Braces are one of the largest out-of-pocket dental expenses Canadian families face. Costs range from $4,000 to $13,000+ depending on the type, duration, and your location.
Average braces costs in Canada
| Type | Average Cost | Treatment Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Metal braces (traditional) | $5,000–$8,000 | 18–24 months |
| Ceramic braces (clear) | $6,000–$10,000 | 18–24 months |
| Lingual braces (behind teeth) | $8,000–$13,000 | 18–30 months |
| Invisalign (clear aligners) | $4,000–$9,000 | 12–24 months |
| Invisalign Lite (minor cases) | $3,000–$5,000 | 6–12 months |
| Self-ligating braces (Damon) | $5,500–$9,000 | 16–22 months |
What is included in the cost
| Included | Not Always Included |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation and X-rays | Emergency visits for broken brackets |
| Braces or aligner fabrication | Replacement aligners (if lost) |
| Regular adjustment appointments | Retainers (some practices charge extra) |
| Progress monitoring | Additional refinement trays (Invisalign) |
| Braces removal | Post-treatment follow-up (varies) |
Always ask: Does the quoted price include retainers? Retainers cost $300-800 separately and are essential to prevent teeth from shifting back.
Braces costs by province
| Province | Metal Braces | Invisalign |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $5,000–$8,500 | $4,500–$9,000 |
| BC | $5,500–$9,000 | $5,000–$9,500 |
| Alberta | $4,500–$7,500 | $4,000–$8,000 |
| Quebec | $4,500–$7,000 | $4,000–$8,000 |
| Atlantic | $4,000–$7,000 | $3,500–$7,500 |
| Prairies (SK, MB) | $4,500–$7,500 | $4,000–$8,000 |
Costs are generally highest in Vancouver and Toronto (higher overhead, higher demand) and lowest in Atlantic Canada and smaller cities.
Insurance coverage for braces
Employer dental plans
| Coverage Detail | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Orthodontic coverage | 50–80% of costs |
| Lifetime orthodontic maximum | $2,500–$5,000 |
| Age limit | Often under 18 only; some cover adults |
| Waiting period | 12 months for orthodontics |
Example: $6,000 metal braces with insurance
| With Insurance (50%, $3,000 max) | Without Insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost | $6,000 | $6,000 |
| Insurance pays | $3,000 | $0 |
| You pay | $3,000 | $6,000 |
Government coverage
| Province | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Ontario | Healthy Smiles Ontario (children under 18, low-income) |
| BC | No public orthodontic coverage |
| Alberta | Alberta Child Health Benefit (low-income families) |
| Quebec | RAMQ covers some services for children under 10 |
| Other provinces | Very limited or no public coverage |
How to pay for braces
| Payment Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Orthodontist payment plan | Most offices offer 0% interest over treatment duration |
| Dental insurance | Check lifetime ortho maximum before starting |
| Use two insurance plans | Coordinate benefits if both parents have dental coverage |
| HSA / HCSA | Use employer health spending account if available |
| Medical expenses tax credit | Claim remaining out-of-pocket costs on your tax return |
| Dental school clinics | 30-50% cheaper but longer treatment times |
Tax deduction
Orthodontic expenses qualify as eligible medical expenses on your Canadian tax return. You can claim the amount that exceeds 3% of your net income (or $2,759, whichever is less) as a non-refundable tax credit.
Metal braces vs Invisalign
| Factor | Metal Braces | Invisalign |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $5,000–$8,000 | $4,000–$9,000 |
| Appearance | Visible metal | Nearly invisible |
| Effectiveness | Best for complex cases | Best for mild to moderate |
| Maintenance | More food restrictions | Remove to eat (no restrictions) |
| Compliance | Always working (fixed) | Must wear 22 hours/day |
| Adjustments | Monthly orthodontist visits | New trays every 1-2 weeks |
| Pain level | Moderate (after adjustments) | Mild to moderate |
Tips to reduce costs
- Get 2-3 consultations — prices vary by $1,000-3,000 between orthodontists
- Consider orthodontic schools — university orthodontic clinics charge 30-50% less, supervised by licensed specialists
- Maximize insurance — if both parents have coverage, coordinate benefits for higher reimbursement
- Ask about Invisalign Lite — for minor alignment issues, Lite or Express options are significantly cheaper
- Start treatment at the right time — early treatment (age 7-10) can reduce the need for more expensive treatment later
- Claim the CRA medical expense tax credit — saves 15%+ on qualifying out-of-pocket costs
Reducing the cost of braces in Canada
1. Use a dental school University dental schools offer orthodontic treatment at 30–50% below private clinic prices. Treatment takes longer (students work under supervision), but quality is high. Major dental schools: University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, University of Montreal.
2. Get multiple orthodontist quotes Prices vary significantly between clinics. Getting 2–3 quotes is standard practice — most consultations are free. Ask for an itemized estimate, including any retainer costs.
3. Use your employer health benefits wisely If your plan covers orthodontics (typically to a lifetime maximum of $1,500–$3,000), time your treatment to maximize two calendar years of benefit. For example, starting in October and continuing through January uses two separate benefit years.
4. The Canada Dental Benefit (2025–2026) The federal government’’s Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) provides dental coverage for Canadians without employer benefits earning under $90,000/year (family income). Orthodontic coverage under the CDCP is limited — primarily for children with medically necessary cases, not cosmetic alignment. Check coverage.canada.ca for current details.
5. Health Spending Account (HSA) If you have an HSA through your employer, orthodontic expenses qualify as eligible medical expenses. HSA reimbursements are tax-free.
Frequently asked questions
Are braces tax-deductible in Canada? Yes. Orthodontic costs (braces, Invisalign, retainers) qualify as eligible medical expenses under the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) on line 33099 of your T1. You can claim amounts above 3% of your net income (or $2,635 — whichever is less). The credit is 15% of the excess federally, plus provincial credits.
Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan cover braces? Limited coverage. The CDCP prioritizes basic, restorative, and preventive dental care. Orthodontic treatment (braces) is only covered in cases where it is medically necessary — for example, severe bite misalignment causing functional issues. Purely cosmetic orthodontics is not covered under the CDCP.
How long do braces take in Canada? Treatment time ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the severity of misalignment. Mild cases with clear aligners may be completed in 6–12 months. Complex cases involving significant jaw or bite issues may require 2–3 years.
Related Reading
- How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in Canada 2026
- How Much Does LASIK Cost in Canada in 2026?
- How Much Does a Canadian Passport Cost in 2026 | Fees & Processing
→ Back to: Personal Finance Guide