CDCP Invisalign: Does CDCP Cover Invisalign?
Invisalign has become a popular alternative to traditional braces, offering a clear, more comfortable, and discreet way to straighten teeth. However, one of the most frequently asked questions from people considering Invisalign is: Is invisalign covered by insurance, and does CDCP cover Iinvisalign? This article will walk through CDCP Invisalign and help guide you through alternative insurance options like SunLife, Blue Cross, and other insurance plans in Canada.
What is CDCP and How Does It Relate to Invisalign CDCP?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a government initiative designed to make dental care more accessible to Canadians, particularly those with lower incomes, seniors, and children. CDCP is evolving in 2025 to expand its coverage to include orthodontic care, such as Invisalign, for those who meet the criteria. This is a significant step forward for those seeking affordable options for straightening teeth.
Read More: CDCP Braces
Who Will Be Eligible for CDCP Invisalign in 2026?
As of late 2025, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has completed its phased rollout. Eligibility is no longer restricted to seniors or children; it is now open to all Canadians who meet the following criteria:
No Access to Private Insurance: You do not have dental coverage through an employer, pension, or professional organization.
Income Requirement: Your adjusted family net income is less than $90,000 CAD.
Tax Compliance: You must have filed your tax return for the previous year.
Residency: You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
Read More: Metal Mouth Braces
Does CDCP Cover Invisalign? (2026 Update)
Starting in late 2025, the CDCP began accepting requests for orthodontic treatment, which can include Invisalign. However, unlike private insurance, the CDCP does not cover treatment for purely aesthetic reasons.
To receive coverage, your treatment must be deemed medically necessary. This means:
Functional Issues: The misalignment must affect your ability to eat, speak, or breathe.
Pre-authorization: Your orthodontist must submit a formal request to Sun Life (the program administrator) with X-rays and documentation before you start treatment.
Co-payment Tiers: Depending on your income, the government may not cover 100% of the established fees:
Under $70,000: 100% of the CDCP fee covered (0% co-pay).
$70,000 – $79,999: 60% of the CDCP fee covered (40% co-pay).
$80,000 – $89,999: 40% of the CDCP fee covered (60% co-pay).
Read More: Is Invisalign Orthodontics?
Deep Understanding Invisalign CDCP Eligibility and Coverage Restrictions
Not having access to dental insurance means you do not have any type of dental coverage through:
- A professional or student organization
- Your employment benefits or a family member’s employment benefits, including health and wellness accounts
- Your pension benefits or a family member’s pension benefits (including federal, provincial, and territorial government employer pension plans)
- Coverage purchased by you or a family member, or through a group plan from an insurance or benefits company
Important Notes:
If you're eligible for dental coverage through your employment benefits or a professional/student organization, you are not eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), even if:
- You don’t use the coverage
- You pay a premium for it
- You choose not to enroll
If you access pension benefits (either your own or a family member's), you're also not eligible for the CDCP, unless you’re retired and:
- You opted out of pension benefits before December 11, 2023
- You cannot opt back in under the pension rules
If you’ve purchased private dental insurance (separate from the coverage mentioned above), you are not eligible for the CDCP while that coverage is active. However, if you have orthodontic coverage through a provincial, territorial, or federal government social program, you may still qualify for the CDCP. The coverage will be coordinated between the plans to ensure no overlap or gaps.
For more information about Invisalign CDCP, please read our article, “Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)”. In this article, we walk through each criterion in details.
Read More: Invisalign Cost
What is Blue Cross Canada?
Blue Cross Canada offers a variety of insurance services, including:
- Health Benefits: Coverage for supplementary health and dental benefits, prescription drugs, vision care, and more.
- Travel Insurance: Plans to cover unexpected medical emergencies while traveling, suitable for frequent travelers or occasional trips.
- Personal Health Insurance: Options for individuals who are self-employed, between jobs, or looking to supplement group health benefits.
- Immediate Savings: Members can save on medical care and vision care with participating providers across Canada, with no receipts needed for certain purchases.
For more detailed information, you can visit the official Blue Cross website.
Does Blue Cross Cover Invisalign?
It may offer coverage for Invisalign treatment, but the specifics can vary depending on your individual plan. Here are some key details to keep in mind:
- Invisalign as Orthodontic Treatment: BCBS typically recognizes Invisalign as a form of orthodontic treatment, and it may be covered under most plans. However, the extent of that coverage can differ.
- Cosmetic Considerations: Some BCBS plans may categorize orthodontic treatments, including clear aligners like Invisalign, as "cosmetic." In such cases, coverage could be limited or excluded.
- Plan Variability: Since coverage varies by plan, it's always a good idea to reach out to your BCBS provider to obtain a pre-treatment estimate and understand your specific benefits.
For the most accurate and personalized information, contacting you’re the Blue Cross representative at 416-640-3444 | 1-866-732-2583.
Read More: Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces Cost?
What is Sunlife?
SunLife of Canada offers a variety of insurance products, including:
- Life Insurance: Provides financial protection for your loved ones in the event of your passing.
