Are Orthodontists Covered by Dental Insurance? Posted on March 16, 2023
Orthodontic treatment is often covered by dental insurance, but the level of coverage and the specific procedures that qualify can vary depending on the plan. Some dental insurance plans cover orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign, up to a certain dollar amount or percentage of the total cost, while others may not cover it at all.
It’s important to review your dental insurance plan carefully to understand what orthodontic treatment options are covered and any limitations or restrictions that may apply. Some plans may have waiting periods, require pre-authorization, or limit the age of the patient who can receive orthodontic treatment.
Factors that Affect Orthodontic Coverage
The level of orthodontic coverage provided by dental insurance can vary widely depending on several factors, including:
Plan Type
Dental insurance plans can be broadly categorized as indemnity plans, preferred provider organizations (PPOs), and health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Each plan type has its own coverage rules and may limit the types of orthodontic treatment covered.
Plan Limits
Some dental insurance plans may have annual or lifetime maximums that limit the amount of coverage available for orthodontic treatment. Other plans may only cover a percentage of the total cost, leaving the patient responsible for a portion of the expenses.
Waiting Periods
Some dental insurance plans may have waiting periods before orthodontic treatment coverage begins. For example, a plan may require a patient to wait six months or a year.
Age Limits
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist when they are seven years old. It’s best to have your child seen for early intervention, especially since some dental insurance plans may have age limits for orthodontic coverage. For example, a plan may only cover orthodontic treatment for children under the age of 18.
What Insurance Is Accepted at Cardinal Orthodontics?
Are you looking for an Orthodontist in St. Louis? At Cardinal Orthodontics, we are in-network with the following companies:
- Delta Dental
- United Concordia
- GEHA
- BlueCross BlueShield
- Ameritas
- Cigna
- Guardian
- Aetna
- Principal
- Met Life
On the day of your new patient exam, we will ask you to fill out insurance information so our team can verify your coverage. When possible, we’ll give you an estimate, too. Our insurance team does all of the filing for you, making the process as easy as possible!
Schedule a Free Consultation with Cardinal Orthodontics
Whether you’re in the market for metal braces, clear braces, or Invisalign, Cardinal Orthodontics is here to help you achieve your best smile.
No matter your stage of life, it can be intimidating to start orthodontic treatment. One way we help alleviate stress is by offering free consultations, and they’re available both virtually and in person. Schedule a free consultation today to see if you’re a candidate for braces, Invisalign, or another smile-optimizing orthodontic treatment.
Tags: orthodontic insurance