If you’re hoping the Canadian Dental Care Plan will cover the cost of dental implants or braces, the short answer is: generally, no — at least not in the way most people hope.
But the longer answer matters more, because CDCP does cover several procedures that can address the same underlying problems implants and orthodontics are meant to solve. This guide breaks down exactly what the plan covers, where the lines are drawn, and what Calgary patients can realistically do under CDCP.
What CDCP Was Designed to Cover
The CDCP focuses on essential dental health — the services most closely tied to preventing pain, infection, and functional problems. The plan groups covered services into four main categories:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic | Exams, X-rays, consultations |
| Preventive | Cleanings, fluoride, sealants |
| Basic restorative | Fillings, simple extractions, root canals |
| Other essential care | Dentures, denture repairs, some oral surgery |
Notice what’s not on this list: implants and orthodontics. That’s intentional.
Dental Implants and CDCP
Dental implants are not covered under CDCP.
Sun Life’s schedule of dental benefits does not include implant placement, abutments, or implant-supported crowns. Implants are classified as a complex restorative procedure, and the CDCP was specifically designed to cover basic and essential care rather than elective or high-cost restorative options.
This applies to:
- Single-tooth implants
- Implant-supported bridges
- Implant-supported dentures (All-on-4, All-on-6, etc.)
- Any implant components (implant post, abutment, crown)
The full cost of implant treatment remains the patient’s responsibility. At Millrise Dental in Calgary, a single implant typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 CAD depending on the complexity of the case and whether bone grafting is needed.
Orthodontics and CDCP
Orthodontic treatment is not covered under CDCP, with a very limited exception for children with severe functional impairments.
Standard orthodontic treatment — including:
- Traditional metal braces
- Clear aligners (Invisalign)
- Retainers
- Palate expanders
…is not covered for cosmetic or routine alignment purposes.
The exception: in rare cases where misalignment is so severe that it impairs chewing or causes documented medical problems, prior authorization for limited orthodontic benefits may be requested. This is assessed case by case and is not a common approval. Standard aesthetic alignment cases are explicitly excluded.
What CDCP Does Cover That Can Help
Even though implants and orthodontics aren’t covered, there are CDCP-covered services that address related problems:
For Missing Teeth
- Extractions — if a tooth is failing and needs to come out, CDCP covers the extraction
- Complete and partial dentures — CDCP covers conventional dentures and partial dentures as a cost-effective replacement for missing teeth
- Denture repairs and relines — if existing dentures need adjustment or repair, those services are covered
For Bite and Alignment Issues
- Diagnostic X-rays and comprehensive exams — to assess the severity of the problem
- Referral documentation — your dentist can document the severity of a functional impairment to support a prior authorization request for orthodontic benefits, though approval is not guaranteed
For Tooth Decay and Infection (Often the Root Cause)
- Fillings — to restore decayed teeth before they require extraction
- Root canals — to save an infected tooth rather than extract it
- Scaling and cleaning — to prevent the gum disease that leads to tooth loss
Can I Combine CDCP with Financing for Implants or Braces?
Yes, and this is the most practical path for many Calgary patients.
If you want implants or Invisalign and have CDCP coverage, the plan won’t pay for those specific treatments — but it will cover the surrounding care: the exam, any necessary extractions, the X-rays, and any restorative work needed before treatment begins. That can meaningfully reduce your out-of-pocket costs even if the implant or orthodontic procedure itself isn’t covered.
At Millrise Dental, we offer payment plans and financing options that can spread the cost of implants or Invisalign over time. We can also review exactly which parts of your treatment plan CDCP will and won’t cover before you commit to anything.
What to Do If You Need Implants or Orthodontics and Have CDCP
- Book a comprehensive exam — CDCP covers this. We’ll assess your full oral health and map out your options before talking costs.
- Ask about CDCP-covered alternatives — in many cases, a partial denture or bridge is a covered option that addresses the same functional need as an implant.
- Get a full treatment plan with itemized costs — we’ll identify exactly which line items CDCP covers and which ones require out-of-pocket payment or financing.
- Explore financing — Millrise Dental offers flexible payment options so that cost doesn’t force a clinical compromise.
A Note on Future Plan Updates
The CDCP was launched in phases starting in 2024, and the federal government has indicated the covered services list may be expanded over time. As of May 2026, implants and orthodontics remain excluded from coverage for the vast majority of patients. Check canada.ca/dental for the most current coverage schedule.
Common Questions
Does CDCP cover Invisalign in Calgary? No. Invisalign is a form of orthodontic treatment and is not covered by CDCP under current plan rules.
**I need an implant because I lost a tooth. Does CDCP cover the extraction first?** Yes — the extraction of a failing or non-restorable tooth is covered under CDCP’s basic restorative category. The implant to replace it is not.
My child needs braces for a crossbite. Will CDCP help? Possibly — but not through standard orthodontic coverage. If the crossbite causes a documented functional impairment, your dentist can submit a prior authorization request. Coverage is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Book an exam at Millrise Dental and we’ll document the situation properly.
Can I use CDCP at a specialist (orthodontist or oral surgeon) in Calgary? CDCP can be used with participating specialists, but coverage is still limited to the plan’s schedule of benefits. An oral surgeon performing an extraction would be covered; an orthodontist performing alignment treatment generally would not.
What’s the difference between a bridge and an implant for CDCP purposes? A conventional dental bridge may be covered under CDCP where an implant is not — depending on the specific tooth position, number of missing teeth, and clinical circumstances. Ask your dentist to outline the CDCP-covered and non-covered options for your specific situation.
Book a CDCP Exam at Millrise Dental
If you’re weighing your options for implants, orthodontics, or any dental treatment under CDCP, the best place to start is a comprehensive exam. We’ll tell you exactly what’s covered, what alternatives exist, and what financing looks like — no surprises.
Millrise Dental Clinic #15, 15 Millrise Blvd SW, Calgary, AB T2Y 1X7 📞 403-254-0406 ⏰ Mon–Thu: 7 AM – 7 PM | Fri: 7 AM – 3 PM | Sat: 8 AM – 3 PM
