Does Medi-Cal pay for braces?

Asked by: Adelia Will III  |  Last update: October 29, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (53 votes)

The Medi-Cal Dental program's benefits include orthodontic care for medically necessary conditions. Orthodontic benefits are from age 13 to 21, with no extended services allowed. Patients must maintain eligibility throughout the entire treatment.

Can Medi-Cal cover my braces?

Orthodontic services are limited to only those who meet the general policies and requirements for medically necessary handicapping malocclusion, cleft palate, or cranio- facial anomalies cases set forth in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations.

How much do braces cost in California with Medi-Cal?

Angie's List estimates that the average cost of metal braces for a patient without dental insurance is $4,937. For a patient with dental insurance, that price drops to $3,407. Ceramic braces cost on average $4,572 without insurance and $2,570 with insurance. Invisalign treatment can cost on average around $5,600.

Does Medi-Cal pay for implants?

Medi – Cal generally does not cover implants.

However, check out Dental for Everyone they have plans that will cover implants! Remember though, there is no free lunch.

Is an overbite considered medically necessary?

When is a procedure medical? When it is used to diagnose or treat a medical condition. For instance, “overbite” is a dental condition but not a medical condition.

How much is dental insurance that covers braces?

44 related questions found

What happens if you have an overbite and don't get braces?

If you have an overbite, do you need braces? Braces don't just improve your appearance — they also improve your overall dental health! While minor overbites may not require treatment, severe overbites can cause jaw pain, enamel wear, tooth decay, gum disease, speech interference, and other dental problems.

Can a dentist fix an overbite without braces?

Orthognatic surgery is the term used for surgeries that correct severe overbite conditions. It fixes the irregularities of the jaw's structure, realigning both the jaw and the teeth in order to enhance the way that they work. This surgery is only recommended for those with extreme overbites.

How do you get implants when you can't afford it?

Get a dental loan or work out a payment plan.

Two companies specializing in dental care loans are DentalLoans.com and American Medical Loans. Your local bank might have a similar loan program as well. Likewise, some implant providers offer financing programs, allowing patients to pay over time.

Do dental implants count as medical expenses for taxes?

Dental implants are tax-deductible medical expenses under IRS rules, provided the treatment is not cosmetic: enhancing appearance only.

What is root canal in teeth?

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that relieves pain caused by an infected or abscessed tooth. During the root canal process, the inflamed pulp is removed. The surfaces inside the tooth are then cleaned and disinfected, and a filling is placed to seal the space.

What's the most you can pay for braces?

Depending on the types of braces, getting braces could cost anywhere between $3,000 - $10,000. Prices depend on where you live – orthodontists in more rural areas are often less expensive than ones in larger cities - and may be at the orthodontist's discretion.

How long do braces take?

On average, how long do braces take to work? The average orthodontic treatment falls somewhere between 16-18 months, but can sometimes take as long as 24 months, or even more.

Why are braces so expensive?

Furthermore, braces cost a lot because they are designed to work with your teeth. By that, I mean that your teeth are constantly being used throughout the treatment of braces. So, not only do braces have to reposition your teeth, but they have to do so while still allowing you to use them every day.

How much does it cost to get braces in California?

Braces cost between $6,500 and $10,000 in California. National average braces costs around $6,000, according to the American Dental Association's latest survey on dental fees.

What is a overbite?

Overbite, or buck teeth, occurs when your top front teeth extend beyond your bottom front teeth. Many people have a slight overbite. A more severe overbite may lead to tooth decay, gum disease or jaw pain. You can prevent children from developing an overbite by limiting thumb-sucking and pacifier use.

How can I change my Medi Cal plan?

How to change your medical plan. If you are not happy with your medical plan, you can choose another medical plan, if available. To change your medical plan, call Health Care Options at 1-800-430-4263 (TTY 1-800-430-7077). Or you can complete a Medi-Cal Choice Form.

Can I write off braces on my taxes?

Unless your dentist or dental surgeon can prove that the dental braces are a required corrective procedure, to help solve a health or medical condition, the Fed will not allow you to deduct such expenses.

Can I write off dental expenses?

The IRS allows you to deduct unreimbursed payments for preventative care, treatment, surgeries, dental and vision care, visits to psychologists and psychiatrists, prescription medications, appliances such as glasses, contacts, false teeth and hearing aids, and expenses that you pay to travel for qualified medical care.

Can I claim Invisalign on my taxes?

And one thing many people fail to consider is that Invisalign and other preventive or restorative dentistry procedures may be deducted from your tax return as medical expenses. If you have questions about deductions for dental or other medical expenses, it's important to speak with your tax professional.

Can I get implants if I lose all my teeth?

Today, it is possible to replace a full jaw with dental implants and a fixed bridge that results in a permanent, stable and high esthetic solution. Treatment: The treatment procedure and number of visits is largely dependent on the specific conditions.

How much are implants?

Dental implants can cost anywhere between $3,000 up to $85,000 depending on the number of implants required and the complexity of the treatment. It's difficult to give a more precise cost per implant because each procedure is unique to the patient and their individual situation.

What happens if you don't get implants?

Basically, when people with missing teeth do not get them immediately replaced with dental implants, their remaining natural teeth could begin to shift out of place, and they could begin to experience jawbone resorption in the areas of the jawbone where their missing teeth are.

Which teeth are removed for overbite?

Most patients with overbites or underbites are willing to have two upper bicuspids removed in order to prevent the need for jaw surgery.

What happens if you don't treat an overbite?

If you don't treat a deep bite, you're putting yourself at risk for a number of oral health complications, including tooth decay, excessive wear and tear, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, and more. So no matter what, fixing an overbite is good for both your health and your confidence.

What is a normal bite for teeth?

In a normal bite the teeth mesh together very well. The upper side teeth are positioned a half tooth behind the lower side teeth so that they lock together. The upper front teeth overlap with the lower teeth slightly to provide the incising action required for biting food.