Does Insurance Cover Dental Treatment for Adults?

Most people worry when they hear they need orthodontic treatment because dental procedures tend to be very expensive. So it’s natural that you want to know all about insurance and its coverage.

Before thinking of what it is going to cost you, you have to know the benefits. Does everybody need orthodontic appliances? The answer is no, of course not.

But people with cooked teeth, overbites, underbites, or crowded teeth should have dental care. Orthodontic treatments are not only about the appearance of your denture but its healthy functioning.

You should know which treatment plans are available and what are the best options regarding results, procedure length, and prices. That’s we want to present a quick guide for you in this matter.

General Recommendations About Dental Care

Sometimes we let perfectionism get to our heads, affecting not only our work or our personal relationships but our well-being. We often feel self-conscious about our smiles. We all want a perfect smile.

Forget about comparing your teeth to some influencer’s denture just because they say you should try X treatment to straighten your teeth.

Consult your doubts with a reliable doctor and let them decide if you really need dental appliances or not. They will know for sure what is best for you.

What Are the Best Orthodontic Treatments?

Orthodontics is a science that has been around since the 1800’s mid-century. Braces, as we know them today, were invented in the 1970s. Metal brackets with metal wires and archwires are the most popular treatment.

Braces

Traditional braces are a big favorite among expert orthodontists because they can solve almost all of the problems related to human dentures.

They are often the best alternative if you have severe to mild malocclusion or misalignment issues. Getting braces usually represents a long and effective plan.

The treatment consists in attaching metal or ceramic brackets to your teeth with special dental cement. Then, a metal wire connects every bracket with each other and to the archwires in your molars.

Pressure is applied to move the teeth into the desired position. Sometimes extractions are needed to gain space.

Different materials serve different purposes. For example, ceramic braces are much more discreet and less resistant.

Lingual Braces

This is a variation of the typical front braces. Lingual braces are attached to the back of your teeth. The functioning is pretty much the same, but with this modality, nobody, except for your doctor, gets to see your braces.

Patients that have had this treatment say it is a little uncomfortable to feel the brackets directly against your tongue.

Invisible Aligners

Clear aligners are the newest orthodontic treatment. Experts ensure their effectiveness and their benefits.

Orthodontic retainers are great because they are transparent and delicate. You don’t get anything attached to your teeth, and no metal wires are involved.

We have to say that clear invisible aligners cannot solve as many problems as metal braces, but they are still a fantastic option, and you should check it out.

How Much Do Braces Cost for Adults?

Now we can go back to the theme of this article. Prices.

Once you’ve had an appointment with your doctor and your mouth undergoes a proper examination, we recommend comparing each treatment plan. It would be good to know the budget you were counting on previously and if you can get insurance.1

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces have a standard price of $5.000. It can be lower than that or a little higher. The final cost will depend on the specifics of your treatment plan, like how severe the issues with your teeth are or the extra work needed (such as extractions).

Since your mouth and teeth are important for your health, dental care is often covered by insurance programs.

Ceramic Braces

We should begin to tell you that ceramic braces are a little more expensive than metal braces. This fact responds to various reasons:

  • The materials they are made with have a higher cost.
  • Ceramic braces are less resistant over time than the metal alternative, meaning that you will probably need to change them during the treatment.

Prices for this type of orthodontic appliance go from $5.000 to $7.000. Since this is an esthetic alternative, it is harder to find insurance policies that cover it.

Lingual Braces

Of all three, lingual braces are the most expensive option when it comes to orthodontic alignment treatments. The explanation is that this procedure can be more complex than traditional braces since the access to the brackets is not as direct.

The cost can elevate to $13.000, starting at around $7.000. The principal benefit is that other people hardly notice this type of appliance.

Which Insurance Covers Braces?

HealthCare.gov Marketplace

This service can be of great help to people under eighteen years old who need to fix moderate to severe misalignment problems with their teeth.

They offer different modalities that vary in the prices you pay per month versus the prices you pay when getting the treatment.

Humana Dental

Humana Dental has a dental insurance program with no waiting time. The package has variations to adjust to the patient’s needs.

Their prices start at as low as $18.00 per month. But they also offer wider coverage for $44.00 a month. Of course, the rates will depend on your profile as a patient.

Cigna Dental

Cigna Dental has insurance plans that can cover up to $2.500 of your treatment for $32.00 a month.

They also have plans starting at $20.00 that include coverage for certain orthodontic specialties.

Consult Your Insurance Options With Us

Click here to make an appointment with our team at your convenience and get to know the best insurance plans for your case.