Are Braces Covered By My Dental Insurance?

If you’re thinking about getting braces—for your child or yourself—you’re likely wondering how much they’ll cost and whether braces are covered by your dental insurance. Orthodontic treatment is an investment, but the good news is that many Canadians have options to help reduce the cost.

What Kind of Dental Insurance Covers Braces?

Braces are considered a form of orthodontic treatment, and not every dental insurance plan in Canada includes orthodontic benefits. The type of plan you choose can make a big difference in your out-of-pocket expenses.

Comprehensive Dental Insurance Plans

• Coverage Rates: Typically covers 50% to 80% of orthodontic costs.
• Lifetime Maximums: Most plans have a lifetime orthodontic cap, often between $2,000 to $5,000 per person.

Family Dental Insurance Plans

• Designed for Kids: These plans often include orthodontics for dependents.
• Age Limits: Some policies only cover braces up to a certain age—commonly up to 18 years old.

Orthodontic-Specific Insurance Plans

• Focused Coverage: Best suited for families anticipating multiple orthodontic cases.
• Higher Premiums: Because of their focus, they can be more expensive but often worth it.

Employer Group Dental Plans

• Employee Benefits: Often include orthodontic treatment under extended health plans.
• Check Dependents: Make sure your children or spouse are eligible for coverage.

How Much Do Braces Cost?

Braces typically cost between $5,000 and $8,000, depending on:

• Complexity of the case
• Type of braces (metal, ceramic, lingual, clear aligners)
• Treatment duration

How Much Will Insurance Cover?

Most dental insurance plans in Canada cover 50% to 80% of orthodontic treatment costs. However, this comes with caveats:

• Lifetime Maximums: Many plans will only pay up to a fixed amount—say $1,000 to $3,000—over the course of treatment.
• Waiting Periods: Some plans require a waiting period (e.g., 6–12 months) before you can claim orthodontic benefits.
• Treatment Type Restrictions: Not all types of braces are covered equally. For example, traditional metal braces may be fully covered, while clear aligners like Invisalign might have limited or no coverage.

How Does Brite Bite Help Families?

At Brite Bite, we’re committed to making orthodontic care accessible and affordable for families. We offer complimentary consultations so you can explore treatment options without any upfront cost. To ease the financial process, our team can send pre-treatment estimates directly to your insurance company, helping you understand your coverage before starting.

We also provide interest-free monthly payment plans, allowing families to spread the cost of treatment over time without added financial pressure. For households with more than one child needing braces, Brite Bite offers special discounts for siblings, making it even more affordable to invest in your children’s smiles.

Still Have Questions?

Still have questions about how insurance works for braces? Reach out to our admin team—we’re happy to help you get clear answers and understand your options.