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Miller Orthodontics
A guide for Medicaid families

Does Medicaid Cover Braces?

Medicaid covers braces only when the bite problem is severe, like the ones pictured below. Cases that are about how teeth look aren't covered.

Coverage is all or nothing: if your child qualifies, Medicaid pays for braces. If not, Medicaid won't pay for any part of it.

Conditions that usually qualify

  • Side view of teeth with the upper front teeth far ahead of the lower teeth

    Front teeth sticking way out

    Upper front teeth sit far in front of the lower teeth.

    Overjet of 9mm or more

  • Front view of teeth with a gap between the upper and lower front teeth

    Front teeth don't touch

    There's a gap between the upper and lower front teeth when biting.

    Open bite of 4mm or more

  • Side view of teeth with the lower front teeth in front of the upper front teeth

    Severe underbite

    The lower front teeth bite in front of the upper teeth.

    Reverse overjet of 3.5mm or more

  • Front view of teeth where the upper front teeth fully cover the lower front teeth

    Deep bite that hurts the gums

    Lower front teeth bite into the gums behind the upper teeth.

    Impinging overbite with tissue damage

  • Crossbite wearing down gums

    A front tooth bites behind the lower teeth and harms the gums.

    Anterior crossbite with tissue damage

  • View of the roof of the mouth showing a cleft palate

    Cleft lip or palate

    A split in the lip or roof of the mouth from birth.

    Cleft palate

  • Serious injury or growth problem

    An accident or a problem with how the jaws grew left the bite badly out of line.

    Severe traumatic deviation

Medicaid family discount

10% off

If Medicaid won't cover braces, your family still gets a lower price with us.

Frequently asked questions

How likely is it that Medicaid will cover my child's braces?
For most kids, it's unlikely. Medicaid only pays for braces when the bite problem is severe, like the cases in the pictures above. Crooked teeth, crowding, gaps, or teeth that just don't look straight are not covered, even if they bother your child.
If Medicaid doesn't cover it, what happens?
You would pay for treatment yourself. Medicaid either covers all of it or none of it. There's no partial coverage.
How much would braces cost if we pay ourselves?
Treatment usually runs between $3,000 and $7,200. Medicaid families get 10% off, you can start with as little as $300 down, and we offer in-house payment plans with no interest.
Should I still come to the consultation?
Please come if your child's bite looks like the pictures above, or if you'd be open to paying for braces if Medicaid says no. If you'd only move forward with braces if Medicaid pays, and your child's teeth don't look like the pictures, please call us at 813-427-2237 to cancel. That frees up the spot for another family.
Who makes the final decision on coverage?
Your Medicaid plan does, not our office. If Dr. Miller thinks your child's case is severe enough, we'll send records to your plan for review. Approval usually takes about 5 weeks. Medicaid only covers braces for patients under 21.
What should I bring?
Your child's Medicaid card, and a parent or legal guardian, who must attend for patients under 18.

Not like the pictures? You still have options.

Your child can still get braces with us. Medicaid families get 10% off, and we offer in-house payment plans with no interest.

Start with a free consult

We'll check your child's bite and tell you honestly if Medicaid is likely to cover it. If not, we'll go over the cost with you up front.

Call (813) 427-2237 to book a free consultCarrollwood · Brandon