Dental Insurance that Cover Braces

By Insurance Industry Expert & Author
Updated on
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In this article

Do your children need braces or are you looking for orthodontic insurance for adults? This guide, written by an industry insider, will give you answers for questions such as:

How Much Do Braces Cost?

Many parents wince when they realize their child will need braces. The average cost of braces, according to the American Dental Association's 2020 Annual Survey of Dental Fees was approximately $6,000 for adult braces, though it should be remembered that many factors can affect the total cost. These factors include not only the circumstances of the patient's dental situation, the type of braces used (see below), but also the region in which the patient receives orthodontic care (some areas have more expensive orthodontic care than others). Consumer Affairs reports that braces may cost as much as $13,000.

Different Kinds of Braces and their Costs

Braces are a form of orthodontic service, a sub-discipline within the field of dentistry. Orthodontia provides treatment for patients not only with improperly aligned teeth but also improperly aligned jaw or bite patterns. The four main categories of braces are:

  • Traditional braces
  • Invisalign braces
  • Ceramic braces
  • Lingual (a.k.a. "invisible") braces

Traditional braces are the metal variety with which most people are familiar. Generally this brace type is considered to be the least expensive of the four mentioned above and costs around $5,900 on average. Ceramic braces, which look like traditional braces but are transparent, are slightly more expensive. Invisalign braces are clear plastic shells that fit directly over the teeth. The price for Invisalign aligners vary by circumstances but the company website provides multiple scenarios that cost from $3,400 to $7,100. Less common in the United States than Europe, lingual braces are metal braces that attach to the back side of the teeth and, therefore, are invisible. Consumers who decide to use lingual braces should expect to pay more than the traditional meta version. The OralB webpage devoted to brace costs lists the price range for this option between $8,000 and $10,000.

What Affects the Cost of Orthodontic Care?

What a patient pays for orthodontic care varies for several reasons. First, there is the cost of braces. There are several different types of braces and their prices differ among them. Another cost factor is the severity of teeth misalignment. The choice of orthodontist can also affect what is charged to the patient. Finally, there is out-of-pocket charges for braces under the insurance plan and the maximum limit the plan will pay toward orthodontic care in a single year and over a lifetime.

Questions answered and ready to buy?

Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?

A nationwide study by DentalInsurance.com found only 28 percent of dental plans reviewed offered some level of orthodontic benefits. However, by reviewing a dental plan's summary of benefits (or plan brochure), you should be able to quickly identify if orthodontics are covered and under what conditions (including waiting periods). The bottom of the article has a list of plans with orthodontic benefits but before reviewing them, it is helpful to understand how orthodontic coverage varies among plans.

The Different Shapes of Orthodontic Coverage

Below are a few examples of orthodontic benefit conditions observed in various dental plans offered in multiple states. They illustrate the lack of uniformity among orthodontic benefits and the need for careful shopping on the part of consumers.

Example 1

Orthodontic benefits are available to all ages under this plan

Orthodontia – 12-month waiting period

1st year of insurance enrollment – 0% (Not a covered service)
2nd year of insurance enrollment and after – 50% coverage after $150 Orthodontia deductible satisfied  $1500 Lifetime Maximum per eligible dependent child

Example 2

Orthodontic benefits are only available for eligible dependent children up to age 19

1st year of insurance enrollment – 10%
2nd year of insurance enrollment – 25%
3rd year of insurance enrollment – 50%

$1200 lifetime maximum per person for this benefit

As demonstrated in Example 1, a dental plan that offers orthodontic coverage may use a "waiting period" that delays the benefit's availability.

When Is the Right Time to Invest in Braces?

An orthodontist is the most qualified person to answer when orthodontic care should begin. In the case of growing children, an orthodontist may suggest that care be delayed for several years. For adults, the right time for braces may be affected by surrounding oral health needs such as the need for a dental implant or crown.

Are Orthodontists Treated as In-Network or Out-of-Network like Dentists?

Yes, in the case of HMO plans, PPO plans, and dental savings plans, there are in-network orthodontists and out-of-network orthodontists. Indemnity plans typically lack network restrictions.

