Best Dental Insurance for Orthodontics: Adult Braces and Invisalign

If you are an adult considering braces or Invisalign, finding the right dental insurance plan can save you thousands of dollars. But orthodontic coverage works very differently from regular dental benefits. It has its own maximums, its own waiting periods, and its own set of rules that catch many consumers off guard.

This guide compares the best dental insurance plans for orthodontic treatment, explains how ortho benefits work, and walks you through every option for making adult braces affordable. If you want to understand the basics of whether dental insurance covers braces, start there before diving into plan comparisons.

How Orthodontic Coverage Differs from Regular Dental Benefits

Orthodontic coverage is not just another line item in your dental plan. It operates under a completely separate structure from your preventive, basic, and major dental benefits. Understanding these differences is essential before you start shopping for a plan.

Regular dental insurance uses an annual maximum, typically $1,000 to $2,000 per year, that resets every plan year. You can learn more about how the dental insurance annual maximum works in our detailed guide. Orthodontic coverage, by contrast, uses a lifetime maximum. This is a one-time benefit that does not reset. Once you have used it, it is gone for good, even if you remain on the plan for decades.

Most plans set the lifetime orthodontic maximum between $1,000 and $3,000. The coinsurance rate for orthodontics is typically 50%, meaning the plan pays half the cost up to the lifetime cap. Some premium plans offer maximums of $2,500 to $3,000, while budget plans may cap at $1,000 or $1,500.

Here is a critical point: the orthodontic maximum is separate from and in addition to your regular annual dental maximum. If your plan has a $1,500 annual maximum for regular dental and a $2,000 lifetime ortho maximum, you can potentially use both in the same year. The ortho benefit does not reduce your regular dental benefits.

The Lifetime Orthodontic Maximum Explained

The lifetime orthodontic maximum is the single most important number to look at when comparing plans for orthodontic coverage. This figure determines the absolute most your insurance will ever pay toward braces or aligners. Plans on the market today typically fall into three tiers.

• Budget tier ($1,000 to $1,500): These plans offer the lowest ortho maximums. At 50% coinsurance, a $1,000 maximum means the plan will pay up to $1,000 toward treatment. On braces costing $5,000, you would pay $4,000 out of pocket. These plans have lower premiums but provide the least orthodontic value.
• Mid tier ($1,500 to $2,000): This is where most employer-sponsored plans with ortho benefits fall. A $2,000 lifetime maximum at 50% coinsurance is the most common configuration. On $5,000 braces, you would pay $3,000 out of pocket. This tier represents a reasonable balance of premiums and benefits.
• Premium tier ($2,000 to $3,000): The highest ortho maximums available in standard dental plans. A $3,000 lifetime maximum provides meaningful help on treatment costing $5,000 to $7,000. These plans come with higher monthly premiums, but the orthodontic benefit alone can justify the cost for adults who need braces.

Waiting Periods for Orthodontic Benefits

Orthodontic waiting periods are among the longest in dental insurance. While preventive care often has no waiting period and basic services may require 6 months, orthodontic benefits typically require 12 to 24 months of continuous enrollment before you can use them. For a full breakdown of how dental insurance waiting periods work across all service categories, see our complete guide.

Insurance companies impose these waiting periods because orthodontic treatment is expensive and predictable. Without a waiting period, people could enroll in a plan, immediately start braces, collect the orthodontic benefit, and cancel the plan. The 12- to 24-month waiting period ensures the insurer collects enough premiums to offset the cost of the benefit.

Some plans offer reduced or waived waiting periods. Employer-sponsored group plans are more likely to have shorter orthodontic waiting periods or none at all, because the employer is purchasing coverage for a large group. Individual plans purchased on your own almost always have the full 12- to 24-month waiting period. A handful of individual plans advertise no orthodontic waiting periods, but they compensate with significantly higher premiums or lower lifetime maximums.

The practical implication is clear: if you think you might want braces in the next two to three years, enroll in a plan with orthodontic benefits now. Satisfy the waiting period while using the plan for preventive and basic dental care, and then begin orthodontic treatment once the benefit is active.

Adult vs. Child Orthodontic Coverage Differences

The insurance landscape for orthodontics is dramatically different for adults compared to children. Under the Affordable Care Act, pediatric dental care is an essential health benefit for children under 19 on marketplace plans. This includes medically necessary orthodontics. Adults have no equivalent protection.

Approximately 70% of dental plans that include orthodontic benefits cover children, while only about 30% extend that coverage to adults. Many plans explicitly state that orthodontic benefits are available only for dependents under age 19 or 26. Even when a plan covers both adults and children, the benefit levels may differ. Some plans offer a $2,000 lifetime maximum for children but only $1,000 for adults on the same policy.

When shopping for orthodontic coverage as an adult, always read the plan documents carefully. Look for explicit language confirming that orthodontic benefits apply to adults, not just dependents. The summary of benefits should specify the orthodontic age limit or confirm that there is none.

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: What Insurance Covers

The good news for Invisalign patients is that most dental plans treat all forms of orthodontic treatment equally. Whether you choose traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, or Invisalign clear aligners, the orthodontic benefit applies the same way. The plan pays the same coinsurance percentage up to the same lifetime maximum regardless of treatment type.

