Do Dental Savings Plans Cover Braces?

By The Dental Savings EditorsReviewed July 20263 min readWe earn commission when you enroll. We don't get paid to rank plans.

Updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Quick Answer

Some plans do, some don't. Orthodontic coverage is a premium feature — look for plans explicitly listing orthodontic discounts (D8080 for traditional braces, D8090 for clear aligners). Plans with this coverage typically save 15–20% with no waiting period and no age restriction.

What You'd Save on Braces

TreatmentAvg. CostWith 20% PlanSavings
Metal braces (child)$3,000–$5,500$2,400–$4,400$600–$1,100
Metal braces (adult)$4,000–$7,000$3,200–$5,600$800–$1,400
Ceramic braces$4,000–$8,000$3,200–$6,400$800–$1,600
Invisalign / clear aligners$4,000–$8,000$3,200–$6,400$800–$1,600
Retainer (post-treatment)$150–$600$120–$480$30–$120

Plans With Orthodontic Coverage

Careington Care 500 Series

Orthodontic discounts included, no age limit

DentalPlans.com

Filter marketplace by orthodontic coverage

Aetna Dental Savings

Includes orthodontic discounts on a large national network

Cigna Dental Savings

Covers orthodontics alongside a strong PPO network

Dental Savings Plan vs. Insurance for Orthodontics

Insurance for adult orthodontics is rarely worth it:

  • 24-month waiting period on most plans before orthodontic benefits kick in
  • Children-only restriction on many employer plans (no adult coverage)
  • Lifetime cap of $1,500–$2,500 — rarely covers more than 30-40% of treatment
  • Compare: dental savings plan has no wait, no age limit, no cap — just the discount

How to Check Before You Enroll

  1. 1

    Ask your orthodontist for procedure codes — typically D8080 (metal braces) or D8090 (clear aligners)

  2. 2

    Look up those codes in the plan's fee schedule before purchasing

  3. 3

    Confirm your orthodontist is in the plan's network (or ask if they'll accept it)

  4. 4

    Compare the discounted fee to the treatment quote you already have

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dental savings plans cover braces?

Some do. Plans that include orthodontic discounts typically offer 15–20% off traditional braces and clear aligners. A typical 2-year orthodontic case costs $4,000–$8,000, so a 20% discount saves $800–$1,600. Check if a plan covers both traditional braces (D8080) and clear aligner treatment (D8090) before enrolling.

Does dental insurance cover orthodontics?

Some dental insurance plans include an orthodontic lifetime benefit ($1,000–$2,500), but usually only for children under 18, after a 24-month waiting period. Adult orthodontics is often excluded. Dental savings plans typically cover both children and adults with no waiting period.

Can adults use a dental savings plan for Invisalign or clear aligners?

Yes, if the plan includes orthodontic coverage. Adults are eligible with no age restriction. Clear aligner treatment (Invisalign or similar) uses procedure code D8090 in most fee schedules. Confirm this code is covered and compare the discounted fee at your specific orthodontist.

How much does orthodontic treatment cost with a dental savings plan?

Traditional metal braces typically run $4,000–$7,000. With a 20% dental savings plan discount, expect $3,200–$5,600. Clear aligners run $4,000–$8,000 retail, discounting to $3,200–$6,400. In both cases, you may save more than the cost of insurance premiums for 2+ years.

Compare Plans With Orthodontic Coverage

See which plans cover braces at your orthodontist.