The average braces cost in Canada is $6,500, but this may differ depending on a variety of factors like the type of braces, the duration of treatment, and the clinic's location. There may be other costs associated with braces, such as initial consultations, X-rays, and potential additional treatments.
Braces are becoming more prevalent in Canada. Orthodontists nationally have noted recent, accelerated growth in demand. And, braces aren’t just for children and teenagers. In some practices, 1 in 5 patients treated with braces are adults.
In 2023, braces costs in Canada can vary depending on factors like the type, complexity of the orthodontic issue, and the region where you’re looking for treatment. On average, the cost of braces in Canada is $3,000 to $10,000, but this is a rough estimate and may be higher or lower based on your unique circumstances.
Getting braces begins with a consultation with a practitioner, and during this consultation, you can discuss your orthodontic needs with an examination. Your orthodontist will make a plan for your case, and this may include different types of braces, such as metal, ceramic, lingual, or clear aligners.
Braces fix crooked or misaligned teeth, overbites, underbites, crowded teeth, and other dental irregularities. Beyond improving looks, they improve your oral health. Misaligned teeth can create pockets and crevices that are challenging to clean, increasing the risk of gum disease over time. Overbites and underbites can strain the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) due to uneven biting and chewing. Braces can alleviate these orthodontic issues, but it’s typically a long journey of 1–3 years before you see final results.
To kickstart your journey, let’s look at the cost of braces by type.
Braces cost by type
Canadians have a wide range of orthodontic treatment options, each with unique features and associated costs. Let’s look at four primary types of braces and the breakdown of the cost differences among them.
| Braces cost by type | ||
| Type | Cost without insurance | Cost with insurance |
| Metal | $3,000 to $7,000 | $1,500 to $3,500 |
| Clear Aligners | $4,000 to $7,400 | $2,000 to $3,700 (if covered) |
| Ceramic | $4,000 to $8,000 | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| Lingual | $8,000 to $10,000 | $4,000 to $5,000 |
| Source: Insurance Business | ||
Additionally, the cost of braces will vary depending on your geographic location. For example, provinces with high cost of living, like British Columbia, will have orthodontic costs that can often exceed $10,000. However, other provinces, like Saskatchewan, provide orthodontic services for less due to lower overhead costs.
| Braces cost by province | |
| Province | Estimated cost* |
| Alberta | $9,576 |
| British Columbia | $14,085 |
| Manitoba | $8,131 |
| New Brunswick | $16,573 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $10,398 |
| Nova Scotia | $10,290 |
| Ontario | $7,604 |
| Prince Edward Island | $3,867 |
| Quebec | $18,686 |
| Saskatchewan | $8,521 |
| *Data reflects price without insurance and assumes the least complex procedure, and does not factor in lab costs or material expenses. Note: No data available for the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon. | |
Now that you know the cost of braces with and without insurance and by province, let’s do a deep dive into the characteristics and differences of each type of braces below. Note that insurance coverage will vary depending on your provider, with many insurers footing half of the final costs.
Metal braces
Cost with insurance: $1,500 to $3,500
Cost without insurance: $3,000 to $7,000
Treatment duration: 1 to 3 years
Metal braces are the most common type, likely because they are the most cost-effective but the most noticeable option. Metal braces are composed of tiny metal brackets affixed to individual teeth and interconnected by metal wires. Elastic bands, called ligatures, hold the wire in place.
In addition to being the most cost-effective, metal braces are the most durable and can withstand various food textures. They also are less prone to discoloration over time. While you may have preferences for braces type, the choice between metal braces and others will depend on your specific orthodontic needs.
Clear aligners
Cost with insurance: $2,000 to $3,700
Cost without insurance: $4,000 to $7,400
Treatment duration: 1 to 2 years
Clear aligners have become increasingly popular due to their discreet appearance. These removable aligners gradually shift teeth into position. Unlike metal braces, they’re more comfortable because of their plastic material. Because they’re removable, you can eat any food without worrying about getting them caught on your braces. Due to both its aesthetic appeal and convenience, they come at a higher cost.
Clear aligners, like Invisalign®, use technology to give patients a detailed treatment plan to preview how their teeth will look before they begin treatment. Patients will also have different sets of aligners throughout the treatment phase, which replaces the need for orthodontic adjustment appointments. It is also a growing trend that general dentists will offer clear aligner treatment to patients with less severe alignment concerns, rather than referring them to a specialist.
