303 Smiles wants you to know how to get the most out of your insurance in Greenwood Village. Dr. Straffon is always completely transparent with you about what we do. And that goes for your insurance, too! It’s your coverage, so we do our best to make sure it covers what it’s supposed to. For our part, that means helping you educate yourself about orthodontic insurance buzzwords like “deductible” and “co-pay.” Let’s look at the ins and outs of insurance together!
What Do Dental Plans For Orthodontics Cover?
Dental plans for orthodontics in Greenwood Village can help reduce the costs of your new, polished smile. While coverage varies between specific plans, most policies focus on treatments that deal with alignment and bite issues. That way, you’re not left in the lurch to shoulder the financial burden of paying for treatment on your own.
Common Treatments Covered
Most Colorado orthodontic insurance plans cover traditional braces, including options like Damon braces or Pitts21 braces. They may also include modern alternatives like Invisalign, a popular choice for teens and adults. Dental insurance providers in Greenwood Village often make plans that help with everything from diagnostic exams to retainers.
Diagnostic Services
Your insurance may cover the initial steps of orthodontic care, such as consultations, X-rays and digital imaging, and 3D smile scans for customized treatment planning. These essential services help Dr. Straffon create a treatment plan just for you.
Exclusions to Keep in Mind
While many orthodontic procedures are covered, there are exceptions. Cosmetic-only treatments, such as purely aesthetic braces or whitening, are often excluded. It’s also important to note that not all insurance plans offer orthodontic benefits, so reviewing your policy is key. When in doubt, always speak to your provider first.
Insurance-Related Terms
Like any industry, dental insurance plans in Greenwood Village have their own words. They’re words you probably hear all the time (and you may even know what they mean). But for those who might not know, Dr. Straffon wants to keep everything on the table. Here are some of the most common insurance-related words you’re likely to hear.
What’s A Deductible?
An insurance deductible is the amount of money you agree to pay out of your own pocket before your insurance pays for the rest. For example, if your deductible is $500 and you have a $1,500 bill, you’ll pay the first $500. Then, your orthodontic insurance covers the rest. Higher deductibles usually mean lower monthly payments. But you’ll pay more at the outset if something happens.
What’s A Copay?
A copay is a set amount of money you pay each time you visit our team at 303 Smiles. You’ll also have copays when you pick up a prescription or get other healthcare services. For example, if your copay is $20, you pay that amount at your appointment, and your insurance pays the rest. Copays are usually smaller and help divide costs between you and your insurance company.
What Is a Lifetime Maximum?
A lifetime maximum is the cap on your dental insurance benefits for each covered individual. Say your plan provides a $1,500 lifetime maximum, and your treatment costs $6,000. Your insurance will contribute up to $1,500. The remaining $4,500 becomes your responsibility.
Coverage for Adults and Teens
In Greenwood Village, orthodontic treatment isn’t just for kids! While many insurance plans focus on coverage for younger patients, more policies also recognize the importance of orthodontic care for adults.
Teen Coverage
Most orthodontic insurance plans are designed with teens in mind. They cover traditional braces, like Damon or Pitts21 braces, and modern options, like Invisalign Teen. Our team’s treatments address common alignment issues during growth spurts.
Adult Coverage
Orthodontic care isn’t limited by age, and many insurance plans now offer benefits for adults seeking a straighter smile. This is excellent news for those who may have missed out on braces as a teen or are looking to refine their smile later in life. Treatments like Invisalign provide a discreet and effective solution for adults balancing work and personal life.
How to Check Your Coverage
Before starting orthodontic treatment, you deserve to know what your insurance plan covers. At 303 Smiles in Greenwood Village, Dr. Straffon and our team make it simple to understand your benefits and maximize your savings. Here’s how you can check your orthodontic insurance coverage:
Step 1: Review Your Insurance Plan
Review your policy documents or log into your insurance provider’s online portal. Look for sections on orthodontic benefits to understand:
- What treatments are covered (e.g., braces, Invisalign)
- The percentage of costs covered (often 50% up to a lifetime maximum)
- Exclusions, waiting periods, or age restrictions
Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Provider
Got questions about your dental insurance coverage in Greenwood Village? Contact your provider directly. They can confirm details like your lifetime maximum, how payments are made, and whether your plan includes adult orthodontic care.
Step 3: Let 303 Smiles Help
Bring your insurance details to your complimentary consultation at 303 Smiles. Their experienced team will verify your benefits, handle claims, and explain how your coverage works toward your treatment plan. They’ll also explore additional financing options if needed.
No Insurance? No Problem!
Dr. Straffon knows you probably still have questions about your dental insurance coverage for braces or Invisalign treatment. Our 303 Smiles team wants every Greenwood Village family to get the best treatment experience! But what if insurance isn’t an option for you? What other options are there?
303 Smiles partners with OrthoFi, a trusted financing solution that lets you create a payment plan tailored to your budget. Divide the cost of treatment over a few monthly payments with low or no interest. You can also choose to use your tax-free funds to cover orthodontic expenses if you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Don’t want to deal with third-party financing? 303 Smiles offers in-house payment plans to keep things straightforward. With personalized options, they’ll work with you to make treatment fit your budget.
Insurance Made Easy in Greenwood Village
Dr. Straffon and our 303 Smiles team are here to answer all your insurance questions in Greenwood Village! To continue the conversation, go here to schedule your free consultation.