HEALTH
Is insurance available for braces?
Braces are simple devices that help align your teeth and give you a beautiful smile. Not only do they ensure perfect tooth alignment, but they also prevent diseases like tooth decay. Teeth braces help with proper bite and care better for one’s teeth.[1][2]
There are three types of braces available today: traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners. They are usually recommended for people with crooked/crowded/protruding teeth, gaps between teeth and overbite/underbite. While doctors suggest childhood is the best time to start this dental procedure, you can get your teeth corrected as adults as well.[1]
An important point to consider when choosing which of these braces to opt for is the cost. Invisible aligners price is somewhat similar to traditional braces, or even cheaper. Ceramic braces cost more than both of these options.
What does insurance actually cover?
Health insurances usually cover all forms of injuries caused at birth or by accidents. They cover all forms of preventive care like checkups, X-rays and cleanings, basic care as well as some major procedures like tooth extractions, root canals and tooth fillings.[3]
But you might be wondering – does medical insurance cover dental braces?
Since braces are more of a cosmetic orthodontic treatment rather than a corrective surgery that is life saving in any manner or critical, they are usually not covered under insurance plans in India.[3] Thus, if you are looking at some respite from medical insurance, it is critical that you check with your insurance provider what exactly can be covered in your insurance plan.
Why should you choose clear aligners compared to traditional braces?
Even as you decide whether or not to opt for medical insurance for braces, it is important to choose the best treatment path for you. Clear aligners are custom-made braces made of soft materials. They are worn for 16 to 22 hours per day and are changed every two weeks based on the progress of your teeth alignment. There are many advantages to wearing clear aligners over traditional braces; here are a few: [4][5]
| Traditional braces | Clear aligners |
| Can cause discomfort due to metal brackets and wires | Weightless braces that are made with safe and comfortable high grade plastic |
| Restrictive eating options. Cannot eat any hard or chewy food | Can consume all foods since you can remove the aligners while eating |
| Will cause hygiene problems in cleaning and brushing your teeth properly | Since they can be removed, brushing and flossing your teeth becomes easy |
| Require frequent visits to the doctors for tightening of wires | Visits to the dentists are reduced to at most 4 times |
| Usually cause some amount of pain after each session of tightening | Practically pain-free |
Average cost of clear aligners[5]
Clear aligners are relatively less expensive than metal braces. For example, makeO’s Toothsi line costs range from ₹52,999 to ₹85,999. Other aligners cost anywhere between ₹1,50,000 to
₹4,00,000.
The Toothsi aligners are easier to use and are delivered to your homes. Patients can avail of the virtual monitoring via the Toothsi app or can drop in for an in-person consultation at the nearest Experience Centre.
Conclusion
Braces help align the teeth to give you the smile you have always wanted, while also preventing other dental issues like tooth decay and bad breath. Clear aligners are the best solution to achieving the perfect teeth alignment but before you choose one, consult with your dentist with the options best suited for you and whether your insurance covers this cost.
