Should I Wait Until 2024 For My Child to Get Braces?
When it comes to your child’s smile, they deserve the same great care and service as you, right? Knowing that they are in trusted hands helps to alleviate some of the fear and uncertainty that can come with oral healthcare. So, when you learn that they need braces, it’s likely the first question you ask is, “Will my dental insurance cover the cost?” Keep reading to find out how much you’ll need to pay out of pocket as well as why you shouldn’t wait until the new year to get started.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Orthodontic Treatment?
The truth is that not all dental insurance companies offer orthodontic treatment as part of their standard plans. However, if you have a child who is 18 years of age or younger, you will find that various companies are required, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), to offer a means for individuals to purchase dental insurance. As to whether these plans provide orthodontic coverage, it is different for each.
While some may agree to cover the actual procedure, others will often require that you be responsible for co-payments.
The most effective way to determine whether your plan includes this type of coverage or not is to review it with a professional. Knowing whether there are limitations, exclusions, specific conditions, and an age limit is essential to ensuring you save the most money.
Why Not Wait Until 2024 to Start the Braces Process?
It’s natural for children to try and dissuade parents from moving forward with any kind of procedure or treatment that might otherwise hinder their “free time.” With the holidays quickly approaching, they may be thinking about time spent out of school and how they don’t want to “waste it” sitting at home dealing with new braces.
However, waiting until 2024 will only result in greater financial stress. So, although your child or teen may be pleading with you to hold off just another month or two, here are a few reasons to go ahead and get started:
- Orthodontic benefits expire just like regular dental benefits. If you do not use the available funds allotted to you (or your child) before the end of the year, they are returned to the insurance company. This will require that you meet your deductible (again) at the start of the year before they agree to pay more for treatment.
- Your child’s smile will get a jump start on moving in the right direction. While they may not view it as a positive thing, starting the process now puts them one step closer to seeing positive, healthier, and more beautiful results.
- Many orthodontic plans cover other forms of treatment should your child need additional care before receiving braces, such as tooth removal for overcrowding, orthodontic appliances (i.e., retainers), space maintainers, and even jaw repositioning appliances. By taking advantage of the available benefits now, you can avoid additional costs in the coming year.
Don’t let these last few months in 2023 pass by without scheduling an orthodontic visit for your child. Getting them the treatment they need now will not only put them closer to a healthier smile but will also minimize the amount of money you spend in the long run.
About the Practice
The dental team at Indy Dental Group wants you to get the most out of your dental insurance plan, which is why we work to identify ways you can save. By helping you maximize your benefits, we can help you avoid high out-of-pocket costs while ensuring you get the care you need. If you’re unsure how to navigate your policy or need help filing a claim, contact us at (317) 846-6125.