Here's the catch: not all dental plans treat orthodontics the same way. Some exclude it entirely. Others cap coverage at a few hundred dollars. Picking the wrong plan means paying full price anyway.
This guide breaks down which carriers actually offer meaningful orthodontic benefits, how to evaluate a plan before you buy, and what to do if insurance still leaves a gap.
TL;DR
- PPO plans usually offer the broadest orthodontic benefits, though coverage still varies by plan
- Most plans cap ortho benefits with lifetime maximums and 12+ month waiting periods
- Compare Delta Dental, Cigna, Humana, Guardian, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare for ortho riders
- Discount plans, payment plans, and HSA/FSA funds can close coverage gaps
- Network size, coverage percentage, and age limits matter more than brand name
Overview of Dental Insurance for Orthodontics in the US
Orthodontic insurance is coverage, usually added as a rider, that helps pay for braces, clear aligners, or retainers used to fix misalignment. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners notes that orthodontic benefits are generally sold as a rider, meaning you often need a base dental plan before you can even add one.
The gap between need and coverage is real. The American Association of Orthodontists estimates 4 million people in the US currently need or already have braces.
Meanwhile, KFF's 2024 survey found that 37% of ACA Marketplace enrollees delayed or skipped dental care due to cost. Health insurance alone does not guarantee dental coverage—and it rarely covers orthodontics.
So which carriers actually deliver? Let's look at the major players.
Top Dental Insurance Providers for Orthodontics and Braces
These rankings weigh coverage percentage, network size, lifetime maximums, and whether adults (not just kids) qualify.
Delta Dental
Delta Dental runs one of the largest dental networks in the country, with orthodontic riders available on select plans.
- DeltaCare USA Essential: lifetime maximums of $2,100 per adult and $1,900 per child, with no waiting period
- Protect Propel: separate orthodontic deductible and lifetime max, but coverage doesn't start until year 3 (year 2 for New York residents)
- Protect Plus and Protect: exclude orthodontia entirely
| Coverage Type | Lifetime Max Example | Network |
|---|---|---|
| DeltaCare USA Essential (child/adult) | $1,900-$2,100 | Requires primary dentist + referrals |
| Protect Propel | Varies by state | PPO, any dentist |
Cigna Dental
Cigna's dental plans, some now offered under the HealthSpring Dental Insurance brand, bundle orthodontic riders into select PPO tiers.
- Some HealthSpring plans provide up to $5,000 in annual coverage with no waiting periods
- National PPO network includes 85,000+ dentists
| Coverage Type | Waiting Period | Plan Tiers |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Cigna orthodontic rider | Often 12 months | Varies by state and plan |
| HealthSpring Dental | None on select plans | PPO |
Humana Dental
Humana leans toward affordability, pairing partial orthodontic coverage with discount options for those without full benefits.
- Plans with orthodontic benefits usually provide partial coverage, especially for dependents under 18
- Complete PPO plan offers access to 135,000 dentists and specialists
- Dental Savings Plus offers discounted rates when a full rider isn't available
| Coverage Type | Discount Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Orthodontic rider (dependents) | Partial coverage | State-specific availability |
| Dental Savings Plus | Negotiated discount | No insurance-style maximum |
Guardian Dental
Guardian's Advantage PPO tiers publish clear orthodontic coverage percentages, which makes plan comparison easier.
- Advantage Premier 2.0: 60% in-network / 50% out-of-network, 12-month wait, $750 yearly max, $1,500 lifetime max
- Diamond 2.0 and Achiever 2.0: 50% / 40%, same wait, $500 yearly max, $1,000 lifetime max
- Core and Starter tiers exclude orthodontia
- Orthodontic benefit generally applies to dependents under 19 only
| Coverage Type | Age Limits | Annual Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Advantage Premier 2.0 | Under 19 | $750 |
| Diamond/Achiever 2.0 | Under 19 | $500 |
Aetna/UnitedHealthcare Dental
Both carriers run large PPO and DHMO networks, though public orthodontic details are less specific than Guardian's.
- Aetna's DMO orthodontic benefit uses a 24-month lifetime plan maximum
- UnitedHealthcare doesn't publish a universal orthodontic percentage; waiting periods for basic/major services can run 4-12 months
| Coverage Type | Network Access | Lifetime Max |
|---|---|---|
| Aetna DMO orthodontics | Contracted dentists only | 24-month plan max |
| UHC PPO | Nationwide, out-of-network allowed | Varies by state |
How We Chose the Best Dental Insurance for Orthodontics
Most people shop for dental insurance by looking at the monthly premium first. That's a mistake. A cheap plan that excludes orthodontics, or caps it at $500, isn't actually cheap once braces enter the picture.
Our evaluation prioritized:
- Coverage percentage and dollar caps, not just plan name recognition
- Network breadth, specifically whether in-network orthodontists are available, not just general dentists
- Waiting periods, since many plans delay orthodontic benefits by 12 months or more
- Age eligibility, because several riders apply only to dependents under 19
- Medically necessary vs. cosmetic distinctions, which affect whether a claim gets approved at all
Comparing across 40+ partner carriers, including Cigna, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare, surfaces better matches than sticking with a single brand.
Affordable Alternatives If Insurance Doesn't Cover Enough
Even the best orthodontic rider often leaves a gap. A few ways to close it:
- Dental discount/savings plans: Not insurance, but membership access to pre-negotiated rates (Delta Dental cites a 40% discount example). No deductible or waiting period, though networks run smaller.
- Provider financing: CareCredit and similar programs spread orthodontic costs into monthly payments, subject to credit approval.
- HSA/FSA funds: IRS Publication 502 classifies braces as a qualified dental expense, so you can pay with tax-free dollars when insurance does not also reimburse the cost.
- Bundled ACA marketplace plans: Some medical plans include dental and vision benefits. Nearly 50 million Americans already get coverage through ACA exchanges. TrueCost Group helps people review these options at no cost; many qualify for plans starting at $0/month.
Conclusion
There's no single "best" orthodontic insurance plan: the right fit depends on your age, treatment type, and budget. A plan with a great reputation but a 24-month wait and a $500 lifetime max might cost you more in the end than a lesser-known carrier with better orthodontic terms.
Before enrolling, compare:
- Network access (is your orthodontist actually in-network?)
- Lifetime and annual maximums
- Waiting periods and age eligibility rules
If you're not sure where to start, TrueCost Group's licensed advisors can help you compare dental plans with orthodontic benefits and find affordable coverage options, often in the $0–$50/month range for qualifying individuals, at no cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest price to get braces?
Clear aligners average around $5,108, while metal braces run higher at $6,343. Without insurance, a dental discount plan is usually the cheapest route, offering pre-negotiated rates through participating orthodontists.
What is the typical payment plan for braces?
Most orthodontic offices offer in-house monthly installment plans, often spreading costs over 12-24 months. Third-party financing like CareCredit is another common option, subject to credit approval.
Do any dental plans cover 100%?
Most plans cover preventive care, like cleanings and exams, at 100%. Orthodontics is almost always partial, with 50% coverage being a common (though not universal) benchmark.
Is orthodontics ever covered by insurance?
Yes, but usually through a specific rider rather than standard dental coverage. Some plans distinguish between medically necessary orthodontics and cosmetic treatment, which can affect approval.
What insurance has the best orthodontic coverage?
PPO plans from major carriers like Delta Dental, Cigna, and Guardian tend to offer the broadest orthodontic benefits, though exact terms vary by state and plan tier.
How can I get braces if I can't afford it?
Combine a dental discount plan with an in-house payment plan to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Community dental schools and nonprofit programs for children under 18 are also worth exploring.