However, there are practical differences in how far your coverage goes. Traditional metal braces cost $3,000 to $7,000. Invisalign costs $3,000 to $8,000, and complex Invisalign cases can exceed $8,000. With the same $2,000 lifetime maximum, your insurance covers a larger percentage of a $4,000 metal braces case (50%) than an $8,000 Invisalign case (25%).

A small number of older or more restrictive plans may exclude specific treatment types. Some plans explicitly exclude clear aligner therapy or limit coverage to traditional bracket-and-wire orthodontics. Others may cover Invisalign but classify it differently. Before committing to any treatment plan, call your insurance company and confirm that your specific chosen treatment is covered under the orthodontic benefit.

Top Dental Insurance Plans for Orthodontic Coverage

Not all dental plans are created equal when it comes to orthodontics. The following carriers consistently offer some of the best orthodontic benefits available to individuals and families. For a broader overview of dental coverage options, see our complete dental insurance guide.

Delta Dental PPO

Delta Dental is the largest dental insurance provider in the United States, and several of its PPO plans include adult orthodontic coverage. Delta Dental PPO plans with orthodontic benefits typically offer a $1,500 to $2,000 lifetime orthodontic maximum at 50% coinsurance. The waiting period for orthodontics is usually 12 months on individual plans, though employer-sponsored group plans may have shorter or no waiting periods.

The biggest advantage of Delta Dental is its network. Delta Dental has the largest dental provider network in the country, which means you have the widest selection of in-network orthodontists. Using an in-network orthodontist can save you additional money because in-network providers agree to charge negotiated rates that are typically 15% to 30% below their standard fees.

Cigna Dental 1500

Cigna offers several dental plans, and the Cigna Dental 1500 is one of the more popular options that includes orthodontic benefits for adults. This plan typically provides a $1,500 lifetime orthodontic maximum at 50% coinsurance after a 12-month waiting period. Cigna has a strong national network of dental providers and offers both PPO and DHMO plan options in many states.

Cigna's DHMO plans are particularly noteworthy for orthodontics because they use a fixed copayment model instead of coinsurance with a lifetime maximum. A Cigna DHMO plan might charge a fixed copayment of $2,000 to $3,500 for comprehensive orthodontics regardless of the total retail cost, which could be $5,000 or more. This can result in greater savings than a PPO plan, especially for expensive cases.

Guardian DentalGuard Preferred

Guardian offers several dental plan tiers, and the DentalGuard Preferred plan includes orthodontic benefits with competitive lifetime maximums. Depending on your state and the specific plan version, the orthodontic maximum ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 at 50% coinsurance. Guardian's orthodontic waiting period is typically 12 months. The DentalGuard Preferred plan also offers solid coverage for preventive and basic services, making it a well-rounded choice if you need both everyday dental care and orthodontic benefits.

Ameritas Dental

Ameritas is less well-known than Delta Dental or Cigna, but it offers some of the highest orthodontic maximums available on individual dental plans. Certain Ameritas plans offer lifetime orthodontic maximums of $2,000 to $3,000, putting them in the premium tier. The coinsurance rate is typically 50%, and the waiting period is 12 months. Ameritas plans are available in most states and use a broad PPO network. For adults seeking the highest possible orthodontic benefit from an individual plan, Ameritas is worth investigating.

DHMO Plans: A Different Approach to Orthodontic Savings

Dental health maintenance organization plans, known as DHMO or prepaid dental plans, handle orthodontic coverage differently from PPO plans. Instead of paying a percentage of the cost up to a lifetime maximum, DHMO plans assign a fixed copayment to orthodontic treatment. You pay the copayment amount listed in the plan's schedule of benefits, and that is your total cost regardless of what the orthodontist would normally charge.

For example, a DHMO plan might list comprehensive orthodontics with a copayment of $2,200. If the retail cost of your braces would normally be $5,500, you pay only $2,200. That is a savings of $3,300, which is significantly more than what most PPO plans would pay through their lifetime orthodontic maximum.

DHMO plans also tend to have lower monthly premiums than PPO plans, and many have shorter or no waiting periods for orthodontics. The trade-off is that you must choose from a limited network of providers, and you must select a primary care dentist who coordinates your referrals. Not all DHMO networks include orthodontists in every area, so verify that an in-network orthodontist is available and convenient before enrolling.

DHMO plans are available primarily in larger metropolitan areas. If you live in a rural area, you may have difficulty finding an in-network DHMO orthodontist. In urban areas, however, DHMO plans can be one of the most cost-effective ways to get orthodontic treatment.

Using HSA and FSA Accounts for Braces

Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts are powerful tools for reducing the effective cost of orthodontic treatment. Both account types allow you to pay for qualified medical expenses, including braces and Invisalign, using pre-tax dollars. The tax savings depends on your marginal tax bracket.

If you are in the 24% federal tax bracket and pay a combined 30% when including state taxes, paying for $5,000 in orthodontic costs with pre-tax dollars saves you $1,500. That is real money that effectively reduces the cost of your braces from $5,000 to $3,500.