- Health Insurance: Covers medical expenses and health-related costs.
- Individual and Workplace Insurance Options: Tailored solutions for personal and employee benefits.
For more details or to get a quote, you can visit their official website.
Read More: Invisalign Teen
Does Sunlife Cover Invisalign
Sunlife for dental plan offers three categories: PHI Basic plan, PHI standard plan, and PHI Enhanced plan. The two firsts only cover preventive dental care and the third one orthodontic treatment such as braces or Invisalign.
Sun Life Orthodontic Coverage Features
- 60% Reimbursement
- Lifetime Maximum: $1,500
- Waiting Period: 2-year waiting period before coverage begins
Covered Orthodontic Services Include:
- Interceptive, interventive, or preventive orthodontic treatments (excluding space maintainers)
- Comprehensive orthodontic care, which may involve either removable (like Invisalign) or fixed appliances(like braces), or a combination of both. This coverage includes diagnostic procedures, formal treatment, and retentio
Read More: How Much Are Braces in Canada?
CDCP vs. Private Insurance for Invisalign
Feature | CDCP 2026 | Private Insurance (SunLife/Blue Cross) |
|---|---|---|
Cosmetic Straightening | Not Covered | Covered (if plan includes orthodontics) |
Invisalign Coverage | Only if medically necessary | Usually covered as standard orthodontics |
Max Benefit | Specific to the medical case | Lifetime maximum (often $1,500–$3,000) |
Wait Times | None (once approved) | Often 1–2 year waiting period |
Is Invisalign Covered by Insurance in Canada?
In Canada, Invisalign can sometimes be covered by insurance, but it depends on your specific insurance plan and province. Here's what you need to know about whether Invisalign can be covered by insurance:
1. Provincial Health Plans
Provincial health insurance (e.g., OHIP in Ontario, MSP in British Columbia) typically does not cover Invisalign dental care, as it is considered an orthodontic treatment, which is often classified as cosmetic.
2. Private Insurance Plans
If you have private insurance, Invisalign may be covered as part of your extended health benefits or dental plan, but this can vary depending on the specifics of your policy. Some plans include coverage for orthodontics, which may include Invisalign dental care.
- Reimbursement Rates: Typically, insurance may reimburse a percentage of the cost (often 50-80%), with a lifetime maximum (e.g., $1,500 to $3,000).
- Coverage for Adults and Children: Coverage is more commonly provided for children or teens, but Invisalign treatment for adults may be more limited depending on the insurer.
3. Pre-Approval and Estimates
For those wondering, "Can Invisalign be covered by insurance?" the answer is yes, but many insurance providers require pre-approval for orthodontic treatments. It’s essential to get a pretreatment estimate from your insurance provider to see exactly what portion of Invisalign dental care will be covered.
4. Employer-Sponsored Plans
If you have an employer-sponsored health benefits plan, it's worth checking whether Invisalign is included in the orthodontic coverage. Employer plans often offer more comprehensive coverage than individual plans.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Invisalign can indeed be covered by insurance in Canada, but coverage varies depending on your specific plan and insurer. For those wondering, "Does CDCP cover Invisalign?" or "Is Invisalign covered by insurance?", the answer is yes in some cases, especially with new CDCP expansions in 2025. However, it's crucial to check the details of your plan, as provincial health plans typically do not cover Invisalign dental care, and private insurance plans may offer partial reimbursement. Blue Cross and SunLife are two common insurance providers that might include orthodontic treatment, but it depends on your policy's specifics.
If you're exploring Invisalign as a treatment option and are unsure about coverage, it’s always wise to get a pretreatment estimate from your insurer. For more detailed guidance and to explore your options, York Orthodontics can help you navigate your coverage and provide expert advice tailored to your needs.
Whether you're covered through your insurance plan or looking into alternative options like CDCP, York Orthodontics is here to support you every step of the way.
FAQs
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| |
Type | Braces Cost without Insurance | Braces Cost with Insurance |
Metal | $3,000-$7,500 | $1,500-$3,500 |
Clear Aligner | $4,000-$8,000 | $2,000- $3,700 (if covered) |
Ceramic | $4,000-$8,000 | $2,000- $4,000 |
No, The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not cover Invisalign or any orthodontic treatments, as these are classified as elective procedures.
In Ontario, the cost of Invisalign typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000. Several factors can impact the final price, including the complexity of your dental issues and any additional treatments that may be required alongside orthodontics.
Yes, Invisalign can effectively treat an overbite by gradually shifting the teeth into proper alignment. It works by using clear aligners that apply gentle pressure to move the upper and lower teeth, improving the bite. However, the extent to which Invisalign can correct an overbite depends on its severity and the individual case.
n general, Invisalign does not directly cause gum recession, but improper use or poorly fitting aligners can contribute to gum irritation or sensitivity. If the aligners don’t fit correctly, they may exert uneven pressure on the gums, potentially leading to discomfort or even recession over time. It’s important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions and attend regular check-ups to ensure the treatment is progressing well and the aligners fit properly.