Are you wondering how your Cigna Dental PPO plan covers orthodontic treatments? At Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Erie, Colorado, we understand that navigating insurance coverage for braces, Invisalign, and other orthodontic treatments can be confusing. Our team is here to help you maximize your benefits while receiving top-quality orthodontic care from our board-certified specialists.
As a trusted Cigna Dental PPO provider in Erie, we work directly with your insurance company to ensure you receive the maximum coverage for your orthodontic treatment. Whether you’re exploring options for your child or considering adult orthodontics, understanding your Cigna coverage is the first step toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile.
Let us walk you through everything you need to know about Cigna Dental PPO orthodontic coverage, including plan specifics, coverage percentages, waiting periods, and how our team at Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics can help you make the most of your benefits.
How Cigna Dental PPO Plans Cover Orthodontic Treatments
Cigna Dental PPO networks provide convenient access to qualified orthodontists across the United States, including our specialists at Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Erie. These networks offer significant discounts on covered orthodontic services when you visit in-network providers like us.
When you choose an in-network Cigna orthodontist such as Dr. T.C. Hardy or Dr. Cierra Randall at our Erie practice, certain orthodontic treatments are partially covered by your plan. The typical payment structure works as follows:
- You pay a coinsurance (a percentage of the covered costs) after meeting your annual deductible
- You must satisfy any waiting periods specified in your plan
- Cigna covers the remaining costs up to the annual or lifetime dollar limit of your specific plan
Our insurance coordinators at Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics will verify your coverage before treatment begins and help you understand exactly what portion of your orthodontic care will be covered by your Cigna Dental PPO plan.
Understanding the Cigna Dental 1500 Plan for Orthodontics
Among Cigna’s dental insurance offerings, the Cigna Dental 1500 plan stands out as the primary option that includes orthodontic benefits. This low-deductible plan is particularly valuable for families considering braces, Invisalign, or other orthodontic treatments at our Erie practice.
| Cigna Dental 1500 Features | Coverage Details |
| Orthodontic Coverage | Approximately 50% after Class IV deductible |
| Waiting Period | 12 months from enrollment date |
| Lifetime Maximum | $1,000 per person |
| Applicable Treatments | Traditional braces, clear braces, Invisalign, retainers |
The Cigna Dental 1500 plan requires you to wait a full year after enrollment before utilizing orthodontic benefits. This is an important consideration when planning treatment timing for yourself or your child. Our team at Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics can help you navigate this waiting period and develop a treatment timeline that aligns with your coverage start date.
Remember that the $1,000 lifetime maximum applies per person, not per family. If multiple family members need orthodontic treatment, each person has their own $1,000 lifetime maximum under this plan.
Specific Orthodontic Treatments Covered by Cigna Dental PPO
At Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we offer a wide range of orthodontic treatment options in Erie, CO. Here’s how Cigna Dental PPO plans typically cover specific treatments:
Traditional Braces Coverage
Cigna Dental PPO plans, particularly the Cigna Dental 1500, provide an estimated 50% coverage for traditional metal braces after meeting your Class IV deductible. This coverage applies to both children and adults seeking orthodontic treatment at our Erie office.
Traditional braces remain one of the most effective and economical options for treating various orthodontic issues. Dr. T.C. Hardy specializes in custom treatment plans using the latest bracing technologies to ensure optimal results with maximum comfort.
Our team will work with your Cigna plan to maximize your coverage for traditional braces, helping make this essential treatment more affordable for your family.
Invisalign and Clear Aligners Coverage
For patients preferring a more discreet orthodontic option, Cigna Dental 1500 extends the same coverage to Invisalign and clear aligners as it does to traditional braces. You can expect approximately 50% coverage after satisfying the Class IV deductible, subject to the same 12-month waiting period and $1,000 lifetime maximum.
At Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, both Dr. T.C. Hardy and Dr. Cierra Randall are certified Invisalign providers with extensive experience creating beautiful smiles using this innovative clear aligner system. Our digital workflow using iTero scanners ensures precise treatment planning and exceptional results.