Ceramic braces
Cost with insurance: $2,000 to $4,000
Cost without insurance: $4,000 to $8,000Treatment duration: 1 to 3 years
Ceramic braces, compared to metal braces, blend in better with teeth due to their natural colour. They also provide the same effectiveness in correcting misaligned teeth, overbites, underbites, and crowded teeth. Although less durable than metal, ceramic braces have the same discoloration-resistant qualities.
The ceramic material is smooth and more comfortable than metal braces but not as comfortable and convenient as clear aligners. Because they bond to the teeth like metal braces, they can only be removed by your orthodontist, so you’d need to avoid hard, sticky, and chewy food to prevent damage and food from getting stuck in the wiring.
Lingual braces
Cost with insurance: $4,000 to $5,000
Cost without insurance: $8,000 to $10,000
Treatment duration: 1 to 3 years
Lingual braces, like metal and ceramic braces, consist of brackets and wires but with this type they are attached to the inner surface (lingual) of the teeth, making them invisible from the outside. If you want to undergo treatment without visible hardware on your teeth, these braces are an appealing option.
Because lingual braces are attached to the lingual part of the teeth, it’s more difficult to clean them than metal and ceramic braces bonded to the front surfaces of the teeth. The placement of lingual braces is also the most complex and time-consuming of the other types because they are behind the teeth, which will be reflected in the cost.
Does insurance cover braces?
In Canada, insurance coverage for orthodontic treatments will depend on your plan and provider. If you’re insured, you can expect an average coverage of 50% in treatment costs, with some policies having a maximum coverage amount.
For example, some insurance plans may offer up to $2,000 in coverage whereas others may provide coverage up to $1,200 per year for treatments. There are also dental insurance plans that don’t cover orthodontic services or only provide coverage to children and adolescents.
If your insurance covers 50% of the cost of metal braces, which typically range from $3,000 to $7,000, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,500 out of pocket. However, the actual costs and coverage will vary depending on your insurance policy, so check with your provider for your eligibility.
Factors that affect braces cost
Several factors influence braces cost in Canada. Consider these factors while budgeting for any orthodontic treatment, as they can vary widely from patient to patient.
Your practitioner
The general dentist or orthodontist you choose to work with plays a significant role in determining the cost of your braces. Your orthodontist’s qualifications, experience, and reputation can affect your braces cost. Practitioners with advanced training and extensive experience may charge higher fees. Additionally, the location of the orthodontic practice can also impact costs, with orthodontists in urban areas generally charging more than those in rural areas.
General dentists and orthodontists with many years of practice usually have encountered a wide range of cases, giving them expertise in treating various patients. Practitioners can justify higher fees when they have seasoned skills and a track record of successfully treating complex cases like the following:
- Severe misalignments: Severely rotated, displaced, or impacted teeth
- Jaw discrepancies: Skeletal malocclusions like a protruding upper jaw or recessed low jaw
- Surgical orthodontics: Collaboration with oral surgeons to treat severe overbites, underbites, etc.
Additionally, the more orthodontic practices update with advancements in technology and treatments, the more they can increase fees to cover their overhead costs. If a practice has 3D digital scanners, laser technology, and computer-aided design (CAD) in its braces customization processes, you can expect that your fee will match the expense to maintain them.
The integration of advanced technologies in dental practices significantly enhances treatment efficiency, precision, and patient comfort. Some of these benefits include:
- 3D digital scanners: Improved digital impression accuracy
- Laser technology: Provides more precise and faster procedures (ex: soft tissue procedures)
- CAD: Improves plan treatments to be more effective by anticipating potential complications and providing patients with a visual representation of expected outcomes
Type of braces
The type of braces you select will directly impact the cost of your treatment. Metal and ceramic braces tend to be more affordable compared to clear aligners and lingual braces, and this is due to factors like material, convenience, and procedure complexity.
The procedure of attaching lingual braces is complex and comparatively more time-consuming because the wires are bonded behind each tooth instead of bonding to the front surfaces of the tooth like in metal and ceramic braces. This complexity requires a higher level of expertise and will influence the cost of your braces.
Clear aligners are discreet and convenient because of their transparent and removable qualities. You can also save yourself time from braces adjustment appointments because they come in sets to accommodate the different stages of your treatment. The convenience and aesthetic qualities make them more expensive than the common metal or ceramic braces.
Complexity of treatment
More complex cases may require additional equipment or procedures, such as:
- Palate expanders
- Spacers
- Surgical intervention
These complexities can lead to higher treatment costs. In cases where the dental arch is too narrow or there is crowding of teeth, orthodontists use palate expanders to gradually widen the upper jaw. These devices create adequate space for aligning teeth properly, and they require regular adjustments.
