Are Braces Covered Under Disability or Social Assistance Plans?

If you or someone in your family needs braces, you already know it’s not just about having a straighter smile; it’s often about improving your oral health, speech, and even self-esteem. But what happens when braces feel financially out of reach?

Many people wonder: Are braces covered under disability or social assistance plans? The short answer? Sometimes. But it depends on where you live, your specific situation, and what kind of program you’re applying through.

Here’s what you need to know about orthodontic coverage for disabled individuals, dental benefits under social assistance, and your options if you’re looking for affordable or alternative care.

What Counts as Disability Coverage in Canada?

If you’re receiving disability benefits, whether through a provincial social assistance program, CPP Disability Benefits, or another form of government aid, you may be eligible for some level of dental coverage.

That said, dental care is not fully universal in Canada, which means each province and territory has its own rules about what’s covered, and orthodontics (like braces or clear aligners) is often excluded unless it’s deemed medically necessary.

Is Orthodontic Care Ever Covered?

Yes, but it’s usually limited. Most government programs for orthodontic care will only cover braces if the treatment is considered essential for your health, like in cases where jaw development is affected, or serious alignment issues are interfering with eating or speaking.

Let’s break it down!

In Quebec

Under RAMQ, certain dental services are covered for children under 10 and people receiving last-resort financial assistance. However, braces are typically not included unless there's a severe medical reason.

Across Canada (Federal Dental Care Plan)

Canada recently introduced a phased Canadian Dental Care Plan to support low-income families. But as of now, orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners are not included in the initial rollout; only basic dental care is.

On Disability or Social Assistance?

Some provincial disability support programs (like ODSP in Ontario) offer basic dental coverage, but free braces with disability benefits are rare, unless they’re recommended for critical developmental needs.

Can You Get Braces Under Medicaid or Disability?

In the U.S., Medicaid sometimes covers braces for children under 21 if the treatment is medically necessary, but adult coverage is limited. In Canada, we don’t have a direct equivalent to Medicaid, but provincial disability support may offer similar partial coverage for basic dental care, not usually for orthodontics.

That said, if you’re on a low-income dental support plan, you might be eligible for reduced fees through community clinics or dental schools.

Alternative Options: How ALIGNERCO Helps

We know that cost is a big concern for many Canadians, especially for those on fixed incomes or receiving social assistance. That’s why ALIGNERCO is committed to offering a more affordable solution.

With our clear aligner plans , you get:

• Straight teeth without the high cost of braces
• At-home treatment, no frequent visits required
• Flexible payment options, starting as low as $134/month
• A plan that puts you in control

While we’re not a government program, we’re often a better fit for people who’ve been told they “don’t qualify” for braces coverage, or who want a more discreet, convenient treatment.

Tips for Finding Affordable Orthodontic Care

If you're looking for braces under Medicaid or disability, or any kind of financial aid for orthodontic care, here are some steps to explore:

• Talk to your caseworker – Ask if any exceptions can be made for orthodontic needs under your current plan.
• Check with local dental schools – Many offer lower-cost services from supervised students.
• Look into provincial children’s dental programs – Some provinces offer coverage for minors with developmental or orthodontic needs.
• Compare private alternatives – Brands like ALIGNERCO offer budget-friendly, effective, clear aligners without insurance complications.

Thinking about Your Next Step toward a Straighter Smile?

While it’s rare to get free braces with disability benefits, you still have options, especially if you’re open to modern alternatives like clear aligners. ALIGNERCO’s mission is to make straighter smiles more accessible to everyone, no matter your income level or background, because everyone deserves to smile confidently. And if cost has been holding you back, it might be time to explore a solution that meets you where you are.