Does Insurance Cover Braces in Canada? 2026 Costs, Coverage Limits, and Options
TL;DR Does insurance cover braces in Canada?
Some private dental insurance plans in Canada do cover braces, but orthodontic care isn’t included in most plans and is not often covered by provincial healthcare.
Who: Typically limited to children and teens
What: Basic orthodontic treatment (may or may not include Invisalign)
How much: A percentage of the treatment cost up to a lifetime maximum (usually between 50 and 80% and up to $1,500 or $3,000)
Coverage for orthodontics varies significantly by insurance company and policy. Braces can cost thousands of dollars, and you will be responsible for any remainder beyond the stated coverage maximum.
Make sure you fully understand a plan’s limits, age rules, and waiting periods before treatment.
How to check if your dental insurance covers braces
Coverage for braces varies widely across health and dental plans. Here’s a general overview of what different plan types typically cover:
If you currently have a health and dental plan, here’s how to check whether it covers braces.
1. Review your policy documents
Look for a section labeled Orthodontics—it’ll typically be under that label. Keep in mind if you ever want to check for coverage, including reimbursement percentages, maximums, and eligibility rules, they’ll be in these documents.
If your insurance company offers an app, you’ll probably find coverage laid out there, too.
2. Check for lifetime maximums
Unlike basic dental services, orthodontic services are usually subject to lifetime maximums rather than annual limits—often around $2,000 to $3,000, though it varies by plan. This cap applies per person on the plan in most cases.
3. Confirm reimbursement percentages
Many plans will cover only a portion of orthodontic care (like 50-60%) up to the aforementioned lifetime maximum, so you may need to pay out of pocket for the remainder. This could add up to thousands of dollars, depending on the treatment options.
4. Look for age restrictions and waiting periods
Some plans will only cover braces for children and teenagers under 18, though dependents under 21 may be covered if they live with you. Usually, adults don’t qualify.
Additionally, many plans have a waiting period before you can take advantage of your benefits.
5. Have your orthodontist submit a pre-treatment estimate
Dentists and orthodontists can send a predetermination to your insurer, which usually outlines your proposed treatment plan, what portion of the costs your insurance will be covering, and your estimated out-of-pocket costs. This is probably the best way to get an idea of what you’ll be paying for before you commit—and it might be necessary if your insurer requires pre-authorization.
You should also check your plan for any exclusions. Sometimes, plans will outright exclude orthodontic procedures for cosmetic reasons, treatment for adults, and certain types of braces (like lingual braces).
What types of dental insurance cover braces?
Coverage for braces in Canada can come from several types of dental insurance plans, but the amounts and eligibility vary widely. In most cases, orthodontic benefits are offered through private dental insurance, either individually or through an employer.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) will start covering orthodontic services “in cases of medical need based on strict criteria” sometime in 2026, with a maximum spending limit.
Here’s how each option works:
- Group dental plans: Many Canadians receive dental care benefits through their workplace, and these plans may include some orthodontic coverage.
- Individual private dental plans: If you don’t have workplace insurance, you can purchase a private dental plan through an insurance company. You can tailor your policy to include orthodontic benefits.
- Provincial dental plans: Keep in mind, most provinces won’t cover cosmetic procedures for orthodontics. Limited coverage may be available for children with severe functional dental issues that make braces medically necessary.
- Supplementary dental insurance plans: A supplemental or add-on plan can expand orthodontic coverage if your primary plan excludes braces or has a low lifetime maximum for orthodontics. These plans can be helpful for families expecting future orthodontic treatment.
Make sure you review your plan details and get an idea of how much it costs before you get treatments done, so you understand how much you’ll have to pay out of pocket.
How much will insurance cover for braces?
Insurance only covers a portion of the total treatment cost as a reimbursement, usually capped between $1,500 and $3,000. It depends on your plan.
