Orthodontics straightens teeth and corrects bite problems, whether you want braces for a teen or clear aligners for yourself. Edmonton has general dentists who offer orthodontic care and recognized orthodontists who focus on it. hellodent can help you search participating providers, sort by rating or distance, and request a first visit.
What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that moves teeth into better positions and corrects how the upper and lower teeth meet. It can fix crowded or crooked teeth, gaps, an overbite, an underbite, or a crossbite. Treatment uses steady, light pressure over time to guide teeth into place, then holds them there with a retainer.
In Alberta, orthodontic care may be provided by general dentists with extra training or by orthodontists, who are recognized specialists in tooth movement and bite correction. Common options include metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces fitted behind the teeth, and clear aligners. The right choice depends on your case, your age, and what you want from treatment.
How Much Does Orthodontics Cost in Edmonton?
Orthodontic fees in Alberta vary by case and by the type of treatment. The estimates below reflect ranges commonly published by Canadian dental sources, including the hellodent Canadian Dental Health Guide. Your actual cost depends on how much movement is needed, how long you wear the appliance, and which provider you choose.
| Treatment | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|
| Metal braces (full treatment) | $3,000 to $7,000 |
| Ceramic braces (full treatment) | $4,000 to $8,000 |
| Lingual braces (behind the teeth) | $7,000 to $10,000 |
| Clear aligners (full treatment) | $4,000 to $8,000 |
| Limited or minor treatment | $1,500 to $3,500 |
| Retainer (per arch) | $250 to $600 |
Costs in central Edmonton practices may run higher due to higher overhead such as rent, while clinics outside the core often have lower facility costs. Most orthodontic providers give you a written treatment plan and a quote at the first visit, and many offer monthly payment plans spread over the length of treatment.
Types of Orthodontics Available in Edmonton
Most Edmonton providers who offer orthodontic care work with some or all of the following.
- Metal braces: the standard option, using metal brackets and wires. Often the most affordable choice and effective for complex cases.
- Ceramic braces: tooth-coloured brackets that are less noticeable than metal, with similar results.
- Lingual braces: braces fitted behind the teeth so they stay hidden from view, suited to specific cases.
- Clear aligners: a series of removable, see-through trays that move teeth in stages and can be taken out to eat and brush.
- Retainers: custom appliances worn after treatment to hold teeth in their new position.
- Early treatment for children: shorter, targeted treatment that guides growth and may reduce the need for braces later.
Where to Find Orthodontics Providers in Edmonton
Edmonton has orthodontic providers spread across the city. hellodent can help you search by location or address and sort by rating or distance to find providers near you. Here are some areas where you may find clinics:
- Central: Downtown, Garneau, Strathcona, Whyte Ave
- North and West: Westmount, The Highlands
- East and South: Cloverdale, and surrounding neighbourhoods
The closest clinic is not always the right fit. Orthodontic treatment runs over many months, so it helps to choose a provider whose experience matches your case and whose schedule works for your regular checkups. Use the search and sort tools on hellodent to weigh distance against the provider's experience with the treatment you want.
How to Choose an Orthodontics Provider in Edmonton
Many orthodontic treatments can be performed by general dentists, who provide routine care along with some common treatments like braces and clear aligners. More complex cases may be referred to an orthodontist, who works within that specialty only. An orthodontist has completed a recognized graduate program focused on tooth movement and bite correction.
You can verify a dentist's credentials with the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA). For a specialist, ask whether they completed a recognized orthodontic program. Helpful questions to ask at your first visit:
- How many cases similar to mine have you treated?
- Which treatment options would work for my case, and what are the trade-offs?
- How long is treatment likely to take, and how often will I need visits?
- What is included in the quoted price, including retainers and follow-up?
- What is the estimated cost of my treatment?
Paying for Orthodontics in Edmonton
For most Alberta residents, dental care is typically paid out of pocket or through private insurance. The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) does not cover routine orthodontic treatment in a private dental office. AHCIP may cover dental work done in a hospital in specific situations. Many private benefit plans include orthodontic coverage, often with a lifetime maximum per person, so it helps to check your plan before starting.
If you do not have private coverage, you may be eligible for coverage under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), a dental program funded by the federal government and administered by Sun Life. CDCP eligibility requires household income under $90,000 per year and no access to private dental insurance. Orthodontic services, when clinically necessary, may be covered after a date to be announced, and may need to be pre-authorized by Sun Life. Frequency limits may apply.
You may also need to pay the difference between the CDCP fee guide and the practice's regular fee. This is called balanced billing. Since the CDCP fee guide is often lower than the provincial fee guide, some dentists may charge above it. Apply for coverage through the Government of Canada website. Coverage will need to be renewed annually. Many Edmonton orthodontic clinics also offer monthly payment plans to spread the cost over the length of treatment.
*The content provided in this article, including text, graphics, and referenced material, is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your dentist or another qualified oral health professional for questions regarding your dental condition. Never disregard professional dental advice or delay seeking it based on information from this article. If you believe you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist, or seek immediate assistance from an oral healthcare professional. The information in this article has been gathered based on information available online and has not been fact checked by a dental professional.
