Does the CDCP Cover Braces and Orthodontic Treatment? (2026 Guide)

Braces and orthodontic treatment in Canada are generally not covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). In very specific medical situations, limited coverage may apply but for the vast majority of Canadians seeking orthodontic treatment, the CDCP won't help. For children under 18, coverage requires a severe and functionally handicapping malocclusion, as measured by the Handicapping Labio-Lingual Deviation (HLD) Index, a clinical scoring tool orthodontists use to quantify the extent to which a bite problem affects function. For adults, it's limited to those with craniofacial conditions like cleft palate. Cosmetic braces and routine orthodontic treatment, which is what most Canadians actually need, are not covered.

For most Canadians, the CDCP does not cover braces or orthodontic treatment. The official CDCP website lists orthodontic services as not currently available, and even when limited coverage does open up, it will only apply to cases that meet strict medical criteria. Cosmetic orthodontics, which covers the vast majority of braces treatment in Canada, is not covered.

This is the critical part. The CDCP Dental Benefits Guide sets out specific clinical criteria that must be met before orthodontic coverage will be considered. The bar is high.

Children Under 18

A common question from parents is whether the CDCP covers braces for kids. The short answer is generally no, but there is a narrow exception. Children under 18 may qualify if a registered orthodontist determines their case meets the clinical threshold for a severe and functionally handicapping malocclusion. This isn't a call the dentist can take. To qualify, a child must have what the plan calls a "severe and functionally handicapping malocclusion." This isn't a judgment call. It's measured using a clinical scoring tool called the Modified Handicapping Labio-Lingual Deviation (HLD) Index. The orthodontist scores the severity of the bite problem against specific measurements. Only cases that hit a high enough score on that index are considered.

In simple terms, this means the bite problem has to be bad enough that it genuinely affects how the child chews, speaks, or breathes. Crowded front teeth, a mild overbite, or teeth that affect confidence, none of those qualify. The kind of bite issues that typically meet the threshold include severe jaw discrepancies, significant crossbites affecting function, or alignment problems that interfere with basic oral tasks.

Adults

Coverage for adults is even more restricted. The CDCP covers orthodontic treatment for adults only if they have a craniofacial anomaly, such as cleft lip or palate, that is associated with a severe and functionally handicapping malocclusion as assessed by the HLD Index.

For almost all adults considering braces or Invisalign, CDCP coverage does not apply.

Preauthorization Is Required for Everyone

Even if a child or adult meets the clinical criteria above, treatment cannot begin until the CDCP gives preauthorization. That means your orthodontist needs to submit documentation, including clinical records and evidence of medical necessity, and wait for approval before any treatment starts. Coverage without preauthorization won't be honoured.

Does the CDCP Cover Invisalign?

The CDCP doesn't distinguish between braces and Invisalign in terms of the appliance used. If a case is approved for orthodontic coverage, the treating orthodontist can use either braces or clear aligners. The coverage decision is based on the medical necessity of the treatment, not the specific appliance.

However, since Invisalign is most commonly used for mild to moderate cases, and those cases generally won't meet the CDCP's clinical threshold, the practical answer for most people is no. For the rare case that does qualify, it's possible could be used if the orthodontist recommends it.

When Will CDCP Orthodontic Coverage Be Available?

This is where things get complicated. As of 2026, the CDCP's official dental benefits guide states that limited orthodontic services for eligible clients can be requested "at a date to be determined." The clinical criteria for coverage have been published, but the precise date when claims can actually be submitted has not been confirmed. This means that even if your child meets the HLD Index criteria, you cannot yet submit a preauthorization request for orthodontic services through the CDCP. The government has signalled that this coverage is coming, but it hasn't launched yet for most orthodontic procedures.

Check Health Canada's CDCP coverage page and about the current status before assuming coverage is available.

The reality is that most Canadians seeking orthodontic treatment, children and adults alike, will not qualify for CDCP coverage. Orthodontic treatment can be expensive, so here's what your actual options look like.

Private Employer Benefits Plans

Most mid-to-higher tier group dental plans through employers include orthodontic coverage. Typical terms include a lifetime maximum of $1,500 to $3,000 per person for orthodontics, coverage of around 50% of eligible costs up to that cap, and waiting periods of 3 to 12 months before the benefit activates. Check your Summary of Benefits for the specifics.

Note that you cannot combine CDCP and private insurance. If you have private coverage, you are ineligible for the CDCP.

Provincial Dental Programs

Some provinces run supplementary dental programs for children from lower-income families. These vary in scope and eligibility and change over time. Alberta, BC, and Ontario have all had programs of this type. Check your provincial health authority's website for what's currently available.

Payment Plans and Financing

Most orthodontic practices offer interest-free in-house payment plans spread over the duration of treatment. Third-party dental financing is also available through providers like Medicard and Dentalcard, though you should read the terms carefully to understand whether the offer is truly interest-free or deferred-interest.

Dental School Clinics

University dental school orthodontic clinics (at the University of Toronto, UBC, the University of Alberta, McGill, and Dalhousie, among others) offer supervised treatment at 30 to 50% below private practice rates. Wait times are longer and appointments take more time, but the clinical quality is supervised by licensed faculty.

How to Check if Your Child Might Qualify

If you think your child's case might be severe enough to meet the CDCP criteria, here are the steps:

• Book a consultation with a registered orthodontist: Ask them to assess whether the case might meet the HLD Index threshold for a severe and functionally handicapping malocclusion. Be specific about asking for a clinical opinion on CDCP eligibility, not just a general orthodontic assessment.
• Confirm your CDCP eligibility: Make sure your household income is below $90,000 and that you don't have access to any private dental insurance. You must have filed your most recent tax return to be eligible.
• Ask about preauthorization timelines: Given that orthodontic claims under the CDCP are not yet open as of early 2026, ask your orthodontist when they expect to be able to submit. Get a realistic answer, not a guess.
• Get a written treatment estimate: Understand
  what the CDCP would cover,
  what the CDCP fee guide pays, what your co-payment would be based on your income bracket, and what the balance-billing amount might be if your orthodontist charges above the CDCP rate.