Is Enrollment the Same for a Dental Plan with Orthodontic Benefits (i.e. Coverage For Braces)?

Yes. Orthodontic benefits do not change the insurance application process. When presented, the coverage of braces is treated as a specific feature of the plan.

Does Individual Dental Insurance Cover Braces or Only Family Dental Insurance?

There are examples of both individual and family dental insurance offering orthodontic benefits. However, there are plans that limit orthodontic benefits to minor children enrolled in the dental plan.

Which Insurance Brands Have Plans That Cover Braces?

The table toward the bottom of the page gives examples not only of insurers who offer coverage of braces but the specific plans that have orthodontic benefits.

What Are Additional Sources of Information about Orthodontics and Types of Braces?

There are consumer resources available from various professional societies. Examples of these include The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and the American Board of Orthodontics.

Need some help choosing a dental plan?

Our agents can:

  • Answer your questions
  • Confirm if your dentist is in-network
  • Enroll you over the phone
800-296-3800

Confirming Orthodontic Coverage

Given the irregular coverage of orthodontic services among dental plans, a consumer can't apply for insurance and hope for the best. Instead, he or she must confirm not only the presence of orthodontic coverage but the specifics of that coverage. This can be accomplished through any one of the following resources:

  • The Details section on the DentalInsurance.com page devoted to information on the plan
  • Our dental plan comparison tool, which displays a More Details link for every plan listed in your region (NOTE - Once in the More Details section, you can click the Full Plan Information button)
  • A summary of benefits or a plan brochure provided by the insurer

If a consumer has a question regarding what he or she read about braces coverage, the consumer can also use the customer service number on our website (1-800-296-3800).

Orthodontic Insurance for Adults

If you are an adult looking for coverage for braces in a dental plan, be certain to look for plan language that limits orthodontic services to dependents under a particular age (e.g. 19 years old).

Which Dental Plans Cover Braces?

The below list includes dental plans in each state (and Washington D.C.) that have some level of coverage for orthodontia. Some of these plans may not be available within all regions of the state for which it is listed.

If you are interest in a plan, READ THE PLAN DETAILS BECAUSE OF DIFFERING LEVELS OF ORTHODONTIC COVERAGE AS WELL AS WAITING PERIODS BEFORE SERVICES LIKE BRACES ARE COVERED. Additionally, some dental plans limit their orthodontic benefits to dependent children under the age of 19. Consequently, reading the plan details for the specifics of orthodontic coverage is essential for the savvy shopper.

If you see a plan you like, you can get a dental plan quote in a few clicks. Be certain to click the Plan Details rate quote page for more information on the orthodontic coverage conditions summarized below.

