
If you're an adult considering orthodontic treatment, you're probably wondering if your dental insurance will cover the cost of braces. According to our research, many dental insurance plans do cover orthodontic treatment for adults, but the extent of coverage varies.
Typically, dental insurance plans have a lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontic treatment, which can range from $1,000 to $3,000. This means that if you've already had orthodontic treatment as a child, your insurance may not cover the full cost of braces as an adult. In fact, some plans may not cover orthodontic treatment at all if you've had it before.
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Does Insurance Cover Braces?
Insurance coverage for a second set of braces is not one-size-fits-all. If you've already reached your lifetime orthodontic maximum with your first set of braces, then you might not be able to get braces again.
Check the specifics of your insurance plan, as it might have changed since your first set of braces. You might be surprised to find more coverage available now. Get in touch with your provider to find out.
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Even if your insurance won't cover another complete treatment, it might still cover a portion of it. Some insurance plans might cover a second round of braces if you switched insurance providers after your first set was not covered.
If your dentist or health insurance covers the second set of braces due to medical necessity, more coverage might be available. This is a good option to explore if you need a second round of braces for health reasons.
Here are some possible scenarios to consider:
- Check your policy for age limits or specific conditions for orthodontic coverage.
- Speak with your insurance provider to understand how different types of braces are covered.
- Consider payment plans or flexible spending accounts to manage out-of-pocket costs for braces not fully covered by insurance.
Keep in mind that insurance coverage for braces can be complex, and it's essential to have a chat with your orthodontist and insurance provider to navigate the details of your coverage.
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Understanding Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontic treatments like braces are commonly used to straighten teeth and improve oral health. Proper care is essential for successful treatment.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial, including brushing and flossing regularly to prevent plaque buildup. Regular orthodontic checkups can also help identify and address any issues that may arise.
Proper orthodontic care can enhance overall functionality and improve the appearance of your smile.
What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on aligning teeth and correcting bite issues.
Proper care is essential for successful orthodontic treatment. This includes maintaining excellent oral hygiene and attending regular checkups.
Treatments like braces are commonly used to straighten teeth, improve oral health, and enhance overall functionality.
Which Orthodontic Treatments Are Covered?
Orthodontic treatments can be a significant investment, and it's essential to understand what's covered by your plan. Not all dental benefits and dental insurance plans include orthodontic coverage, so be sure to check your plan documents for coverage details.
Your coverage will depend on your specific plan, and some plans have a work-in-progress exclusion, which means they won't cover treatment that started when you were covered by another plan. If your plan doesn't have this exclusion, coverage will be determined based on what's covered by your Aetna dental plan, your current treatment stage, and how much your prior dental plan has paid so far.
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If you're an Aetna DMO member, coverage will be determined at the DMO in-network benefit level. To determine your coverage, you'll need to send us a pre-treatment estimate from your prior dental plan and a claim form with your prior plan's information.
Here's a breakdown of how orthodontic coverage works if you switch between plans:
Factors Affecting Cost and Coverage
Dental insurance plans often cover certain types of dental braces, but the extent of coverage depends on your specific policy. This means that the cost of braces with insurance can vary significantly.
The type of braces you choose is a major factor in determining the cost. Traditional metal braces are the most affordable, while clear aligners and lingual braces are more expensive.
Here are some estimated costs for different types of braces with insurance:
The duration and complexity of your treatment can also impact the cost. Longer treatment times and more complex cases can increase the overall cost.
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Factors Affecting Cost