Spacers, also known as orthodontic separators, create space between teeth before placing braces or other orthodontic appliances. Orthodontists use them in cases where teeth are closely packed together. The cost of spacers is typically included as part of the overall treatment plan, but they add to the complexity of treatment.
Surgical intervention is one of the biggest cost influencers because this procedure requires an oral surgeon, which means added expertise and coordination.
Patient age
Interceptive orthodontics, which means starting orthodontic treatment during childhood or adolescence, can offer several advantages. At this stage, the jaws and facial bones are still developing, making it easier to guide them into proper alignment. These early interventions may include using devices like palatal expanders or space maintainers, which can be less costly and less invasive than extensive orthodontic treatment in adulthood.
For adults who did not receive orthodontic treatment during childhood or adolescence, it's not too late to consider braces or aligners as adults. However, adult orthodontic treatment can be more complex and may require more time to achieve the desired results as the jawbone has fully developed. This may result in higher treatment costs due to the increased duration and complexity of the process. Nonetheless, many adults find that the investment in orthodontic treatment is worthwhile for the improved appearance and oral health benefits.
Treatment plan
Your treatment plan and cost may further be determined by the:
- Extent of misalignment
- Required frequency of X-rays
- Number of times they need to be tightened and adjusted
- Need for additional procedures
Patients with mild to moderate misalignments may require less extensive treatment, resulting in lower overall costs. Conversely, individuals with more severe misalignments may need longer treatment durations and potentially more complex procedures.Orthodontists use X-rays and diagnostic tests to assess dental and skeletal structures to create an accurate treatment plan. Frequent or specialized imaging means higher equipment usage which means a potential fee increase.
Length of time with braces
The longer you wear braces, the more appointments, adjustments, and maintenance you will require, which can increase the overall expense. Each orthodontist visit incurs consultation fees, chair time, and procedure costs. Adjustments to teeth alignment require an orthodontist or general dentist’s expertise and time. With each adjustment, there is normally a monitoring period that follows.
Insurance coverage
Insurance plans may cover a portion of orthodontic treatment, reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Orthodontic insurance plans typically cover a percentage of the total treatment cost. This percentage varies among plans but commonly falls around 50%. For example, if your orthodontic insurance plan covers 50% of treatment expenses, you would be responsible for paying the remaining 50% out of pocket.
Most orthodontic insurance plans have a maximum annual benefit amount. This cap limits the total amount the insurance company will pay for orthodontic treatment in a single year. For example, if your plan has a maximum annual benefit of $2,000, the insurance will cover up to that amount, and any treatment costs exceeding $2,000 would be your responsibility to pay.
Repeat treatment
If you require repeat orthodontic treatment, such as purchasing a new set of retainers or undergoing braces again later in, these additional treatments will increase your total cost.
Retainers maintain the alignment from orthodontic treatment. After removing braces or aligners, you would typically need to wear retainers. Over time, retainers may wear out, become damaged, or no longer fit properly. When this happens, you may need to purchase new retainers, which can be an ongoing expense.
In some cases, those with braces or aligners may experience orthodontic relapse, where their teeth gradually shift back to their original positions after the completion of treatment. Factors contributing to relapse can include genetics, age, and not consistently wearing retainers according to the length of time in the treatment plan. Individuals may opt for a second round of orthodontic treatment when relapse occurs.
How to pay for braces
Orthodontic treatment is an important investment in your oral health, but having a clear understanding of how to pay for orthodontics and your braces is what will set this investment in motion. Below are ways to pay for your braces cost:
1. Insurance
Orthodontic insurance can help offset the cost of braces. Most orthodontic insurance plans cover a percentage of treatment costs, typically around 50%. However, there is often a maximum annual benefit amount, so you must check your policy's terms and limitations. Insurance coverage can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for orthodontic care.
2. Payment plans
Many clinics offer flexible payment plans that can spread the cost of your treatment throughout care. Payment plans can be tailored to fit your budget and may involve monthly or quarterly payments.
An example of a payment plan could look like:
- Treatment cost: $5,000
- Down payment: $1,000 (20% of the total cost)
- Duration of treatment: 18 months
- Monthly payment amount: $222 (Total cost - down payment/duration of treatment)
- Payment frequency: Monthly
- Interest rate: 0%
- Total interest paid: $0
- Total cost of treatment: $5,000
As this is just an example, you should discuss available payment plan options with your orthodontist to find one that suits your financial situation.
