Dental (Orthodontic) Braces Financial Assistance

Paying for orthodontia out-of-pocket is expensive with and without insurance. This adage holds for children and adults – although the insurance options for teenagers are much better.

Learn how dental insurance plans and our federal tax system work together to help lower your out-of-pocket costs. 

Parents often need to leave no stone unturned when looking for resources.


Sponsored Listing


Articles on this Topic

Female patient at the orthodontist

Does Medicaid Cover Braces? (Invisalign, Adults, Kids)

Paying for orthodontic braces is expensive for any family regardless of the resources at their disposal.

Therefore, low-income households will find the treatment costs unaffordable. Fortunately, Medicaid covers dental braces throughout the country, but with two critically different standards, with plenty of variation state-by-state.

Learn the rules in your region.

Smiling hands asking for help

Free Braces Programs For Adults, Kids: Medicaid & More

Orthodontia can be very difficult to afford – especially for low-income families. Your children need straight teeth to build self-esteem and succeed later in life.

Forms of financial assistance and government grants are difficult to find because they do not always come with clear, conspicuous labels. They do exist under aliases.
before and after girl with braces

Monthly Payment Plans For Braces: Orthodontic Financing

Paying for braces can prove challenging for parents without dental insurance that covers orthodontia.

Even those with coverage still face significant unreimbursed expenses. Financing options include personal loans, credit cards, Flexible Spending Accounts, and orthodontist-sponsored incremental billing.

Patients with bad credit or no history on their consumer report face obstacles they can overcome with planning.
man asking "Is it necessary?"

Getting Orthodontic Braces Covered By Medical Insurance

The article guides how to get orthodontic braces covered by medical insurance. Patients without dental coverage can make orthodontic treatment affordable by demonstrating that the procedure is medically necessary.

Adults face the steepest hurdles, as the list of medically necessary reasons is shorter, but payment plans and dental insurance are viable alternatives. Children under nineteen have more opportunities to get health insurance to cover braces because the list of medically necessary orthodontic procedures is longer.

Insurance for Adult Orthodontic Braces: No Waiting Period

Dental insurance plans that cover adult orthodontic braces without a waiting period are uncommon and may have limitations. Payment plans, savings plans, and HSAs are alternative options to make treatment more affordable.

Health insurance and Medicaid may cover adult orthodontia when medically necessary. The Guardian offers dental insurance covering braces for adults over 19 without waiting periods, but it is only available in four states and may not significantly lower costs.
man with braces looking through magnifying glass

Finding Local Orthodontists Accepting Medicaid for Braces

Two factors determine whether you can find an orthodontist in your area that accepts Medicaid: the reason for treatment and the person’s age needing braces. You will not find a provider if Medicaid does not pay for treatment.

For instance, adults will need a medically necessary reason, while a handicapping malocclusion will suffice for your teenager or child.