Insurance Company Plan Coverage Information
Alabama
Guardian Advantage Diamond Orthodontic services are considered major care in this plan and they have a 12-month waiting period before coverage is available (6 months for VT residents). 50% of costs are covered in-network and out-of-network (after deductible), up to $500 benefit year maximum and $1000 lifetime maximum. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment of adolescent dentition. For covered dependents under age 19 years old when the active orthodontic appliance is first placed.
Alaska
MetLife TakeAlong Dental High Orthodontic services are considered major care in this plan and they have a 12-month waiting period before coverage is available (6 months for VT residents). Orthodontic coverage restricted to dependent child up to age 19. In Network – 50% of costs covered until lifetime maximum. Out-of-network – 50% of the Maximum Allowed Charge* covered. Lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontic services is $1000
Arizona
Renaissance Dental MAX Choice Plus Orthodontic benefits are restricted to eligible dependent children up to 19 years of age. The amount of orthodontic service cost coverage increases across the first three years of enrollment: 1st Year – 10%, 2nd Year – 25%, 3rd Year – 50%. There is a $1200 lifetime maximum per person for this benefit.
Arkansas
Guardian Advantage Achiever Orthodontic services are considered major care in this plan and they have a 12-month waiting period before coverage is active (6 months for VT residents). 50% of costs are covered in-network and out-of-network (after deductible), up to $500 benefit annual maximum and $1000 lifetime maximum. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment of adolescent dentition. For covered dependents under age 19 years old when the active orthodontic appliance is first placed.
California
California Dental Network Plan 595 $1695 copayment for comprehensive orthodontic treatment of the child dentition. $1695 copayment for comprehensive orthodontic treatment of adult dentition. Covered for up to 24 months of active treatment but only when provided by participating orthodontist.
Colorado
Anthem Essential Choice Incentive Orthodontic services (braces and retentions) are covered for children through the age of 18. There is a $1000 lifetime benefit maximum on orthodontic services. Coinsurance fees are normally 50% of the cost after $150 lifetime deductible is satisfied. No waiting period on coverage.
Connecticut
MetLife TakeAlong Dental High Orthodontic services are considered major care in this plan and they have a 12-month waiting period before coverage is available (6 months for VT residents). Orthodontic coverage restricted to dependent child up to age 19. In Network – 50% of costs covered until lifetime maximum. Out-of-network – 50% of the Maximum Allowed Charge* covered. Lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontic services is $1000
Delaware
Delta Dental Dental for Everyone Diamond Premier Orthodontic coverage for eligible dependent children only. 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. In 2nd year of enrollment, 40% of costs (up to $450 annually) are covered after the $150 lifetime deductible is satisfied. In the third year and after, cost coverage increases to 50% and the $450 annual maximum remains. There is a $1500 lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontic services. Deductibles and lifetime maximums are per eligible dependent.
Florida
Delta Dental Dental for Everyone Platinum Orthodontic coverage for eligible dependent children only. 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. In 2nd year of enrollment, 40% of costs (up to $350 calendar year maximum) are covered after $100 lifetime deductible is satisfied. In the third year and after, cost coverage increases to 50% and the $350 per calendar year maximum remains. There is a $1000 lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontic services. Deductibles and lifetime maximums are per eligible dependent.
Georgia
Renaissance Dental Max Choice Orthodontic benefits are restricted to eligible dependent children up to 19 years of age. The amount of orthodontic service cost coverage increases across the first three years of enrollment: 1st Year – 10%, 2nd Year – 25%, 3rd Year – 50%. There is a $1200 lifetime maximum per person for this benefit.
Hawaii
Guardian Advantage Diamond Orthodontic services are considered major care in this plan and they have a 12-month waiting period before coverage is available (6 months for VT residents). 50% of costs are covered in-network and out-of-network (after deductible), up to $500 benefit year maximum and $1000 lifetime maximum. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment of adolescent dentition. For covered dependents under age 19 years old when the active orthodontic appliance is first placed.
Idaho
Careington 500 Series Dental Savings (Discount Program, Not Insurance) 20% discount on standard dental provider rates for braces and other orthodontic services. No waiting period on coverage.
Illinois
MetLife TakeAlong Dental High Orthodontic services are considered major care in this plan and they have a 12-month waiting period before coverage is available (6 months for VT residents). Orthodontic coverage restricted to dependent child up to age 19. In Network – 50% of costs covered until lifetime maximum. Out-of-network – 50% of the Maximum Allowed Charge* covered. Lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontic services is $1000
Indiana
Anthem Essential Choice Incentive Orthodontic services (braces and retentions) are covered for children through the age of 18. There is a $1000 lifetime benefit maximum on orthodontic services. Coinsurance fees are normally 50% of the cost after $150 lifetime deductible is satisfied. No waiting period on coverage.
Iowa
Renaissance Dental MAX Choice Plus Orthodontic benefits are restricted to eligible dependent children up to 19 years of age. The amount of orthodontic service cost coverage increases across the first three years of enrollment: 1st Year – 10%, 2nd Year – 25%, 3rd Year – 50%. There is a $1200 lifetime maximum per person for this benefit.
Kansas
Careington 500 Series Dental Savings (Discount Program, Not Insurance) 20% discount on standard dental provider rates for braces and other orthodontic services. No waiting period on coverage.
