wearing aligners on truck runs and kept his kit in his side pocket. He rinsed with bottled water and brushed when he could. We built a small buffer into the plan for the weeks that were chaotic. He finished in 14 months, on a schedule that would have derailed a less tailored setup.
Cost, insurance, and the value calculation
Budgets matter. Fees vary by region and complexity, but you can expect a typical adult case to range within a few thousand dollars. Aligners and ceramic braces may cost slightly more than metal due to lab fees or materials. Many clinics offer monthly payment plans. Insurance can cover a portion, especially if you have orthodontic benefits separate from basic dental coverage. It’s worth calling your provider in advance to learn your lifetime orthodontic maximum and whether it applies to adult cases.
Beyond the invoice, factor in the downstream savings. Straight teeth reduce the risk of chipping, improve access for flossing, and make restorations easier to design and protect. I’ve seen crowns last longer when the bite is balanced and the heavy contact point is relieved. For people who present to clients, a confident smile often pays dividends that don’t show up in a spreadsheet but do show up in opportunities.
Why adults relapse and how retainers keep you there
Teeth have memory. The gum fibers around them store tension like elastic bands. After treatment, those fibers try to rebound, especially during the first year. Retainers are the seatbelt that keeps your results safe while the body adapts. Adults sometimes carry a little skepticism here because they remember an old metal retainer they lost as a teenager. Modern options are kinder.
For most adults, I recommend a bonded wire retainer on the back of the lower front teeth and a removable clear retainer for both arches at night. The bonded retainer holds the teeth that like to shift the most. The clear retainer maintains overall alignment. After the first year, many can reduce to a few nights per week, but I suggest keeping a habit for the long haul. It’s easier to wear a thin tray while you sleep than to revisit braces down the line.
When orthodontics pairs with other dental work
Some of the most satisfying adult cases are hybrid projects. Maybe you chipped a front tooth years ago and have a bonding that looks off because the tooth is tipped. Orthodontics can upright the tooth and close micro-gaps, then your dentist can re-bond a smaller, more natural contour. If you’ve lost a molar, orthodontics can drift neighboring teeth into better positions or preserve the space for a future implant with ideal root alignment. For gum recession or short teeth, a periodontist might graft or sculpt tissue after teeth are aligned to complete the aesthetic frame. Coordinated care produces results that neither discipline can achieve alone.
In Calgary, it’s common for orthodontists to collaborate closely with general dentists and specialists. If you prefer a Calgary orthodontist who has worked with your dentist before, ask both offices. A good team shares records smoothly, agrees on sequencing, and avoids surprises, like discovering mid-treatment that a crown margin needs replacement.
The psychology no one talks about, but everyone feels
Adult patients rarely frame their decision as vanity. They talk about hiding their smile for decades, avoiding the front row in photos, or the quick lip-cover motion when they laugh. There is a tangible lift that happens around month four to six when the front teeth begin to look aligned. People start smiling reflexively instead of strategically. That change ripples. You hear it in speech, see it in posture, and sense it in how they enter rooms.
Confidence is not a clinical metric, but it is the thing that keeps adults on track during the weeks that feel tedious. When you hit that plateau where movement is less visible, remember why you started. The calendar turns either way. Let your efforts compound.
How to choose the right orthodontist for you
Credentials matter, but so does the way you feel in the chair. You should leave a consultation understanding your bite in plain language, the options that suit it, the risks and benefits of each, and the likely timeline. If a clinic pushes only one system without explaining why, ask more questions. If they take time to show you your photos and x-rays and connect dots between symptoms and solutions, that’s a good sign.
Scheduling and communication style count too. Adults need appointment windows that don’t torpedo workdays. Ask about early or late hours, virtual check-ins for aligner progress, and how quickly the clinic replies to questions. If you’re considering Calgary Invisalign, it helps to see before-and-after cases similar to yours and to hear how the office handles refinements, which are the fine-tuning aligners near the end.
Here is a simple way to vet your fit during a consultation:
- Ask the orthodontist to describe your bite in two sentences and outline two viable treatment paths. Clear, concise answers signal deep understanding. Ask how they plan to keep your result stable. Retainer strategy reveals long-term thinking.
Myths worth retiring
Adults often arrive carrying the same three myths. First, that they are too old for orthodontics. Not true. I have treated healthy patients in their 70s. The key is gum health and a thoughtful plan. Second, that braces will be socially awkward. The reality is that people notice your confidence far more than your brackets. With aligners, most won’t notice anything at all. Third, that treatment will be unbearably painful. It’s uncomfortable at times, but modern wires, lighter forces, and careful pacing make it manageable. Think soreness after a new workout, not incapacitation.
A Calgary note for locals
If you live in or near Calgary and search for a Calgary orthodontist, you’ll find a healthy mix of clinics offering both dental braces and Calgary Invisalign services. Climate matters more than people realize. Winters are dry, which means lips chap and cheeks are sensitive. Keep a small tin of balm in your pocket if you wear braces, and ask for extra wax in January. For aligner users, cold weather can make trays feel stiffer on insertion when they’ve been sitting in a car. Warm them briefly in your hands before placing. Tiny, local details like these make daily life smoother.
Getting started without overhauling your life
You don’t need to map every step before you book a consult. You need two things: a clear sense of what bothers you and a willingness to hear options. Bring your questions, your constraints, and even your hesitations. A good orthodontist will show you how treatment fits around your life rather than the other way around. If you’ve wanted this for years, that feeling is a signal worth listening to. Teeth move whether you plan it or not. Crowding tends to increase slowly over decades. If you choose to guide that movement, you can shape where you end up.
As a final thought, I’ve never had an adult finish treatment and say they wish they had waited longer. I have heard the opposite so often it feels like a refrain. The first toothbrush on straight teeth, the first photo where you don’t think about angles, the first steak you chew without favoring one side — these are small moments that add up to a daily ease you only notice once you have it. If you are ready to explore braces, ceramic options, or Invisalign, set a consultation with an orthodontist who listens, explains, and plans with you. Age is a detail. Your smile, your comfort, and your confidence are the headline.
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).