The cost of braces can run from $3,000 to $7,000, according to the website Braces Info, and both you and your orthodontist will make a significant investment of time, as well. Orthodontia treatment can last two years or more, with office visits to monitor progress scheduled every month or two. But while the cost is high, dental insurance -- especially those policies that cover braces -- can be equally expensive.
Insurance Plans
Not all dental insurers cover orthodontia and rates can vary dramatically among those that do. If you already have a dental policy, you might have to change insurance companies to have your braces covered. If you are buying a policy to cover orthodontia, don't just assume that the company will do so. Braces Info advises that many insurance companies will decide coverage on a case-by-case basis. Orthodontia is usually a cosmetic issue, but sometimes it can be necessary to prevent future health problems, and this will usually be covered. HMO plans are more likely to offer orthodontia coverage than PPO plans, according to the website Braces Review.
Limitations
Even if orthodontia is covered, different plans will cover different percentages of treatment. Some companies will cover only 10 percent of the overall costs of cosmetic orthodontia treatments. PPOs might cover you, but you will be restricted to selecting an orthodontist from their networks, not necessarily the practitioner you would have chosen.
Considerations
Unless you need insurance coverage for many family members who will need braces, you might be better off simply paying for the orthodontia. Your orthodontist will probably require a significant down payment on services because there are heavy costs associated with the beginning of treatment when braces are initially applied, but many practitioners will work with you and allow you to pay the balance in installments, according to Braces Info. Likewise, most dental insurance carriers require that you pay a deductible upfront, which may be equal to or nearly as much as what your dentist would require for a down payment. You will also be paying a monthly premium for the insurance that might match what you would have paid to your orthodontist for the installments. And, if your insurance plan only covers 10 percent of the treatment, you might find yourself paying both the premiums and installments on the uncovered portion of the orthodontia, as well.
Other Options
Eight states include orthodontia for children under their Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment policies for families receiving Medicaid: Arkansas, Virginia, Missouri, Connecticut, Georgia, Maine, Iowa and Illinois. If you live in one of these states and have extremely limited income, your child might qualify. Braces Info also suggests looking into having treatment done through an orthodontia school. It will probably be much cheaper than using an experienced orthodontist, but by the same token, a student will essentially be "practicing" on your mouth.
Recommendation
Since coverage amounts and deductibles vary so widely from insurer to insurer, Braces Review suggests asking your orthodontist to recommend a plan that most closely fits your needs if you decide that insurance is right for you.
