If your child needs braces or clear aligners, one of your first questions may be: “Will our dental insurance cover this?” Orthodontic treatment can be a pretty big investment, but the good news is that many dental insurance plans do offer some level of coverage for braces or other orthodontic services, especially for children and teens. And when it comes to your child’s oral health, timing matters much more than you may realize. Here’s a closer look at how dental insurance works with orthodontics, and why it’s so important not to delay care.
Dental Insurance & Orthodontics: The Basics
In many cases, dental insurance can help offset the cost of orthodontic treatment, particularly for children under the age of 18. Keep in mind that coverage normally varies by plan, and some policies may include benefits automatically while others offer them as an optional add-on. Likewise, there could also be a lifetime maximum, meaning that your plan only offers a fixed amount they’ll cover over your child’s lifetime.
You should also note that adult orthodontic coverage is less common. While some plans now offer benefits for adult orthodontics, since the benefits of straighter teeth are being more widely recognized, the most comprehensive coverage is still usually reserved for children and teens.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Start Orthodontic Treatment
Even if your child’s teeth appear mostly straight, there may be underlying bite issues, crowding, or jaw development problems that only their dentist or orthodontist can identify. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial evaluation by age seven, even if braces aren’t needed right away.
The fact of the matter is, early treatment can prevent more serious (and costly) problems in the future—and everyone can smile about that. Plus, delaying treatment may also lead to permanent damage; crowding or misaligned teeth are harder to clean, which increases the risk of decay and gum disease. Orthodontics can also improve the bite, which in turn reduces wear on the enamel and strain on the jaw joints and muscles.
If orthodontics has been recommended for your child, you’d be wise to make the most of your insurance coverage. Waiting too long could mean missing the ideal window for treatment or exceeding your plan’s age limit for orthodontic benefits.
About the Practice
Our team here at Attleboro Dental Group has served the needs of patients and families in North Attleborough and the nearby communities for several years. We offer a wide range of services, including orthodontic solutions like Invisalign and ClearCorrect. We are also insurance-friendly and more than happy to help you maximize your plan’s benefits. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up an appointment for yourself or a loved one, feel free to reach out today! Telephone: (774) 331-0260.
