It’s estimated that the average cost of braces in the United States can be $5,900. Depending on where you live and the type of braces you or your child get, that cost can easily increase.
Because of this, many people seeking orthodontic treatment often consider means outside of their insurance coverage to help pay for their braces. One common consideration is an individual’s FSA.
But will FSA pay for braces? And who is eligible for this treatment? If you want to discover the answer to these questions and more, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about FSA for orthodontic treatment.
What Is an FSA?
Before we learn about orthodontic treatment coverage, it’s important to first understand exactly what an FSA is. FSA stands for Flexible Spending Account.
It’s a specific account that you can put money into for certain medical, dental expenses (out-of-pocket ones). Here’s how it works: when you need money for things like co-payments, deductibles, and drugs, you’ll submit an FSA claim through your employers.
In this claim, you’ll have evidence of the medical bill and proof that it wasn’t covered under your current plan. Then, the FSA will reimburse any costs for your bill.
One of the best things about FSA rules is that it can lower your taxes. How? Because any money that you put into your Flexible Spending Account is non-taxable.
That means you’re saving money on any of the funds that end up in your account. Different employers offer different FSAs so we recommend asking them about the specific ones available to you. Check out this guide if you want some more information on using a Flexible Spending Account.
Will FSA Pay for Braces?
The good news is that FSA can pay for your braces, thanks to the fact that they’ve been deemed medically necessary by most orthodontists. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t true for all orthodontic treatments.
Your FSA will not cover any procedures that are for cosmetic purposes only. So things like teeth whitening and veneers are out of the picture. Sometimes braces can be considered cosmetic procedures, too, but this is rarely the case.
That’s because orthodontics can help with various conditions, including dental disease, tooth pain, and decay. As such, your FSA will almost always accept your treatment as long as you’re eligible.
Who Is Eligible?
There are a variety of reasons why you might need braces. Some of the common eligible orthodontic treatments include things like:
- Gaps in your teeth
- Underbites
- Overbites
- Overcrowding in your mouth
- Crooked teeth
Keep in mind that before you begin treatment, you will likely need an initial exam to get x-rays and dental impressions.
If you have overcrowding in your mouth, you might even require a surgery procedure to remove teeth before braces can be installed. Your FSA will cover all of these expenses. As will any appointments required to get your braces required.
What Are Your Options?
There are a variety of different braces options available these days. The good news is that your FSA will cover all of these as long as you’re eligible. The bad news is that your orthodontist might not provide the specific type that you want.
In this case, we recommend searching for a different one until you get the treatment you want. The first option available is traditional metal braces. These are likely the braces you picture in your head when you think about braces.
They’re inexpensive and efficient, which makes them a staple in the world of orthodontics. Another option is ceramic braces. The white color of these braces makes them slightly less noticeable than traditional braces. Then, there are lingual braces that attach to the inside section of each tooth.
Lastly, there are invisible braces. This includes brands like Invisalign that offer clear molds that are custom-formed for your specific teeth. Many adults prefer FSA for Invisalign since it’s the most subtle option for braces. Just keep in mind that it’s more expensive too.
Can You Use Dental Insurance Too?
It’s important to note that having dental insurance won’t get in the way of your FSA. You can use your coverage to cover the initial expenses, then turn to your FSA to make up the difference.
The most important thing is to make sure you don’t double-bill for your treatment. Otherwise, you can get into serious trouble.
How to Find the Best Orthodontic Treatment?
Now that you know that your FSA will cover your perfect smile, it’s time to find an orthodontic treatment provider. Sadly, finding a good one can often be easier said than done.
One of the first steps during this process should be research. Online reviews are great for separating the wheat from the chaff when it comes to braces providers. If you see one with a lot of negative reviews, filter them out of the equation.
Once you’ve found a list of providers with good reputations, you should check to see if they accept your insurance coverage. During this time, you’ll also want to make sure they have the proper qualifications and experience.
When you’ve found what you think is a good option, schedule a consultation with them. Pay attention to how they make you feel and how they answer your questions.
It’s incredibly important to feel comfortable with your orthodontist provider. So if you ever feel ignored during the consultation, look elsewhere. We recommend checking out this guide for more tips on how to choose the perfect orthodontist.
Ready to Fund Your Perfect Smile? Contact Boschken Orthodontics Today
We hope this guide helped you answer the question: Will FSA pay for braces? As you can see, an FSA is a perfectly valid way to get the latest cutting-edge technology when it comes to orthodontics.
Here at Boschken Orthodontics, we know that over the past two decades, technological advances have revolutionized the way we approach braces and orthodontic care.
That’s why we’re devoted to providing our patients with cutting-edge treatment options. So if you want to learn more about how we can help your smile, contact us today.
