The cost of braces depends mostly on the type of braces, how complicated the bite problem is, and how long treatment lasts; orthodontists usually quote one fee for the whole treatment, paid over its course. Metal braces are generally the least expensive fixed option, ceramic braces cost more, and lingual braces (fixed behind the teeth) cost the most. This page explains what the fee covers and how families pay for it. It is part of our directory of what things cost in Canada.
Types of braces
| Type | How it works | Cost relative to metal braces |
|---|---|---|
| Metal braces | Stainless steel brackets and wires on the front of the teeth | The usual baseline |
| Ceramic braces | Tooth-coloured brackets, less visible | Higher |
| Lingual braces | Brackets fixed to the back of the teeth, out of sight | Highest |
| Clear aligners | Removable trays changed every week or two | Comparable to or higher than braces; compared in the cost of Invisalign |
Clear aligners suit mild to moderate cases and depend on wearing the trays most of the day; fixed braces handle complex bite problems and work whether or not the patient remembers. The full comparison of aligners and braces is on the Invisalign page.
What the treatment fee usually covers
| Included | Often extra |
|---|---|
| The consultation and records (X-rays, photos, scans) | Retainers after treatment, or replacing lost ones |
| The braces and the adjustment visits | Extractions or other work by a dentist |
| Removing the braces | Treatment that runs longer than planned |
A written estimate that lists what’s included, and what happens if treatment takes longer, makes quotes from different orthodontists comparable.
What drives the price
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Case complexity | Crowding, bite problems and jaw issues mean longer treatment and more visits |
| Length of treatment | Fees rise with the number of months |
| Two-phase treatment | Early treatment in younger children followed by a second phase later costs more in total, though it can avoid more complex treatment |
| Orthodontist vs general dentist | Orthodontists are specialists; some general dentists also offer braces or aligners |
| City | Fees are generally higher in large cities |
Insurance and government coverage
Workplace dental plans that include orthodontics usually pay a percentage of the cost up to a lifetime orthodontic maximum per person, and often only for children; what plans typically cover is in dental insurance in Canada. The Canadian Dental Care Plan doesn’t currently offer orthodontic services. Some provincial programs help with orthodontic treatment for children in limited cases, usually for severe problems or low-income families.
Paying for braces
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| The orthodontist’s payment plan | Most offices spread the fee over the treatment period |
| Two insurance plans | Coordinating benefits when both parents have coverage |
| Timing across plan years | Plans that pay orthodontics in instalments or per year can be used across two benefit years |
| A health spending account | Orthodontic costs are eligible expenses; see health spending accounts |
| University clinics | Supervised graduate orthodontic programs at some dental faculties, usually at lower fees and with longer treatment |
| The medical expense tax credit | Orthodontic costs you pay qualify above the lower of 3% of net income or $2,890 for 2026; see the medical expense tax credit guide |
Routine dental work that often comes before or during orthodontic treatment (cleanings, fillings, extractions) is covered in the cost of dental work.
Related reading
Sources
The figures and rules on this page come from these sources, last checked against them on September 25, 2026. How we check facts.
- Canada Revenue Agency: Lines 33099 and 33199 – Eligible medical expenses you can claim on your tax return