Will Dental Insurance Cover Orthodontic Services?

Medical insurance and dental insurance are two entirely different things, which is why it’s critical to understand your coverage for each one. If your child is 19 or younger and needs braces, you might be wondering whether your insurance offers coverage for orthodontic treatment. Even though dental policies for children will vary from state to state and cover different services, here’s a general idea of what you can expect.

What Do Orthodontic Services Include?

Before you evaluate your dental insurance options, it’s a good idea to understand which services are associated with orthodontics. Not every dental plan offers coverage for orthodontic services, which is why it’s critical to read your plan details carefully.

In most cases, orthodontic treatment involves the following services:

• Initial evaluation which may include X-rays of the jaw and teeth, and treatment planning, as indicated
• Tooth extraction if needed to correct overcrowding
• Regularly scheduled treatment visits
• Orthodontic appliances, including braces and a retainer

Which Dental Insurance Plans Cover Orthodontics?

Some private individual and family plans offer dental insurance for orthodontic care. Employer-sponsored dental insurance plans sometimes contain this optional coverage as well. If your current policy does not cover orthodontics, you can supplement with a more inclusive dental plan. Most insurance plans will include oral examinations, orthodontic treatment, retainers, pre- and post- orthodontic treatment for adults and children. Often, they’ll help pay some of the cost of orthodontic care that you need.

How Do You Find Dental Insurance That Covers Orthodontic Treatment?

There are two ways you can receive dental coverage. If you have an employer that offers dental insurance, you can choose a dental plan as part of your benefits. However, those with employers that don’t offer dental insurance can purchase a plan on their own through a health insurance carrier that sells individual and family plans. You can also purchase one through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Whatever plan you decide to get, make sure it offers orthodontic treatment coverage. It’s worth noting that there are usually limits, and not every plan includes coverage for these services.

Choosing the Right Dental Plan for Orthodontic Care

Are you having trouble choosing a dental plan for orthodontic care? Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Make sure the dental plan you’re considering covers orthodontic services. Review the policy details to learn about covered and non-covered services, like braces and other orthodontic treatments.
• Most dental plans come with a network of dental providers. When choosing an orthodontist, find one that’s in-network to save money.
• Check your plan for coverage limits. You might only have a certain amount of money you can spend per year and be covered for orthodontics.
• If a dental plan doesn’t cover orthodontic services, you could still be eligible for discounts on these types of services.

As you can see, most dental insurance plans will offer orthodontic treatment coverage. With the right dental plan, your child can start working towards their dream smile in no time!

About the Practice

At Serenity Orthodontics, we offer exceptional, state-of-the-art, individually tailored dental care that’s guaranteed to leave you smiling after every appointment. Our highly skilled and experienced team will always go above and beyond to give you the best treatment possible. If you have any questions about your dental insurance, we’re more than happy to answer them for you. Visit our website or call our office to speak to a member of our team.