An Orthodontics Question (for Professionals Please)?

By Orthodontics Editor, on July 19th, 2009

My 10 y/o son has a “severe Overbite” per his dentist and said that an Orthodontist may even have to break his jaw to correct this. If this is done, is it done under a general? Is it an inpatient procedure or out patient? Is there anyway that regular medical insurance can be used to pay for this? I don’t have dental but do have really good health insurance.

Insurance   Orthodontics, Please, Professionals, Question  

2 comments to An Orthodontics Question (for Professionals Please)?

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  July 19, 2009 at 5:52 pm

  Not to debate the diagnosis of the general dentist, but get an opinion from an orthodontist regarding the severity of your son’s condition. A great deal can be accomplished from braces alone, especially if you start treatment immediately. The orthodontist may be able over the next few years to reduce the overbite enough that surgery isn’t warranted.
  If surgery is indicated it would certainly be done under general anesthesia. Also, the jaw is not “broken” to correct the problem: it is very carefully cut and repositioned.
  Regarding insurance: health insurance very, very, very rarely pays for this type of surgery as it is considered purely dental and not covered by medical insurance. There are, however, some things you can try. Try to find an oral surgeon who is both an MD as well as a DDS. (There are more and more oral surgeons out there with dual degrees.) Such surgeons can bill your medical insurance whereas a surgeon with only a DDS can not. You can also look for an ear-nose-throat (ENT) surgeon with training in this procedure. Again, more and more ENTs are doing this work now. They too may be able to bill your medical insurance.
  Finally, check with your insurance company and see if they have a “participating” DDS or MD who can do this work. If the surgeon participates with your insurance company then the work is covered by your policy.
  The orthodontist should be able to help you with all of this.
  Good luck.

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  July 19, 2009 at 5:52 pm

  Jay,
  Michel D. gave some valid points. Have a qualified opinion from a qualified orthodontist.
  He/she has the most experience in difficult case such as your sons. Good luck.

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