Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?

- Kids usually have it easier than adults. This is true in regards to orthodontic care, too. Most dental health plans will not cover orthodontic care for adults, but children under 18 have a higher chance of being covered.
- If you’re looking to have the most beautiful smile possible, you will be disappointed to find out that, for both kids and adults, teeth straightening for purely cosmetic purposes is usually not covered. If an orthodontist deems your treatment to be medically necessary, however (for example if you have trouble chewing), your dental insurance has a higher chance of covering it.
- Medicaid may provide coverage for orthodontic care if you qualify and if the procedure is medically necessary, but unfortunately not in all states. Check if Medicaid covers specialty services in your state.
- If you have no dental insurance or if your dental insurance does not cover braces, you can still deduct the cost from your taxes if the procedure is medically necessary and if the cost exceeds 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income.
- Even if you are covered, insurance will typically not pay the entire cost of the procedure. You should usually be prepared to pay at least half of the cost out of pocket – possibly significantly more, especially for the fancier, more expensive types of braces like Invisalign – keep that in mind before dismissing the good old-fashioned metal braces because they’re “uncool.”