Braces are a helpful orthodontic device that straightens teeth. They have been used for decades in both children and adults. In fact, braces have evolved from metallic instruments into modern solutions like Invisalign.
One question that many parents have is if their dental insurance cover braces. The answer is more complicated than you may think. Dental coverage options may provide clauses for braces.
In other cases, they may not.
In this article, we’ll discuss whether you can use your dental insurance for braces and other options at your disposal.
Many Major Insurance Plans Don’t Include Dental Insurance
If you’re employed at a company that offers a health insurance package, chances are that your plan won’t automatically include dental insurance.
This is important to note because understanding what your dental insurance covers is essential for knowing if purchasing braces is possible.
With that said, you’ll need to purchase a dental insurance plan separately from your health insurance package.
Many States Require Insurance Companies to Provide Dental Insurance
According to the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies are required to offer dental insurance to their clients. However, you’re free to accept or deny the coverage if you choose.
Basic dental plans cover treatment options, such as:
- Sealants
- Teeth cleaning procedures
- Topical fluoride
Depending on the terms of your coverage, your insurance provider may pay all or some of these costs, according to billingsorthodontics.com.
For this reason, it’s important to speak to your insurance provider about if your plan will cover major procedures like braces.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?
If you are seriously considering moving forward with braces, your dental insurance plan must include orthodontia. Some states require insurance companies to cover the costs of braces for children.
However, there are various terms and conditions that apply in these cases. For example, the procedure must be necessary to help a child chew food properly.
This means that your insurance company can reject your claim if you’re just considering braces to straighten your child’s teeth and improve their smile.
Even for adults, insurance companies may not be willing to cover the cost of braces for purely cosmetic purposes.
What is the Alternative to Braces?
Again, Invisalign is the most modern alternative to traditional metal braces. The issue is that Invisalign is often very expensive. Your insurance company may only cover a portion of the cost for this procedure if any at all.
The good news is that if Invisalign isn’t particularly covered in your plan, your insurance provider may give you a fixed amount of money to cover the cost.
What are Your Options for Orthodontic Treatment?
As you can see, it completely depends on your dental insurance coverage whether or not they’ll pay for braces. This is true even if the braces are necessary for you or your child.
Speaking to your insurance company is the only way to be sure they’ll cover these costs. It’ll also help you save up your own money if they reject your claim.
Interested in Learning More About Your Dental Coverage Options?
It’s very possible that your dental insurance cover braces. Depending on where you work and your insurance provider, you may be required to pay for some of these costs or none at all.
To learn more about this subject, continue reading our blog for more helpful articles.
