How to get insurance to pay for braces as an adult?
Asked by: Jaden Wiza | Last update: May 22, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (69 votes)
- Check Your Policy Details. ...
- Talk to Your Insurance Company. ...
- Confirm Medical Reasons. ...
- Choose Covered Providers. ...
- Get a Pre-Treatment Estimate. ...
- Get Pre-authorization if Needed. ...
- Understand Your Out-of-Pocket Costs. ...
- Keep All Your Records.
Is there any way to get free braces as an adult?
But there are some state-federal programs that can help some kids and adults to get braces for free like Medicaid braces. These can help you to get your braces done for free. Medicaid in the United States is a state program that helps some people with limited income and resources with healthcare costs.
How do adults pay for braces?
Some orthodontists may offer discounts for patients who pay the entire bill up front, or they may provide in-house financing plans with monthly installments. A Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through your employer might help you lower your out-of-pocket costs .
How to get braces if you can't afford it?
There are places and programs that will help you get braces for free or cheaper. Look up the smile for a lifetime foundation. You can also call local orthodontists and see if they know any programs. Also, many dental schools offer low cost treatment compared to a regular office.
Is it cheaper to get braces as an adult?
On average, adult braces cost at least a few hundred dollars more than braces for kids. Since adult jaws are fully formed, your teeth won't move as easily, so you would need braces for a longer period of time than most kids.
ADULT BRACES | How To Pay For Braces Without Insurance | How Much I'm Paying for Braces
Is it hard for adults to get braces?
While your orthodontist will consider many variables when developing your customized treatment plan, it can be as successful for adults as it is for adolescents. In fact, one in three orthodontic patients is an adult, proving that you don't have to let your age keep you from the smile you've always wanted.
What is the cheapest option for braces?
Traditional metal braces (the most affordable)
As a result, metal braces are a great option for correcting severe teeth and jaw misalignments. This includes but is not limited to overcrowding, crooked teeth, teeth gaps, protruding teeth, underbites, overbites, and crossbites.
What happens if you can't afford your braces?
Talk to your orthodontist about payment options
They may offer adjusted payment plans, discounts, or other options if insurance was helping cover the cost and is no longer available.
How much is a down payment for braces with insurance?
On average, most people can expect to pay about 20% of their costs upfront, which can be between $800 and $1,500 depending on the services needed and your plan.
How do you get braces if your insurance doesn't cover it?
If your current health insurance doesn't cover braces or only covers a small portion, you might want to explore other options. This could mean choosing a different plan from your current provider that has more coverage for orthodontics or looking into standalone dental insurance that may cover or help pay for braces.
How to get insurance to pay for braces?
Braces are often considered an eligible expense under both FSAs and HSAs, but it's essential to check with your plan provider to confirm coverage and any specific requirements. Typically, orthodontic treatment like braces is covered because it's considered a medically necessary procedure to correct dental issues.
How do adults qualify for braces?
Some dental insurance policies cover braces for adults, and some do not. Many insurance policies have an age limit on coverage, typically around age 19. If you are interested in getting braces as an adult, it is essential to check with your dental insurance provider to see what kind of coverage you have for braces.
How much do braces cost in Mexico?
What is the Cost of Orthodontic Treatment in Tijuana? The cost of braces in Tijuana is around $2,000 – $4,500. In comparison, the price for the same in the US is $5,500 to $9,000. Costs vary from case to case, but you can save up to 65%.
Can I get braces if I'm poor?
Not having insurance doesn't mean braces are out of reach. Here are a few options: Affordable dental clinics: Many clinics provide low-cost braces, offering options like payment plans that make treatment accessible even without insurance.
Can adults get braces covered?
Does dental insurance cover braces for adults and children? Yes, but it could be more difficult to find dental insurance coverage for adult braces. Many dental plans restrict orthodontic coverage to patients under the age of 19.
Can you negotiate braces prices?
One way to save money on braces is by negotiating with your orthodontist. Many people assume that the price given by an orthodontist is non-negotiable, but this is not always the case. Some orthodontists may be willing to offer discounts or payment plans if you explain your financial situation and ask for options.
How to get braces without paying?
How to Qualify for Free Braces for Kids. If your family has a low income, you may qualify for Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), or a state-sponsored low-income insurance program. These programs can provide free braces for your children. The eligibility criteria differ from state to state.
How to know if insurance will cover braces?
Confirm the dental insurance plan provides orthodontic coverage. You can review the dental plan materials to learn about covered and non-covered services, such as braces and other orthodontic treatments. Full-coverage dental insurance plans, for instance, often include orthodontic insurance coverage.
What is the lowest payment for braces?
Monthly, it could be anything from $80 to $650. There are two main types of braces: metal and ceramic. Metal braces are the most common type, and they are also the most affordable option. Ceramic braces are more expensive, but they are less visible than metal braces.
How can I afford braces as an adult?
- Organize a Payment Plan. Most people don't pay for their braces in one lump payment. ...
- Contact Your Insurance Company. If you have health insurance, then contact your company and find out what's covered under your plan. ...
- Join a Dental Plan. ...
- Investigate Government Programs. ...
- Dental Charities.
How do you fix teeth if you cant afford braces?
- Retainers. In most cases, you receive retainers after using braces. ...
- Veneers. ...
- Invisalign® ...
- Dental Bonding. ...
- Dental Crowns. ...
- Palatal Expanders. ...
- Explore Your Options to Straighten Your Smile.
Can the government pay for your braces?
Many times, Medicaid covers dental care and orthodontic services, like braces, when they are deemed medically necessary for your child. Medicaid will typically cover children 21 and under with orthodontic needs, that are deemed medically necessary.
What happens if you can't afford braces anymore?
Some orthos just remove your braces there and then (and if they are kind give you some kind of retainer). Others might refuse to debond you before you have paid what you owe them. They stop your adjustments and keep your braces on as far as it can go without damaging teeth.
Does insurance make braces cheaper?
Orthodontics in the U.S. can cost between $3,000 and $7,500 without insurance, but having orthodontic insurance coverage can save you a bundle. Your savings will depend on your plan, location, treatment needs, and coverage details.
What is the least expensive way to straighten teeth?
The prices for common teeth-straightening options vary, with traditional metal braces and clear aligners being the most affordable.