How Much Are Braces With Insurance? Average Cost of Braces With Dental Insurance

Maybe you just came from a dentist who told you, you or your kid needs braces. Or you want braces to gain confidence in smiling in public without feeling ashamed of the unaligned teeth. Whatever the reason, the brace amount is expensive, and you should know the cost before you pay for them or even dream of having that perfect smile.

Although the braces can cost a lot of money, it becomes affordable to get them. Many people dismiss buying dental insurance, calling it a waste of money, but if you know how much braces cost with or without it, you will choose to purchase dental insurance.

While getting braces, you should know the average monthly cost or how much braces are for kids so that when you go to the dentist, you have an idea about the cost with insurance.

Here’s everything you need to know about the braces’ cost with insurance and how you can get braces at a lower price if you buy the right dental insurance:

What is dental insurance?

Dental insurance is one of the most popular insurance that comes under health insurance. It is like a category of insurance that only focuses on giving benefits for dental treatments and surgeries.

Dental insurance is a contract signed between an insurance policyholder and an individual to avoid financial difficulties for dental treatments on some agreed monthly fee. Individuals can buy for themselves or their families and save money without compromising treatment costs. With dental insurance going to the dentist doesn’t sound like a nightmare but a healthy visit to get your teeth checked and cleaned.

Dental insurance aims to help the insured get the best cure from the best dentists in the country at an affordable price.

Why should you buy dental insurance?

Dental insurance is usually not common among people. Most only buy medical insurance as a requirement or a benefit from the company. However, if you knew how cost-effective insurance is, you would want to purchase insurance for everything.

Buying dental insurance is essential because dental work is one of the most expensive treatments in the world. Even a single extraction can cost you so much money. Insurance prevents you from paying so much cash in one go. Although they charge a premium, it reduces the burden of affording the treatment cost altogether.

It is why dental insurance exists; to ensure you maintain your teeth’s health and your smile.

How dental insurance works?

The insurance offers various dental benefits to individuals and families. Dental insurance works the same way as any other insurance. You pay a certain amount of premium and gain coverage based on the plan you pick.

Insurance companies have a network of dentists under them who provide the best treatment. People who buy dental insurance save the effort of finding the country’s best dentists because insurance companies already give them a lot from which they can pick to get their treatments.

According to statistics, most insurance policies give coverage for 50/80/100 percent to prevent any financial loss from high-priced dental surgeries and other procedures.

You can either buy dental coverage with medical insurance or an individual dental insurance plan. Dental coverage usually covers regular checkups, but when you buy a proper plan, you can get surgery coverage.

There are specific deductibles, copayment amounts, coinsurance percentages, and the out-of-pocket maximum set for each plan that individuals must abide by for a monthly premium—all of these terms are written in the contract that the person signs with the company.

People who can afford high premiums choose to buy plans or need frequent dental surgeries. Insurance experts recommend purchasing dental insurance to keep an individual on a budget.

What does dental insurance cover?

Dental insurance covers every treatment related to dental work, but that also depends on what plan you are buying. There are times when dentists might recommend getting a crown, but you have only bought coverage for checkups; then, you have to pay the total cost for getting the crown regardless of how much benefit you have for preventive care.

Every dental insurance company offers three plans to ensure everyone can pick based on their dental needs. Here are three dental coverage plans provided by most insurance companies across the USA:

Preventive coverage

Preventive dental coverage is the cheapest plan that only covers the regular dental cost. It covers the cost of fillings, checkups, X-rays, and cleanings. This type of coverage plan is usually added with medical insurance. People can get dental checkup coverage and free checkup for kids.

Many young people choose to buy preventive coverage because there are rarely any severe dental conditions as young individuals. Furthermore, since most insurance companies offer medical insurance plans, individuals can cover 100% of the cost.

Usually, preventive coverage is also included in medical insurance; but is only limited to kids.

Basic coverage

Basic coverage in dental insurance is for essential dental treatments that do not require any complexities or procedures. They are picked based on the cost because most medicines are costly. Basic coverage is usually 80%; the insured pays the remaining 20%.

When an insured individual buys a basic dental insurance plan, they get coverage for cleanings, fillings, crowns, and root canals. Since it is a yearly plan, you must ensure you get treatments within the year you bought dental insurance.

