Types of Braces in Canada 2026: Cost & Comparison
Five types of braces are available in Canada in 2026: metal ($3,000–$7,000 CAD), ceramic ($4,000–$8,000), self-ligating ($3,500–$7,500), lingual ($7,000–$10,000), and Invisalign ($3,500–$8,500). The CDCP covers none of these — orthodontics is "available at a future date."
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* Estimates based on 2025–2026 provincial suggested-fee guides (CAD). Actual costs vary by province and provider; figures flagged as estimates are modelled.
Market estimates, 2026 Canadian orthodontist published pricing.
Overview of braces types available in Canada
Canada offers the full spectrum of modern orthodontic appliances. Unlike routine dental procedures, orthodontic fees are not regulated by any provincial suggested-fee guide — orthodontists set their own prices based on case complexity, appliance type, and clinic overhead. All figures on this page are 2026 market estimates from Canadian orthodontist published pricing.
| Type | Visibility | Cost (CAD) | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal braces | Visible | $3,000–$7,000 | All complexity levels |
| Ceramic braces | Low | $4,000–$8,000 | Mild–complex, appearance-conscious |
| Self-ligating | Varies | $3,500–$7,500 | General orthodontic treatment |
| Lingual braces | Invisible | $7,000–$10,000 | Adults seeking zero visibility |
| Invisalign | Near-invisible | $3,500–$8,500 | Mild–moderate crowding/spacing |
Market estimates; no provincial fee guide exists for orthodontics. Costs vary by case and orthodontist.
Metal braces — cost and who they suit
Traditional metal braces use stainless steel brackets bonded to the front surface of each tooth, connected by a metal archwire that is periodically tightened to apply gentle force. They are the most clinically versatile option, effective for simple to highly complex cases including severe crowding, skeletal discrepancies, and bite corrections.
Cost in Canada: approximately $3,000–$7,000 CAD for a full course of treatment.
Metal braces are the most affordable orthodontic option and are typically covered by private dental plans that include an orthodontic benefit. They are the standard recommendation for children and younger teens and remain a strong choice for adults with complex cases or tight budgets. The main drawback is aesthetics — metal braces are visible when smiling and speaking.
Ceramic braces — cost and aesthetics
Ceramic braces use the same mechanics as metal braces but with tooth-coloured or clear brackets that blend with the natural shade of the tooth. They are considerably less visible than metal from a conversational distance.
Cost in Canada: approximately $4,000–$8,000 CAD.
Ceramic brackets are slightly more brittle than metal and can stain with heavy consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, or curry over the course of treatment. Many orthodontists use clear elastic ties with ceramic brackets, though the ties can discolour between adjustments (typically every 6–8 weeks). Most private insurance plans that cover orthodontics will reimburse ceramic braces at the same rate as metal.
Self-ligating braces — cost and claims
Self-ligating braces replace the traditional elastic tie with a built-in bracket clip or sliding door that holds the archwire without additional ligatures. Both metal and ceramic versions are available.
Cost in Canada: approximately $3,500–$7,500 CAD.
Manufacturers and some clinicians claim self-ligating systems reduce friction along the archwire, potentially allowing faster tooth movement and fewer adjustment visits. The clinical evidence for meaningfully shorter treatment times compared to well-managed conventional braces is mixed. From a patient perspective, the main practical benefits tend to be slightly less discomfort immediately after adjustments and appointments that may be marginally shorter.
Self-ligating braces cost slightly more than equivalent conventional metal or ceramic braces and are widely available from orthodontists across Canada.
Lingual braces — cost and considerations
Lingual braces are bonded to the inside (tongue-facing) surface of the teeth, making them completely invisible from the front and sides. They offer the ultimate in discretion for adults and professionals who want orthodontic treatment without any visible hardware.
Cost in Canada: approximately $7,000–$10,000 CAD — the highest of any orthodontic appliance type.
The premium price reflects two factors: (1) custom fabrication — each lingual bracket set is precision-manufactured to fit the inside surface of that patient's specific teeth, a process involving digital scanning, CAD/CAM manufacturing, and lab fees; (2) additional chair time — adjustments from the lingual side are technically more demanding and time-consuming than labial (front-of-tooth) work.
Lingual braces have a longer initial adaptation period — most patients experience a temporary lisp and increased tongue sensitivity in the first 2–4 weeks. They are available from specialist orthodontists in major Canadian cities; not every practice offers lingual systems. Complex cases including severe deep bites may be less suitable for lingual systems — your orthodontist will advise.
Clear aligners (Invisalign) — cost and suitability
Invisalign uses a series of custom-fabricated clear plastic aligners, each worn for approximately 1–2 weeks, to progressively move teeth into the planned position. Invisalign is manufactured by Align Technology and delivered through certified Invisalign providers.
Cost in Canada: approximately $3,500–$8,500 CAD depending on the tier (Invisalign Lite for minor corrections vs Invisalign Full for comprehensive treatment).
Invisalign is most effective for mild-to-moderate crowding, spacing, and some bite corrections. Severe skeletal discrepancies, significant vertical problems, and some complex bite cases still require fixed appliances. Compliance is essential — aligners must be worn 20–22 hours per day to deliver results on schedule. Invisalign Teen includes replacement aligners and compliance indicators. For a detailed look at Invisalign pricing, see Invisalign Cost in Canada.
CDCP coverage: none for any type of orthodontics (yet)
No orthodontic appliance — metal, ceramic, lingual, or clear aligner — is currently covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). The Government of Canada lists orthodontics as "available at a future date" in the CDCP benefit schedule, with no confirmed timeline.
This applies regardless of the patient's age, income level, or province. Even at the lowest income tier (under $70,000 household income), a fully CDCP-eligible patient will receive $0 reimbursement for any type of braces or aligner treatment.
Private employer dental plans frequently include an orthodontic lifetime maximum ($1,500–$3,000 CAD is typical). For the full CDCP coverage breakdown see CDCP Coverage 2026.
How to choose the right type for your case
The best type of braces for you depends on several factors that your orthodontist will assess:
Case complexity: Metal braces treat the widest range of cases. Invisalign is excellent for mild-to-moderate issues but has limitations for severe problems. Lingual braces can treat most cases but require a specialist.
Aesthetics: If appearance during treatment is a priority, ceramic, lingual, or Invisalign are all valid options — each at a different price point and suitability range.
Compliance: Invisalign requires discipline to wear consistently. Fixed appliances (metal, ceramic, lingual, self-ligating) work 24/7 without any patient behaviour factor.
Budget: Metal braces are the most affordable entry point. Lingual braces are the most expensive. Ceramic, self-ligating, and Invisalign fall in the middle range.
Getting consultations with two or three orthodontists is worthwhile — fees for the same appliance type can vary by $1,000–$2,000 between practices, and the recommended appliance may differ between clinicians.
Frequently asked questions
What types of braces are available in Canada?
What is the cheapest type of braces in Canada?
What are self-ligating braces?
Are lingual braces available in Canada?
Related pages
- Braces Cost in Canada — hub
- Invisalign Cost in Canada
- Clear vs Ceramic Braces
- Braces for Adults
- Braces for Kids and Teens
- CDCP Coverage 2026
Independent dental pricing research — figures verified against provincial suggested-fee guides (ODA, ACDQ, BCDA, etc.) and the CDCP coverage rules published on canada.ca. Pricing/market research, not medical or dental advice.
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.