It’s never too late to get the smile you’ve always wanted. More adults than ever are choosing orthodontic treatment, and with today’s discreet and comfortable options, there’s truly no better time to start. Whether you missed braces when you were younger or your teeth have shifted over time, adult orthodontics can help you achieve a healthier bite and a confident smile you’ll feel proud to share.
While braces are usually associated with adolescence, it’s becoming increasingly common for adults to seek orthodontic treatment. In recent years, about a quarter of all patients who see an orthodontist are adults.
Dental malocclusions (crowded teeth, misaligned jaw, crossbite, etc.) not only impact your smile, but they can also make it difficult to eat, speak, and breathe. And that’s without considering the social element and its impact on self-esteem. Getting braces, whether as a child or as an adult, is an investment in your health and happiness.
How much should braces cost for an adult?
Braces can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000, but the precise cost varies depending on the type of braces you choose, the nature and severity of your malocclusion, where you live, your age, and other factors. The average price is around $5,000 to $6,000, but it can be higher if you need treatment for a long time or want braces that are less noticeable.
The average length of treatment is about 20 months from start to finish, but adult treatment usually takes longer because adult jaws are fully formed and teeth don’t move as easily. As a result, adult braces usually have a longer treatment time with a slightly increased cost.
Getting braces can be a big investment in your health. If you’re paying out of pocket, Wee Care offers monthly payment options, Wee Care Perks discounts for loyal Wee Care patients, or discounts if you pay for your treatment in full up front.
Does insurance cover braces?
Orthodontic treatment can be expensive, but dental insurance coverage can help reduce the cost. Most insurance plans will typically cover a portion of adolescent braces, but don’t cover the cost of adult braces. Your insurance provider may offer an add-on option for orthodontic coverage. Even then, adults usually receive coverage for orthodontic treatment only if it is deemed medically necessary.
To be considered medically necessary, braces must be used to treat a severe malocclusion that is detrimental to quality of life, which is known as a disabling malocclusion. If your braces are purely cosmetic, it’s unlikely your insurance plan will cover them.
Few insurance plans cover braces for adults; if they do, they usually come with higher premiums. If you do have insurance coverage for braces, it’s usually only for conventional braces. If you choose a more expensive option, like Invisalign, most insurance plans will have you pay the difference.
How much do braces cost with insurance?
Each insurance plan is unique and has different levels of coverage. Contact your insurance company for details about your specific coverage. Generally speaking, if your insurance plan covers adult orthodontic treatment, it usually only covers about half the cost of the appliance and adjustments. If, for instance, your treatment with conventional braces costs $7,000 total, your insurance will likely cover $3,500, and you will be responsible for paying the remainder.
Don’t let the cost of orthodontic treatment hold you back. Orthodontic consultations at Wee Care are complimentary and will provide you with information about your estimated treatment plan and cost of care. You can also talk with your orthodontist about financing options and payment plans available to patients. It’s likely there is an orthodontic plan that will meet your financial needs, whether or not you have insurance coverage.
Does Medicaid cover braces?
Utah’s Medicaid program provides medical coverage for low-income families, children, the elderly, and other eligible individuals. In Utah, Medicaid may cover the cost of braces if your dentist or orthodontist deems them medically necessary. Generally, patients must score a 30 or greater on the Salzmann Index, a scoring system that evaluates the severity of a malocclusion.
Braces may be medically necessary if they are correcting a cleft palate, structural issue of the jaw, eating or chewing difficulties, dental problems that cause a speech impediment, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and other severe malocclusions. Medicaid will not cover braces for cosmetic reasons.
Wee Care Perks Program Offers Savings
Wee Care Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics offer up to $750 off comprehensive orthodontic treatment and $250 off Phase I or Phase II care plans. New patients may receive a $500 new patient discount on braces or Invisalign, while returning patients receive a $250 Loyalty Reward applied toward treatment.
Those benefits aren’t just for kids. Adults are also eligible for the Loyalty Reward if they have a child who has had a visit with Wee Care within the past year. To get the benefit, you must mention the Loyalty Reward at the time of booking or during your consultation. You’ll also get a five percent discount if you pay for treatment in full, up front. Benefits cannot be combined with insurance or other discounts.
Orthodontic patients also receive Wee Care’s Align & Shine extras, which include:
- Oral-B electric toothbrush
- Bleaching kit
- One retainer replacement
- Two annual professional polishings
- Two annual professional fluoride treatments
The Align & Shine experience is provided to most families and with most insurance plans at no cost. If you have insurance with MetLife, Delta Dental, Aetna, or Direct Dentists, you can opt to add Align & Shine for an additional $250.
Wee Care offers an orthodontic consultation that includes imaging, an orthodontic review, and a customized treatment plan at no cost. It’s the perfect opportunity to review your treatment options, ask any questions you may have, and start down the path toward orthodontic and dental health.
Sources:
Healthline, How Much Do Braces Cost?
Humana, Dental insurance coverage for braces
Invisalign, Insurance for orthodontic treatment
Humana, Does dental insurance cover braces?
Medicare.org, Does Utah Medicaid Cover Braces?
