What Is an Orthodontist? Calgary Patients’ Beginner Guide

Posted on 2026-01-07 19:30:25

Most people think orthodontists just straighten teeth. That is part of the story, not the whole. An orthodontist diagnoses, prevents, and treats problems with the alignment of teeth and jaws. Those problems affect the way you chew, speak, breathe, and even how your jaw joints wear over decades. If you have ever felt a molar catch awkwardly when you bite or noticed that your child’s front teeth jut out after thumb-sucking, you are looking at the territory an orthodontist navigates daily.

For Calgary patients, there are a few local twists to keep in mind: the city’s dry climate, the active lifestyles that make mouthguards a necessity, and the mix of family and career demands that shape appointment times and treatment choices. If you are weighing Invisalign versus dental braces, or trying to figure out whether your six-year-old needs an early assessment, this guide will help you make decisions with confidence.

How orthodontists train, and why that matters

Every orthodontist starts as a dentist, then completes an accredited specialty residency focused on facial growth, occlusion, jaw function, and biomechanics. In Canada, that means an additional two to three years of full-time training after dental school, plus board certification and licensure. They learn to read growth patterns on radiographs, plan tooth movement safely in fractions of a millimeter per month, and prevent root damage and gum recession while they work.

That extra training shows up in the details. A well-trained orthodontist will spot a crossbite that hides behind a crowded smile, or a skeletal discrepancy that will cause jaw joint strain later. They will also know when to hold off. I have told many adults with minor spacing that treatment is optional, not urgent. The goal is stable, healthy function, not simply straighter selfies.

What an orthodontist actually treats

Think beyond crookedness. Orthodontists address:

Crowding and spacing, which can worsen plaque retention and gum inflammation if ignored. Bite relationships: overbite, underbite, open bite, and crossbite. These affect tooth wear, jaw strain, and even airflow for some patients. Jaw growth discrepancies in children and teens, when guiding growth can prevent surgical needs later. Relapse from past treatment, including cases where retainers were lost or never provided. Functional habits like thumb-sucking, tongue thrusts, and mouth breathing that shape facial growth.

In Calgary, I see mouth breathing exacerbated by seasonal allergies that flare in the chinook winds. Parents blame crooked teeth on chance, but chronic mouth breathing narrows the upper jaw over time, inviting crossbites and crowding. Treating the airway problem often sits alongside orthodontic work.

The first visit: what to expect, no surprises

A typical new-patient appointment runs 45 to 60 minutes. You sit down for a conversation first. Good clinicians listen for priorities: a teen who wants braces off before grad photos, a runner who needs smooth aligners that will not cut a lip mid-race, or a parent budgeting for two kids at once. Then come records: photographs, a 3D scan instead of gooey impressions, and an X-ray to map roots and growth plates. In Calgary, most clinics use digital scanners and low-dose panoramic or CBCT imaging when indicated.

The orthodontist will map out options. Sometimes there are three viable routes, each with trade-offs:

Traditional braces for broad control, with elastic wires that handle rotations predictably. Ceramic or clear braces for aesthetics that still deliver strong biomechanics. Invisalign or other clear aligners for flexibility and comfort, particularly useful for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or relapses.

Expect frank talk about limits. Clear aligners can handle a surprising range of cases now, but severe rotations, high canines, or complex bite corrections may still perform better with braces or a hybrid plan. Good Calgary orthodontists will not oversell Calgary Invisalign if a different route better suits your anatomy and goals.

Braces or Invisalign? The real differences

Patients ask this almost daily, and the answer depends on your case and your lifestyle. Here is how I explain it in the chair, without buzzwords.

Control and complexity: Braces give the orthodontist direct control with wires and tiny bends that fine-tune root positions. They are often the best tool for significant rotations or tooth extractions where space has to close precisely. Aligners excel at planned movements in three dimensions and can be outstanding for arch expansion, mild crowding, and bite settling with precision attachments. They sometimes need additional tools like elastics or temporary anchorage devices for tougher movements.

Comfort and convenience: Aligners are smooth, removable, and make it easy to brush and floss. They require 20 to 22 hours of wear per day to work. If you are disciplined, the comfort payoff is real. Braces are fixed, so compliance is simpler, but cheeks may feel tender for a week after adjustments. If you play contact hockey or rugby, a custom mouthguard becomes essential over braces. Aligners, in contrast, double as a basic mouthguard in low-contact sports.

