What Orthodontic Partners is and how it differs from regular dental insurance
Orthodontic Partners is a discount dental plan — not insurance — that offers reduced rates on orthodontic treatment through a network of participating dentists and orthodontists. You pay an annual membership fee upfront, then receive a percentage discount (typically 10% to 60%) on the cost of braces, aligners, and related services when you visit an in-network provider.
The key difference from dental insurance is that Orthodontic Partners does not have deductibles, waiting periods, or annual maximums. You pay the membership fee once per year, and the discount applies to every visit. Insurance, by contrast, often requires you to meet a deductible before coverage begins and may cap how much it pays per year. Orthodontic Partners also does not require pre-authorization or claim forms — you straightforward show your membership card at the orthodontist's office and receive the negotiated rate.
Because Orthodontic Partners is a discount plan rather than insurance, it does not cover the full cost of treatment. You are responsible for paying the discounted price out of pocket. This makes it most useful for people without dental insurance, those whose insurance does not cover orthodontics, or those who want to reduce their out-of-pocket costs beyond what their insurance allows.
Key Takeaways
- Orthodontic Partners charges an annual membership fee and gives you a discount on treatment costs at participating providers, with no deductibles or waiting periods.
- The discount typically ranges from 10% to 60% depending on the treatment type and the provider's agreement with the plan.
- You must visit an in-network orthodontist or dentist to receive the discount; out-of-network providers do not honor the plan.
- The plan does not cover the full cost of treatment — you pay the discounted rate directly to the provider.
- Orthodontic Partners works alongside dental insurance; you can use both at the same time if your insurance covers some orthodontic costs.
How to find an in-network provider and check coverage in your area
Orthodontic Partners maintains a searchable directory of participating providers on its website. You enter your zip code or city, and the search returns a list of orthodontists and general dentists in your area who accept the plan. The directory shows each provider's name, address, phone number, and sometimes patient reviews.
Before scheduling, call the provider directly to confirm they are still in the network and to ask what discounts they offer for the specific treatment you need. Discount rates vary by provider and by treatment type — one orthodontist might offer 40% off braces but only 20% off aligners, while another offers the same rate for both. The provider's office can also tell you whether they offer payment plans to spread the cost over the length of treatment, which many do even though Orthodontic Partners itself does not.
If you live in a rural area or small town, the directory may show few or no providers nearby. In that case, you can contact Orthodontic Partners customer service to ask whether any providers are willing to join the network in your area, or whether they can refer you to a provider in a neighboring town who participates.
What the membership fee covers and what you still pay out of pocket
The annual membership fee for Orthodontic Partners typically ranges from $80 to $200 per year, depending on the plan tier you choose. Some plans cover just the member; others cover the entire family. The fee is non-refundable and must be renewed each year to keep your membership active.
Once you are a member, the plan covers the difference between the full price and the discounted price. For example, if an orthodontist charges $5,000 for braces and Orthodontic Partners has negotiated a 40% discount with that provider, you pay $3,000 instead of $5,000. The $2,000 difference is what the plan "covers" — but you still owe the $3,000 out of pocket.
The plan does not cover diagnostic costs (like X-rays or initial consultations), emergency visits, or any treatment not related to straightening teeth. It also does not cover the cost of retainers after treatment is complete, though some providers include a retainer in their treatment package. Ask the orthodontist what is included in their quoted price before you commit.
How Orthodontic Partners works alongside dental insurance
You can hold both Orthodontic Partners and dental insurance at the same time. If your dental insurance covers orthodontics, you would submit a claim to your insurance first. Your insurance pays its portion (often 50% of the cost after your deductible), and then you use your Orthodontic Partners discount on the remaining balance.
For example: an orthodontist charges $5,000 for braces. Your dental insurance covers 50% after you meet a $500 deductible. You pay the $500 deductible, your insurance pays $2,250, and you owe $2,250. If you are also a member of Orthodontic Partners and that provider offers a 40% discount, the $2,250 you owe becomes $1,350. You save an additional $900 by stacking the two plans.
However, some insurance plans do not allow you to use a discount plan on top of insurance coverage. Before you join Orthodontic Partners, check your insurance policy or call your insurance company to confirm that layering a discount plan is permitted.
When Orthodontic Partners makes sense and when it does not
Orthodontic Partners is most useful if you have no dental insurance, your insurance does not cover orthodontics, or your insurance covers only a small percentage of the cost. The membership fee pays for itself quickly if you are planning treatment that costs more than a few hundred dollars.
It is less useful if you already have dental insurance that covers orthodontics at a high percentage (such as 50% or more), because the insurance will likely save you more money than the discount plan. It is also less useful if there are no participating providers in your area, because you would have to travel for treatment or pay full price at a non-network provider.
If you are unsure whether the plan will save you money, ask an orthodontist for their full price quote, then contact Orthodontic Partners to ask what discount that provider offers. Subtract the membership fee from the total discount you would receive, and compare that to what your insurance would pay. The plan that leaves you owing less is the better choice.
How to join and set up your membership
You can join Orthodontic Partners through its website or by phone. The enrollment process takes about 10 minutes and requires basic information: your name, date of birth, address, email, and payment method. You choose your plan tier (individual or family) and pay the annual membership fee by credit card or debit card.
Once your payment is processed, you receive a membership card by email when ready (usually as a PDF you can print or show on your phone) and by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The email membership card is valid right away, so you can schedule an appointment with an in-network provider the same day you join. Bring the card or your membership number to your first appointment.
Your membership renews automatically each year on the anniversary of your enrollment date, unless you cancel it. You can cancel anytime through your online account or by calling customer service. If you cancel before your renewal date, your membership remains active through the end of that year.
What happens if you need to cancel or change your plan
You can cancel your Orthodontic Partners membership at any time, and there is no penalty for doing so. However, the annual membership fee is non-refundable, so if you cancel three months into the year, you do not get a refund for the remaining nine months.
If you are in the middle of orthodontic treatment when you cancel, you can still use the discounted rates at your provider for the remainder of your treatment — but only if you complete the treatment before your membership expires. Once your membership ends, you lose access to the discount and must pay the provider's full price for any remaining appointments or adjustments.
If you want to switch to a different plan tier (for example, from individual to family coverage), you can do so through your online account. The change takes effect on your next renewal date, or you can pay the difference to change when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Orthodontic Partners cover the cost of braces or aligners completely?
No. Orthodontic Partners is a discount plan, not insurance. You pay a membership fee and receive a reduced rate at participating providers, but you are still responsible for paying the discounted price out of pocket. The plan does not cover the full cost of treatment.
Can I use Orthodontic Partners if I already have dental insurance?
Yes, you can use both at the same time. Your insurance pays first, and then you can explore the Orthodontic Partners discount to any remaining balance. However, some insurance plans do not allow this, so check your policy before joining.
What if there are no participating providers near me?
Contact Orthodontic Partners customer service to ask about providers in neighboring areas or whether any local providers can join the network. If no solution is available, the plan may not be worth the membership fee for you.
Is the membership fee refundable if I do not use the plan?
No. The annual membership fee is non-refundable, even if you never visit a provider or cancel before the year is up. You should join only if you are planning to pursue orthodontic treatment within the membership year.
Do I have to renew my membership every year?
Yes. Your membership renews automatically each year on the anniversary of your enrollment date, and you are charged the annual fee again. You can cancel anytime to stop future renewals, but you cannot get a refund for the current year.