Orthodontic Insurance: Dental Insurance That Covers Orthodontics & Braces

Orthodontics are devices that are used to straighten teeth and treat malocclusion.

Although you might immediately think of braces and retainers when you hear “orthodontics,” there are several other products, such as palatal expanders, that an orthodontist can use to ensure their patient will have a beautiful smile.

It’s amazing what’s possible with orthodontics, but this type of care can come at a hefty price. The good news is that, with a Spirit dental plan, you can save on expensive orthodontic care for your kids. 

How to know if your child needs braces

Keep a close eye on your growing child’s teeth and gums. You might notice that their teeth aren’t growing in as straight as they should or that they’re too crowded, prompting you to seek the advice of an orthodontist. 

Also, taking your child to the dentist regularly can help you become aware of problems early on. A dentist will be able to evaluate your child’s mouth carefully and look for signs, such as an overbite, that a trip to the orthodontist is necessary.  

The benefits of braces and orthodontic treatment

When your child has a great smile, their confidence is sure to soar. In addition, here are other reasons why orthodontic care is important:

• Orthodontics can help your child speak, chew, and breathe properly. 
• A misaligned bite might lead to other ailments, such as jaw problems like TMJ. 
• Aligned teeth are easier to keep clean, and this is helpful when it comes to avoiding problems like cavities and gum disease. 

How much do braces cost?

The price of braces and other orthodontics based on many factors, such as the severity of the condition that needs to be treated, the length of treatment, and the types of orthodontic appliances or braces required. 

On average, braces might cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. Imagine having to pay for all of that out of pocket! 

Thankfully, Spirit Dental offers affordable plans that include coverage for children’s orthodontics. With the right policy, you can relax knowing that you’re saving money while giving your child the dental care they need. 

How to find dental insurance that covers braces and orthodontics

Dental insurance that includes orthodontics might help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars over the course of treatment. But not all plans will provide this coverage, so shop carefully. 

When searching for orthodontic insurance and narrowing your options, check a plan’s network of providers to see if the orthodontist you’d like to use is in-network. Also, look for exclusions, limitations, and other details that would indicate how much support you can get. Examples include waiting periods, types of braces that aren’t covered, and annual or lifetime maximums.  

Does Spirit Dental insurance cover braces?

Yes! We offer a $1,200 children’s orthodontia benefit on any of our network plans. This coverage is available for dependent children. 

Other features include:

• A one-time $100 deductible.
• Coverage is 10% for year one, 25% for year two, and 50% for year three.
• A $1,200 lifetime maximum per child.
• An annual limit of $600.

Want to learn more about what’s possible when you use Spirit to get dental insurance for braces? Contact us any time at 844-833-8440, or get a free quote online today. 

FAQ  

What is the best age to get braces for a child?

Most dental professionals agree that eligible children should get braces between the ages of 10 and 14. However, your dentist or orthodontist will be able to give you personalized advice and guidance on when the right time is for your child’s orthodontic treatment. 

What age should a child go to an orthodontist?

If you aren’t sure if your child needs to see an orthodontist, you can ask your dentist. Generally, however, you can take your children to an orthodontist when they’re as young as 7 years old to see if they might end up needing this type of care.  

How much do braces cost without insurance?

Metal braces might cost $3,000 to $7,000, while ceramic braces might be anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000, on average. Lingual braces may be even pricier, averaging around $8,000 to $10,000. And Invisalign might cost anywhere from $4,000 to $7,400, on average. 

Does insurance take care of braces?

To be sure you’ll get coverage for braces, sign up for a dental insurance plan that specifies it will help you pay for orthodontics. Different plans will provide varying levels of coverage, so you can find the one that’s affordable and gives you what you need. 

Most Spirit Dental plans cover braces for dependent children and teens under the age of 19. Our Network 1200/2500/5000 plan, which includes orthodontic insurance for your child, offers tremendous savings. 

What type of braces are the cheapest?

If you want to save the most money possible — even if you have dental insurance for orthodontics — your orthodontist might recommend metal braces.

Sources:

https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/braces/how-much-do-braces-cost/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22010-malocclusion