Aesthetics: Clear aligners are nearly invisible across a boardroom table. Ceramic braces soften the look but still show close up. One oil and gas executive I treated chose ceramic braces after hearing the wear schedule for aligners. He admitted he would forget to wear trays during travel weeks. We finished in 16 months with excellent results because the tool matched the lifestyle.

Speed and predictability: With good case selection and compliance, aligners and braces finish in similar timelines, around 12 to 24 months for most. Complex bite and jaw issues tilt the odds toward braces, especially when you want the fewest refinements. Aligners often need one or two refinement phases, each adding 4 to 8 weeks.

Cost: In Calgary, orthodontic treatment commonly ranges from about $3,800 to $8,500, depending on complexity and duration. Braces and Invisalign price out similarly for many cases today. The difference tends to come from the number of visits, lab fees, and refinements, not from a simple “aligners are more” rule.

Kids, teens, and adults: timing changes everything

Children: The first orthodontic check is best around age 7. That does not mean braces at 7. It gives the orthodontist a chance to catch crossbites, severe crowding, or jaw growth issues. Early treatment can be short and targeted, often 6 to 12 months, with expanders or partial braces. The aim is to clear roadblocks so the adult teeth erupt into better alignment. Many kids then have a gap of observation years before comprehensive treatment in the teen years. In Calgary, early expanders often double as airway helpers when nasal breathing is limited.

Teens: This is the bread-and-butter group for braces and Invisalign Teen. Growth spurts are your ally. We can use growth to guide jaws into better relationships while teeth move. Compliance varies, of course. I have seen 15-year-olds with meticulous aligner wear and 13-year-olds who kept elastics in their pocket. The honest conversation about responsibility and priorities matters more than the brand of braces.

Adults: Adult orthodontics has never been more common in Calgary. People are living longer, working longer, and want healthy function. Adults may have gum recession, old fillings, and bite patterns cemented by decades. Orthodontists coordinate with your general dentist and hygienist, sometimes your periodontist, to protect roots and gums while moving teeth slowly. Invisalign is popular with adults who value discretion, but many adults choose braces to avoid the discipline of full-time aligner wear. I have treated a 62-year-old retired teacher who chose metal braces and a vivid set of elastic colors to match Stampeders games. She finished with a healthy bite, better chewing, and a grin that matched her energy.

Inside a typical treatment plan

After records and the plan discussion, the sequence unfolds in predictable phases.

The setup: For braces, brackets go on in about an hour and a half. The first wire is light and flexible, designed to start alignment gently. For Invisalign, you receive a series of custom trays and small tooth-colored attachments. We place attachments in roughly 30 minutes. You leave with detailed wear instructions and a case for the trays.

Active movement: Adjustments or aligner changes continue every 6 to 10 weeks. Appointments run quicker if you use remote monitoring, which several Calgary orthodontist clinics now offer through photos submitted with a smartphone. Not every case qualifies, but it can reduce in-person visits by a third without sacrificing quality.

Finishing: The art lives here. Fine-tuning root angles, bite contacts, and midline alignment turns a good result into a lasting one. This stage can take 2 to 4 months for most cases. Patients rarely notice what we are doing, yet this is where long-term stability is earned.

Retention: Teeth have memory. Without retainers, they drift. You will receive either clear removable retainers, a bonded wire behind the front teeth, or both. Wear schedules vary, but expect nightly wear for at least the first year, then a gradual taper. I tell patients the honest rule of retention: if you want your teeth to stay put, wear retainers at night indefinitely. They are thin, comfortable, and worth the minor effort.

Dental braces 101

Braces come in a few flavors. Metal brackets are small, smooth, and efficient. Ceramic brackets look more discreet and are popular with older teens and adults. Both use archwires that progress from flexible nickel-titanium to stiffer alloys that shape the arch.

If your orthodontist recommends rubber bands, they are not a punishment. Elastics guide the jaws into better relationships, often wearing from upper to lower molars or canines. Many patients only need them at night, though some wear them full-time for a few months to address a stubborn bite.

Care is straightforward: brush twice daily, floss with a threader or water flosser, and avoid hard, sticky foods that bend wires or pop brackets. Calgary’s dry air can make lips prone to cracking, so wax and a good lip balm save the day in the first week.

