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| Society | Plans (#) | Coverage limit | Waiting time | Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Dental Best overall | 5 | Varied | Varied | $ 50 |
| Etna Best price | 2 | Varied | Varied | $ 50 |
| DentalPlans.com Best place to buy blueprints | 30+ | Varied | Varied | Varied |
| Cigna Ideal for a low deductible | 3 | $ 1,000 | 12 months | $ 50 |
| Aflac Ideal for adults | 2 | $ 1,400 | 24months | Varied |
| Humana Ideal for no waiting period | 8 | Varied | Nothing | 50-150 $ |
| USAA dental insurance Ideal for military families | 3 | $ 2,000 | 12 months | $ 200 |
Guide to choosing the best dental insurance for braces
Should you purchase dental insurance for braces?
Depending on your situation, it may or may not be a good idea to purchase dental insurance for braces. Although braces are often included in dental insurance plans for children, they may not be covered for adults. In many cases, dental insurance that covers orthodontic treatment can help reduce the overall cost of braces.
Comparison of dental insurance plans for braces
There are a few factors you should consider when comparing dental insurance plans for braces. These include:
- Orthodontic coverage: You should make sure that your dental plan covers braces, especially if you are an adult.
- Cost: Look for dental insurance plans with monthly premiums and low deductibles.
- Waiting times: Depending on when you need braces, you should consider plans with little or no wait times.
- Availablity: Make sure you choose an insurance company that is available in your state and has a large network of providers.
Using dental insurance for braces
If you plan to purchase dental insurance to cover some of the cost of braces, it’s a good idea to do so well in advance of when you expect to get them, as many plans have wait periods of 12 to 24 months. You should also review your plan coverage and speak with your orthodontist to make sure orthodontics is covered under your plan.
Although children’s dental plans often include coverage for orthodontics, most adult dental plans do not. You may need to purchase additional coverage or add a rider to qualify for orthodontic coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dental insurance for braces?
Dental insurance for orthodontic appliances, also known as orthodontic insurance, is specific to orthodontic treatment. This includes braces, retainers, and other procedures designed to correct the alignment of your teeth and jaw.
Orthodontic insurance is generally not a stand-alone product. Instead, orthodontics can be included in dental insurance or covered by a dental discount plan. Many dental insurance policies do not include coverage for orthodontics, so you may need an additional policy, reduction plan, or rider to get help paying for orthodontic treatment. .
Costs may vary depending on the type of braces or other treatments. For example, traditional metal braces can be less expensive than modern removable Invisalign braces. Read carefully what is covered and what can cost more when choosing orthodontic insurance if you have a specific treatment in mind.
What does dental insurance typically include for braces?
Orthodontic insurance typically includes discounts and some level of coverage for treatments, including exams, imaging, braces, retainers, etc. Just because you have orthodontic insurance does not mean that your orthodontic appliances will be free.
When orthodontics is included in a dental insurance policy, you will likely experience waiting periods before benefits begin. Once they do, you’ll likely need to meet a minimum deductible before insurance starts paying. Depending on your plan, you might still owe 50% or more of the cost of the treatment.
Discount plans can help you save money on braces and other treatments. While they might not pay for part of the treatment, as you get with regular insurance, they can lower the cost and typically charge less per month than traditional dental insurance.
What does dental insurance for braces generally exclude?
When orthodontics is included in dental plans, strict limits generally apply. Orthodontic insurance typically has lifetime limits that are much lower than the total cost of coverage. Even with a quality dental policy in place that includes coverage for orthodontics, you may have to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for braces and similar treatments.
Some policies have individual limits to keep coverage at a certain level. If you have a lifetime policy limit, you could run out of coverage when you treat your first child even before a second starts wearing braces.
This is why discount plans can be a good way to save money on braces on top of what you get from your dental insurance. Some savvy buyers choose a discount plan in addition to their regular dental insurance. This can offer discounts on dental appliances at a low annual cost without changing dental plans.
What are the expected costs of dental insurance for dental appliances?
The cost of orthodontic insurance can vary widely, depending on where you get it and the type of coverage you choose.
Full dental coverage often costs around $ 20 to $ 40 per month for individuals or up to $ 200 per month for a family when purchased on your own. It is often cheaper when you participate in an employer’s group plan.
Discount plans cost around $ 10 to $ 20 per month, but don’t include any insurance coverage. They just save you money on the prices offered by your dentist or orthodontist.
Is paying dental insurance for braces worth it?
According to Oral-B, the cost of orthodontic appliances can vary depending on the type of treatment and the length of treatment required:
- Metal braces (traditional braces): $ 3,000 to $ 7,000
- Ceramic suspenders: $ 4,000 to $ 8,000
- Lingual appliances: $ 8,000 to $ 10,000
- Invisalign: $ 4,000 to $ 7,400
Even without orthodontic coverage, which can be costly in itself, there are other ways to save on orthodontic costs. These include using a health savings account or flexible spending account to save on taxes or going to a local dental school to be treated by an orthodontist in training.
It’s ultimately up to you to decide whether insurance is worth it. You can meet with a local orthodontist to get a cost estimate without insurance to decide if you can afford the treatment out of pocket or if you should look for other ways to pay.
Methodology
We took 11 insurers into account when compiling our list of the best. To gain a place, insurers must offer a certain level of orthodontic coverage with competitive prices and coverage levels.
The main factors included waiting periods before commencement of coverage, deductibles for orthodontic treatment, and annual and lifetime coverage limits. Some non-traditional options included discount plans, orthodontic endorsements, and a comparison website that lets you shop for multiple dental and orthodontic insurance companies at the same time.
Most important was easy access to orthodontic coverage. The best orthodontic insurance doesn’t require you to jump through hoops to get started with braces or other treatments. With quality orthodontic insurance, it’s easy to get help paying for braces and other orthodontic needs.
