Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces? What To Know

While it’s common to see children and teens wearing braces, orthodontic treatment is becoming increasingly popular among adults as well. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, 32% of orthodontic patients in 2023 were adults.¹ Just two years earlier, adults comprised only 25% of orthodontics patients in the country. While dental insurance plans may include coverage for children's braces, many policies won't cover the same treatment for adults. Let’s learn more about dental insurance for braces and how it works for adults. 

Dental insurance basics 

 A dental insurance policy or plan helps you pay for dental care, including preventative care, basic services, and major services, in exchange for a monthly premium. Policyholders may often pay a deductible or minimum sum towards their dental care expenses, after which the insurance pays for the rest. 

 Types of dental insurance 

 Dental insurance policies can vary significantly based on factors like the insurance provider and the policy type. We've broken down a few categories below. 

 Primary vs. supplemental coverage 

 Primary dental insurance is designed to cover routine dental care such as routine checkups and more. Supplemental dental insurance helps fill gaps in your coverage by offering a cash benefit to help you pay for treatments your primary policy may not. 

 Dental insurance: PPO vs HMO  

 A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan may offer a wider network of dentists and allow you to see specialists without referrals. PPOs may also have slightly higher premiums. A Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan typically costs less, but it restricts you to in-network providers. You may also need to be referred by a primary care physician. 

 How does dental coverage for braces work? 

 The first thing to remember is that not all dental insurance plans are the same. Some dental insurance plans may offer orthodontic coverage, while others may not. Coverage protocols for braces may vary by policy type, insurer, treatment specifications, and other factors. Here are some conditions you may come across while researching insurance coverage for braces:

• Limited coverage: Some plans may offer partial coverage for braces. These plans can help manage the cost of braces, but you'll still pay some money out of pocket. Other plans may have a lifetime maximum for orthodontic treatments.  
• Age limitations: Dental insurance policies may restrict orthodontic coverage to minors. This means that while kids on the plan get coverage for braces, adults may not. 
• Medical necessity: You may be able to find dental insurance plans that cover braces for adults with the requirement that they must be medically necessary (rather than for aesthetic reasons only). 
• No coverage: In many cases, dental plans may not cover braces for adults at all. In this case, you may need add-ons to help pay for braces.  

How to get coverage for braces with dental insurance 

The minimum cost for braces is usually around $3,000.² You may be able to get coverage for braces with dental under the right circumstances:  

• Review your policy: If you already have dental insurance, review your policy details to find out if braces are covered. Look out for any mention of orthodontic coverage. If you're still unsure, call your insurance company and find out if braces are covered and if coverage is conditional. 
• Choose the right policy: Some insurers do offer coverage for orthodontic treatments. If you’re in the market for dental insurance, you can seek out an insurer that offers coverage for braces and orthodontic treatments if possible. 
• Get add-ons: Some primary dental insurance policies may not cover braces, but insurers may give you the option to add orthodontic care at an additional cost. 
• Consider pre-authorization: Some insurance providers may need to see proof of braces being medically necessary to offer coverage for them. Your dentist or orthodontist can share documentation, such as X-rays and treatment plans, with your insurer for approval.  

If you’re planning to get braces but are not sure how to get dental insurance that covers orthodontics, consider talking to your dental care provider for more information or reach out to an insurance agent. Finding the right dental insurance plan may take some time and research, but it can be worth the effort to get coverage for treatments you need.  

Sources: 

¹ Yahoo Lifestyle – Welcome to the Adult Braces Boom. Updated January 25, 2024. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/welcome-adult-braces-boom-192753298.html. Accessed June 5, 2025. 

² Investopedia - Best Dental Insurance for Braces of 2025. Updated March 27, 2025. https://www.investopedia.com/the-best-dental-insurance-for-braces-11698156. Accessed June 5, 2025. 

Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.? 

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Dental, A82000 series: In Delaware, Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In Oklahoma, Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK. In Virginia, Policies A82100RVA–A82400RVA. 

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