HSAs are available to people enrolled in a high-deductible health plan. The 2026 contribution limit for individual HSAs is $4,300 and $8,550 for families. HSA funds roll over year to year, so you can accumulate funds in advance of orthodontic treatment. FSAs are available through many employers and have a 2026 contribution limit of $3,200. Unlike HSAs, most FSA funds must be used within the plan year or a short grace period, so you need to time your contributions carefully.

A strategic approach is to combine dental insurance with an HSA or FSA. Let your insurance pay its share through the orthodontic benefit, and then use your tax-advantaged account to cover the remaining out-of-pocket cost. This combination can cut the effective cost of braces by 40% to 60% compared to paying full retail price with after-tax dollars.

Orthodontist Payment Plans and Financing

Most orthodontists understand that braces represent a major expense, and they offer in-house financing to make treatment accessible. A typical orthodontist payment plan works like this: you make a down payment of $200 to $500 when treatment begins, and then you pay monthly installments of $100 to $300 over the course of treatment, which usually lasts 18 to 24 months.

Many orthodontist payment plans charge zero interest, making them one of the best financing options available. The orthodontist benefits because the patient commits to completing treatment, and the patient benefits by spreading the cost without paying extra. Always ask about in-house financing during your initial consultation.

Third-party medical financing companies offer another option. These companies provide healthcare-specific loans with terms ranging from 6 to 60 months. Some offer promotional periods with 0% interest for 6 to 24 months, but the interest rate after the promotional period can be 15% to 27% or higher. If you choose third-party financing, aim to pay off the balance within the zero-interest promotional window to avoid costly interest charges.

The most cost-effective strategy is to combine insurance benefits, HSA or FSA tax savings, and a zero-interest orthodontist payment plan. For example, if your braces cost $5,000 and insurance pays $1,500, you owe $3,500. Paying that $3,500 from an HSA in the 24% tax bracket saves an additional $840 in taxes, reducing your effective cost to $2,660. Spread over 18 monthly payments at zero interest, that is about $148 per month.

Dental Discount Plans for Orthodontics

Dental discount plans are not insurance. They are membership programs that provide access to negotiated rates from participating providers. You pay an annual fee, typically $80 to $200 per year, and receive discounts of 10% to 60% on dental services depending on the procedure. For orthodontics specifically, discounts usually range from 15% to 30%.

Discount plans have several advantages over insurance for orthodontic treatment. There are no waiting periods, so you can use the discount immediately upon enrolling. There are no lifetime maximums, annual maximums, or claims to file. You simply show your membership card at a participating provider and pay the discounted fee directly.

Consider the math: a 20% discount on $5,000 braces saves $1,000. A 25% discount saves $1,250. After subtracting the $100 to $150 annual membership fee, the net savings are comparable to what many insurance plans provide through their lifetime orthodontic maximum, without the 12- to 24-month waiting period or the ongoing monthly premiums.

Dental discount plans can also be used alongside dental insurance. If your insurance has already paid its lifetime orthodontic maximum and you still have remaining costs, a discount plan can reduce the balance. Some people use both: insurance for the lifetime maximum benefit and a discount plan for additional savings on the remaining out-of-pocket cost.

How to Choose the Right Plan for Your Situation

Choosing the best dental plan for orthodontics depends on your timeline, budget, and location. Here is a framework to guide your decision.

If you can wait 12 to 24 months before starting treatment, a PPO plan with a high lifetime orthodontic maximum from Delta Dental, Ameritas, or Guardian will provide the best insurance benefit. Enroll now, use the plan for preventive care during the waiting period, and begin orthodontic treatment once the benefit activates. This approach maximizes the insurance value you receive.

If you want to start treatment immediately, a DHMO plan with no orthodontic waiting period or a dental discount plan is a better fit. You sacrifice flexibility in choosing your provider but gain immediate access to reduced orthodontic costs. In metropolitan areas where DHMO orthodontic networks are robust, this can be the most cost-effective path.

If you already have dental insurance without orthodontic benefits, adding a discount plan or exploring orthodontist payment plans may be more practical than switching plans. Combine your existing insurance for preventive and basic dental care with a discount plan or payment plan specifically for orthodontic costs.

Regardless of which path you choose, always calculate the total cost including premiums, copayments, and out-of-pocket expenses over the full timeline of enrollment and treatment. A plan with a $3,000 lifetime ortho maximum but $75 monthly premiums costs $900 per year in premiums. Over a 12-month waiting period plus 18 months of treatment, that is $2,250 in premiums. The net benefit from the orthodontic maximum is $3,000 minus $2,250, or $750, after accounting for premiums. Compare that with a $150 discount plan membership that provides $1,000 in immediate savings with no waiting period.

The best dental insurance for orthodontics is not always the plan with the highest lifetime maximum. It is the plan that provides the greatest net savings after all costs are factored in, fits your timeline, and includes your preferred orthodontist in its network. Do the math, compare your options, and make a decision that aligns with both your dental needs and your financial situation.