Does Insurance Cover Orthodontic Treatment?
March 14, 2025 9:00 amBraces and clear aligners can transform a smile, but they can also be a big financial commitment. If you’re wondering whether insurance will help cover the cost, the answer is: it depends. At Meason Orthodontics in Weatherford, TX, Dr. Kyle Meason and his team help patients navigate their insurance benefits and find the best payment options for their orthodontic treatment.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces or Clear Aligners?
Many dental insurance plans offer some coverage for orthodontic treatment, but it varies. Here are a few key things to check in your plan:
Age Limits – Some policies only cover braces for children or teens, not adults.
Coverage Percentage – Plans may pay a percentage of the total cost (often 50%) up to a certain limit.
Lifetime Maximums – Unlike regular dental care, orthodontic benefits often have a lifetime cap, meaning once it’s used, it won’t reset annually.
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network – Choosing an in-network orthodontist may increase how much your plan will cover.
What About Clear Aligners Like Invisalign?
Many insurance plans cover clear aligners the same way they do traditional braces, but not all. Some exclude aligners altogether, while others require proof they are medically necessary. It’s always best to check your benefits before starting treatment.
Will Insurance Cover Retainers?
After your braces or aligners come off, retainers help keep your teeth from shifting. Some insurance plans include one set of retainers as part of your orthodontic coverage, while others consider them an extra expense. If you need a replacement retainer down the road, check with your provider—most plans won’t cover additional sets.
Other Ways to Make Orthodontic Treatment Affordable
Even if insurance doesn’t cover everything, there are ways to make treatment more budget-friendly:
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA) – You can use these pre-tax funds to pay for orthodontics.
Payment Plans – Many orthodontic offices offer in-house financing to break up costs into manageable monthly payments.
Third-Party Financing – Companies like CareCredit provide flexible payment plans for dental treatments, including braces and aligners.
Making Orthodontic Care Affordable at Meason Orthodontics in Weatherford, TX
At Meason Orthodontics in Weatherford, TX, we know that financing orthodontic treatment can feel confusing. Our team is happy to help patients maximize their insurance benefits, explore payment options, and find the best way to achieve a straighter smile. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation!
Image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0
Categorised in: Financial