Many patients are surprised to learn that their Cigna dental insurance covers Invisalign treatment at the same rate as traditional braces, making this popular option more accessible than they initially thought.
Specialty Options: Lingual Braces and Clear Braces
For patients seeking even more aesthetic orthodontic options, Cigna Dental PPO plans also provide coverage for specialty treatments like lingual braces (InBrace) and clear ceramic braces at our Erie practice.
Similar to other orthodontic treatments, the Cigna Dental 1500 plan covers approximately 50% of these specialty options after meeting your Class IV deductible. The same waiting period and lifetime maximum apply.
Dr. T.C. Hardy offers cutting-edge options like InBrace (truly invisible braces that work behind your teeth) and KLOwen customized braces that can provide faster, more comfortable treatment. Our team will thoroughly explain how your Cigna coverage applies to these advanced treatment options.
Diagnostic Procedures and Supplementary Services Coverage
X-Rays and Diagnostic Imaging
According to Cigna Dental PPO plans, routine dental x-rays receive generous coverage to support your orthodontic treatment journey:
- Routine dental x-rays: Estimated 100% coverage
- Non-routine x-rays: Estimated 80% coverage after plan deductible
- Bitewing x-rays: Coverage for 1 set in any 12 consecutive month period (maximum of 4 films per set)
At Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we utilize advanced digital x-ray technology that reduces radiation exposure by up to 90% compared to traditional x-rays. These diagnostic images help Dr. Hardy and Dr. Randall precisely plan your orthodontic treatment for optimal results.
Our CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) technology provides comprehensive 3D imaging when needed for complex cases, though coverage for this advanced imaging may vary by specific Cigna plan.
Retainers and Post-Treatment Care
Retainers are an essential component of long-term orthodontic success. Cigna Dental PPO plans typically cover part of your retainer costs as part of your orthodontic treatment package, subject to your overall orthodontic benefit limitations.
The exact coverage for retainers depends on your specific Cigna plan and whether you’ve reached your lifetime maximum for orthodontic benefits. Our team at Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics will verify your coverage for retainers as part of your complete treatment plan.
We offer various retainer options to maintain your beautiful results after active orthodontic treatment, and our staff will help you understand which options are covered by your Cigna Dental PPO plan.
Maximizing Your Cigna Dental Benefits at Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
As a Cigna Dental PPO provider in Erie, Colorado, Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is committed to helping you make the most of your insurance benefits. Our experienced team will:
- Verify your Cigna coverage before treatment begins
- Provide a detailed breakdown of expected costs and coverage
- Submit claims directly to Cigna on your behalf
- Offer flexible payment plans for any out-of-pocket expenses
- Help coordinate benefits if you have secondary insurance
We understand that orthodontic treatment is an investment in your family’s health and confidence. That’s why we work diligently to maximize your insurance benefits while providing exceptional care from our board-certified specialists.
Even if you don’t have insurance, we offer in-house membership plans to make quality orthodontic care accessible to everyone in the Erie community.
Why Choose Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics for Your Cigna-Covered Treatment?
When seeking orthodontic care covered by your Cigna Dental PPO plan, choosing the right provider makes all the difference. At Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Erie, we offer:
- Board-certified specialists: Both Dr. T.C. Hardy and Dr. Cierra Randall have completed advanced specialty training and are committed to excellence in orthodontic care.
- Cutting-edge technology: From iTero digital scanning to 3D printing, InBrace, and KLOwen custom braces systems, we offer the latest orthodontic innovations for superior results.
- Comprehensive care under one roof: Our practice uniquely combines pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, making it convenient for families to receive all their dental care in one location.
Our team’s expertise with Cigna Dental PPO plans ensures you’ll maximize your benefits while receiving the highest quality care in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cigna Dental PPO Orthodontic Coverage
Does Cigna Dental cover adult orthodontics or just children’s treatments?
