Cosmetic Dentistry
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners straighten your smile using a series of custom-made, near-invisible trays — no metal brackets, no wires. We offer Invisalign and other clear aligner systems, and recommend the right one for your case.
Why it matters
Benefits
- Nearly invisible — most people won't notice you're wearing them.
- Removable for eating, brushing, and special occasions.
- Custom-planned in 3D before you start — you see the final result up front.
- Treats most common orthodontic issues — crowding, gaps, mild bite issues.
- Fewer in-office visits than traditional braces.
What to expect
The process
- 01
Consultation
We assess your bite, take a 3D scan, and discuss what you'd like to change. From there we'll recommend whether clear aligners (and which system) is the right fit.
- 02
Treatment plan
Your case is planned in 3D software — we can show you a preview of how your teeth will move over the course of treatment, before you commit.
- 03
Wearing your aligners
You wear each set of aligners for 1–2 weeks, 20–22 hours a day, switching at home. Quick check-ins every 6–8 weeks confirm everything's tracking.
- 04
Refinement (if needed)
If a few teeth aren't quite where we wanted, a short series of refinement aligners finishes the job. This is included in the original treatment fee.
- 05
Retention
Once your teeth are in their final position, we fit you with retainers to keep them there. Worn nightly long-term.
Why clear aligners have taken over
Twenty years ago, an adult who wanted straighter teeth had one option: traditional metal braces. Today, the majority of adult orthodontic work is done with clear aligners, and for good reason:
- Discreet. You can finish a major treatment without anyone at work or in family photos noticing.
- Removable. You take them out to eat anything — no food restrictions, no popcorn dread.
- Easier to clean. You brush and floss normally because the aligners come out.
- Fewer visits. No tightening appointments every few weeks.
- Predictable. 3D planning lets us show you the result before you start.
How we decide which system is right for you
Not every clear aligner case should be treated with Invisalign, and not every case fits other systems. The decision usually comes down to:
- Case complexity. Severe crowding, large rotations, or significant bite changes generally benefit from Invisalign’s more sophisticated software and attachment options. Simpler cases can use other systems.
- Predictability. Invisalign has the most published case data and the most refined movement algorithms, which is why we lean on it for complex cases.
- Cost. Other systems can be more affordable for straightforward cases without sacrificing outcomes.
We’re not financially incentivized to push one brand over another. We recommend what’s right for your case.
What sets our orthodontic work apart
- Dr. Hall has advanced training in both traditional braces and clear aligner systems (Invisalign) to help you get the smile you want.
- Same clinic for everything — no separate orthodontic referral, no juggling offices.
- Honest assessment. If you’re a better candidate for braces (or if you don’t actually need orthodontics), we’ll tell you.
- Coordinated with other treatments. If you’re combining orthodontics with whitening or veneers, we sequence everything so you don’t redo work.
Book a consultation or call 403-271-2221.
FAQ
Questions we hear most often
- Clear aligners vs. Invisalign — what's the difference?
- Invisalign is the most well-known brand of clear aligner. Other systems (SureSmile, Spark, etc.) work on the same principles. The right choice depends on your specific case — for complex cases, Invisalign's track record and software are usually our recommendation. For simpler cases, other systems can be more cost-effective. We don't push one brand.
- How long does treatment take?
- Most clear aligner treatments are 6–18 months. Mild cases can finish in as little as 3 months; complex bite corrections can take 24 months. We'll give you a clear timeline at your consultation.
- Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
- For most adult orthodontic concerns — yes. For severe bite corrections, very large tooth movements, or specific complex cases, traditional braces are still sometimes the better tool. We'll be honest if your case is one of those. Many people who 'failed at clear aligners' elsewhere were treated by providers who didn't recognize the case was too complex.
- Will they affect my speech?
- Most people adjust within a day or two. You might notice a slight lisp at first — your tongue gets used to the aligners quickly.
- How much do clear aligners cost in Calgary?
- Cost varies by case complexity, length, and which system we use. Most clear aligner cases are priced similarly to traditional braces. We provide a complete written quote at your consultation and direct-bill most insurance plans with orthodontic coverage.
- Am I a candidate?
- Most adults and teens with mild-to-moderate orthodontic concerns are good candidates. Common issues we treat: crowded teeth, gaps and spacing, overbite, underbite, crossbite (within limits), and relapse from previous orthodontic work.
Ready to talk it through?
Book a consultation.
We'll listen first, then build a plan around your goals and comfort.