Orthodontia coverage refers to the extent to which dental insurance plans cover orthodontic treatment, which is a specific branch of dental care that focuses on teeth and jaw irregularities. Orthodontic treatment can be very expensive, and not all dental insurance plans cover it. Here are some key points to keep in mind about orthodontia coverage:
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Coverage Limits: Many dental insurance plans apply a lifetime maximum to orthodontic treatment, which means that it can only be used once and does not renew. Common lifetime maximums range from $1000-$3000, depending on the plan.
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Covered Services: Most insurance plans cover specific portions of the entire orthodontic treatment. Commonly, insurance plans will cover metal braces but not upgrades such as clear/ceramic braces or Invisalign, as those options are considered to be cosmetic upgrades.
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Eligibility: Orthodontic treatment is usually covered for children under the age of 18, but usually only partially. For adults, orthodontic treatment is less likely to be covered by dental insurance plans.
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Discounts: If a dental plan doesn’t cover orthodontic services, you may still be eligible for discounts on these types of services. Discounts might require you to use an orthodontist in your plan’s network.
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Cost: The cost of orthodontic insurance can range from as low as $10 per month up to over $200 a month in premiums. Cost depends on several factors, including the level of coverage, plan, and provider.
Its important to review the dental plan materials to learn about covered and non-covered services, such as braces and other orthodontic treatments. Most dental plans come with a network of dental providers and orthodontists, so make sure that if there’s a certain orthodontist you want to see that they participate in your plan’s network. You’ll save money when you stay in-network.
