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Does UnitedHealthcare Dental Cover Braces (Full Treatment)?

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

Estimated cost with UnitedHealthcare Dental

Total cost (national avg)

$5,500

UnitedHealthcare 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.

FAQ: UnitedHealthcare Dental and Braces (Full Treatment)

Does UnitedHealthcare Dental cover braces (full treatment)?▾
Yes. UnitedHealthcare 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 UnitedHealthcare Dental?▾
At the national median price of $5,500, UnitedHealthcare Dental pays about $1,500 and you pay about $4,000. Actual out-of-pocket depends on: (1) whether the dentist is in UnitedHealthcare 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; up to 12 months for major. If you enrolled recently, verify with UnitedHealthcare 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 UnitedHealthcare Dental?▾
Yes. Whatever UnitedHealthcare 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 UnitedHealthcare 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 UnitedHealthcare Dental's find-a-dentist tool to check network status before scheduling.
Confirm coverage with UnitedHealthcare Dental

Estimates use $UnitedHealthcare 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.