Kentucky
Delta Dental of Kentucky Bright Smiles Orthodontic coverage for eligible dependent children only. 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. In 2nd year of enrollment and after, 50% of costs are covered in-network after the deductible is satisfied. There is a $1000 lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontic services. Deductibles and lifetime maximums are per eligible dependent.
Louisiana
Guardian Advantage Achiever Orthodontic services are considered major care in this plan and they have a 12-month waiting period before coverage is active (6 months for VT residents). 50% of costs are covered in-network and out-of-network (after deductible), up to $500 benefit annual maximum and $1000 lifetime maximum. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment of adolescent dentition. For covered dependents under age 19 years old when the active orthodontic appliance is first placed.
Maine
Anthem Essential Choice Platinum Orthodontic services (braces and retentions) are covered for children through the age of 18. There is a $1000 lifetime benefit maximum on orthodontic services. Coinsurance fees are normally 50% of the cost after $150 lifetime deductible is satisfied. 12-month waiting period on coverage.
Maryland
Dominion National Select Plan Premium $3,658 in copayments for comprehensive orthodontic treatment of adult dentition. $3,422 in copayments for comprehensive orthodontic treatment of adolescent dentition. No waiting period on coverage.
Massachusetts
Renaissance Dental MAX Choice Plus Orthodontic benefits are restricted to eligible dependent children up to 19 years of age. The amount of orthodontic service cost coverage increases across the first three years of enrollment: 1st Year – 10%, 2nd Year – 25%, 3rd Year – 50%. There is a $1200 lifetime maximum per person for this benefit.
Michigan
Guardian Advantage Diamond Orthodontic services are considered major care in this plan and they have a 12-month waiting period before coverage is available (6 months for VT residents). 50% of costs are covered in-network and out-of-network (after deductible), up to $500 benefit year maximum and $1000 lifetime maximum. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment of adolescent dentition. For covered dependents under age 19 years old when the active orthodontic appliance is first placed.
Minnesota
MetLife TakeAlong Dental High Orthodontic services are considered major care in this plan and they have a 12-month waiting period before coverage is available (6 months for VT residents). Orthodontic coverage restricted to dependent child up to age 19. In Network – 50% of costs covered until lifetime maximum. Out-of-network – 50% of the Maximum Allowed Charge* covered. Lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontic services is $1000
Mississippi
Delta Dental Immediate Coverage Plan 12-month waiting period for coverage (other dental services have immediate coverage). For covered dependents under age 19 years old when the active orthodontic appliance is first placed. Starting in the 2nd year of enrollment, 50% of costs are covered (after deductible and up to $500 annual benefit maximum). There is also a $1000 lifetime benefit maximum.
Missouri
Careington 500 Series Dental Savings (Discount Program, Not Insurance) 20% discount on standard dental provider rates for braces and other orthodontic services. No waiting period on coverage.
Montana
Delta Dental Dental for Everyone Platinum 12-month waiting period for orthodontic coverage. For eligible dependent children only. In 2nd year of enrollment, 40% cost coverage after $100 lifetime orthodontia deductible is satisfied. $350 calendar year maximum on orthodontic contributions by plan and a $1000 lifetime maximum benefit. Deductible and maximums are per eligible dependent child.
Nebraska
Renaissance Dental MAX Choice Plus Orthodontic benefits are restricted to eligible dependent children up to 19 years of age. The amount of orthodontic service cost coverage increases across the first three years of enrollment: 1st Year – 10%, 2nd Year – 25%, 3rd Year – 50%. There is a $1200 lifetime maximum per person for this benefit.
Nevada
Anthem Essential Choice Incentive Orthodontic services (braces and retentions) are covered for children through the age of 18. There is a $1000 lifetime benefit maximum on orthodontic services. Coinsurance fees are normally 50% of the cost after $150 lifetime deductible is satisfied. No waiting period on coverage.
New Hampshire
Anthem Essential Choice Platinum Orthodontic services (braces and retentions) are covered for children through the age of 18. There is a $1000 lifetime benefit maximum on orthodontic services. Coinsurance fees are normally 50% of the cost after $150 lifetime deductible is satisfied. No waiting period on coverage.
New Jersey
Guardian Advantage Diamond Orthodontic services are considered major care in this plan and they have a 12-month waiting period before coverage is available (6 months for VT residents). 50% of costs are covered in-network and out-of-network (after deductible), up to $500 benefit year maximum and $1000 lifetime maximum. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment of adolescent dentition. For covered dependents under age 19 years old when the active orthodontic appliance is first placed.
New Mexico
Careington 500 Series Dental Savings (Discount Program, Not Insurance) 20% discount on standard dental provider rates for braces and other orthodontic services. No waiting period on coverage.
New York
Anthem BlueCross BlueShield Essential Choice Platinum Orthodontic services (braces and retentions) are covered for children through the age of 18. There is a $1000 lifetime benefit maximum on orthodontic services. Coinsurance fees are normally 50% of the cost after $150 lifetime deductible is satisfied. 12-month waiting period before orthodontic coverage is available.
North Carolina
MetLife TakeAlong Dental High Orthodontic services are considered major care in this plan and they have a 12-month waiting period before coverage is available (6 months for VT residents). Orthodontic coverage restricted to dependent child up to age 19. In Network – 50% of costs covered until lifetime maximum. Out-of-network – 50% of the Maximum Allowed Charge* covered. Lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontic services is $1000
