Does Medicare Cover Braces?

Does Medicare Cover Braces? – Overview

Orthodontic procedures, such as fitting braces, are needed to correct a person’s bite or align their teeth.

This procedure is usually performed at a young age, but there are situations where older adults may need dental braces too.

If you are enrolled with Medicare, then you might have a question, Does Medicare cover braces? Let’s find out.

Need for Orthodontic Care

Orthodontia is the branch of dentistry that includes procedures that treat irregularities in your teeth. Orthodontists are specialist dentists who perform these procedures.

These specialists have the know-how to confirm if someone is in need of orthodontic care, such as needing crowns or braces.

Does Medicare cover Braces – Need for Orthodontic Care

Your general dentist may refer you to an orthodontist if an abnormality is identified in your dental structure.

There are also other instances where dentists recommend orthodontic care as part of the treatment plan.

This may be needed in case of reconstructive jaw surgery, after the removal of a facial tumor, or following a fracture.

Normally, the position of your teeth and your bite can change over time. This can change the way you chew food or maintain your oral hygiene.

An improper bite or uneven space can result in increasing the risk of wearing down the tooth enamel. This leaves you prone to tooth decay or breakage.

Are There Different Types of Dental Braces?

Yes, there are several different types of dental braces available today. These work to gradually align your teeth and create even space and a proper bite.

Some adults might need braces even if they wore them as kids. Still, there are several more options for adults when it comes to selecting dental braces.

Some of the most common types of adult dental braces include:

Conventional – These braces are designed to be installed into a ceramic or metal bracket on each tooth so the wires and bands can keep the teeth aligned properly.

Self-ligating – These braces are similar to conventional ones, but no bands are required to align the teeth, as the clip-style brackets allow the wire to be tightened directly.

Lingual – These braces are fixed to the back of the teeth instead of the front and function like conventional braces.

Aligners – These braces are customized and gradually realign your teeth and you may require a new set every few weeks.

As soon as the braces are removed, you will be advised to wear a retainer for a certain duration of time every day.

Medicare Coverage for Orthodontics or Does Medicare Cover Braces?

In general, Medicare Part A or Part B will not cover the cost of braces and other orthodontic procedures.

Still, in case you require a restorative, orthodontic procedure, such as after an accident or disease, then this may be considered medically necessary.

In such cases, Medicare will cover the cost of the restorative orthodontic procedure. This benefit is covered under Original Medicare.

Conclusion

Usually, Medicare does not cover braces and other orthodontic procedures.

However, if the orthodontic procedure is deemed medically necessary, then Medicare will cover the cost of the procedure, as dictated in its terms and conditions.

To learn further details on Medicare coverage for orthodontic procedures, you can choose to visit the official website at www.medicare.gov.

Shubham Grover

I am a dedicated healthcare researcher and an enthusiast specializing in medical grants, medical education and research. Through my articles, I aim to empower healthcare professionals and researchers with valuable insights and resources to navigate these critical aspects effectively.

Andrea Morales G.

Having sharpened her skills as a validation manager in the fast-paced world of Cybersecurity over a decade, Andrea now applies her expertise to raise the standards of the fact-checking space. As a meticulous fact-checker, she diligently validates the claims presented in our articles, leaving no room for misinformation or ambiguity.

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