Calgary Invisalign: practical insights from local patients

Clear aligners feel modern for good reason. The trays are custom printed, the attachments are subtle, and the software lets your orthodontist preview the plan and make fine adjustments. A few practical tips from Calgary patients who did well:

Keep two cases, one in your bag and one at home. Lost trays are the biggest delay. During ski season, avoid storing aligners in a pocket near a phone. Heat from devices and car dashboards can warp trays. If you drink coffee often, switch to a wide stainless steel straw. It reduces staining and heat exposure. Plan ahead for Stampede week if you host or attend late events. Bring a travel toothbrush and a small bottle of mouthwash to keep wear times honest.

For some, aligners serve as a gentle cue to drink more water, which is handy in Calgary’s arid climate. Dry mouth increases plaque growth, so the hydration habit supports gum health as treatment progresses.

How long will it take?

A realistic range for full treatment is 12 to 24 months. Early interceptive work in children can be 6 to 12 months. Subtle adult relapse with aligners might wrap up in 3 to 8 months. What lengthens timelines? Missed appointments, poor elastic or aligner wear, unexpected dental issues like cavities, or underestimating the complexity of a bite at the outset. A seasoned orthodontist builds a cushion into the plan without promising miracles. If a clinic guarantees six months for every adult case, be cautious. Teeth and bones follow biology, not marketing.

What it costs in Calgary, and how to plan

Most comprehensive treatments in Calgary fall between $3,800 and $8,500. Limited aligner corrections land on the lower end, while complex bite corrections with extractions or surgical coordination reach the upper end. Fees typically include records, appliances, routine visits, and a set of retainers. Refinements for aligners may be included or capped; ask for clarity in writing.

Insurance coverage varies. Many group plans cover orthodontics at 50 percent up to a lifetime maximum, often $1,500 to $3,000 per person. Some require pre-authorization. Clinics commonly offer monthly payment plans with no interest over the active treatment period. If you are stacking treatments for siblings, ask about family pricing. An experienced Calgary orthodontist understands budgeting alongside care and will lay out options without pressure.

Safety and risks, managed well

Orthodontic treatment https://familybraces.ca/five-common-myths-about-metal-braces-debunked/ is safe when supervised properly. Risks exist, and discussing them openly builds trust.

Root resorption: A small percentage of patients experience shortening at the tips of roots. Mild shortening usually does not affect tooth health. Orthodontists manage risk by controlling forces and monitoring with periodic X-rays for longer cases.

Gum inflammation: Food traps around brackets can inflame gums. With aligners, plaque builds under trays if you skip cleaning. A strict hygiene routine and professional cleanings every 4 to 6 months prevent most issues. In downtown Calgary clinics, we often coordinate with your general dentist in the same building to keep schedules tight.

Temporomandibular joint symptoms: Changes in bite sometimes produce temporary jaw muscle soreness. A careful bite analysis at the start limits surprises. If you already have TMJ pain, tell your orthodontist so they can pace movements and provide supportive strategies.

Decalcification: The white marks you may have seen after braces are not inevitable. They appear when plaque sits undisturbed. Patients who use fluoride toothpaste, brush well, and avoid constant sipping of sugary drinks rarely see them. For teens, I sometimes apply a clear sealant around brackets at the first appointment for added protection.

Beyond aesthetics: the health case for orthodontics

It is fair to want a better smile. It is also fair to ask whether treatment helps beyond looks. The answer is yes, when problems exist. A good bite distributes forces evenly, which prevents chipping and reduces jaw muscle fatigue. Straight, well-spaced teeth are easier to clean, lowering the risk of gum disease. For some children, correcting a crossbite prevents asymmetrical jaw growth that would otherwise compel surgery later. For adults, aligning teeth before crowns or implants gives the restorative dentist better, longer-lasting options.

I once treated a cyclist in his thirties with clenched, worn front teeth and a deep overbite. He came in for a cosmetic fix. As we leveled the bite and improved the overjet, his headaches eased. He had not considered that connection. The cosmetic change felt like a bonus next to fewer tension headaches on long rides.

How to choose a Calgary orthodontist

Credentials matter, but so does chemistry. You will be seeing this team for a while. Look for practical signals rather than glossy marketing.

