Full Answer
What happens if you don't have orthodontic insurance?
If you no longer have the type of insurance that the orthodontist accepts then you will have to pay out of pocket for everything. I'm sure somewhere on that contract it says that if your insurance doesn't pay you are responsible for the difference.
Do dental plans cover orthodontic treatment for cosmetic purposes?
Unfortunately for individuals whose interest is in improving their appearance, most dental plans that cover orthodontics for adults exclude orthodontic treatment for cosmetic purposes. One alternative to metal braces is Invisalign.
Should I Drop my dental insurance if I get braces?
If the orthodontist estimates that you will be in braces for 2 years then you would want to make sure you keep you dental plan during those 2 years. If you drop your dental/orthodontic insurance before your benefit has finished paying this can result more out of pocket expenses for you.
How much will my insurance pay for orthodontic treatment?
The answer to this is, it depends. Most plans will pay for 50%, up to the lifetime maximum. Here’s an example of an 24-month orthodontic treatment breakdown for a patient who has a PPO insurance that we are in-network with: “Wait…but why do I not receive the full $3000 benefit?”
What happens if you switch insurance during braces?
If you move during the course of your orthodontic treatment, your insurance company must be informed and the installment payments of your benefit remaining will be stopped to your orthodontist. Changing employers and/or insurance companies during the course of your orthodontic treatment.
What happens when you change orthodontists during treatment?
The Financial Aspect Of Transferring In Your fees should include the consultation, orthodontic records and continuation of treatment fees. You will also be charged a de-bonding fee to remove your current braces. This takes time in the office so you will be charged for this in most cases.
What happens if you lose a tooth with braces?
In this case, a child might need treatment while teeth are missing. It is also possible that a child will lose teeth while wearing braces. In this case, the orthodontist will remove the bracket or band from the loose tooth so that it can fall out, and, if necessary, will reapply the bracket once the new tooth comes in.
Can I continue my braces treatment with another dentist?
Most patients remain with the same orthodontist throughout the entirety of their treatment plan, but yes, switching orthodontists during braces or Invisalign is possible!
Can I change orthodontists mid-treatment?
The answer is: yes, you can switch your orthodontist during treatment.
Can you get a refund on braces?
There are a few things you need to know about moving once you begin orthodontic treatment. First of all, you may be entitled to get a partial refund for your treatment if it is not totally paid off.
Is it normal for teeth to wobble with braces?
It's normal for a little teeth wiggling with braces while they're moving to their new position. This is because the teeth are attached to the jawbone by ligaments. These are connective tissues that are tough yet flexible. So yes, teeth wiggle after braces.
How long does it take to close a missing tooth gap with braces?
Traditional braces may take between six and eight months to close the gaps. However, not all cases are the same. The duration of the treatment is determined by several factors, including: Position and condition of your teeth.
Why are my teeth cracking with braces?
Chipping and cracking can occur for a variety of reasons, but some common causes include: Playing contact sports without a mouthguard. Grinding your teeth when you are sleeping. Eating hard substances, like ice or hard candy.
Is it hard to switch orthodontists?
There may come a time during your orthodontic treatment when you need to relocate, and thus continue treatment at a different orthodontic office. Our office sees this situation fairly often since we're in a military community, and changing orthodontists is not as difficult as you may think.
Can another doctor remove my braces?
Current Orthodontist Retired If this is the case with your orthodontist it might be disappointing. Despite this, you will most likely know a bit before it happens so you have time to prepare. In many cases, there will be a referral orthodontist to switch to, and this will make it a bit easier than normal.
Can I get my braces off whenever I want?
While it might not be the response you're hoping for, the simple answer to this question is no. However, it is possible to experience slower treatment times if you don't follow your orthodontist's instructions, including proper care of your braces.
What is dental premium?
Premium – A monthly rate you pay for dental insurance coverage. Deductible – The amount you pay for dental services before your insurance company begins paying a portion of the expense. Co-pays – The cost-share amount you pay for covered dental services, usually a flat dollar amount or a percentage of the cost for the service.
What are orthodontic appliances?
Orthodontists design and fit appliances to realign teeth and jaws to produce and maintain normal function and to improve appearance. Among the most common orthodontic appliances are: 1 Braces, which consist of brackets, wires, and bands which are continually tightened over a specific amount of time to straighten teeth. Most braces are metal with colored brackets however they also come in ceramic and clear colors for those who do not want their braces to be noticeable. 2 Aligners, which like braces, help to straighten teeth and align them. Aligners, most often Invisalign, are clear trays which fit specifically around the teeth in order to mold them. 3 Space Maintainers, which are used to keep space open when baby teeth are lost earlier than normal, so that other teeth do not grow into the space meant for the missing tooth until the adult teeth begin to grow in. 4 Removable Retainers, which are plastic or metal appliances molded to fit the mount to either move the teeth slightly or keep teeth from shifting back to their original position after braces or Invisalign are removed. More often than not, retainers are worn during the night. 5 Jaw Repositioning Appliances sometimes called splints, which are used to move either the upper or the lower jaw in order for the jaw as a whole to close more naturally.
What is removable retainer?
