5 Grants for Braces (Federal and Private)
Last Updated on October 19, 2023 by Lori Pace
What Grants for Braces are Available?
Braces aren’t just to improve smiles, they’re there to boost oral and overall health. However, the price of getting them is expensive, ranging between $4,685 to $6,500 for children and slightly higher for adults. This article explores the different federal and private grants for braces.
There are several braces treatments and different types of braces that affect the cost of braces overall. It’s understood that they’re expensive because of the appliances, specialized technology, and expert orthodontist and staff.
Grants for Braces – Achieve Better Oral Health
Problems such as crowded or crooked teeth, incorrect jaw position, overbites, underbites, and disorders of jaw joints are corrected through orthodontic treatment.
When is the Right Time For Braces?
You may get the treatment at any age but the ideal age of getting braces is between ages 10 – 14. Remember, if you’re planning to get a grant for your children, consult them first about getting braces.
Kind of Braces
Braces come in brackets, plastic, or metal. The period of having braces depends on the treatment plan and most patients wear them from 18 to 30 months. After they’ve removed them, they should continue to use retainers for a few months to 2 years.
Grants for Braces – Government Funding
There is financial assistance offered to state institutions, individuals with personal needs, universities, and non-profits instead of having a direct funding for braces.Visit this website to view the grants available.
1. Medicaid
Having braces and other dental treatments aren’t covered if it’s for cosmetic purposes. This is why it isn’t easy to get braces using Medicaid. However, if it helps in medical needs, it would be accepted.
Most states have Medicaid provide for orthodontic services. There are free braces from Medicaid for qualified low-income families.
2. CHIP Grants
When a person qualifies for the Children’s Health Insurance Program, the state government may pay for braces. Chip grants provide mandatory dental benefits, which may include dental correction services.
However, because eligibility varies by state, it is critical to check with the state requirements. As a result, research the state’s requirements and apply accordingly.
3. Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) Program
The EPSDT Program is supported by the federal government. It provides grants for medical and dental care to children who would not otherwise have access to affordable health care.
Because the program is funded by federal and state grants, orthodontic services are provided at no cost. Patients must be suffering from health-related complications in order for the braces to be covered.
Participants who are interested must apply directly through their local US Department of Health and Human Services and meet the qualification requirements.
Grants for Braces – Other Options To Consider
4. Seton Hill University Orthodontic Clinic
The Seton Hill University Orthodontic Clinic provides services to needy individuals who could not afford orthodontic care. Participating and qualified patients get their braces for free, including routine adjustments, follow-up appointments, and retainer placement. Visit their website for more information.
5. Smiles Change Lives
Smiles Change Lives is a program that provides services through grants obtained from the federal government or private donations. It provides orthodontic treatment to low-income children aged 11 to 18.
To be eligible for funding, applicants must have a combined household income that is less than 200 percent of the federal poverty line. In addition, the recipient must be willing to contribute $500 toward the cost of treatment. Visit their website for more information.