Not everyone naturally develops a perfectly straight smile, but thanks to modern dental technology, perfectly aligned teeth aren’t out of the reach. In fact, approximately 45% of people need orthodontic treatment to treat functional issues. If you know that you or your child is included in this percentage, you are probably eager to learn how your dental insurance benefits will help. Read on to see how your fan can help you save.
5 Things to Know About Orthodontic Treatment & Dental Insurance
When it comes to orthodontic treatment and dental insurance, you should keep the following things in mind.
- It’s more common to receive orthodontic coverage for minors. Some plans cover a portion of plans for children under 18, but not for adults. You will need to review your specific plan to see what it covers.
- Dental coverage can vary significantly. Some insurance plans offer partial coverage for orthodontic treatment, but others might only cover preventive care, like cleanings and checkups.
- 50% coverage is typical for orthodontic treatment. If your plan covers orthodontic treatment, chances are that it is covered at 50% or until you reach your maximum.
- You might have a lifelong maximum. For some plans, once you have used your benefits, they won’t reset, so you’ll only have a certain maximum for orthodontic treatment to work with. This may be around $1000 or more.
- Some services may be excluded. Some dental insurance plans may cover traditional metal braces but not other treatments, like clear aligners.
How Can You Make Orthodontic Treatment More Affordable?
If you want to ensure that your or your child’s orthodontic treatment fits into your budget, here are some tips to help.
- Look at the details of your coverage. You should consult your dental insurance provider or your dental team to understand exactly how your policy works and what’s included. This way, you can work to better maximize your benefits and plan the future of your smile.
- Check out other plans. When open enrollment times comes around, check out the other options available to you. There may be an option out there to help you save on orthodontic treatment.
- Consider flexible financing. If you don’t have dental insurance or it doesn’t include orthodontic treatment, see if your orthodontist does in-house payment plans to help you split the cost of your treatment to fit into your budget.
Many insurance companies offer partial coverage for orthodontic treatment, but you will need to be sure by confirming this with your provider. Speak with your orthodontic team about your options. You’ll be showing off a straighter smile in just a matter of time!
About the Author
Dr. Bradley Buchwald earned his dental doctorate from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. He later completed a three-year orthodontic residency at the prestigious Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, earning a Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master of Science degree in Oral Biology. To learn more about dental insurance or to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call (972) 377-5940.