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Finding Dental Insurance That Covers Braces for Adults

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Straight teeth and beautiful smiles aren't just for kids; parents want attractive smiles too.

But orthodontia is pricey, and finding dental insurance that covers braces for adults can be challenging. Nonetheless, more plans are now offering orthodontic benefits for adults. So, if you don't have adult coverage, don't give up – there are options to help you afford the treatment you need.

Employer-Sponsored Dental Insurance

Dental insurance is often a part of an employee's health care package, allowing your employer to decide on the plan and level of coverage. But not all dental plans include orthodontic treatment, and if they do, it is often limited to children under the age of 18. Today, however, employers may opt for plans that cover orthodontic treatment for adults.

If you aren't sure whether your dental plan has adult coverage, check with your human resources department. If the answer is yes, ask if there are yearly or lifetime maximums, or waiting periods before treatment can begin. You also need to know if there are any types of non-covered braces, and if you're required to see a dentist or orthodontist within your insurer's network.

Individual Dental Insurance

Dental insurance is not only available through your employer; increasing numbers of insurance companies are offering individual dental plans. Unfortunately, not all of these individual plans offer orthodontia coverage, and even fewer offer it for adults.

Discount Plans

Discount plans – also called dental savings plans – are not considered dental insurance, but allow you to purchase dental services at lower prices.

Because of the significant discounts given by network dentists, these programmes are becoming more popular, and most of them offer price reductions on adult orthodontia and cosmetic procedures.

Discount plans are a good choice if you already have dental insurance but no coverage for orthodontic treatment, or if you have reached your plan's yearly or lifetime maximum payout.

By the same token, the use of cavity protection products ultimately prevents the fillings and other treatments that can cause you to reach these maximums too quickly.

Shopping for Your Orthodontic Coverage

When looking for the right plan for you and your budget, carefully compare your options. Not all dental plans are created equal; plan limitations, waiting periods, yearly costs, discounts or copayments can vary greatly. And because most of these plans require the use of a network dentist, make sure there are dentists in your area that you can visit for treatment. When you find a plan that meets your needs, don't hesitate to ask your dentist or orthodontist if he or she would be willing to join the programme.

Finding dental insurance that covers braces for adults may take some time. But with more discount programmes and expanded dental networks popping up today, you can have straighter teeth and a gorgeous smile without breaking the bank.

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This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.