For a long time, orthodontics was considered to be something that only kids and teenagers went through, but today, roughly 25% of all orthodontic patients in the U.S. are over 18. That means if you’re hoping to straighten your teeth to improve your health and appearance, now is a great time to do it! Of course, the cost of treatment is likely on your mind, so you’re probably wondering if you can use dental insurance to help pay for it. The answer is yes, and here are three straightforward ways to find a plan that offers the exact coverage you need.
A Quick Note Before We Begin…
Many dental insurance plans offer coverage for orthodontics, but a lot of them only do so for patients aged 18 and under, and the benefits may only apply to metal braces. So, just because a plan says it will help pay for orthodontics doesn’t necessarily mean it will be right for you as an adult. Be sure to read the fine print before signing up for a plan!
How to Find Adult Orthodontic Coverage
While there are plenty of dental insurance providers out there, finding a plan that has orthodontic coverage for adults (which includes Invisalign) can be quite the task. Here are three ways to do it in order of decreasing difficulty:
- The Hard Way: Go directly to the dental insurance provider’s website and look over their plans. Delta Dental, Aetna, and Aflac are good places to start. Bear in mind that these providers offer multiple plans, and the type of coverage available may vary from state to state.
- The Less Hard Way: Talk to the HR person at your job to see if dental insurance is part of the health benefits they offer. They can go over what all is included or direct you to a list of benefits so you can know whether or not you should sign up.
- The Easy Way: This might sound backward, but ask the orthodontist you plan on visiting! They and their team handle dental insurance every single day, so they can point you in the right direction as far as which plan might best suit your situation.
How to Afford Orthodontics without Insurance
After looking around, if none of the plans you find work for you, or if you can’t afford the premiums, you still have options. Most orthodontic offices offer in-house financing that allows you to pay for treatment over time, typically with little to no interest. Other things like free consultations and discounts for paying for treatment upfront can help lower the overall cost and make it more manageable.
Orthodontics isn’t just for kids anymore, and with a little time and effort, you can surely find the right insurance plan that will make your treatment fit comfortably into your budget. Remember, your local orthodontist is always ready to help!
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Shirck is a board-certified orthodontist who has served patients of all ages in the Columbus area for over a decade. His practice, Shirck Orthodontics, knows that family budgets are tight these days, which is why he’s proud to be in-network with most insurance plans as well as offer 0% interest in-house financing. To learn more about using insurance to pay for orthodontic treatment, click here to get in contact with the team.