Braces for Kids & Teens in Canada 2026: Cost Guide

Braces cost for kids and teens in Canada

Orthodontic treatment for children and teenagers is generally somewhat less expensive than adult treatment, because adolescent bone is more responsive to orthodontic forces — treatment tends to finish faster, with fewer total appointments included in the overall fee.

Like all orthodontics in Canada, children's braces are not covered by a provincial suggested-fee guide. Orthodontists set their own fees based on case complexity, appliance type, and clinic overhead. The ranges below are 2026 market estimates from Canadian orthodontist published pricing.

Market estimates — no provincial fee guide governs orthodontics. Individual costs vary by case complexity, city, and orthodontist.

Fees are typically quoted as an all-inclusive treatment fee covering all adjustments, retainers, and a follow-up period — not a per-visit charge.

Does the CDCP cover children's orthodontics?

This is one of the most-asked questions from Canadian families — and unfortunately the answer is no.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) launched in 2024 to provide routine dental coverage for eligible Canadians. However, the Government of Canada explicitly lists orthodontic treatment as "available at a future date" in the CDCP benefit framework. This applies to patients of all ages, including children and teens.

What the CDCP does cover for children includes:

• Routine exams and X-rays
• Preventive care (cleanings, fluoride, sealants)
• Fillings and restorations
• Extractions (including baby teeth)
• Space maintainers after early tooth loss

Orthodontic appliances — braces, aligners, retainers — are excluded. There is no confirmed date for when orthodontics will be added. Families budgeting for a child's braces should not factor in CDCP reimbursement. For the complete CDCP coverage list see CDCP Coverage 2026.

What age to start orthodontic treatment in Canada

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation at age 7. At this age, most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and an orthodontist can identify developing problems early — before they become more complex to treat.

Early (interceptive) treatment (ages 7–9) may involve:

• Palate expanders to widen a narrow jaw
• Space maintainers after early tooth loss
• Partial braces to correct specific tooth positions

Not every child needs early treatment. The goal of an age-7 evaluation is to identify the small percentage who will benefit from interceptive care — for the majority, the orthodontist will simply monitor development.

Comprehensive treatment (ages 10–14) typically begins once most permanent teeth have erupted. This is the most common timing for full braces. At this age, jaw growth is still active, which can help correct bite discrepancies more predictably.

Teen treatment (ages 14–17) is also common, particularly for cases where wisdom tooth timing or late eruption of permanent teeth delayed the start of treatment.

Metal vs ceramic vs Invisalign Teen: which is right for your child

Metal braces are the workhorse of orthodontics — highly effective for all levels of case complexity, durable, and the most affordable option. They are the most common choice for children and younger teens. The main drawback is appearance, though many kids embrace coloured elastics as a form of self-expression.

Ceramic braces use tooth-coloured or clear brackets that blend with the natural tooth colour, making them much less visible than metal. They are more popular with older teens who are self-conscious about their appearance. Ceramic brackets are slightly more fragile and can discolour with heavy consumption of coffee, tea, or dark-coloured foods — less of a concern for most children and teens.

Invisalign Teen is a clear aligner system designed specifically for adolescent patients. Features include:

• Blue compliance indicators that fade as the aligner is worn (helping parents and orthodontists track use)
• Replacement aligners included in the fee for lost or damaged trays
• Eruption tabs to accommodate teeth still coming in

Invisalign Teen is best suited to mild-to-moderate alignment and spacing issues. Severe crowding, large bite discrepancies, or skeletal problems typically require fixed appliances. Compliance is critical — aligners must be worn 20–22 hours per day, which requires commitment from the teen.

What to expect at a child's first orthodontic consultation

The initial orthodontic consultation in Canada typically involves:

1. Clinical examination — the orthodontist assesses the bite, tooth positions, jaw relationship, and existing dental work
2. Records — full-mouth X-rays (panoramic and cephalometric), digital photos, and digital impressions or a 3D scan
3. Treatment plan discussion — the orthodontist explains the recommended appliance, estimated treatment duration, and the total fee
4. Financial discussion — payment plan options, insurance benefit claims process, and any required down payment

Many orthodontic offices offer a free or low-cost initial consultation ($0–$150 depending on whether records are taken). The records appointment (X-rays, scans) may be charged separately if not bundled with treatment.

How to budget for kids' braces in Canada

Private dental insurance: Check your family plan for a lifetime orthodontic benefit. Typical coverage is $1,500–$3,000 CAD per dependent child at 50% co-insurance. If both parents have employer plans, coordinate benefits to maximize reimbursement.

Payment plans: Most orthodontic offices structure fees across the treatment timeline with a down payment (often $500–$1,500) and monthly instalments at 0% interest. The monthly instalment on a $5,000 treatment over 24 months is approximately $145–$185 after a deposit.

Dental school clinics: University orthodontic clinics across Canada offer supervised treatment at significantly reduced fees — typically 30–50% below private-practice rates. Waitlists can be 6–18 months. Suitable for families who can accommodate longer timelines.

Medical expense tax credit: Orthodontic fees are eligible as a medical expense for federal and provincial tax purposes. Keep all receipts and claim on the return for the year in which the expense was paid (or incurred, depending on the payment structure).

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): If your employer offers an FSA or Health Spending Account, orthodontic fees are typically eligible. Using pre-tax dollars effectively reduces the net cost by your marginal tax rate.

Frequently asked questions

Related pages

• Braces Cost in Canada — hub
• Braces for Adults in Canada
• Invisalign Cost in Canada
• Types of Braces in Canada
• CDCP Coverage 2026
• Cette page en français

This page provides pricing and market research information, NOT medical or dental advice. Real Dental Costs is an independent data publisher. All orthodontic cost figures are 2026 market estimates based on Canadian orthodontist published pricing — orthodontics has no provincial suggested-fee guide. Individual costs will vary by case complexity, appliance type, and orthodontist.