When it comes to dental care, one of the most significant costs for families with children or even adults seeking orthodontic treatment is braces. Fortunately, many dental insurance plans offer coverage for braces, which can help make this necessary treatment more affordable. In this article, we will explore the top 8 dental insurance plans that provide coverage for braces, how they work, and what to consider before choosing a plan.
The 8 Best Dental Insurance Plans That Cover Braces
1. Delta Dental PPO
Delta Dental PPO is one of the most well-known and widely accepted dental insurance providers. It offers comprehensive coverage for both preventative and major dental procedures, including braces.
What Delta Dental PPO Offers
Coverage for Braces: Delta Dental PPO covers both children and adults who need braces. The coverage typically includes metal and ceramic braces, but certain plans may have restrictions on the type of braces that are covered.
Network Providers: One of the advantages of this plan is its large network of providers. You can choose from a wide range of orthodontists and dental professionals across the country.
Flexible Payment Options: Delta Dental PPO provides flexibility with how you pay for your braces. They offer a range of options that may fit your financial situation.
Things to Keep in Mind
Waiting Period: Some plans may have a waiting period before you can access benefits for braces.
Annual Maximum: The plan might have an annual cap on the amount of coverage for orthodontics, which could impact the total cost of your treatment.
2. Cigna Dental PPO
Cigna offers a variety of dental insurance plans, and many of them include orthodontic coverage. Their PPO plan allows flexibility in choosing a dentist, which is ideal if you prefer seeing a specific orthodontist.
What Cigna Dental PPO Offers
Braces Coverage: Cigna covers braces for both children and adults, including treatment for misaligned teeth or jaw problems.
Comprehensive Care: In addition to covering braces, Cigna offers comprehensive care, including routine checkups, fillings, and other dental treatments.
Nationwide Access: Cigna has a vast network of providers, making it easy to find an in-network orthodontist.
Things to Keep in Mind
Waiting Period: Cigna plans typically have a waiting period for orthodontic coverage, so you may need to wait a year or more before you can access the benefits for braces.
Annual Limits: Like other plans, Cigna’s coverage has annual limits, which means they will only pay up to a certain amount for orthodontic treatments.
3. Humana Dental PPO
Humana offers a range of dental insurance plans, including those with orthodontic coverage. Their PPO plans are flexible, allowing you to choose your dentist from a large network of professionals.
What Humana Dental PPO Offers
Orthodontic Coverage: Humana covers orthodontic treatments, including braces, for both children and adults.
Affordable Premiums: One of the main benefits of Humana’s plans is their affordability. They offer low monthly premiums, which makes it easier for families on a budget.
Extensive Network: Humana has a broad network of dentists and orthodontists, so you have many options when selecting a provider.
Things to Keep in Mind
Waiting Period: There is often a waiting period before you can use your orthodontic coverage.
Orthodontic Limits: Humana may have limits on how much they will pay for braces, so it’s important to understand what is covered under your plan.
4. MetLife Dental Insurance
MetLife is a trusted name in insurance, offering dental plans that include orthodontic coverage for both children and adults.
What MetLife Dental Insurance Offers
Braces for Children and Adults: MetLife provides coverage for braces for both children and adults, which makes it a great option for families who need orthodontic care.
Network Flexibility: MetLife allows you to choose a dentist from their large network or even go out-of-network, though there may be higher costs if you choose to see an out-of-network provider.
Coverage for Other Services: In addition to orthodontic coverage, MetLife also covers preventive services, fillings, crowns, and other dental needs.
Things to Keep in Mind
Annual Coverage Limits: Like other plans, MetLife may have annual limits on orthodontic coverage.
Waiting Period: MetLife’s dental plans may have a waiting period before you can use orthodontic benefits, so it’s important to plan ahead.
5. Aetna Dental PPO
Aetna is another well-regarded provider of dental insurance. Their PPO plan includes coverage for braces, making it a great option for families who need orthodontic work.
What Aetna Dental PPO Offers
Braces Coverage: Aetna covers braces for both children and adults, offering various orthodontic treatments, including traditional metal braces and clear aligners.
Affordable Coverage: Aetna’s plans are designed to be affordable while still providing comprehensive coverage, which is beneficial for those seeking orthodontic care.
Large Network: Aetna has a large network of dental providers, so you can find an in-network orthodontist easily.
Things to Keep in Mind
Waiting Period: Aetna typically has a waiting period before orthodontic coverage kicks in, so you may need to wait a few months or even a year.
Coverage Limits: Be sure to check the annual maximum for orthodontic treatments, as it may vary depending on the plan.
6. Guardian Dental PPO
Guardian is known for offering flexible dental insurance plans that cover orthodontic treatment, including braces for both children and adults.
What Guardian Dental PPO Offers
Orthodontic Coverage: Guardian provides coverage for braces and other orthodontic treatments. They cover metal braces, clear braces, and sometimes aligners.
Flexible Plans: Guardian offers different plan options, which can help you find the right balance between premium cost and coverage benefits.
Extensive Provider Network: Guardian has a large network of dental professionals, so it’s easy to find an in-network orthodontist.
Things to Keep in Mind
Waiting Period: There may be a waiting period before you can use the orthodontic coverage, especially for adults.
Annual Coverage Limits: Guardian may limit the amount they will cover for orthodontics each year, so be sure to understand the limits of your plan.
7. Blue Cross Blue Shield Dental PPO
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is another popular option for dental insurance. Their PPO dental insurance plans cover a wide range of services, including braces.
What BCBS Dental PPO Offers
Braces Coverage: BCBS offers coverage for braces for both children and adults. They cover traditional braces, as well as other orthodontic treatments like clear aligners.
Large Network of Providers: BCBS has a nationwide network of dental providers, making it easy to find an in-network orthodontist.
Comprehensive Care: BCBS offers a wide range of dental care options, including preventative care, fillings, crowns, and root canals.
Things to Keep in Mind
Annual Limits: BCBS may have annual limits on orthodontic coverage, which could impact your total treatment cost.
Waiting Period: Like many other insurance providers, BCBS may have a waiting period before orthodontic benefits are available.
8. UnitedHealthcare Dental PPO
UnitedHealthcare provides comprehensive dental coverage, including orthodontic services for both children and adults. Their PPO plans give you flexibility in choosing providers.
What UnitedHealthcare Dental PPO Offers
Braces Coverage: UnitedHealthcare covers braces and orthodontic treatments for children and adults. They cover both traditional metal braces and clear braces.
Wide Network of Providers: UnitedHealthcare has a large network of orthodontists and dentists, which makes it easy to find a professional near you.
Affordable Premiums: UnitedHealthcare offers affordable premiums for its dental PPO plans, which can help make orthodontic care more accessible.
Things to Keep in Mind
Waiting Period: There may be a waiting period before you can use your orthodontic coverage, so it’s important to plan ahead.
Annual Limits: UnitedHealthcare may have a cap on the amount they cover for orthodontics, so make sure you understand the details of your plan.
Conclusion
When it comes to dental insurance that covers braces, there are many great options available. From Delta Dental PPO to UnitedHealthcare, each plan offers different benefits, network options, and coverage limits. Be sure to carefully consider your family’s needs and financial situation before choosing a plan. With the right coverage, you can make braces more affordable and ensure your family has access to the best orthodontic care available.
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