The primary coverage premium is not expensive, so it’s more affordable for single individuals and families.

Full coverage

Compared to preventive and primary coverage, full coverage is a complete package by insurance companies for all dental treatments. From simple checkups to complex surgery, everything is covered.

Complete coverage is high priced but not as much as dental expenses without insurance. By full range, it does not mean 100% cost, but that the insurance company covers most percentage.

Complete coverage includes the cost of surgical extractions, dentures, veneers, dental implants, clear aligners, braces, and other restorative & orthodontic treatments. Usually, you will have to pay a very high price without insurance because the equipment and material cost is high. Even though you have to pay deductibles and copayments with insurance, it is still less.

Dental insurance cost per month

If you do not have dental insurance, consider buying one because it can lessen your dental visit expenses. According to our statistics, dental insurance can cost around  $15 to $50, depending on your coverage plan.

You will pay less for preventive coverage, while for dental insurance with full coverage, you will pay more. However, the above-mentioned is common in most insurance companies. If you can set aside this small amount every month, you can stay within the budget even if you need a high-priced dental treatment.

Furthermore, the premium price will likely be higher if you buy for a family of four or more.

Dental insurance for braces

Many insurance companies offer orthodontic or dental insurance for braces to facilitate the cost of getting them. Orthodontic treatment includes braces, aligners, retainers, and other procedures designed to align your jaw and teeth.

Getting Braces is a medically acknowledged treatment instead of just cosmetic because it corrects people’s teeth placed in the mouth using wires and other equipment. They are one of the most expensive treatments, and they don’t cost in one go; instead, a plan extends for months to pay.

Some of the most common conditions for getting braces are:

• Overbite: overlapping of upper and lower teeth.
• Crossbite: when upper and lower teeth don’t bite in the correct position.
• Underbite: when lower teeth are extended forward more than upper teeth.
• Overcrowded teeth: when there is no space for permanent teeth to grow

These conditions can hinder an individual’s daily life and teeth health.

Most insurance companies and dentists recognize these conditions to approve insurance coverage; however, that depends on the dentist’s diagnosis and the company’s evaluation.

Note that orthodontic insurance doesn’t come as a separate plan; it is included with other treatments for dental insurance. So, if you are looking for a specific plan only to get braces, you won’t find one.

Does dental insurance cover braces?

If you buy a full coverage dental plan from any insurance company, then yes, the dental insurance will cover the braces’ cost. However, you won’t get 100% coverage in any plan, only a few percent of it, and that’s also after you pay the deductible and copayments. However, it’s more affordable than getting no coverage at all.

You will have to see whether dental insurance covers the cost of braces; many insurance companies don’t include braces in their plans.

 What is the price of braces?

Braces cost varies based on various factors. For example, if you live in a small city, the dentist might not charge as much as in a big city. Similarly, it depends on what material you want for braces.

For traditional metal braces, the cost is around $3,000 to $7,000. If you buy clear/ceramic braces, you pay $4,000 to $8,000. Some people prefer colored braces; they can get them for $3,000 to $7,000. The average braces cost is around $4,000 to $7,400, for special Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. The most expensive Lingual braces cost an estimated $12,000.

The cost also depends on what your dentist prescribes. Some patients have severe conditions and direly need braces for their teeth’ health, which can cost a lot for them. Props are usually bought in monthly installments; there are also monthly checkups to see the teeth’s condition. All of these add up to braces cost.

What is the Average cost of braces per month?

Braces are expensive, and the patient must visit dentists every month. Many clinics or hospitals have monthly plans that cost around $75 to $100. This cost increases if the alignment is more severe and needs more dental attention.

If you are wondering, ‘What is the average cost of braces?’ then it will cost less than the average monthly cost since you pay a monthly premium for insurance, so you get benefits.

So, instead of paying the total monthly cost, you spend almost half the amount.

How much are braces without insurance?

The average cost of braces is $1,200 to $13,000 without insurance, depending on how expensive or cheap your treatment is. You might pay less if you get traditional braces, but they will be costly if you buy lingual ones.

Without insurance, you must also pick a dentist on your own or through your friends’ recommendations. Since there are dozens of dentists in the country, it can get hard to choose the right one. It is why we recommend buying insurance.