The type of braces is a significant factor in determining the cost. Traditional metal braces are the most affordable, with a cost of $3,000 – $7,000 without insurance, and $1,500 – $3,500 with insurance.
Ceramic braces are more expensive, with a cost of $4,000 – $8,000 without insurance, and $2,000 – $4,000 with insurance. Lingual braces are the most expensive, with a cost of $5,000 – $13,000 without insurance, and $3,000 – $6,000 with insurance.
The treatment duration is another factor that affects the cost. Longer treatment times can increase the overall cost.
Here's a breakdown of the average monthly cost for each type of braces with insurance:
The complexity of the case also affects the cost. Severe misalignment or bite issues may require additional treatment, leading to higher costs.
5 Reasons for a Second Round
You may need a second round of braces if you've previously had them removed and your teeth have shifted due to wisdom teeth coming in. This is because wisdom teeth can push against other teeth, causing them to move out of place.
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Gum disease is another reason you might need a second round of braces. If you have gum disease, you'll need to treat it before getting braces, and even then, you may still need additional orthodontic treatment.
Removing wisdom teeth early can prevent teeth from shifting, but if the damage is already done, you may need to get braces again. This can be a hassle, but it's often the best option for achieving a straight smile.
You can get a second round of braces or another orthodontic method to correct the problem, but it's ultimately up to you to decide what's best for your teeth.
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Cost with/without Insurance
Braces can be a significant investment, but understanding the costs involved can help you plan better. If you have dental insurance, it can make a big difference in your out-of-pocket expenses.
The cost of braces without insurance can range from $3,000 to $13,000, depending on the type of braces you choose. Here's a breakdown of the costs for different types of braces:
If you've already had braces and are wondering if your insurance will cover a second round, the answer is it depends on your insurance policies. Most dental insurance plans have a lifetime maximum for orthodontic treatment, so if you've already hit that max, you might be out of luck.
Insurance Coverage and Options
If you've already had braces and are wondering if you can get them again, it's essential to check your insurance plan. Most dental insurance plans have a lifetime maximum for orthodontic treatment, so if you've already hit that max, you might be out of luck for round two.
Your insurance provider might still cover some of the costs, even if they won't cover a full treatment. You can ask your provider about your coverage and explore your options.
If you changed insurance providers after your first set of braces, your new provider might cover a second round because they didn't pay for the first. This is a good reason to have a chat with your orthodontist and insurance provider to see what's possible.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Check your policy for age limits or specific conditions for orthodontic coverage.
- Speak with your insurance provider to understand how different types of braces are covered.
- Consider payment plans or flexible spending accounts to manage out-of-pocket costs for braces not fully covered by insurance.
Can You Get Insured Again?
Most dental insurance plans have a lifetime maximum for orthodontic treatment. If you've already hit that max with your first round of braces, you might be out of luck for round two.

You can still explore your options by checking the specifics of your insurance plan. Get in touch with your provider and ask about your coverage. If your policy has changed since your first set of dental braces, more coverage might be available now.
Even if your insurance won't cover another full treatment, it might still cover some of the costs. This is why it's essential to have a chat with your orthodontist and your insurance provider.
If you changed insurance providers after your first set of braces, your new provider might cover a second round because they didn't pay for the first. This is a possibility you should discuss with your insurance provider.
In some cases, if the second set of braces is due to medical necessity, more coverage might be available through your dental plan or health insurance. This is something to bring up with your orthodontist and insurance provider.
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Types of Coverage

Insurance coverage for braces can vary greatly depending on your specific policy. You might not be able to get braces again if you've already reached your lifetime orthodontic maximum with your first set of braces.
However, it's not a lost cause. If your insurance plan has changed since your first set of braces, more coverage might be available now. Your insurance provider can help you navigate your policy details and explain your options.
You might also be covered for a second round of braces if you switched insurance providers after your first set was not covered. This is a good opportunity to review your new policy and understand what's covered.
If your dentist or health insurance covers the second set of braces due to medical necessity, more coverage might be available. This is a crucial factor to consider when discussing your options with your orthodontist and insurance provider.
Here are some key factors to consider when reviewing your insurance policy:
- Check your policy for age limits or specific conditions for orthodontic coverage.
- Speak with your insurance provider to understand how different types of braces are covered.
- Consider payment plans or flexible spending accounts to manage out-of-pocket costs for braces not fully covered by insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a limit to how many times you can get braces?
There is no limit to the number of times you can get braces, as long as your oral health remains good. A second round of treatment can be a comfortable and efficient process with modern orthodontic technology.
Sources
- https://patuxentorthodontics.com/can-i-get-braces-a-second-time/
- https://loudounorthodontics.com/can-i-get-braces-a-second-time/
- https://www.gireorthodontics.com/blog/do-i-need-braces-again/
- https://www.aetna.com/faqs-health-insurance/orthodontic-care-faqs.html
- https://www.charmdentalcare.com/does-dental-insurance-cover-braces/
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