TRICARE Braces & Orthodontics Coverage Guide (2026) | TRICARE.com

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## Quick answer TRICARE generally does **not** cover braces or orthodontics for any beneficiary under its medical plans. Instead, orthodontic coverage is provided exclusively through separate dental insurance programs: the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) for active duty families and Guard/Reserve members, or the FEDVIP program for retirees.

Details

### Active Duty vs. Family Members * **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs):** Braces are covered only if they are "medically necessary" to treat a severe birth defect or a physical injury. Routine cosmetic straightening is rarely approved. ADSMs must receive care at a military dental clinic or obtain a specific referral through the Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP). * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** Coverage is only available through the **TRICARE Dental Program (TDP)**, managed by United Concordia.

### TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) Orthodontic Limits (2026) If you are enrolled in the TDP, the plan typically pays **50% of the allowed amount** for orthodontic services, subject to the following rules: * **Lifetime Maximum:** There is a lifetime orthodontic maximum of **$1,750 per person** (2026 rate). Once you hit this limit, you pay 100% of the remaining costs. * **Age Limits:** Braces are generally covered for children up to age 21 (or 23 if a full-time student). Spouses are only eligible for orthodontic coverage in specific geographical locations (OCONUS) or under very limited circumstances. * **Waiting Periods:** There is typically no waiting period for orthodontic services under TDP, but the treatment plan must be pre-authorized.

### Retirees and FEDVIP Retirees and their family members do not have access to the TDP. Instead, they must enroll in the **Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)**. * **Providers:** Options include Delta Dental, MetLife, GEHA, and others. * **Coverage:** Unlike the TDP, FEDVIP plans vary significantly. Some high-option plans offer child and adult orthodontic coverage with lifetime maximums ranging from **$2,000 to $3,500** (2026 estimates). * **Open Season:** You can only enroll in FEDVIP during the annual Federal Benefits Open Season (mid-November to mid-December) or after a Qualifying Life Event (QLE).

### What is NOT Covered TRICARE medical plans (Prime, Select, For Life) will never pay for: * Clear aligners (like Invisalign) unless they are the least expensive alternative treatment that meets clinical needs. * Replacement of lost or broken retainers. * Orthodontics purely for cosmetic reasons.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Families:** Eligible for braces coverage via the TRICARE Dental Program (United Concordia). * **Guard/Reserve Members:** Eligible for the TDP if not on active duty. * **Retirees & Survivors:** Eligible for braces coverage only if enrolled in a FEDVIP dental plan. * **Active Duty Service Members:** Only eligible for braces via military clinics under strict medical necessity.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [Dental Care Overview](https://www.tricare.mil/Dental) * **TRICARE Dental Program (United Concordia):** [TDP Benefits](https://www.uccitdp.com/) * **BENEFEDS (FEDVIP):** [Retiree Dental Insurance](https://www.benefeds.com/) * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** [Orthodontic Policy Guidelines](https://health.mil/)