Dental insurance ensures you get the best treatment at a reasonable rate. The companies offer so many excellent and affordable plans with dental benefits. You just need to set aside a little bit of money for premium, and you are set to get braces for yourself or your kids without any financial worry.

How much are braces for kids?

Many people regret not getting braces as a kid because it becomes harder to deal with the pain and maintain their appearance when they grow up.

Getting braces at a young age is the best a parent can do. The most fitting age to get braces should be at age seven or during the teenage years.  Not only does it cause less pain, but their teeth also align well during their younger years.

Braces for kids can cost around $4,000 to $7,000. The cost can vary based on the type of braces and where you are getting them. If you go to an expensive dentist, the braces will cost more; it might cost less if you go to an affordable dentist.

However, if you have insurance, you can go to an expensive in-network dentist and get treatment for half the original amount. But that depends on what insurance company you have bought a dental plan.

Dental insurance for kids comes under the family plan. If you believe in a family dental insurance plan, the insurance policy covers the cost of your kids’ braces well. However, many insurance plans rarely cover costs for kids under 18, so always check the guidelines before signing with any insurance company. Insurance experts recommend buying a supplement plan in orthodontia to cover the braces cost for kids.

Do not expect the medical insurance to pay the braces cost for your kid. When you buy dental insurance, you will get the coverage you want.

How much do Braces cost with Insurance?

Many people or parents who have earned their kids braces expressed satisfaction in reaching them with insurance. Not only did it cost half the original cost, but they also got the best treatment in the city.

The exact figure of the braces’ cost with insurance depends on various factors. For example, if you get metal braces with insurance, you will pay $1,500 to $3,750 compared to the original price of $3,000 to $7,500. Similarly, if you buy lingual braces, you spend $5,000 to $13,000, and with insurance, the price reduces to $3,500 to $9,250.

So, if you have decided to get braces for yourself or your kid, we recommend buying insurance before you do so.

Top Insurance Companies for Braces 2023

Choosing the right insurance company for braces can lead to significant savings. Braces are often necessary, and selecting the appropriate insurance plan can alleviate financial stress. It’s crucial to opt for a plan that includes orthodontic coverage, as braces typically fall under this category. While these plans may be more expensive than basic coverage, they offer considerable value.

Here are some of the leading insurance providers offering robust dental benefits for braces in 2023:

Aetna

Aetna dental insurance offers an excellent price to cover the braces cost for adults and kids. The insurance policy is available in 50 states, and the premium of Aetna is better than any other insurance company.

For braces, Aetna provides affordable plans starting from $22 per month, which you can pick based on your dental needs and requirements. What’s the best part? It is affiliated with CVS, making it an authentic insurance company. Although the company has a lower percentage of customer satisfaction, it is still committed to providing the best plans in the country.

Aetna offers two plans for a family of four. If none of the dental plans are offered or suit an individual, they can pick the Aetna DMO plan for braces’ cost coverage.

Besides dental orthodontic coverage plans, Aetna also offers a dental discount card that costs around $7.99 monthly. You can get up to 33% off orthodontic treatments only through Aetna’s in-network dentists.

However, as mentioned before, the braces’ cost can vary based on different factors, so that the metal braces will have different discount rates than Invisalign braces.

Delta Dental

Delta Dental is a well-recognized dental insurance company that offers most plans to cover braces and other costs for orthodontics. Also, Delta is one of the oldest insurance policies people trust to buy dental coverage.

Although you can only get treatment from Delta’s in-network dentists, they are still the best dental professionals in the country. You can get an insurance plan as low as you can afford with maximum dental benefits. The best thing about Delta is the members don’t need to observe long waiting periods, and they can choose between various plans.

Delta Dental offers:

• Delta Dental PPO plan
• DeltaCare USA plan
• Delta Dental Premier plan
• Delta Dental PPO Plus Premier plan
• Delta Dental Patient Direct plan

Although each plan percentage varies in terms of braces coverage, among these plans, the most expensive one is Delta Dental PPO which offers 50% orthodontic coverage with an excellent deductible and maximum.

Delta Dental also offers for families of four, so you can get coverage for your kids’ braces. But before buying, ask the in-network dentist about the estimated cost with and without insurance. This will help you decide which plan to purchase and how much premium you can afford.

