Would you like to straighten your teeth, or have you observed that your child might need orthodontic care? If so, you might be wondering about the cost of treatment. Does dental insurance cover braces and other orthodontic services, or will you be left on your own to pay? This blog post provides some helpful information.
Dental Insurance and Orthodontia
Here are some important notes to keep in mind about how dental insurance works for orthodontic treatments:
- Coverage varies greatly. Some plans provide partial coverage for orthodontic services, whereas others are limited to more basic treatments, such as cleanings, exams, and fillings.
- Coverage for minors is more common. Some family dental plans will cover braces for minors (under 19) but not for adults. However, there are some premium plans that do include adult coverage.
- You may have a lifetime maximum. If your plan covers orthodontia, it might have a lifetime maximum benefits limit. In other words, once you use up your allotted benefits, they never reset. Often, the maximum is $1,000 or more.
- 50% coverage is common. If your plan covers orthodontia, it might cover up to half the cost of care, up to the amount of your plan’s orthodontic maximum.
- Some treatments might be excluded. Some plans cover traditional metal braces but do not apply to treatments that are considered more luxurious, such as clear aligners or lingual braces.
Affording Your Treatment
Here are some practical measures you can take to afford orthodontic care for you or your child:
- Learn the details of your insurance plan. Find out what it covers, and ask your orthodontic care team to provide an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses. They can also help you acquire preauthorization if necessary.
- Consider shopping for a different plan. During open enrollment, you might find an Affordable Care Act plan that covers all the services your family needs.
- Explore other financial options. If your insurance will not cover your treatment, you may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to pay. You can also ask your orthodontic team about low-interest financing.
Does dental insurance cover braces? In some cases, yes! Talk to your care team to find out how they can help you get the greatest value out of your benefits.
Meet the Practice
Our Plano orthodontic team is proud to feature two talented orthodontists: Drs. Tamara Jones and Stephanie Amerson. We also welcome insurance and are in-network with many major plans, including those from BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, MetLife, and more. To find out how we can help you use your benefits for yourself or your child, contact Willow Bend Orthodontics at 972-732-1400.