New Patients
Insurance Information
We work with most major dental insurance plans that include orthodontic benefits. Our team handles the verification and billing so you can focus on your treatment — not the paperwork.
How It Works
We do the insurance work for you
Insurance for orthodontic treatment works differently than regular dental insurance. It can be confusing — waiting periods, lifetime maximums, coordination of benefits. Our team deals with this every day and will walk you through exactly what your plan covers before you make any decisions.
1
We verify your benefits before your visit
Share your insurance information when you schedule and we will confirm your orthodontic benefits in advance — so there are no surprises at your consultation.
2
We explain your coverage clearly
At your consultation, our treatment coordinator will walk you through what your plan covers, what your out-of-pocket cost will be, and how your benefit applies to your specific treatment.
2
We file claims on your behalf
Once treatment begins, we submit claims directly to your insurer. You pay your portion — we handle all communication and paperwork with the insurance company.
2
We help if issues arise
If a claim is delayed, denied, or requires follow-up, our team advocates on your behalf and keeps you informed throughout the process.
Understanding Your Plan
Key insurance terms explained
Orthodontic Lifetime Maximum
The total dollar amount your insurance will pay toward orthodontic treatment in your lifetime. Once used, this benefit does not renew. Common amounts range from $1,000 to $2,500. This applies per covered person — so each family member has their own maximum.
Waiting Period
Some plans require you to be enrolled for a set period — often 12 months — before orthodontic benefits become active. If you recently changed insurance plans, this is worth checking. We can verify this when we confirm your benefits.
Coinsurance
Most orthodontic benefits pay a percentage of the treatment fee rather than a flat amount. Common splits are 50/50 — meaning the plan covers 50% up to the lifetime maximum, and you pay the rest.
Age Limits
Some plans only cover orthodontic treatment for dependents under a certain age — commonly 18 or 19. Adult orthodontic coverage varies widely by plan. We will check your specific plan's age provisions when we verify your benefits.
Coordination of Benefits
If a patient is covered under two insurance plans — for example, a child covered by both parents' employers — we coordinate between plans to maximize what is covered. Bring both cards and we handle the rest.
FSA and HSA accounts accepted
Orthodontic treatment is an eligible expense under Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA). Using pre-tax dollars effectively reduces your real out-of-pocket cost — sometimes significantly, depending on your tax bracket.
If you have an FSA with a use-it-or-lose-it deadline, starting treatment before year-end can be a smart way to put those funds to work. Let us know if timing matters for your account and we will do our best to accommodate.
No insurance? We have you covered.
A significant number of our patients pay entirely out of pocket — and we designed our payment options with that in mind. Flexible in-house payment plans, low down payment options, and transparent pricing mean that insurance is helpful but never a requirement for getting great care.
FAQ
Insurance Questions Answered
Do you accept my insurance?
We work with most major dental insurance plans that include orthodontic benefits. The best way to confirm is to call us with your insurance card handy — our team will verify your benefits before your consultation at no charge.
What is an orthodontic lifetime maximum?
Most dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits include a lifetime maximum — a fixed dollar amount the plan will pay toward orthodontic treatment once in a lifetime. Common amounts range from $1,000 to $2,500. Once used, that benefit does not renew.
Does insurance cover clear aligners?
Many plans that cover braces also cover clear aligners, since both are orthodontic treatment. Coverage depends on your specific plan. We will verify this for you when we check your benefits.
Can I use my FSA or HSA for orthodontic treatment?
Yes. Orthodontic treatment is an eligible expense under most Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA). Using pre-tax dollars effectively reduces your out-of-pocket cost.
What if I have no orthodontic insurance?
Many of our patients pay entirely out of pocket. We offer flexible in-house payment plans and low down payment options to make treatment accessible regardless of insurance status. Visit our Cost & Financing page for details.
My child is on one plan and I am on another — how does that work?
If your child is covered under two plans, we will coordinate benefits between both to maximize what is covered. Bring both insurance cards to your consultation and our team will handle the verification.
Will you handle the insurance billing for me?
Yes. We submit claims directly to your insurance company on your behalf. You are responsible for your portion — we handle the paperwork and communication with the insurer.
What if my insurance denies the claim?
Insurance denials happen for a variety of reasons, and many can be appealed. Our team will work with you and your insurer to resolve issues and help you understand your options if a claim is denied.
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