Cigna:

Cigna is the right dental insurance if you are looking for more benefits with a lesser deductible. It has proven to be one of the best dental insurance companies for braces in 2023. Their plans have a lower deductible, making it easier for individuals to afford orthodontic treatments like braces.

You can get braces cost coverage after completing the $50 lifetime deductible.  Furthermore, you can get more discounts if you get treatment from in-network dentists.

The orthodontic coverage plans are the most expensive plans out of all. They can cost a lot of money, but the benefits are also great. The members can get any complex procedure if they reach a $1,000 maximum lifetime coverage.

Only one plan has the highest percentage of braces coverage; the premium is expensive. If you have a good salary and can afford a high premium, this dental insurance plan is the best Cigna offers for its clients. Cigna has about a 12 months waiting period for braces coverage.

Cigna Dental 1500 is the best plan for you if you want Cigna dental insurance to get braces.

Humana Dental

Humana’s dental policy is the best for families and individuals to get braces. Humana is one of the oldest and most relevant insurance companies in the U.S., providing unique plans to benefit its members.

Many people commonly buy Humana Dental for its benefits and affordable premium. The company’s no waiting period policy is one of the facilities that make it stand out from other insurance companies in the country.

People who buy Humana dental insurance don’t need to wait long to gain benefits. As soon as they sign the contract, they can utilize those benefits. This facility saves busy people a lot of time because they can get braces without worrying about waiting.

Humana offers two plans for orthodontic treatment coverage: Complete Dental PPO and Loyalty Plus PPO. If you buy either of the two plans, you can get a braces discount. For the Loyalty Plus PPO plan, an individual pays $131.96 per month; for the Complete Dental PPO plan, the premium cost is $150.99.

Before buying, always confirm with the insurance company and the dentist to ensure you don’t make the mistake of purchasing the wrong plan.

DentalPlans.com

If you are open to more options regarding dental procedures, DentalPlans.com provides a variety of projects from which you can pick based on your financial situation. Each plan is carefully designed to facilitate members with maximum orthodontic benefits.

DentalPlans.com is a marketplace where top leading insurance companies in the country offer various dental programs. You can get discounts, savings benefits, and plan options through DentalPlans.com.

You or your kid can also get braces through DentalPlans.com if you know how much braces are with insurance. Not every DentalPlans plan will cover the cost, so you must be careful before signing a contract.

USAA Dental Insurance

USAA Dental Insurance is focused on giving dental benefits to military families in the U.S. It is known to be the best insurance policy provider for braces.

USAA Dental Insurance offers a $2,000 lifetime maximum and a $200 deductible for orthodontic treatments, including braces. This amount is a lot because braces cost is high as well. Having a partnership with Cigna and IHC, USAA keeps providing the best benefits to military families. People who are not part of the military cannot get this insurance.

For braces, an individual has to afford only $2,187 from in-network dentists; the original cost is around $6,727. It means USAA covers 50% of the cost; the insured person pays the remaining 50%. Compared to other insurance companies’ plans, this percentage with low deductible is quite rare and very affordable.

If you or your family member is part of the military, get USAA Dental Insurance at an affordable premium for maximum benefits.

Aflac

Dental insurance made it to the list of best companies in 2023 for braces because they are most suitable for adults. Members of Aflac can save a lot of money by buying an Aflac plan.

Aflac offers a $1,400 lifetime limit, but it is enough to prevent financial loss when getting braces. It reduces the original cost to some extent.

Furthermore, Aflac also offers optional orthodontics rider options, making it easier for adults to get braces.

As adults, we sometimes hesitate to get what we want because of the financial cost. Aflac removes that worry by offering a good coverage percentage for an affordable premium. The company’s in-network dentists can be well-accomplished and provide the best treatment in partnership with Aflac.

As an Aflac-insured person, you save yourself the time and effort of searching for the best dentists who can give you an affordable price to get braces. Aflac is rated one of the top dental insurance companies for adults for orthodontic treatments such as braces.

Medicaid Dental for Kids

Although Medicaid is not an insurance company, it is a government state program that provides insurance to kids. If your kid needs braces, you can apply for Medicaid to get some coverage for the cost.

