When is Orthodontic Treatment Not Free?

Eligibility requirements for free orthodontic treatment vary by state. Some states cover children up to 21 years old, while others only cover those up to 18. To qualify, children must be diagnosed with an orthodontic condition for which treatment is considered medically necessary. Smiles Change Lives is a non-profit charitable organization that helps children from low-income families access orthodontic treatment at a lower cost. This program is available for children and young adults between the ages of 10 and 18. At Bordentown Braces, patients get a personal experience that other orthodontists don't.

The downside of having orthodontics in adolescence is that this is one of the periods in life when people focus most on their personal appearance. If you make the wise decision to take your child to a dental appointment at an early age, you'll be presented with options. More and more adults are using braces to correct their orthodontic problems and improve their smiles. If your family isn't eligible for free orthodontic appliances through Medicaid or CHIP, you should consider getting a dental plan that reduces orthodontic prices.

If you're looking for free braces for your kids, or you're under 18 yourself, your task has suddenly become much easier. If you qualify for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program, your state government can pay for you or your children to wear braces. Children are more likely to qualify for free braces than adults, especially those who come from charitable programs or Medicaid. There is no age limit for wearing braces, but the more complicated your orthodontic problem is and the older it is, the longer you will have to wear them. Even if you don't qualify for free braces, there are still ways to get affordable orthodontic care.

If you can prove it, braces could be covered by the health insurance component of Medicaid, not by the dental one. For example, teens can brush and floss their teeth on their own and have more control over their diets, so they can avoid foods that can affect their appliances. For this reason, many parents choose to wait until their child is at least 9 or 10 years old before starting to use orthodontic appliances.