How does dental insurance work?

Dental insurance is a supplemental insurance policy that helps cover the costs of dental visits and procedures. Policyholders pay monthly premiums in exchange for coverage. If you get a dental policy from Aflac, you can receive extensive coverage for preventative, basic, and major services, from semi-annual cleanings and exams to oral surgery and implants.

Do dental insurance plans offer coverage for braces?

Braces are considered orthodontic services. This means that while some dental plans cover braces for children, many plans lack coverage for patients over age 18. Although Aflac dental insurance doesn’t cover orthodontics, we do cover a wide range of other treatments and procedures.

How much do braces cost with and without insurance?

The average cost of braces without insurance can range from $3,000 to $13,000. The material used for your braces can impact the cost. Dental plans that offer coverage for braces typically cover 50% of the cost, up to a $1,500 maximum. However, policies vary in coverage and caps.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?

Braces can help straighten your teeth and improve your oral health and confidence. However, orthodontic treatment can be expensive, and most dental insurance plans don’t cover braces for patients over 18¹. While Aflac's dental insurance doesn't provide orthodontic coverage, our plans can help lower the cost of many other dental services. Read on to learn how much braces cost and how to manage orthodontic expenses with and without insurance.

3 Min Read

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Braces can cost around $3,000 to $10,000 without insurance.²
Very few dental insurance plans cover orthodontic treatment for adults over the age of 18.¹
While Aflac's dental insurance doesn't cover braces, it can help lower the cost of many preventive, basic and major services.

How much do braces cost without insurance?

Braces typically cost between $3,000 and $10,000 without insurance.² Some factors that may influence their cost include:³

Orthodontist: Your orthodontist's location and experience can impact their pricing.
Complexity of treatment: If you have severe jaw misalignment or crowded teeth, your orthodontic care may cost more.
Length of wear: The longer you need to wear braces, the more appointments you’ll need to book with your orthodontist.
Materials: Metal braces are typically cheaper than ceramic or lingual braces.

Material	Cost (without insurance)
Metal	$3,000 - $7,000
Ceramic	$4,000 - $8,000
Lingual	$8,000 - $10,000

Peace of mind doesn't have to break the bank

Don't wait until it's too late. Protect yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.

Get Started

Does dental insurance cover braces?

Dental insurance for braces is less common for adults since many plans limit orthodontic coverage to patients under 18. Even when dental insurance covers braces, the level of coverage usually depends on the following factors:

Coinsurance: Plans that include orthodontic benefits often cover 25% to 50% of the treatment cost.
Annual maximums: Dental insurance plans often cap their coverage at a certain amount, typically around $1,500 maximum.³
Waiting periods: Some dental plans require you to wait several months before you become eligible for orthodontic benefits.

What does Aflac dental insurance cover?

Aflac's network dental insurance doesn't include orthodontic coverage. However, our plans can help you manage a wide variety of other dental services, including:

Preventive services, such as routine cleanings, exams and X-rays
Basic services, including fillings, simple extractions and emergency palliative care
Major services, including inlays, onlays, crowns and oral surgery

Aflac also offers supplemental dental insurance, which provides cash benefits for eligible services your primary plan doesn't cover.

How to find the right dental insurance plan.

Whether you’re looking for dental insurance that covers braces or a network plan for preventive services, it’s important to compare each policy's details before making your selection.

You can find the right plan for your needs by following these steps:

Compare coverage: Review what types of services each plan covers and in what amounts. For example, if you think you may need a specific treatment in the future, choose a plan that covers it.

Review the costs: Dental insurance plans with more comprehensive coverage often cost more. However, these policies may help you save more money over time by reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.

Weigh premiums against deductibles: Policies with higher premiums often have lower deductibles and vice versa. A high-premium plan may be better if you need more frequent services, while a low-premium plan with a higher deductible may save you money if you only need coverage for routine cleanings and exams.

Consider limitations or exclusions: Some policies may limit or exclude coverage for certain procedures. For example, many policies don’t cover braces for patients over 18.¹

Tips to manage the cost of braces without insurance.

If your dental insurance doesn’t cover braces, leveraging orthodontist payment plans, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can help you manage the costs. You may also find more affordable treatment at local dental schools.

Get a quote for Aflac dental insurance.

Dental insurance can help you get the dental treatment you need at a price you can afford. While most plans don’t cover braces for adult patients, the right policy can still help reduce your overall dental care costs over time.

Ready to find out if Aflac’s network dental insurance or supplemental dental insurance are right for you? Chat with an agent today to learn more and get a quote.

Get Started