Not everyone naturally develops a perfectly straight smile, but thanks to modern dental technology, perfectly aligned teeth aren’t out of reach. In fact, approximately 45% of people need orthodontic treatment to treat functional issues. If you know that your child or teen is included in that percentage, you are probably eager to learn how your dental insurance benefits will pay a role. Continue reading to see how your plan can help you save.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Orthodontics?
If your family has dental insurance, chances are that your child’s treatment will be covered. A lot of the time, insurance will cover Invisalign clear aligners similarly to how they cover traditional metal braces. If this is the case for you, your policy will probably end up paying either a set percentage of the costs, or it will cover up to a specific dollar amount. Many insurance plans have an allowance set to the side for orthodontic treatment, especially for children, but they will still have a cumulative cap on the amount that they agree to pay for this type of treatment. Once the cap amount is reached, treatment will no longer be covered.
Get Started Before the Year Ends – Here’s Why!
When you are seeking a dental treatment that’s more complex, including orthodontic treatment, it will require multiple visits to complete. This means that it’s a good idea to begin treatment before the year ends. This is especially the case if you have already met your annual deductible, or the dollar amount that you need to pay each year before your insurance provider begins to cover the costs. Once you reach this amount, your out-of-pocket costs are likely to decrease dramatically. Ultimately, it is easier to begin a large treatment like Invisalign now rather than after the holiday season.
Most dental insurance plans will renew at the beginning of the calendar year, and all of your unused benefits will expire and not carry over to the following year. At this point, you will also be responsible for paying your annual deductible again.
If your child is eager to have a more aligned smile, there’s no better time. Schedule their initial consultation so they can work towards straighter pearly whites!
About the Author
Dr. Luke Lumpkin is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for well over a decade. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and is currently a proud member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and American Academy of Sleep Dentistry. His practice is in-network with Delta Dental MetLife, and BlueCross BlueShield. Many other major insurance plans are also accepted. For more information on orthodontic treatment or to schedule a consultation for your child, visit his website or call (918) 336-6777.