Will Medicaid Pay For Braces? What Other Options Do I Have?

Q.: My sister has state-sponsored Delta. She was told by the dentist she needed braces. However, the state won't cover her braces. They said that my sister does not have enough "points" to qualify for Medicaid Pay for Braces.


So now we are looking at the cost of $4,800 for a new set of braces. She is well covered for everything else but braces. She has Keiser for her health insurance. If possible, I would like to be on the plan myself. I have no dental or medical coverage at all and I normally pay $100 or so just for a doctor's visit.

A. D., Victorville, California




A.: Things get complicated when you rely on the state government help for your dental and medical services. They are like an extra layer between your insurance, your dentist and yourself. And sometimes that layer prevents you from getting dental services that everyone agrees on that you need.

Fortunately, there are ways out. Be glad at least that your sister has coverage for most of her dental and medical needs. And, you can buy additional coverage regardless of state sponsored medicaid or medicare which will help you reduce the costs on services that state funded insurance leaves out. Let's focus on the dental services. What your sister needs is a supplemental dental plan that will cover her braces. Since everyone from her dentist to you, your mom, and your sister herself agrees that she needs the braces, I suppose you do not want to wait with putting them on much longer. The plan you want must have no waiting periods, and no exclusions or limitations on braces like Delta. There are several plans like that. They typically save 25%-50% on braces alone. Your best bet is to go with one of the well know brand name national plans that I am listing below. And, while you are signing your sister up for the plan, see to it that you sign yourself on the plan as well, this is usually just a few extra dollars with this type plans. Good luck and enjoy your savings.

--Dental Cool


Resources

Nationwide dental plan that includes braces

Dental and Medical Plan for the Uninsured

New Dental Braces: What Can You Expect?

What can you expect the first few days of wearing new dental braces?


The idea of wearing dental braces can be daunting. It is a foreign object in your mouth, pressing hard on your teeth! Ask your dentist or orthodontist exactly what you can expect in the first few days and weeks while your braces are still new.

With new braces you might feel discomfort in your mouth, teeth and gums. You could have trouble talking clearly for a day or two. Then your tongue will adjust and you'll be able to talk fine. Sometimes you may experience aching teeth and even a dull headache. Your braces can be irritating while eating. Your mouth may become sore. For that you can rinse your mouth with warm, salt water for the first week or so. For pain, dentists usually recommend over-the-counter pain medication. You will be able to get help from your dental office if the irritation persists. They may suggest getting a braces guard kit or lip protectors.

Plus, there will be thoughts going through your mind. I'm sure everybody will notice my new braces right away! What will my schoolmates, coworkers, clients say? Am I going to be embarrassed? Will I blush? Will wearing braces make me feel uncomfortable? Will I smile and laugh uninhibited? Will I be able to play sports? Will I be able to play musical instruments like trumpet?

Although new braces can take some time to adopt to, there is no reason to miss your normal daily activities just because of the orthodontic procedure.


Recommended links

Getting a discount on new dental braces

Braces Guard Kit