Most orthodontic clinics in Ottawa, including Riverside Orthodontics, offer interest-free monthly payment plans that spread treatment cost across the length of care. You can often start with little or no money down, then stack insurance, the federal CDCP, and the CRA medical expense tax credit to lower what you pay out of pocket.
The cost of orthodontics rarely stops people in our experience. What stops people is the idea of paying it all at once. The good news is that almost nobody does. A full course of braces or Invisalign is something most Ottawa families pay off slowly, month by month, often with help from insurance and tax credits stacked on top. Here is how the money side actually works.
Quick answer: Most orthodontic clinics in Ottawa, including Riverside Orthodontics, offer interest-free monthly payment plans that spread treatment cost across the length of care. You can often start with little or no money down, then stack insurance, the federal CDCP, and the CRA medical expense tax credit to lower what you pay out of pocket.
The model is simple. Instead of paying the full fee on day one, you pay a small amount up front and then a fixed monthly payment for the duration of your treatment. Because most cases run eighteen to twenty-four months, that monthly figure ends up being modest, often comparable to a gym membership or a phone bill.
At our clinic these plans are interest-free. You are not borrowing money or paying a finance charge. You are simply splitting your own fee into pieces that fit a normal household budget. We set the down payment and the monthly amount together at your consultation so it works for your situation, not against it.
In many cases, yes, or close to it. Some patients prefer a low starting payment and a slightly higher monthly amount, while others put more down to keep the monthly figure as small as possible. There is no single right structure. The point of a flexible plan is that it bends to your budget. The best way to find your number is to tell us what feels manageable and let us build the plan around it.
For a lot of families it covers a real chunk. Many Ontario dental plans include a lifetime orthodontic maximum, often somewhere between $1,500 and $3,000 per person. That benefit applies once per lifetime per covered individual, so it is worth using when the time is right.
A few things to check in your booklet before you start. Find your lifetime orthodontic maximum and confirm none of it has been used. Check the percentage the plan pays, since some cover half and some cover more. Ask whether clear aligners are covered the same as braces. Our team handles insurance every day and can help you read the fine print so you actually capture what you are owed.
The federal Canadian Dental Care Plan continues to roll out to more Canadians. Medically necessary orthodontic treatment may be covered for people who qualify in specific situations, though the orthodontic piece has its own criteria and is not automatic for every case. If you think you might be eligible, confirm your enrolment and coverage details through the official CDCP program, then bring that information to your consult so we can factor it into your plan.
Yes, and people forget this one constantly. Orthodontic care is an eligible medical expense under the Canada Revenue Agency rules. When you file, you can include what you paid toward your medical expense tax credit, which can return a meaningful portion of the cost depending on your income and total medical spending for the year. The only thing you have to do is keep your receipts. We provide clear payment records so you have exactly what you need at tax time.
This is the part that turns a big number into a small one. Picture a $6,000 treatment. Your insurance covers $2,000 of it. That leaves $4,000, which we spread across twenty-four interest-free monthly payments of roughly $165. At tax time, the medical expense credit returns a portion of what you paid. Suddenly a number that felt out of reach is a manageable monthly line in your budget with money coming back later. None of this is unusual. It is how most of our patients pay for their smile.
Do you offer interest-free payment plans for braces?
Yes. Riverside Orthodontics offers interest-free in-house monthly plans that spread your treatment fee across the length of care, so there is no finance charge and no large lump sum.
Can I start treatment with little or no money down?
In many cases, yes. We set the down payment and monthly amount together at your consultation so the plan fits your budget. Some patients start with a low up-front payment and a steady monthly figure.
Will my insurance reduce the cost?
Often significantly. Many Ontario plans include a lifetime orthodontic maximum between $1,500 and $3,000 per person. Our team can help you confirm your coverage and apply it.
Are Invisalign and braces financed the same way?
Yes. Whether you choose braces or Invisalign, the same interest-free monthly payment structure is available. The total fee differs, but the financing approach is the same.
Can I claim braces on my Canadian taxes?
Yes. Orthodontic treatment is an eligible medical expense with the CRA. Keep your receipts and claim the medical expense tax credit when you file.
Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan cover braces?
Medically necessary orthodontic treatment may be covered for eligible people in specific cases. Confirm your status through the official CDCP program and bring the details to your consultation.
You do not need to figure out the money side alone. At your free consultation we lay out the full cost, check your insurance, and build an interest-free monthly plan around what works for you.
Already a patient and want to adjust your plan? Give us a call and we will sort it out together.
