Do Dental Savings Plans Cover Braces?

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

Updated June 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

Compare Plans With Orthodontic Coverage

See which plans cover braces at your orthodontist.