Your Orthodontic Journey: Questions Uncovered

To find an orthodontist who takes your insurance you can:

• Call AAO orthodontists to ask if they accept your insurance
• Contact your insurance company and request a list of their providers

Just because an insurance company lists someone as a provider of orthodontic treatment, it does not guarantee that the doctor is an orthodontist. To be sure any provider truly is an orthodontist, use the American Association of Orthodontists’ (AAO) Find an Orthodontist service. The AAO only admits orthodontists, who have training in the orthodontic specialty, as members. Selecting an AAO orthodontist for orthodontic care is your assurance that the doctor is an orthodontist.

Yes, you can purchase orthodontic insurance.

Many people have dental insurance that includes orthodontic benefits, usually provided by their employer. Such insurance covers a portion or percentage of the fee for orthodontic treatment, many times there may be a specific dollar amount or lifetime cap.   If your dental insurance is through your employer, your human resources department may be able to provide coverage details. The information can also be obtained directly from the insurance company. With your permission, the orthodontist may be able to confirm your insurance benefits for you, such as:

• The amount of coverage or the percentage of the fee covered
• If there any limitations to your coverage are specified
• Whether you are required to choose from the insurance company’s providers

Not all providers used by insurance companies to provide orthodontic treatment are orthodontists. To be sure any provider you are interested in using is an orthodontist, check the Find an Orthodontist service, where you will find members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). The AAO only admits orthodontic specialists as members.

Yes, funds from flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts can be used to pay for orthodontic treatment. Talk to your orthodontist about how to make the best use of your benefits.

A down payment may or may not be required. Speak with your orthodontist or their team members about payment plans that are offered.

Yes, most orthodontists offer a variety of payment plans to make orthodontic care fit your budget. Payment plans offered can vary from orthodontist to orthodontist.

Some orthodontists’ fees are all-inclusive, and some are not. Talk to your orthodontist and ask what his/her fee covers, and if there is anything the fee does not cover.