Are you curious about the financials behind straightening your teeth? Look no further! Our team at Petrunic Orthodontics is here to answer whether you need dental insurance to get orthodontic treatment, how it can help you, and the average costs of appliances! We understand payment can be a stressor for some patients when considering services, but we aim to ensure everyone can enjoy the smile they deserve on a budget that works for them.
Why Seek Out Orthodontic Treatment?
The Job of an Orthodontist
Focusing treatment on the realignment of teeth and the jaw, orthodontists can diagnose, prevent, and treat patients dealing with bite issues, crowding of teeth, gapped teeth, and more. Dr. Petrunic strives to improve each patient’s quality of life and provide long-lasting results through comprehensive care. Patients of all ages can count on leaving with a beautiful smile and knowing they received the best treatment.
Treatments Under The Orthodontic Scope
Our office can offer several solutions depending on your age and the complexity of your oral complications. Most popularly, braces or clarity aligners can comfortably solve most misalignments. We additionally assist with early two-phase treatment for kids, TMD and jaw joint pain, and teeth whitening treatment.
The Role of Dental Insurance
Do I Need Insurance To Start Orthodontic Treatment?
In short, no, you do not need insurance to begin treatment! Our team offers high-quality care available to everyone through flexible payment plans or insurance. During a free consultation, every potential patient will be guided through the whole process of what they can expect from us from the start of treatment to their last day in braces. Coverage varies from plan to plan, so you could have dental insurance but no coverage.
Benefits of Having Insurance
Dental insurance is a form of coverage that typically covers routine dental complications, crowns, imaging, annual checkups, preventative care services, and more. By paying a monthly premium to your insurance company, you can keep your coverage active and bring it to your appointments.
Depending on the treatment you want, having insurance can decrease your out-of-pocket costs and make it more affordable. As mentioned, it is not required to be seen, so you don’t have to worry about needing it during your free consultation or appointments.
Insurance Companies Accepted By Our Office
Petrunic Orthodontics accepts many major dental insurance companies in Alabama, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Delta Dental, Cigna, Guardian, Humana, Ameritas, and more! If you do not see your plan, you can visit our Insurance & Financials page for a complete list or give our front desk a call so we can verify whether it is accepted at our office.
The Average Cost of Treatment
How Treatment is Determined?
The cost of treatment is calculated to incorporate your orthodontic appliance, appointments during and post-treatment, a retainer to keep the work done in place, necessary adjustments, and more. The price changes depending on your case’s complexity, treatment length, and overall oral health.
Without Insurance
Metal Braces: The typical range for metal braces is $3,000 to $7,000.
Clarity Aligners: The typical range for clarity aligners is $3,500 to $8,000.
Clear Braces: The typical range for clear ceramic braces is $4,000 to $8,000.
With Insurance
Because insurance plans vastly differ, we cannot provide a definitive average cost for braces with insurance. Depending on your coverage, you may have 50-80% deducted, while another patient’s plan may cover nothing.
Whether you begin treatment with or without insurance, our team will do our best to ensure you are given the best deal with high-quality care to follow.
Choosing the Right Dental Insurance for Orthodontics
Despite teeth straightening holding practical value, not all dental insurance plans include braces because they are considered a cosmetic procedure. If you are actively looking for a plan that incorporates orthodontic treatment, there are a few things you want to keep in mind when choosing it.
Coverage is the plan you choose that details what your insurance company will help you pay and what you will cover yourself. Each is unique and provides different benefits, so reviewing the details and confirming what you need is listed before choosing one is essential.
Coverage limits refer to the maximum amount of money or procedures insurance will help you pay in a calendar year. If that number is reached, you are accountable for the costs exceeding the limit.
Monthly premium costs refer to the payment you are responsible for each month to keep your coverage active. Choosing a plan that best fits your needs and budget can take time, but it is important for long-term planning.
Why Invest In Treatment
The earlier you address dental issues, the less complicated procedures you may have to endure later in life. Orthodontic appliances continue to advance each year. Our office stays in the loop of the latest technology to offer our patients the most efficient and comfortable treatment experience. No matter which appliance you choose, treatment typically takes one to three years, depending on the severity of your case and the work you need to be accomplished.
There is much more to straight teeth than cosmetics. Braces are worth the time and money you invest due to the many benefits of straight teeth, including smoother digestion, improving sleep quality, preventing general health issues, and increasing self-esteem!
We Make Affordable Smiles a Reality!
Petrunic Orthodontics is proud to serve the Prattville community and provide top-notch orthodontic services to our patients. If you are interested in beginning your smile journey or have questions about how insurance plays a role in your treatment, don’t hesitate to call us at 334-366-8393, and someone on our team will happily walk you through the process. We look forward to helping you start your path to a beautiful grin!