When it comes to navigating your dental insurance plan, there are probably lots of small, specific details and terms that might not make much sense to you, especially if you’re trying to determine your coverage for orthodontic care! Not all types of dental insurance provide coverage for orthodontic services, so it’s important that you read your plan carefully and fully understand your circumstances. Here’s some important information from your orthodontist about how dental insurance affects the cost of orthodontic care.
How Dental Insurance Affects the Cost of Orthodontic Care
By design, dental insurance is intended to help patients afford necessary care without breaking the bank. As with any type of plan, you should review the specifics of your coverage, specifically including orthodontics—not every plan provides the same benefits. For example, a plan may cover braces for children, but not for adults, or a plan could include a lifetime maximum, which means that once you use the benefits, the coverage won’t renew.
Here is some important information to keep in mind concerning dental insurance and orthodontic treatment:
- The majority of dental insurance plans only offer partial orthodontic treatment coverage to patients under the age of 18.
- If orthodontics is requested for cosmetic purposes, it often won’t be covered by insurance; however, if a medical need exists for the treatment, it’ll likely be at least partially covered.
- Certain dental plans may have specific maximums or exclusions on the amount you’re able to spend on orthodontics annually.
- Some plans don’t cover braces if they were received prior to the policy actually beginning—utilizing the same insurance plan throughout treatment is often preferable.
Making Orthodontic Treatment More Affordable
If you’re unable to obtain dental insurance, or you lack coverage for orthodontic care, you aren’t entirely out of luck when it comes to affordably straightening your smile. Many practices offer forms of financial assistance, often by way of third-party financing or in-house savings plans. Orthodontic treatment is something that many patients will need in their lifetime, and dentists and insurance companies alike are always looking for ways to ensure that affordable treatment is possible.
Generally speaking, the cost of orthodontic treatment is always going to vary from patient to patient; however, it’s worth mentioning that as expensive as these treatments might seem upfront, they must be thought of in terms of a long-term investment. By utilizing dental insurance correctly, you can ensure that you and your loved ones can affordably meet your smile goals.
About the Practice
The team at Huntington Orthodontics is thrilled to serve patients and families in the Huntington, NY area under the leadership of Dr. Justyna Balicka. Dr. Balicka received her dental doctorate from the New York University College of Dentistry and is an honored Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Her practice is pleased to offer a wide range of orthodontic services for patients of all ages. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone for assistance. Telephone: (631) 423-7857.