When it comes to dental insurance, there are a few important things to consider when it comes to orthodontic care. Private individual and family plans may offer dental insurance for orthodontic care, as well as employer-sponsored dental insurance. Many dental insurance plans cover braces, but there are certain caveats and details to be aware of. It is important to choose a plan that covers orthodontic appliances, and that they are considered medically necessary.
Knowing exactly what treatments you need will help you find the right dental insurance plan that covers orthodontic appliances. When considering braces, it is important to consider any additional costs that may be part of your treatment. Once you start your orthodontic treatment, it is important to follow the terms of your plan closely so you can take advantage of the discounts you qualify for under your dental insurance plan. However, many dental insurance plans cover braces and orthodontics in certain situations. For example, if you or your child has trouble chewing or is feeling pain due to existing dental problems, they are more likely to cover corrective measures, including braces. If it's simply cosmetic, it's harder to cover braces, even if only partially.
Orthodontic insurance is independent of medical and dental insurance. If you have dental insurance, you most likely have orthodontic benefits. Orthodontic benefits are separate from those of your regular dental insurance with your dentist. Orthodontic benefits are paid throughout treatment for the patient and usually have a lifetime maximum or a co-pay per patient. The normal time for wearing braces is 24 months. In that case, your benefit would be paid within 24 months.
Only 1% of insurance companies pay their orthodontic benefit in full in a single payment. There are medical plans that offer orthodontic benefits only if braces are medically necessary and your plan includes orthodontic benefits. Orthodontic insurance is not usually a stand-alone product. Instead, orthodontics can be included in dental insurance or be covered by a dental discount plan. Many dental insurance policies don't include any orthodontic coverage, so you may need an additional policy, a discount plan, or an additional clause to get help paying for orthodontic treatment. Your insurance may be able to cover the cost of braces if you need them for a medical need.
Remember that braces last for two years and you'll have to pay that deductible every January of each year the patient wears them. Braces can be worn at any given time and they're not just for children.
