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Does Aetna Dental Cover Braces (Full Treatment)?

Yes — Aetna Dental covers 50% of braces (full treatment) as a orthodontic procedure, subject to your annual maximum and deductible.

Estimated cost with Aetna Dental

Total cost (national avg)

$5,500

Aetna Dental pays

$1,500

You pay

$4,000

Coverage tier: orthodontic (50%)

Deductible: $50/year

Annual max: $1,500

Lifetime orthodontic max: $1,500

Subject to a lifetime orthodontic maximum of $1,500.

See Braces (Full Treatment) cost by city →

Costs vary 30%+ between metros. See your specific area.

Aetna Dental full coverage guide →

What Aetna Dental covers across all procedures.

FAQ: Aetna Dental and Braces (Full Treatment)

Does Aetna Dental cover braces (full treatment)?▾
Yes. Aetna Dental covers 50% of braces (full treatment) on standard plans, subject to your annual deductible ($50) and annual maximum ($1,500). At the national median price of $5,500, the plan pays approximately $1,500 and you pay $4,000 out of pocket.
What's my out-of-pocket cost for a braces (full treatment) with Aetna Dental?▾
At the national median price of $5,500, Aetna Dental pays about $1,500 and you pay about $4,000. Actual out-of-pocket depends on: (1) whether the dentist is in Aetna Dental's network, (2) how much of your annual max you've already used, (3) whether the deductible has been met this year, and (4) local pricing (see cost-by-city pages).
Is there a waiting period?▾
None for preventive; 6 months for basic; 12 months for major. If you enrolled recently, verify with Aetna Dental customer service before scheduling — some plans have a 6–12 month waiting period on major procedures.
Can I use an HSA or FSA with Aetna Dental?▾
Yes. Whatever Aetna Dental doesn't cover, you can pay from an HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) using pre-tax dollars. Note the FSA "use it or lose it" rule.
What if my dentist is out of network?▾
Out-of-network dentists cost more out of pocket because Aetna Dental pays based on the plan's "usual and customary" rate, not the dentist's actual charge. If your dentist charges $5,500 and the plan's UCR is lower, you pay the difference. Use Aetna Dental's find-a-dentist tool to check network status before scheduling.
Confirm coverage with Aetna Dental

Estimates use $Aetna Dental's standard coverage tiers and typical plan structure. Your exact plan may have different tiers, deductibles, or waiting periods — always call the number on your insurance card for a pre-authorization on major procedures.