Quick Answer
Yes, orthodontic treatment and braces for children are deductible medical expenses if you itemize deductions. You can deduct the portion of total medical expenses that exceeds 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. For a family earning $100,000, you'd need over $7,500 in medical expenses to benefit.
Best Answer
Diana Flores, Tax Credits & Amendments Specialist
Best for parents considering whether orthodontic costs are worth itemizing deductions
Are orthodontics and braces tax-deductible?
Yes, orthodontic treatment and braces for children qualify as deductible medical expenses under IRS guidelines. According to IRS Publication 502, orthodontic treatment to correct dental irregularities is considered medical care. However, you can only deduct medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI), and only if you itemize deductions instead of taking the standard deduction.
For 2026, the standard deduction is $15,000 for single filers and $30,000 for married filing jointly. This means your total itemized deductions (including medical expenses, state and local taxes, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions) must exceed these amounts to provide any tax benefit.
Example: $100,000 family with $5,000 in braces
Let's say you're married filing jointly with $100,000 in AGI and pay $5,000 for your child's braces:
Now let's say you have additional medical expenses:
What orthodontic expenses qualify
According to IRS Publication 502, these orthodontic expenses are deductible:
Not deductible:
Comparison: When orthodontic deductions help
*Assumes 22-24% marginal tax bracket and itemizing vs. standard deduction
Key factors that affect your deduction
What you should do
1. Track all medical expenses throughout the year, not just orthodontics
2. Time your payments strategically — if you're close to the threshold, consider bunching medical expenses into one tax year
3. Keep detailed records of all orthodontic payments, insurance reimbursements, and receipts
4. Use our return scanner to identify all potential medical deductions you might have missed
Key takeaway: Orthodontic expenses are deductible, but most families need $8,000-$12,000 in total medical expenses to see any tax benefit due to the 7.5% AGI threshold and standard deduction.
*Sources: [IRS Publication 502](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf), IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-14*
Key Takeaway: Orthodontic expenses qualify as medical deductions, but you need significant total medical expenses to overcome the 7.5% AGI threshold and standard deduction.
Medical expense deduction thresholds by income level
| Family AGI | 7.5% Threshold | Medical Expenses Needed | Potential Tax Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $5,625 | $6,000+ | $82-$150 |
| $100,000 | $7,500 | $8,000+ | $110-$200 |
| $150,000 | $11,250 | $12,000+ | $165-$300 |
More Perspectives
Michelle Woodard, Tax Policy Analyst
Best for divorced parents wondering who can claim orthodontic deductions
Who claims orthodontic deductions in divorce situations?
When parents are divorced, only the parent who actually paid for the orthodontic treatment can deduct those medical expenses — regardless of who claims the child as a dependent. This is a common misconception that costs divorced families money.
According to IRS Publication 502, medical expenses are deductible by the person who paid them. If both parents contribute to orthodontic costs, each can deduct the amount they personally paid, subject to the 7.5% AGI threshold.
Example: Shared orthodontic costs
Sarah and Mike are divorced. Their daughter needs $6,000 in braces:
Result: Sarah can potentially deduct medical expenses above $6,000, but Mike cannot deduct his $2,000 payment unless his total medical expenses exceed $9,000.
Key considerations for divorced parents
Key takeaway: The parent who actually pays orthodontic expenses gets the deduction, not necessarily the parent who claims the child as a dependent.
Key Takeaway: The parent who actually pays orthodontic expenses gets the deduction, not necessarily the parent who claims the child as a dependent.
Diana Flores, Tax Credits & Amendments Specialist
Best for grandparents who are primary caregivers and paying medical expenses
Can grandparents deduct orthodontic expenses for grandchildren?
Yes, grandparents can deduct medical expenses they pay for grandchildren, but the rules depend on your specific situation. If you're the legal guardian or have formal custody, you can claim the child as a dependent and deduct medical expenses like any parent.
Even without formal custody, you can still deduct medical expenses you pay for a grandchild if you provide more than half their support during the year, according to IRS Publication 502.
Special considerations for grandparents
Legal guardianship: If you have legal custody, you can claim all standard tax benefits including medical deductions, child tax credit, and earned income credit.
Informal care: If parents are absent but you don't have legal custody, you can still deduct medical expenses you pay if you provide over 50% of the child's support.
Parent involvement: If parents are involved but you pay medical bills, you get the deduction for expenses you pay — but the parents may still claim the child as a dependent.
Documentation is critical
Grandparents face extra IRS scrutiny, so maintain detailed records:
Key takeaway: Grandparents can deduct medical expenses they pay for grandchildren, but documentation of support and payment is essential for IRS compliance.
Key Takeaway: Grandparents can deduct medical expenses they pay for grandchildren, but documentation of support and payment is essential for IRS compliance.
Sources
- IRS Publication 502 — Medical and Dental Expenses
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-14 — 2026 Tax Year Inflation Adjustments
Reviewed by Diana Flores, Tax Credits & Amendments Specialist on February 28, 2026
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.