3. Health spending accounts
Health Spending Accounts (HSAs) allow you to set aside pre-tax funds for qualified medical expenses, including orthodontic treatment.
Although Canada’s universal health care system covers essential medical services, you may work with a private insurance provider to set aside a portion of your pre-tax income to pay for eligible medical expenses. These expenses can include prescription medications, dental care, and orthodontic treatment.
4. Dental school students
Some dental schools offer orthodontic treatment services at reduced rates. Dental school students provide these services under the supervision of experienced faculty members. Although the learning process may extend the duration of treatment, it can represent a budget-friendly choice for individuals seeking orthodontic care.
The following dental schools have programs that offer orthodontic treatments:
- The University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry
- The University of British Columbia Faculty of Dentistry
- Dalhousie University Faculty of Dentistry (Nova Scotia)
- Western University Schulich Medicine & Dentistry
- University of Alberta School of Dentistry
5. Dental assistance programs
While general assistance programs don’t typically cover braces, certain initiatives, such as the ones below, assist with orthodontic treatment for eligible individuals. Learn more about assistance programs in Canada.
6. Financing
If your clinic does not offer payment plans, or if you need additional financing options, you can consider using a credit card or a personal loan. Many financial institutions offer special healthcare financing options with competitive interest rates. Before choosing this option, carefully review the terms and interest rates to ensure they align with your budget and ability to pay.
Methodology
We calculated the cost of braces by province using the following method: Referred to the Canadian Dental Association’s procedure code list and the orthodontics codes with their corresponding prices.
We used those codes to identify corresponding codes and their prices for the provinces listed in our table.
We calculated the cost of orthodontic procedures assuming the least procedure complexity and without examination, diagnostic, lab, and material costs factored in.
FAQ
There’s a lot that goes into braces cost, and it can feel challenging to know your financing options especially, so we’ve included an FAQ below for you to refer to as you learn more about braces.
How much do braces cost with insurance?
Most orthodontic insurance plans cover a percentage of the total treatment cost, typically about 50%.
For example, if your orthodontic treatment costs $5,000 and your insurance plan covers 50%, your out-of-pocket expense would be $2,500. However, many insurance plans also have a maximum annual benefit amount, which caps the total amount they will pay for orthodontic treatment in a year. This maximum benefit can vary between insurance providers and policies, so check your plan's terms and limitations.
While insurance can significantly reduce the cost of braces, you should prepare for some out-of-pocket expenses, including deductibles and any costs exceeding your plan's coverage limit.
Are braces free in Canada?
Braces are not typically free in Canada. Orthodontic treatment, including braces, is a dental procedure, and the publicly funded healthcare system does not usually cover dental care. However, the Canadian government announced plans to provide access to dental care to families earning less than $90,000 annually through the Canadian Dental Benefit program.
Some provinces may offer limited orthodontic coverage for specific cases where the issues significantly impact oral health and function. In most cases, individuals are responsible for covering the cost of braces through private orthodontic practices or by exploring dental insurance plans.
Is Invisalign more expensive than braces?
The cost of Invisalign versus traditional braces can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of your orthodontic issues and location. In general, Invisalign treatment is often more expensive than traditional metal braces. Note that there are also multiple clear aligner brands in North America, but Invisalign is the largest and most common option.
The advanced technology and custom-made, clear aligners in Invisalign® treatment contribute to its higher cost. Keep in mind that Invisalign offers advantages in terms of aesthetics and comfort, which may justify the slightly higher cost for some individuals seeking a discreet orthodontic solution.
How to save on the cost of braces
Assistance programs like Smiles 4 Canada offer financial support to qualified applicants.
Sources
Insurance sources:
Braces prices sources:
- Insurance Business Magazine
- Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide
- British Columbia Dental Association Fee Guide
- Manitoba Dental Association Fee Guide
- New Brunswick Dental Society
- Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association
- Nova Scotia Dental Association
- Ontario Dental Association
- The Dental Association Of Prince Edward Island
- Association Des Chirurgiens Dentistes Du Québec
- College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan
Government-subsidized dental programs:
- Government of Canada (application statistics)
- Smiles4Canada
- Government of Canada (First Nations and Inuit)
- Smile for a Lifetime
The content provided in this article, including text, graphics, and referenced material, is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your dentist or another qualified oral health professional for questions regarding your dental condition. Never disregard professional dental advice or delay seeking it based on information from this article. If you believe you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist, or seek immediate assistance from an oral healthcare professional.