The total cost of braces without insurance in Canada is between $3,000 and $10,000, on average:
- Metal braces: $3,000 to $6,000
- Ceramic braces: $4,000 to $8,000
- Invisalign/clear aligners: $4,000 to $10,000
With braces coverage through your private insurance, you’ll typically enjoy a reduction of between $1,500 to $3,000, so your out-of-pocket cost could be between $0 and $8,500:
- Metal braces: $0 to $4,500
- Ceramic braces: $2,500 to $6,500
- Invisalign/clear aligners: $2,500 to $8,500
There are two factors in your plan that affect how much insurance covers: the coverage percentage and the coverage maximum. Your final out-of-pocket costs also depend on the type of braces you need.
Coverage percentage: Orthodontic benefits typically reimburse 50% to 80% of eligible treatment costs, up to your coverage limit. You’ll be responsible for paying the remaining balance out of pocket, often through a monthly payment plan arranged with your orthodontist.
Coverage limits: Unlike other dental categories with annual caps, orthodontic insurance coverage usually has a per-person lifetime limit. This limit often ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 for children. Once you reach it, your plan will no longer reimburse additional costs—even if treatment continues.
If your insurance doesn’t cover the full cost of orthodontics, your employer may offer a health spending account (HSA) that allows you to use pre-tax dollars on braces costs.
Coverage limits and gaps to watch for
Orthodontic coverage usually comes with specific rules, including:
- Age restrictions
- Waiting periods
- Appliance restrictions
- Medical necessity (if it’s cosmetic or not)
Additionally, there are frequency limitations, pre-existing assessment, and coordination-of-benefits rules that may impact reimbursement if you have more than one plan.
Despite the limitations, private dental insurance can significantly reduce orthodontic expenses. You’ll almost always have some out-of-pocket costs, but you won’t be on the hook for the full amount of treatment, which can easily add up to thousands of dollars.
Does insurance cover braces for adults in Canada?
Many dental insurance providers don’t include orthodontic coverage for adults—benefits are often limited to children and teens. OHIP and other provincial programs will not cover adult orthodontics unless there is a medically necessary situation.
If you’re considering adult braces or clear aligners, check your policy details carefully to avoid unexpected costs. If your plan covers braces for adults, you’ll probably be subject to a lifetime maximum, pre-approval requirements from the insurer, and mandatory waiting periods (usually 6 to 24 months).
Does insurance cover Invisalign?
If your dental insurance plan covers orthodontic treatment, it likely covers Invisalign.
Unlike traditional braces, which use metal brackets and wires to straighten teeth, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners as a more discreet and comfortable way to resolve dental misalignments. But the basic treatment is the same: it’s a way to straighten teeth, resolving both cosmetic and medical problems.
If you’re not sure whether your orthodontic coverage extends to Invisalign, ask your insurance provider or read your policy details for clarification. In most cases, it should be covered. Keep in mind: because Invisalign is more expensive than traditional braces, your insurance may cover a smaller portion of your total orthodontic costs.
Types of orthodontic treatments that may be covered
Not all orthodontic treatments are covered equally by dental benefits in Canada. Coverage is based on your plan, the type of braces you choose, and whether your insurer considers the treatment medically necessary.
Here are the most common types of orthodontic appliances and how they’re typically handled:
- Metal braces: Traditional metal braces are the most commonly covered orthodontic treatment. They’re widely used and often considered medically necessary for alignment and bite correction.
- Ceramic braces: These function similarly to metal braces but use tooth-coloured materials for a less noticeable appearance. Ceramic braces are usually considered cosmetic, so coverage may not extend to these.
- Clear aligners (Invisalign): Coverage for clear aligners is variable. Some plans treat Invisalign the same as braces, while others classify it as cosmetic and may only cover a portion of the cost (if any).
Check your insurance policy details or ask your insurance company what orthodontic treatments are covered for you.
The best dental insurance plans that cover braces
* Premiums show the approximate monthly cost for a resident in Ontario aged 21-44.
Dental plans also cover basic oral health care (checkups, cleanings, x-rays, and fillings) or advanced benefits (extractions, dentures, and other dental procedures).
Check to see if your plan covers additional health benefits before you commit, and make sure you understand your deductible and whether you’ll pay upfront for treatments.
FAQ: Does insurance cover braces
Prices listed on this page are based on information available as of March 2026. The prices shown are for general reference only and may vary based on factors like your age, location, and product selection.