How much is this going to cost?
The cost range for braces can vary greatly for each type:
Metal braces (traditional braces) : $3,500 - 6,000
Ceramic braces : $4,000 - 6,500
Lingual braces : $8,000 - 10,000
Invisalign : $3,500 - 6,000
Prices depend on where you live – orthodontists in more rural areas are often less expensive than ones in larger cities - and may be at the orthodontist's discretion.
How can I pay for braces?
Does health or dental insurance cover braces? If you have health or dental insurance, check with your provider. Most health plans don't pay for orthodontic treatment for people over 18 years old, but they do partially cover children under age 18. If your dental or health plan does not include orthodontic coverage, you can also buy
supplemental orthodontic insurance.
For any plan, be sure to ask about the percentage they cover and the lifetime maximum. The amount of coverage varies greatly, but a common figure is 50% coverage with a $1500 lifetime maximum per child.
It's also recommended that you keep the same insurance plan during your entire orthodontic treatment. Most orthodontic coverage will not cover braces if they have already been applied to the teeth prior to the effective date of the policy.
If my insurance doesn't cover it, can I deduct the cost? As long as they're considered medically necessary (and
braces, unlike whitening treatment and veneers, count), dental health care costs are tax deductible. However, the cost has to exceed a certain amount before you can begin deducting it (7.5 percent of line 37 on Form 1040, your
adjusted gross income. Keep track of even small expenses, like co-pays and check-ups, because these can add
up.
What about Medicaid? If you qualify for Medicaid and braces are deemed medically necessary, Medicaid may cover
them. Be sure to ask about the percentage of coverage and the lifetime maximum.
The cost range for braces can vary greatly for each type:
Metal braces (traditional braces) : $3,500 - 6,000
Ceramic braces : $4,000 - 6,500
Lingual braces : $8,000 - 10,000
Invisalign : $3,500 - 6,000
Prices depend on where you live – orthodontists in more rural areas are often less expensive than ones in larger cities - and may be at the orthodontist's discretion.
How can I pay for braces?
Does health or dental insurance cover braces? If you have health or dental insurance, check with your provider. Most health plans don't pay for orthodontic treatment for people over 18 years old, but they do partially cover children under age 18. If your dental or health plan does not include orthodontic coverage, you can also buy
supplemental orthodontic insurance.
For any plan, be sure to ask about the percentage they cover and the lifetime maximum. The amount of coverage varies greatly, but a common figure is 50% coverage with a $1500 lifetime maximum per child.
It's also recommended that you keep the same insurance plan during your entire orthodontic treatment. Most orthodontic coverage will not cover braces if they have already been applied to the teeth prior to the effective date of the policy.
If my insurance doesn't cover it, can I deduct the cost? As long as they're considered medically necessary (and
braces, unlike whitening treatment and veneers, count), dental health care costs are tax deductible. However, the cost has to exceed a certain amount before you can begin deducting it (7.5 percent of line 37 on Form 1040, your
adjusted gross income. Keep track of even small expenses, like co-pays and check-ups, because these can add
up.
What about Medicaid? If you qualify for Medicaid and braces are deemed medically necessary, Medicaid may cover
them. Be sure to ask about the percentage of coverage and the lifetime maximum.
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