Cigna Dental 1500 covers orthodontic treatment for both adults and children at approximately 50% after meeting the Class IV deductible. There are no age restrictions on orthodontic coverage under this plan, meaning adults can receive the same benefits as children for treatments like Invisalign, braces, or other orthodontic services. At Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we provide specialized orthodontic care for patients of all ages, and our team will help verify your specific coverage before beginning treatment. Many adults are surprised to learn their Cigna plan covers a significant portion of their orthodontic treatment, making it more affordable to achieve the smile they’ve always wanted.
How does the Cigna Dental PPO waiting period affect my treatment timeline?
The 12-month waiting period for orthodontic benefits under Cigna Dental 1500 means you must be enrolled in the plan for a full year before coverage begins for orthodontic treatment. This waiting period can significantly impact your treatment planning. At Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we work with patients to develop strategic timelines that align with insurance coverage. For instance, we might recommend starting diagnostic procedures and consultations during the waiting period, then scheduling the actual braces or aligners placement once your coverage activates. Our experienced team can help determine the optimal start date for treatment based on your enrollment date and when benefits become available, ensuring you maximize your coverage without unnecessary delays.
Can I combine my Cigna Dental PPO benefits with flexible spending accounts or payment plans?
Absolutely! Many of our patients at Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics maximize their orthodontic treatment affordability by combining Cigna Dental PPO benefits with flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), or our flexible payment plans. After your Cigna insurance covers approximately 50% of eligible treatment costs, you can use pre-tax dollars from your FSA or HSA to pay for remaining expenses, effectively reducing your out-of-pocket costs even further. Additionally, we offer interest-free payment plans that can spread your portion of treatment costs over the duration of your orthodontic care. Our financial coordinators are experts at helping families develop a comprehensive payment strategy that combines insurance benefits with these additional options to make orthodontic treatment as affordable as possible.
What happens if I switch Cigna Dental plans during my orthodontic treatment?
Switching Cigna Dental plans during ongoing orthodontic treatment can have various implications for your coverage. Typically, if you change from one Cigna plan to another, the new plan will honor the original coverage terms established when you began treatment, especially if you’re staying within the Cigna network. However, if you switch to a plan with less comprehensive orthodontic coverage or change insurance companies entirely, you might face changes in coverage amounts or network status. At Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we recommend consulting with our insurance specialists before making any insurance changes during active treatment. We can help review your new plan details and work with Cigna to ensure continuous coverage to the maximum extent possible, potentially avoiding unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
Does Cigna Dental cover emergency orthodontic treatments or repairs?
Cigna Dental PPO plans typically provide coverage for emergency orthodontic treatments and repairs as part of your overall orthodontic benefits. If you experience an orthodontic emergency such as broken brackets, poking wires, or other issues requiring immediate attention, your Cigna plan will generally cover these repairs at the same percentage rate as your regular orthodontic treatment (approximately 50% after meeting deductibles). At Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we prioritize emergency care for our patients and will work directly with your insurance to process claims for these unexpected visits. It’s important to note that emergency treatments related to your orthodontic care are usually counted toward your $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit, not as separate claims. Our team is available to handle orthodontic emergencies promptly and will always explain how these visits affect your overall insurance benefits.
Ready to Begin Your Orthodontic Journey with Cigna Dental Coverage?
Don’t let insurance questions delay your path to a healthier, more beautiful smile. At Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re experts at helping Erie, CO families navigate their Cigna Dental PPO orthodontic benefits.
- 📍 Visit Us: 3200 Village Vista Dr., Suite 110, Erie, CO 80516
- 📞 Call: (720) 764-6158
- 📩 Or Request an Appointment Online Today
Our team will verify your Cigna coverage, explain your benefits in detail, and create a customized treatment plan that maximizes your insurance while delivering exceptional orthodontic results. Whether you’re considering braces for your child or Invisalign for yourself, we’re here to make the process smooth and affordable with your Cigna Dental PPO benefits.
DISCLAIMER: This information is subject to change on behalf of the insurance company. We are providing this as an informal guide to help you determine which services at our office are covered by your insurance. For more detailed information, please see the insurance company’s website or call the customer service or member services number listed on most insurance ID cards. Updated as of April 2025. The above logo & trademarks are property of Cigna Dental.