Transparent planning: Do they explain the why behind each step, including alternatives? Sensible schedules: Are forenoon and late-day appointments available for school and work? Snow days happen here; ask how they handle rescheduling during storms. Realistic promises: Do they give a time range and explain what could speed or slow progress? Tech with purpose: Digital scanners help comfort and accuracy. Remote monitoring can be helpful, but it should not replace necessary in-person checks. Retainer policy: A clear plan for retention saves you from relapse. Ask how many retainers are included and the cost of replacements.

Visit two clinics if you are unsure. Your questions should be welcomed, not brushed aside. A calm, thorough conversation early prevents disappointments later.

Life during treatment: honest tips that make it easier

Plan your first week with braces like you would after a minor ankle sprain. Stock soft foods, keep orthodontic wax handy, and switch to a silicone-tipped water flosser if flossing feels clumsy at first. Go easy on spicy chips and crusty bread for a few days. For aligners, build a routine: trays out only for meals, brush, trays back in. Set a phone reminder for nightly elastics if you tend to forget.

Hydration is underrated. Calgary’s dryness intensifies with winter heating and summer chinooks. A refillable water bottle reduces dry mouth and freshens breath. Sugar-free xylitol gum between meals helps when you are in aligners and cannot brush immediately.

If you play sports, tell your orthodontist. They can fit a mouthguard around braces or guide you on aligner wear during practices. I advise hockey players to use a double-layer mouthguard with braces and to keep orthodontic wax in the gear bag. Nothing derails practice like a fresh bracket rubbing along a lip.

Surgical orthodontics and other special cases

Some adults and late teens have skeletal discrepancies that braces or aligners alone cannot correct. In those cases, surgical orthodontics comes into the discussion. This path involves coordinating with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, aligning teeth, then repositioning jaws to improve function and aesthetics. It sounds daunting, but for the right patient, it addresses airway concerns, speech clarity, and facial balance in ways that tooth movement alone cannot. Not everyone needs this, and a thoughtful Calgary orthodontist will offer it only when the skeletal issue truly warrants it.

Cleft and craniofacial patients represent another specialized track. These treatments are interdisciplinary by nature and often span childhood to adulthood. If this applies to your family, seek a clinic experienced with hospital teams and staged planning. Precision and patience count even more here.

After the finish line: keeping results for life

When the final photo is snapped and the braces come off or the last aligner is worn, you are not done. You are promoted to maintenance. This is the most neglected part of orthodontics, and it is where outcomes are protected.

Wear your retainers as instructed. Keep a backup set if your clinic offers it, and do not leave them in a hot car. Replace them if they feel loose or cracked. If you choose a bonded retainer, floss around it carefully and see your hygienist regularly. I ask patients to keep a calendar reminder every three months to try in the retainers during the day for an hour. If they feel tight, that is your early warning to increase nightly wear before drift becomes visible.

Remember the bigger picture: healthy habits now pay off later. Routine cleanings, a low-sugar diet, and a mouthguard for contact sports protect your investment. Think of orthodontics as a renovation that stabilizes the foundation of your bite. You would not renovate a kitchen and then leave the windows open all winter. Close the loop with retention.

A Calgary-specific note on access and timing

Our city grows fast, and so do waitlists in peak seasons. Back-to-school months book up quickly. If you are aiming for braces or Calgary Invisalign to start in late summer, consider scheduling consults in spring. Winter storms can interrupt travel from satellite communities, so build a little slack into your plan. Many clinics near major CTrain lines ease commuting. If you live farther out, ask whether occasional virtual check-ins are an option.

Calgary is also a city of movers. If you anticipate a job change or relocation, tell your orthodontist. Treatment plans can be structured with fewer custom attachments or with phases that transfer more cleanly between clinics. Records and progress notes travel easily today, but planning ahead avoids hiccups.

When to make that first call

If you see crowding, a bite that does not feel right, or if your child’s adult teeth are erupting in awkward directions, book an assessment. If you clench your teeth, wake with jaw tightness, or avoid smiling for photos, it is worth a conversation. A Calgary orthodontist will give you a clear map that separates needs from nice-to-haves. Sometimes the best recommendation is to wait and watch. Sometimes a short, strategic intervention saves years of difficulty.

Straight teeth are a joy, but the quiet benefit is a bite that ages well. Whether you choose dental braces or Invisalign, the key is alignment that respects biology, supports gum health, and fits your life. That is the heart of modern orthodontics in this city: thorough diagnosis, practical plans, and results that last long after the last appointment fades from your calendar.

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.

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).