Does Insurance Cover Braces in Canada?

Some insurance plans in Canada cover braces, but the amount and eligibility can vary widely depending on the insurance company and your specific policy. Most coverage is offered through private dental insurance—typically as part of an orthodontic benefit category—and is often available only for children or teens. Many plans reimburse a percentage of the treatment cost up to a lifetime maximum, leaving families responsible for the remainder.

Because braces can cost several thousand dollars, it’s important to understand your plan’s limits, age rules, and waiting periods before starting treatment. Here’s how orthodontic coverage works in Canada, what’s typically included, and how to manage out-of-pocket expenses if insurance doesn’t cover everything.

How to check if your dental insurance covers braces

Before starting orthodontic treatment, it’s important to confirm whether your dental insurance includes coverage for braces. Here’s how to check your coverage.

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 that you have to sit patiently through 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.

Also, you should 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 2025, with a maximum spending limit.

Here’s how each option works:

1. Group dental plans: Many Canadians receive dental care benefits through their workplace, and these plans may include some orthodontic coverage.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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?

The amount that your dental insurance will cover for braces depends on your plan; most orthodontic benefits only reimburse a portion of the total treatment cost.

There are two factors at play: your benefit coverage percentage and the coverage maximum.

Orthodontic benefits typically reimburse 50% to 80% of eligible treatment costs. You’ll be responsible for paying the remaining balance out of pocket, often through a monthly payment plan arranged with your orthodontist.

That coverage has a limit, though. And 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.

Need braces as an adult?

Many dental insurance providers don’t include orthodontic coverage for adults—benefits are often limited to children and teens. If you’re considering braces or clear aligners, check your policy details carefully to avoid unexpected 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. 

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

The following data was collected for a man at 18 years of age who lives in Ontario:

FAQ: does insurance cover braces

Prices listed on this page are based on information available as of October 2025. The prices shown are for general reference only and may vary based on factors like your age, location, and product selection.