Insurance and paying for orthodontic treatment at Kunik Orthodontics

Kunik Orthodontics on insurance, HSA and FSA money and payment plans

We accept most major insurance plans and work with you to maximize your orthodontic benefits. Our team will help you understand your coverage and file claims on your behalf.

The practice’s other lines on insurance, paying and consultations:

• Insurance verified before your first visit
• Claims filed on your behalf
• HSA and FSA accepted.
• Payment plans available.
• Consultations are always free of charge.
• You do not need a referral.

Several also appear on the home page, under what it costs to start.

What the AAO, the ADA and HealthCare.gov say about an orthodontic benefit

The FAQ of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says “Insurance for orthodontic treatment is intended to cover a portion of the fee, not the entire fee.” The AAO’s article on the cost of braces says “Dental insurance may include benefits for orthodontic treatment, but coverage can vary significantly between policies,” and that the insurance provider can help determine “any lifetime maximums or age limits for orthodontic coverage.”

The American Dental Association’s MouthHealthy site says “if your plan includes coverage for braces, a lifetime limit may apply to those services.” The ADA’s glossary defines limitations as “Restrictive conditions stated in a dental benefit contract, such as age, length of time covered, and waiting periods.”

HealthCare.gov warns that a stand-alone dental plan with a waiting period “won’t cover services until the waiting period ends.” Check your own plan’s documents for which of these terms apply.

HSA and FSA money under IRS Publication 969

On health savings accounts (HSAs) and health flexible spending arrangements (FSAs), the practice’s own line is HSA and FSA accepted.

For an HSA, IRS Publication 969 (2025) says that, in general, qualified medical expenses are amounts paid by the HSA beneficiary for medical care as the tax code defines it “for the individual, the spouse of the individual, and any dependent of the individual, but only to the extent the amounts are not compensated for by insurance or otherwise.”

For a health FSA, IRS Publication 969 (2025) says: “Qualified medical expenses are those specified in the plan that would generally qualify for the medical and dental expenses deduction.” For your own account, read your plan document and ask your tax advisor.

The American Association of Orthodontists’ 2021 article says “In most cases, you can use your HSA or FSA for eligible orthodontic treatment,” and lists braces and clear aligners among the expenses they can cover.

What IRS Publication 502 says about braces and dental treatment

IRS Publication 502 (2025) explains the itemized deduction for medical and dental expenses, and its Dental Treatment entry opens: “You can include in medical expenses the amounts you pay for the prevention and alleviation of dental disease.” The same entry of Publication 502 (2025) later says: “Treatment to alleviate dental disease includes services of a dentist for procedures such as X-rays, fillings, braces, extractions, dentures, and other dental ailments.” The entry ends by pointing to the publication’s section What Expenses Aren’t Includible.

IRS Publication 502 (2025) also says: “You can’t include medical expenses that were paid by insurance companies or other sources.”

The American Association of Orthodontists’ FAQ answer on orthodontic expenses and taxes begins: “Please check with your tax advisor for a response specific to your circumstances.”

Asking about your own figures at an orthodontic consultation

The American Association of Orthodontists’ FAQ says “Costs can vary based on the case’s complexity, region, and specific orthodontist,” so questions about your own figures belong at a consultation.

The AAO’s planning article says: “When you visit an AAO orthodontist for a consultation, they can oftentimes provide you with an estimate of what your insurance will cover.” Ask the office what a consultation here includes, and read what happens at a first orthodontic consultation.

The practice’s own line on paying is Payment plans available. The AAO’s FAQ says most orthodontists offer payment plans, and that “Payment plans offered can vary from orthodontist to orthodontist.”

What to bring, and whom to ask about paying

Asked whether an orthodontist takes a patient’s insurance, the American Association of Orthodontists’ FAQ answers: “Ask the orthodontist at your consultation appointment. Be sure to bring your insurance card with you.” Also bring:

• Your dentist’s name, if a dentist suggested the visit. You do not need a referral.
• Your questions for the office.

For what a plan pays, the AAO’s FAQ says: “Check with your employer or your insurance company to determine your specific benefits.”

The offices at The Domain, Downtown and Westlake and the text line are at the foot of this page, and other orthodontic questions are in the questions hub.