North Dakota
Guardian Advantage Achiever Orthodontic services are considered major care in this plan and they have a 12-month waiting period before coverage is active (6 months for VT residents). 50% of costs are covered in-network and out-of-network (after deductible), up to $500 benefit annual maximum and $1000 lifetime maximum. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment of adolescent dentition. For covered dependents under age 19 years old when the active orthodontic appliance is first placed.
Ohio
Renaissance Dental MAX Choice Plus Orthodontic benefits are restricted to eligible dependent children up to 19 years of age. The amount of orthodontic service cost coverage increases across the first three years of enrollment: 1st Year – 10%, 2nd Year – 25%, 3rd Year – 50%. There is a $1200 lifetime maximum per person for this benefit.
Oklahoma
MetLife TakeAlong Dental High Orthodontic services are considered major care in this plan and they have a 12-month waiting period before coverage is available (6 months for VT residents). Orthodontic coverage restricted to dependent child up to age 19. In Network – 50% of costs covered until lifetime maximum. Out-of-network – 50% of the Maximum Allowed Charge* covered. Lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontic services is $1000
Oregon
Dental Health Services Super SmartSmile $2,175 in copayments for full-banded adult braces. $1,975 in copayments for full-banded child braces (up to age 19).
Pennsylvania
Dominion National Select Plan Premium $3,658 in copayments for comprehensive orthodontic treatment of adult dentition. $3,422 in copayments for comprehensive orthodontic treatment of adolescent dentition. No waiting period on coverage.
Rhode Island
Careington 500 Series Dental Savings (Discount Program, Not Insurance) 20% discount on standard dental provider rates for braces and other orthodontic services. No waiting period on coverage.
South Carolina
Guardian Advantage Diamond Orthodontic services are considered major care in this plan and they have a 12-month waiting period before coverage is available (6 months for VT residents). 50% of costs are covered in-network and out-of-network (after deductible), up to $500 benefit year maximum and $1000 lifetime maximum. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment of adolescent dentition. For covered dependents under age 19 years old when the active orthodontic appliance is first placed.
South Dakota
MetLife TakeAlong Dental High Orthodontic services are considered major care in this plan and they have a 12-month waiting period before coverage is available (6 months for VT residents). Orthodontic coverage restricted to dependent child up to age 19. In Network – 50% of costs covered until lifetime maximum. Out-of-network – 50% of the Maximum Allowed Charge* covered. Lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontic services is $1000
Tennessee
Delta Dental of Tennessee Brighter Advantage 12-month waiting period on orthodontic coverage. 2nd year of enrollment and after: 50% of costs covered in-network (40% out-of-network). There is a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontic services.
Texas
Delta Dental Immediate Coverage Plan 12-month waiting period for coverage (other dental services have immediate coverage). For covered dependents under age 19 years old when the active orthodontic appliance is first placed. Starting in the 2nd year of enrollment, 50% of costs are covered (after deductible and up to $500 annual benefit maximum). There is also a $1000 lifetime benefit maximum.
Utah
Renaissance Dental Max Choice Orthodontic benefits are restricted to eligible dependent children up to 19 years of age. The amount of orthodontic service cost coverage increases across the first three years of enrollment: 1st Year – 10%, 2nd Year – 25%, 3rd Year – 50%. There is a $1200 lifetime maximum per person for this benefit.
Vermont
Guardian Advantage Achiever Orthodontic services are considered major care in this plan and they have a 12-month waiting period before coverage is active (6 months for VT residents). 50% of costs are covered in-network and out-of-network (after deductible), up to $500 benefit annual maximum and $1000 lifetime maximum. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment of adolescent dentition. For covered dependents under age 19 years old when the active orthodontic appliance is first placed.
Virginia
Dominion National Select Plan Premium $3,658 in copayments for comprehensive orthodontic treatment of adult dentition. $3,422 in copayments for comprehensive orthodontic treatment of adolescent dentition. No waiting period on coverage.
Washington State
MetLife TakeAlong Dental High Orthodontic services are considered major care in this plan and they have a 12-month waiting period before coverage is available (6 months for VT residents). Orthodontic coverage restricted to dependent child up to age 19. In Network – 50% of costs covered until lifetime maximum. Out-of-network – 50% of the Maximum Allowed Charge* covered. Lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontic services is $1000
Washington D.C.
Dominion National Select Plan Premium $3,658 in copayments for comprehensive orthodontic treatment of adult dentition. $3,422 in copayments for comprehensive orthodontic treatment of adolescent dentition. No waiting period on coverage.
West Virginia
Careington 500 Series Dental Savings 20% discount on standard dental provider rates for braces and other orthodontic services. No waiting period on coverage.
Wisconsin
Anthem Essential Choice Incentive Orthodontic services (braces and retentions) are covered for children through the age of 18. There is a $1000 lifetime benefit maximum on orthodontic services. Coinsurance fees are normally 50% of the cost after $150 lifetime deductible is satisfied. No waiting period on coverage.
Wyoming
MetLife TakeAlong Dental High Orthodontic services are considered major care in this plan and they have a 12-month waiting period before coverage is available (6 months for VT residents). Orthodontic coverage restricted to dependent child up to age 19. In Network – 50% of costs covered until lifetime maximum. Out-of-network – 50% of the Maximum Allowed Charge* covered. Lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontic services is $1000

