Don’t Miss Out on Year-End Orthodontic Benefits

5 Tips for an End-of-Year Insurance Check with Bloom Orthodontics

See your smile, love your smile — and make sure your insurance works for you before year-end.

As we head into the final weeks of the year, now is the perfect time for families to take a closer look at your dental insurance and orthodontic benefits. When it comes to achieving a confident, healthy smile, understanding your dental insurance coverage is key. Orthodontic benefits can vary widely between insurance companies—and even between plans from the same provider. As we approach the end of the year, now is the perfect time to review your coverage and plan ahead for the new year.

We encourage patients to take a proactive approach. This is the ideal time to check whether orthodontic coverage is included in your dental insurance policy—or to consider adding it during your employer’s open enrollment period. It’s also a great opportunity schedule a free consultation, especially if you’re considering treatment for a child. During the consultation, we can monitor whether your child may be ready for treatment and discuss the benefits you might want to include in your plan for the upcoming year. This is also the time to check if you want to include adult coverage for yourself.

With Bloom Orthodontics, insurance does not have to be confusing or stressful — we make your journey to a healthy, confident smile seamless with clear insurance guidance and flexible 0% financing options. We’re committed to helping you get the most out of the insurance benefits you already pay for. Our team makes navigating coverage simple and transparent.

Why Orthodontic Coverage Varies

Unlike standard dental care, orthodontic treatment—like braces or Invisalign®—isn’t always included in every dental insurance plan. Some plans offer partial coverage, while others have waiting periods, age limits, or lifetime maximums that cap how much they’ll contribute. That’s why it’s important to understand the details of your policy before starting treatment.

If you wait until after open enrollment to review your plan, you may have to wait another year before you can add or adjust orthodontic coverage.

Do Your Research Before Switching Insurance Mid-Treatment

If you are already in orthodontic treatment (whether you started in or out of Colorado) and decide to change your insurance policy with the new year, it’s important to understand how benefits are paid. Most dental insurance companies pay orthodontic benefits over time rather than as a lump sum, and coverage usually comes as a lifetime maximum, separate from regular dental benefits.

If you switch to a new policy before your current one has finished paying, the new plan may cover the remaining portion of your treatment—often prorated based on how much treatment is left—but this depends on the specifics of the plan. Some policies have waiting periods or exclude work already in progress, while others will continue coverage for ongoing treatment.

To avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs, it’s best to verify with your new insurance plan whether it covers work in progress and how benefits would be applied before making a switch. This ensures a smooth transition and uninterrupted support for your orthodontic care.

Don't Forget About Your FSA or HSA

While orthodontic insurance benefits don’t generally expire annually, your FSA funds can. FSAs are often “use it or lose it,” meaning any money left in your account at the end of the year may not roll over. If you have remaining FSA funds, you can apply them toward orthodontic treatment—whether for yourself or a dependent.

Starting treatment before the end of the year can be a smart financial move, allowing you to use pre-tax dollars for your orthodontic investment.

Getting started with your orthodontic insurance benefits (including FSA and HSA accounts) now could save you money during the course of your treatment.

5 Tips to Maximize Your Orthodontic Benefits

To help you get started and maximize every dollar, here are five smart orthodontic insurance tips to know…

1. Review Your Dental Insurance Policy Now

Before the year ends, take a few minutes to review your dental plan. Look for orthodontic coverage details, lifetime maximums, waiting periods, and any age limits that might apply to dependents.

Maximizing insurance benefits helps our patients in Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Castle Pines, and throughout the Denver metro area save more and simplify their experience. We proudly work in-network with many major insurance carriers, including Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Delta Dental, Dentaquest, GEHA, Guardian, Principal, United Concordia, United Healthcare and more. Even if your plan is out-of-network, our team specializes in helping families navigate their benefits and maximize their coverage so that treatment remains affordable.

2. Contact Your Insurance Provider or HR Department

If you’re unsure about your benefits, reach out to your insurance company or your employer’s HR department. They can clarify what’s covered and help you prepare for open enrollment if you need to make changes.

3. Use Remaining FSA or HSA Funds

If you have money left in your FSA, don’t let it go unused. While your orthodontic insurance benefit doesn’t expire, your FSA balance might. Using those funds now can help lower your out-of-pocket costs.

4. Plan Ahead for Open Enrollment

Most Colorado employers only offer open enrollment once a year, usually in the fall. If your plan doesn’t currently include orthodontic coverage, plan ahead so you don’t miss your opportunity to enroll or make adjustments.

5. Keep Your Policy Active If You’re in Treatment

If you’re already in braces or Invisalign® treatment, avoid changing insurance plans mid-treatment without first verifying coverage. Confirm that your new plan covers work in progress and how benefits will be applied. This ensures your insurer continues to support your lifetime orthodontic benefit without interruption.

The Bottom Line

Your smile is an investment—and understanding your insurance coverage can make that investment go further. While orthodontic benefits are typically paid as a lifetime maximum, other financial tools like FSAs or HSAs can help you save when timed correctly.

Now is the perfect time to review your insurance, explore orthodontic coverage options, and plan ahead for the new year. It’s also a great time to schedule a free consultation, especially if you’re monitoring a child who may be ready for treatment. During the visit, we can discuss which benefits to consider including in your plan for the year ahead, and whether you want to include adult coverage for yourself.

You will leave knowing your options, your potential out-of-pocket costs, and the best timing for starting your orthodontic journey — all without any pressure or commitment. Make the most of your benefits this year and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile!

At Bloom Orthodontics, we’re here to help you navigate your insurance options and create a personalized plan that fits your needs and budget. Amy is our in-house Insurance/Financial Coordinator and can help walk you through the process and answer questions.

Ready to make the most of your benefits? Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the next step toward a confident, beautiful smile.

Colorado residents — visit our beautiful office! We proudly accept most major insurance providers and will help you maximize your coverage and benefits.

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If you’re considering orthodontic treatment in Parker, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, or South Denver, schedule your free consultation today See how Bloom Orthodontics makes orthodontic care simple, affordable, and rewarding — with 0% financing, in-network insurance options, and expert care you can trust.