How Much Do Braces Cost in Ontario?

Current as of October 2026. Government programs, tax rules and prices change. Check the official sources listed at the end of this page before making a decision, and confirm details with a licensed advisor.

What braces typically cost

There is no single price for braces in Ontario. Each orthodontic office sets its own fees, and every quote is built around the specific bite, teeth and jaw in front of them. That is why two kids in the same classroom can walk out of consultations with very different numbers.

For a rough sense of scale, Sun Life's consumer guide to braces says braces can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. Treat that as an approximate, Canada-wide range as of October 2026, not an Ontario quote. The only reliable number is the written treatment plan and fee estimate from the orthodontist you choose.

What drives the price up or down

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists (CAO) says the complexity of treatment is the largest factor in what orthodontics costs. Other factors include the type of appliance and how long treatment is expected to last, which can range from months to several years.

In practical terms, these are the questions that move a quote:

• Complexity: mild crowding is a different job from a significant bite or jaw imbalance.
• Appliance type: removable appliances, fixed braces, aesthetic options such as ceramic or lingual braces, and clear aligners are all priced differently.
• Length of treatment: more months usually means more adjustment visits.
• Phases: some treatment plans are split into stages, and an orthodontist may quote each stage separately.
• Retainers and follow-up: ask whether retainers, replacements and post-treatment checks are included in the fee.
• The practice itself: fees vary from office to office, so it is reasonable to get more than one consultation.

Why government programs usually do not help with braces

Families are often surprised that public dental programs leave orthodontics out. As of October 2026:

Because the public options are so limited, the realistic ways to pay for braces are out of pocket, through a payment plan with the orthodontic office, through a workplace benefits plan, or some mix of the three. For a wider picture, see what OHIP does not cover.

• OHIP does not cover routine dental or orthodontic treatment in a dentist's or orthodontist's office.
• Healthy Smiles Ontario, the free dental program for children and youth 17 and under from low-income households, states that cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and braces, is not covered.
• The Canadian Dental Care Plan lists orthodontic services as currently not available in its official coverage information. Read more about the Canadian Dental Care Plan.

How group orthodontic coverage works

Orthodontics is usually its own line in a group dental contract, separate from basic and major services. The Canadian Association of Orthodontists notes that orthodontic coverage is often a separate benefit and is often reimbursed at 50%, up to a maximum dollar amount. Depending on the plan, that maximum may be a lifetime limit per person rather than a yearly one, so it is worth checking how your plan defines it before treatment starts.

Not every plan includes orthodontics, and the details vary by plan and insurer. When an employee asks you whether braces are covered, the answer lives in the plan booklet. The things to check:

• Whether orthodontics is included at all, or only on certain plan tiers.
• The reimbursement percentage and the maximum dollar amount per person, including whether it is a lifetime or annual limit.
• Any age limits, since some plans cover orthodontics for dependent children only.
• Waiting periods before orthodontic coverage begins for new members.
• Whether a pre-treatment estimate (predetermination) is recommended or required.
• How payments are made over a long treatment, since many plans reimburse in instalments as treatment progresses.

Ways families lower the out-of-pocket cost

Even with a plan, braces usually leave a balance. A few things help:

Two plans can work together. If both parents have workplace coverage, coordination of benefits may let the second plan pick up some of what the first does not. The guide to how coordination of benefits works explains the order plans pay in.

Health spending accounts can fill gaps. Dental services are listed by the Canada Revenue Agency as an eligible medical expense, while procedures done purely for cosmetic reasons are not, so a health spending account can often be used toward the balance, subject to the plan's rules.

The medical expense tax credit. Unreimbursed dental costs may be claimed on a tax return. For the 2025 tax year, the CRA says you can claim eligible expenses above the lesser of 3% of net income or $2,834. These amounts are updated each year, so check the current CRA rules as of October 2026 before filing.

Payment plans. The CAO notes that many orthodontic offices offer payment plans, and that while most do not bill insurance companies directly, they will help you file your claim.

What this means for employers

For many working parents, orthodontic coverage is one of the benefits they notice most. It turns a large bill into something more manageable over the course of treatment. It is also one of the more expensive dental add-ons, which is why plans commonly control it with coinsurance, dollar maximums and sometimes age limits.

If you are designing or reviewing a plan, an advisor can explain how adding orthodontics, raising a lifetime maximum or pairing a modest benefit with a health spending account would affect your premiums. Start with the overview of group dental coverage, then get matched with a licensed benefits advisor who can walk you through the options for your team.

Common questions

Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist in Ontario?

Your family dentist can recommend an orthodontist, and the Canadian Association of Orthodontists also points families to its online directory. Call the orthodontic office directly to ask whether they need a referral, and check whether your benefits plan asks for anything before treatment.

When should a child first see an orthodontist?

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child see an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7. An early visit does not always mean early treatment, but it helps spot issues that may be easier to manage when caught early.

Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan cover braces?

As of October 2026, the Government of Canada's coverage information states that orthodontic services are currently not available under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Check the official site for updates, as coverage can change.

Can adults get braces covered through work?

Sometimes. Some group plans limit orthodontics to dependent children, while others include adults. The plan booklet will show any age limit, the reimbursement percentage and the maximum dollar amount.

Are braces tax deductible?

Dental services are listed by the CRA as eligible for the medical expense tax credit, while procedures done purely for cosmetic reasons are not. The amount you can claim depends on a threshold tied to your net income, so check the current CRA rules as of October 2026.

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