Click our Dental Insurance link here and find plans available in your zip code.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best sources to reference for information on a dental plan’s coverage of braces and orthodontic care?

When you are comparing rates, click on the More Details section of a plan that interests you. When the information plan information displays, go to the bottom and click the button labeled “See Full Plan Information.” This will display a webpage dedicated to the plan and its benefits and conditions. On this page there is a section named “Details” and within it is listed “Braces / Orthodontia.” This will list whether there is coverage for braces and any limits or waiting periods for this coverage.

What factors can affect the cost of orthodontic care?

The main cost drivers for orthodontic care are the type of braces chosen, the degree of teeth misalignment to be corrected, the need for surgical services such as tooth extraction, and the contributions of insurance toward orthodontic costs. Another factor that may influence costs is whether your dental plan has a negotiated rate for orthodontic services.

How to know if it's time to invest in orthodontics and braces?

Only an orthodontist is qualified to determine the correct timing of braces. If you are contemplating the timing for orthodontics for yourself or child, you should schedule an evaluation with your local orthodontist. Some dentists may raise the subject of braces discussions after your child's permanent teeth start to emerge because of crooked or crowded teeth and the interest in the proper alignment of your child’s teeth and bite.

Need help choosing a plan? Call us at 800-296-3800

Our knowledgeable customer service team will assist you with any questions you may have prior to enrolling in a dental plan. They can guide you through the process of choosing coverage that matches your needs as well as your budget.

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