Have you ever wondered how orthodontic insurance actually works and what it means for your treatment? For many families in Wichita, navigating insurance can feel like decoding a foreign language, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Dr. Ken Dillehay and Dr. JK Dillehay at Dillehay Orthodontics have made it their mission to simplify the process so you can focus on achieving the results you want. Let’s unravel the details of orthodontic insurance and how it can help you get started on the path to a healthier, more confident smile.
Cracking the Code of Orthodontic Insurance
Orthodontic insurance isn’t as complicated as it might seem. It’s simply a specialized type of coverage that helps lower the cost of treatments like braces or clear aligners. Unlike standard dental plans that focus on cleanings and cavity prevention, orthodontic insurance zeroes in on the treatments that shape and enhance your smile. For families across Wichita, this coverage can make orthodontic care not just possible but practical.
Here’s how it works:
- Lifetime Maximum Benefit: Think of this as your insurance’s cap for orthodontic treatment. It’s a one-time pot of money that helps cover your care.
- Deductible: This is the amount you’ll pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in.
- Co-payments: A small share of the cost you might pay at each visit, depending on your plan.
- In-Network Savings: Choosing providers like Dillehay Orthodontics, who work with major insurers, can significantly reduce your costs.
Mastering these terms puts you on the right track to maximizing your insurance benefits. But how can you uncover the full potential of your plan? Let’s break down the steps to understanding your coverage.
Decoding Your Orthodontic Insurance Benefits
Figuring out what your orthodontic insurance covers doesn’t have to feel like a guessing game. With a little preparation and the right guidance, you can uncover the details of your plan and make confident decisions about your care. Here’s how to get started:
Review Your Policy Documents
Take a close look at your dental or orthodontic insurance plan. Look for sections that mention orthodontic coverage, lifetime maximums, and any exclusions.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Call your insurance company’s customer service line to confirm your benefits. Ask questions like:
- Does my plan include orthodontic treatment?
- What is the lifetime maximum for orthodontics?
- Are there any age restrictions or pre-authorization requirements?
Ask for Help from Dillehay Orthodontics
When you visit our East Wichita, West Wichita, or Derby office, our team can verify your insurance benefits for you. We’ll break down your coverage, clarify what’s included, and make sure you’re set up for a smooth and stress-free treatment experience.
Know What’s Needed for Pre-Approval
Some insurance plans require pre-approval before treatment begins. This step involves submitting your treatment plan to the insurer for confirmation of coverage.
By taking these steps, you’ll have a clear picture of how your insurance can support your orthodontic care. Next, let’s look at the treatment options that your plan might cover and how they align with your needs.

Treatment Options Covered by Orthodontic Insurance
Orthodontic insurance plays a key role in making high-quality treatments more affordable for Wichita families. Dillehay Orthodontics provides advanced options tailored to meet your needs. While coverage varies by plan, here are some treatments commonly supported by insurance:
3M™ Clarity™ Aligners and Simply Clear In-House Aligners
These clear aligners offer a discreet and effective way to straighten teeth, often partially covered by insurance for eligible cases.
Metal and Clear Braces
Traditional metal braces and their more discreet counterpart, clear braces, are reliable options frequently covered under most plans, especially for children and teens.
Lingual Braces
Positioned behind the teeth, these braces are a hidden solution for orthodontic care. Coverage for lingual braces depends on your plan and may require additional verification.
Interceptive Treatment and TMJ/TMD Therapy
Insurance often supports early orthodontic care for children, as well as treatment for jaw issues like TMJ or TMD when deemed medically necessary.
Surgical Orthodontics and Gummy Smile Treatments
While surgical orthodontics and diode laser treatments for gummy smiles are less common, insurance may cover these if classified as medically necessary.
Dillehay Orthodontics is here to help you understand your plan and explore options that fit your goals and budget. Next, let’s look at how we simplify payments and make treatment even more manageable.
Simplifying Payments at Dillehay Orthodontics
Understanding your insurance is just one piece of the puzzle—managing payments should be just as stress-free. That’s why Dillehay Orthodontics offers flexible payment options designed to fit the needs of families across Wichita. Here’s how we make orthodontic care more accessible:
- Zero-Interest Payment Plans
Spread the cost of treatment over manageable monthly payments without worrying about added interest. This option helps you plan your budget with ease.
- Low Down Payments
Start your treatment with an initial payment as low as your first month’s installment, making it easier to begin without a large upfront cost.
- Flexible Financing Options
Whether you prefer extended plans or want to pay in full for a discount, we’ll work with you to create a plan that suits your family’s financial situation.
- Major Insurance Providers Accepted
We work with a wide range of insurance companies, including Aetna, Delta Dental, and United Healthcare, and handle the paperwork for you. Our team ensures you maximize your benefits.
Our team at Dillehay Orthodontics believes finances shouldn’t stand in the way of your ideal smile—that’s why we make paying for treatment as simple and stress-free as possible.

Insurance Made Simple, Smiles Made Easy
Taking the guesswork out of orthodontic insurance is what we do best at Dillehay Orthodontics. From breaking down your insurance benefits to tailoring a payment plan that fits your life, Dr. Ken Dillehay and Dr. JK Dillehay make orthodontic care simple and stress-free for Wichita families. Visit us in East Wichita, West Wichita, or Derby to get started—schedule your complimentary consultation today and take the first step toward a smile you’ll love!