Dental braces have helped create beautiful smiles for decades. Today, an estimated 4 million people in the U.S. are wearing braces at any given time.1 Out of those 4 million, 1 in 4 orthodontic patients are adults.2

Braces can cost thousands of dollars, but some dental insurance plans may cover part of the cost. Here’s a look at the types of dental braces covered by dental insurance, how much braces cost with and without insurance and more.

Types of dental braces covered by dental insurance

Coverage can vary from plan to plan, but dental braces that may be covered by dental insurance include:

  • Metal braces. Stainless steel brackets are glued to each tooth and metal wires connect the brackets to gently pull the teeth into proper placement.
  • Ceramic braces. Ceramic braces are the same size and shape as metal braces but made from white or clear material to be less noticeable.
  • Lingual braces. Lingual braces are metal braces glued behind the teeth, making them less noticeable but more difficult to adjust and clean.

For more information, check out the different types of braces for your teeth.

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How much do braces cost with and without insurance?

The price of braces can depend on whether you have dental insurance and the type of treatment your orthodontist recommends. It can also depend on the percentage of costs your dental plan will cover.

For example, if your dental plan covers 50% of the cost for braces, here’s what you could potentially pay out of pocket:

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Types of braces
Cost without insurance3
Cost with insurance
Metal braces
$3,000–$7,000
$1,500–$3,500
Ceramic braces
$4,000–$8,000
$2,000–$4,000
Lingual braces
$5,000–$13,000
$2,500–$6,500

Many orthodontists offer a free consultation where you can discuss pricing and insurance. If you want to use dental insurance to cover some of the cost, make sure to sign up for it before getting the braces. Your braces may not be covered if you begin treatment before getting insurance.

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. If you do find insurance coverage for adult braces, check for limitations such as a yearly or lifetime maximum benefit.

Note: Adults have denser bone tissue than children, so treatment may take a little longer.4

Potential benefits of braces

Braces are best known for creating beautiful smiles. However, they can also provide many health and emotional benefits once treatment is complete.

Here are some potential benefits of dental braces:

  • Prevent tooth decay, gum disease and bone erosion
  • Fix an overbite or underbite
  • Make brushing and flossing easier
  • Enhance digestive health
  • Improve speech
  • Improve self-confidence

Humana can help cover the cost of braces

If you’re looking to save money on braces, Humana can help. We offer a Dental Savings Plus dental discount plan that may provide discounts on braces. To see plans and prices in your area, check out our Dental Savings Plus plan.

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Sources

  1. “Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?,” Forbes, last accessed April 6, 2023, https://www.forbes.com/health/body/does-dental-insurance-cover-braces.
  2. “Adult Orthodontics,” American Dental Association, last accessed April 6, 2023, https://aaoinfo.org/adult-orthodontics/.
  3. “How Much Do Braces Cost? A Cost Breakdown of 3 Different Kinds of Braces,” GoodRX Health, last accessed April 6, 2023, https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/dental-care/how-much-do-braces-cost.
  4. “Adult Orthodontics.”