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5 common questions about adult orthodontics

Jun 20, 2022

By Delta Dental

Adult orthodontics has become a popular benefit enhancement in recent years. Adults are opting for orthodontic treatments at higher numbers than ever before, and the number seeking treatment is expected to grow in the next decade.

If your plan covers adult orthodontics, your employees will have different questions than they would if they were seeking treatment for their kids. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about adult orthodontics.

Why would an adult need braces?

Braces can help to treat problems that weren’t treated when employees were younger. An adult with an overbite or underbite, crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw may benefit from orthodontic treatment. Left untreated, these issues may contribute to serious conditions such as tooth decay, headaches and earaches, chewing issues and gum disease.

Are adult orthodontics more expensive than treatment for kids?

The cost of braces depends on your plan. A  pre-treatment estimate  can provide employees a good sense of how much the costs will be before treatment begins. All employees need to do is ask their orthodontist’s office to submit a pre-treatment estimate to Delta Dental.

Members can also use the Cost Estimator to get a sense of how much their orthodontic treatment will cost.

Can employees visit any orthodontist? How can they find an orthodontist?

Employees with a Delta Dental PPO™ plan can see any licensed orthodontist, and they’ll usually save the most when they choose a Delta Dental orthodontist. To find one, employees can use the online dentist directory to search for dentists in the Delta Dental PPO network and then filter their results to orthodontists.

Employees with a DeltaCare® USA plan must see their chosen DeltaCare USA dentist for care or get a referral to a specialist for their care to be covered by their plan. If they’ve already begun orthodontic treatment outside of the DeltaCare USA network and have been banded, most plans allow them to continue that treatment with the same coverage and copayments as their previous plan. If banding has not yet taken place, the employee must visit a DeltaCare USA orthodontist and pay the copayments listed in their DeltaCare USA plan booklet.

Is Invisalign a covered benefit?

Yes. If your plan includes adult orthodontic coverage, “invisible aligners” like Invisalign are covered as a standard benefit. For plans where alternative appliances aren’t covered, Delta Dental usually covers some of the costs of orthodontic treatment, which can help to reduce employees’ overall expenses.

What kind of orthodontic coverage is included in Delta Dental plans?

As with costs, coverage varies, but most Delta Dental plans include:

  • Pre-orthodontic treatment visit
  • Exam and start-up records
  • X‑rays
  • Orthodontist-recommended tooth extractions
  • Comprehensive orthodontic treatment
  • Post-treatment records

Plans usually cover one set of post-treatment retainers. For two-phase orthodontic treatment plans, retainers are usually covered after each phase.

Adult orthodontics aren’t commonplace yet, but they don’t have to be confusing! With these questions answered, your clients will be better able to decide if orthodontic treatment is right for them.

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