Removable Retainers, which are plastic or metal appliances molded to fit the mount to either move the teeth slightly or keep teeth from shifting back to their original position after braces or Invisalign are removed . More often than not, retainers are worn during the night.
What is the most common appliance used by an orthodontist?
Among the most common orthodontic appliances are: Braces, which consist of brackets, wires, and bands which are continually tightened over a specific amount of time to straighten teeth.
What is the best alternative to braces?
Alternatives to braces. One alternative to metal braces is Invisalign. This option tends to be slightly more expensive than traditional braces, but some dental insurance policies will cover a portion of the cost. Even if Invisalign is not specifically covered under a dental insurance plan, some insurance companies will contribute a fixed amount ...
What age do you have to be to get braces?
If you have children age 18 or younger, insurance companies must offer an option to purchase dental insurance that meets the criteria of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) ...
Do you have to have insurance for braces?
If you think that braces are in your future, either for yourself, your spouse, or your children, you may be interested in having dental insurance that includes orthodontia. Some states require all dental insurers licensed in the state to provide coverage for children’s braces. But limitations or restrictions on coverage may apply.
How much does orthodontic coverage pay?
2. Orthodontic coverage typically involves a Lifetime Maximum Benefit (LTM) that pays out at 50% of the total case fee. There are a few plans that pay more or less than 50%. This means they will pay for braces 1 time and once you have used all of the LTM they won’t pay any more.
How much does insurance pay for braces?
If your benefit is estimated at $3000, the Insurance Company generally pays you or the orthodontist an initial payment when the braces are placed and then monthly, quarterly, or annual instalments for the remaining months of treatment.
How long do you have to keep braces?
If the orthodontist estimates that you will be in braces for 2 years then you would want to make sure you keep you dental plan during those 2 years . If you drop your dental/orthodontic insurance before your benefit has finished paying this can result more out of pocket expenses for you. 4.
Do orthodontic payments follow you?
If your employer changes plans while you or your child are still in treatment the orthodontic payment history will typically follow you. However, if you take out a new plan with a completely different company often times, the history does not follow you and this can result in additional benefits.
Does dental insurance cover orthodontics?
1. Just because you have Dental Insurance does not mean you have orthodontic coverage. Be sure to ask if your plan covers both. Also be sure to ask if the coverage is for adults and children or just for children. Sometimes there are higher premiums for both dental and orthodontic Coverage but often times there are not.
Do you have to have insurance to get orthodontics?
Many insurance plans to not require pre-approval for orthodontic treatment, and benefits will be paid as long as you are eligible. Yes, in many cases, our patients are able to start their orthodontic treatment on the same day as their consultation .
Does insurance cover braces?
Most insurance plans cover specific portions of the entire orthodontic treatment. Commonly, insurance plans will cover metal braces but not upgrades such as clear/ceramic braces or Invisalign, as those options are considered to be cosmetic upgrades. “Does this mean that I cannot have Invisalign or clear/ceramic braces if I have dental insurance ...
How to make sure you have orthodontic coverage?
First, make sure your orthodontic coverage is in place and you satisfy any waiting periods before any treatment begins. Make sure you clearly understand the details of your dental plan so you don’t have to pay for unexpected costs.
What is orthodontic care?
What are orthodontic services? Orthodontic services would include braces and some other specialty dental care and treatments. Not all dental plans include coverage for orthodontic services, so it’s important that you read your plan materials carefully.
What can I do to straighten my teeth?
If you have an overbite, under bite, overlapping, or generally crowded teeth, an orthodontist can come up with a treatment plan to help straighten your teeth. This plan may include braces, as well as other types of dental appliances, such as space maintainers and retainers.
Can you get discounts if you don't have dental insurance?
If a dental plan doesn’t cover orthodontic services, you may still be eligible for discounts on these types of services. Discounts might require you to use an orthodontist in your plan’s network. Contact the dental plan or insurance provider for details.
Does every orthodontic plan cover braces?
There are usually limits, and not every plan includes coverage for braces and other orthodontic services. For example, a plan may cover braces for children, but not for adults.
Do dental plans come with a network?
Most dental plans come with a network of dental providers. Make sure that if there’s a certain orthodontist you want to see that they participate in your plan’s network. You’ll save money when you stay in-network.
Can I buy dental insurance on my own?
If you have an employer that offers dental insurance you can choose a dental plan as part of your benefits. If not, you can buy one on your own through a health insurance carrier that sells individual and family dental insurance plans, or through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
How long do you have to wait to cancel your dental insurance?
So although you may have met the wait period for general dental benefits you may have to wait 6-12months longer before your orthodontic insurance benefit will begin making payments.
What is a PPO insurance?
Some insurance companies offer PPO (preferred provider organization ), a lower level participating provider which is not PPO, and non-PPO benefit levels. Each employer chooses their benefit level with the insurance company. The in-network providers have a separate agreement with each insurance company on the maximum they are allowed to charge ...
Does orthodontic insurance renew?
Now on to the part of orthodontic insurance that differs from almost any other insurance benefit . -Orthodontic treatment is nearly always a lifetime benefit and does not renew yearly. It is usually separate from the dental benefit but may include some oral surgery procedures.