What Grants for Braces are Available?
Grants for braces help cover the cost of complex medical procedures that improve smiles while boosting oral and overall health.
According to the American Dental Association, the costs of braces tend to be expensive, ranging between $4,200 to $6,600 for children and slightly higher for adults.
Orthodontic care is a medical procedure where the cost of braces varies for several reasons.
There are several braces treatments, including different types of braces, that affect the associated costs. Also, there is variation in costs depending on the treatment provider as well as the region.
The cost of braces is rarely totally free as it requires appliances, specialized technology, and expert orthodontists and staff. It makes orthodontic care costly.
However, grants for braces make it possible to get braces covered, thereby avoiding related expenses.
Grants for Braces – Achieve Better Oral Health
Braces improve the patient’s physical orofacial appearance. Problems like crowded or crooked teeth, incorrect jaw position, overbites, under-bites, and disorders of the jaw joints can be corrected through orthodontic treatment.
When is the Right Time For Braces?
Patients suffering from orthodontic issues can benefit from treatment at any age.
However, 10 and 14 years of age is considered an ideal time for the placement of braces. While the mouth and head are growing, teeth are more conducive to straightening.
Before getting the braces applied, parents must discuss the matter first with their children.
These adjustments in facial appearance can be traumatic to a child. Also, braces are not just for kids; they are worn and can be used by adults to correct certain problems and enhance their smiles.
Kind of Braces
In most cases, dentists suggest the kind of appliance that must be used for a particular problem. However, the patient often has a choice when it comes to braces.
Typically, braces come in three varieties, namely, brackets, plastic, or metal, to choose from. These are most popular as they are bonded to teeth and are less noticeable.
The period required for wearing the braces depends on a treatment plan. The treatment period usually extends with age or the complexity of the situation, including spacing and or bite problems.
Most patients wear full braces for 18 to 30 months, followed by the retainer for a few months to up to two years. Retainers are worn to align tissues surrounding straightened teeth.
Grants for Braces – Government Funding
The federal government does not give direct funding for free braces.
However, financial assistance is offered to state institutions, universities, individuals with personal needs, and non-profits. These grants are available at Grant.Gov.
To utilize these grants to pay for braces, patients can search for opportunities and awards at local universities, agencies, or organizations.
They can offer great financial assistance when they have been awarded dental care funding.
1. Medicaid
It isn’t easy to get regular braces with Medicaid. However, a typical braces program can bear a high cost, offering the best financial assistance.
Medicaid coverage for Orthodontia is a critical issue that involves various eligibility factors. Braces and dental treatments are not covered for cosmetic purposes; however, it is acceptable when it help with medical needs.
In most states, Medicaid provides orthodontic services. Low-income families qualify for free braces from Medicaid, where inclusion in the program depends on income and federal poverty levels.
2. CHIP Grants
The state government sometimes pays for braces when a person qualifies for the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Chip grants offer mandatory dental benefits that sometimes include dental correction services.
However, it is vital to check with the state requirements as the eligibility varies from state to state. Therefore, explore the state’s requirements and apply accordingly.
3. Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) Program
The EPSDT Program is federally funded. It ensures grants for medical and dental care to children who do not have access to affordable health care otherwise.
The program operates on federal and state-based grants; therefore, orthodontic services are provided at no cost. To cover the cost of the braces, patients must be experiencing health-related complications.
Interested participants must apply directly through their local US Department of Health and Human Services and check for the qualification requirements.
Grants for Braces – Other Options To Consider
Grants for Braces – Other Options To Consider
Grants for braces are quite helpful when it becomes difficult for families to pay for orthodontic braces. Even if a patient does not qualify for free or discounted braces, various options make braces more affordable.
4. Seton Hill University Orthodontic Clinic
The Seton Hill University Orthodontic Clinic provides services through grant-based funding issued through Seton Hill University to needy individuals who may not otherwise afford orthodontic care.
The participating and qualified patients receive their braces free of charge, including routine adjustments, follow-up appointments, and the placements of retainers.
For more information, visit https://www.setonhill.edu/
5. Smiles Change Lives
Smiles Change Lives program offers services through grants obtained from federal or private donations. It provides orthodontic treatment to low-income children between the ages of 11 and 18.
To qualify for funding, applicants must have a combined household income below 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines.
Also, the recipient should be willing to contribute $650 toward the cost of treatment.
For more information, visit https://smileschangelives.org
Conclusion
Braces are worn to straighten teeth, fix bites and improve smiles. They are most often used during adolescence; however, more and more adults are also getting corrective dental braces.
Technology offers choices where the popularity of braces is growing and showing no signs of slowing down.
The treatments and their costs vary for everyone; however, grants for braces offer an opportunity to get the treatment quickly and effectively.
Find the best suitable option and keep your teeth healthier and more attractive.
Dental Grants by State
See Also
How Much Do Braces Cost Without Insurance?
Follow us