Many people are insecure about their teeth, especially if they are crooked, but everyone should have the chance to light up a room with their smile. Whether you’re a teenager or adult, there are numerous benefits of getting braces.
The decision to get braces is not purely aesthetic, either. Teeth straightening is a contributing factor in disease prevention. When teeth are crowded, it makes it more difficult to clean between them. Inadequate cleaning can lead to problematic gingivitis, which beyond bad breath, leads to painful gum recession. It can even result in bone density loss or the need for costly dental interventions.
Is the cost of braces in Canada stopping you from taking the first step to a better smile? The decision to get braces can be a tough one, but there’s no need to be intimidated, there are a variety of ways to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
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Orthodontic Insurance Options
Cost is one of the biggest obstacles people face when deciding to get braces. Orthodontic Insurance options in Canada can help quell some of this anxiety.
Orthodontic coverage will vary between plans and providers. Not all dental insurance plans include orthodontics, so be sure to check if yours does! Braces are usually covered at 50% through dental insurance contracts, according to the Canadian Association of Orthodontics (CAO).
Ask your orthodontist if they offer payment plans, then divide the expected cost by the number of months to determine how much you will pay each month.
NEXT STEPS
- Find an orthodontist in your area. Speak with your dentists or get referrals from friends.
- Meet several orthodontists before you decide. Book a consultation to get a range of price quotes and treatment options.
- Evaluate your options. Remember, the lowest-priced option is not necessarily the best one.
- Keep track of the cost associated with treatment–this even includes dental hygiene tools.
- Calculate what you need to put aside for out-of-pocket costs.
When talking with your orthodontist, be sure to ask about:
- Limitations on age
- Percentage of treatment covered
- Procedure limits/maximums
How much do braces cost in Canada?
Price ranges for braces in Canada are determined by the type of braces, with the average price ranging from $3,000 to $10,000. Where your costs fall within that range depends on what dental issues you hope to address.
Average costs for types of braces:
- Metal braces: $3,000 to $7,000
- Ceramic braces: $4,000 to $8,000
- Lingual braces: $8,000 to $10,000
- Invisalign: $4,000 to $7,400
How business owners can provide braces and dental benefits to their employees?
Many employers provide dental benefits to their employees to promote good oral health and hygiene. If you’re a business owner looking for a plan to provide comprehensive dental care to your employees, Group Enroll may be a perfect fit.
At Group Enroll, our team will search to find the most cost-effective provider for orthodontic insurance for you. Providing dental benefits can be a great way to keep employees healthy and relieve stress around medical costs.
Get quotes from multiple top Canadian providers today to find the right plan at the right price for your company.
It’s never too late to get braces
Do you worry that your chance for straighter teeth has passed you by? Or that braces are something only younger people get?
Getting braces as an adult can carry a stigma, but the truth is, people get braces at all ages
According to Harvard Medical School, “…more adults are opting for orthodontic treatment and coming away with excellent results.”
In fact, according to the Canadian Association of Orthodontics, upwards one in four individuals with braces are over 21.
There are several reasons that people decide to get braces at any age, and not all of them are aesthetic.
Problems caused by crooked teeth include:
- Trouble chewing
- Difficulty maintaining dental hygiene
- Jaw or gum pain
- Increased dental problems due to pressure
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Other Options for Financing Braces
Health Spending Account
An HSA is a savings account that allows you or your employer to make pre-tax contributions to cover high deductible medical costs. The biggest advantage of an HSA is the unique tax benefits they offer, allowing for 100% tax-free reimbursement for medical costs and a reduction in taxable income.
One of the few downsides of an HSA is that they don’t pay the costs upfront. You’ll need to pay for your braces and then request reimbursement for the cost.
Out of Pocket
Many patients pay out of pocket for orthodontic services if they do not have an insurance plan in place.
Orthodontic coverage is not provided by Provincial Healthcare Canada, which leads to more out of pocket spending.
Hidden Costs Associated with Braces
You may be under the impression that once you have your braces, dental insurance will cover most of your expenses. In reality, there are a few costs that come with having braces.
- An electric toothbrush to keep food from building up in and around your braces
- Special floss or water flosser to get to the hard to reach places
- More frequent dental cleanings
- Permanent or removable retainer (be sure to account for the fact that you may have to replace a lost retainer)
In the end, no matter the cost, after having braces, you’ll be able to walk away with straighter teeth and fewer dental health problems.