Medicaid is an insurance program for lower-class families who cannot afford medical and dental treatments for their kids—Medicaid Dental offers orthodontic treatment coverage, whether they are minor or major procedures.

First, a Medicaid dentist does an orthodontic examination on your kid, and they decide and recommend a plan. Being part of the program, they also share whether Medicaid would cover the cost of the treatment or not.

After that, Medicaid evaluates the recommendation given by the dentists based on their rules and regulations on whether they should cover braces cost or not. The program takes every primary dental condition seriously, including braces, because they can hinder a kid’s daily life and teeth health.

So, whether your kid has an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or severe crowding, getting them braces is medically accepted. You are most likely to receive Medicaid coverage in such a situation.

Medicaid might not cover the cost if it’s a cosmetic procedure instead of a serious dental one.

Dentists recommend getting braces at the age of 7 for kids. Most teeth conditions appear at this age, and if the kids need braces, they can get them early on. Through Medicaid, getting braces for kids is even more affordable. So, apply for the program today.

Which dental insurance plan should you get for braces?

After reading all the insurance companies mentioned above, you might be overwhelmed with so much information about each company. Since there are many plans, it can be hard to pick one that might suit you best.

So, to buy the right dental insurance plan for braces coverage, here are a few factors you must keep in mind:

Premium

Your income is an essential part of buying braces. You cannot expect to pay an expensive premium when you barely make minimum wage. First, see how much compensation each plan offers and whether you can afford that premium cost in the long term.

Some programs increase benefits after a year or two; you need to be sure you can pay a premium regularly to gain those benefits.

Coverage

The main problem is getting braces coverage from insurance, so you pay the least for it. Always compare plans to see the coverage percentage and premium cost; this will help you decide which dental insurance you should buy to cover braces’ costs.

You will never get 100% coverage for major procedures like orthodontic treatments, but you can get it for preventive care checkups and cleanings.

Waiting periods

Many people make the mistake of buying dental plans without reading about the waiting period. The wait can sabotage your money and immediate dental treatment very badly. It is always recommended to get insurance plans with the lowest waiting period or none at all.

However, if you are willing to wait, you can also buy dental insurance plans with a long waiting period.

How much is Orthodontics?

The orthodontic expenses can vary depending on the severity of your case and the type of treatment you receive. In general, traditional braces tend to be more expensive than clear aligners. The average cost for orthodontic braces treatment is between $3,000 and $6,000. However, some insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost.

FAQ

 What is the price of braces?

According to the American Dental Association, the average price of braces is $5991. Therefore, if you wore braces for 24 months, the monthly cost would be roughly $250.

How can I find affordable braces?

The cost of braces can be significantly reduced with dental or orthodontic insurance. After insurance, braces typically range from $1,600 to $5,000. Additionally, if you meet the requirements, you could be able to receive free or inexpensive braces through initiatives at dentistry schools, organizations, community health centers, or Medicaid.

If you require braces, is dental insurance worth the cost?

Yes, purchasing dental insurance is almost always worthwhile if you require braces. After weighing the cost of a plan, purchasing dental insurance would allow you to cover normal dental treatments and cleanings while also saving you $500 to $1,400 if you require braces.

What is the typical price for braces?

In the US, braces typically cost between $5,000 and $6,000. Each state and profession may have different actual expenses. Actual costs may also vary depending on the patient’s age, the length of their therapy, and the style of braces they choose.

How much do braces typically cost when covered by insurance?

Braces might cost less if you have insurance. Insurance companies normally pay 50% of significant operations like placing braces. However, the exact percentage may vary.

Without insurance, what is the typical cost of braces?

Without dental insurance, payments must be made in full. Braces typically cost between $5,000 and $6,000. The most costly kind of therapy might set you back $10,000.

Final words

When seeking coverage for braces, insurance companies typically cover the cost if they offer orthodontic coverage. Without orthodontic coverage, brace expenses won’t be covered. By absorbing this information, you should now have clarity on the query, ‘how much do braces cost with insurance?’ Although not all insurance providers may cover braces, selecting wisely based on your financial standing is crucial.

This article aims to empower you in selecting the optimal insurance company and plan for acquiring braces, whether for yourself or your child. Invest in the finest dental insurance plan today to both enhance your smile and save money!