TRICARE Dental Orthodontics: 2026 Coverage & Costs | TRICARE.com

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## Quick answer TRICARE dental coverage for orthodontics (braces and aligners) depends on your plan and beneficiary status. While the standard TRICARE health plans do **not** cover dental or orthodontia, coverage is available through the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) for families and the FEDVIP program for retirees, typically covering 50% of costs up to a lifetime maximum.

Details

### TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) for Active Duty Families For active-duty family members (ADFMs) and National Guard/Reserve members and their families, orthodontia is managed by **United Concordia**.

* **Coverage Amount:** TDP pays 50% of the allowed cost for orthodontic treatment. * **Lifetime Maximum:** As of 2026, there is a **$1,750 lifetime maximum** per person. Once you reach this limit, you pay 100% of additional costs. * **Age Limits:** Orthodontic care is covered for children up to age 19 (or age 21/23 if a full-time student). There is no orthodontic coverage for spouses or adult beneficiaries under TDP, except in very specific cases of medical necessity related to craniofacial anomalies. * **Providers:** You must use a network dentist to maximize your benefits. If you use a non-network provider, you are responsible for the difference between the provider's bill and the TRICARE maximum allowable charge.

### FEDVIP for Retirees and Families Retirees and their family members are not eligible for the TRICARE Dental Program. Instead, they must enroll in the **Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)**, managed by OPM.

* **Plan Variety:** Unlike TDP, FEDVIP offers multiple carriers (such as Aetna, Delta Dental, MetLife, and United Healthcare). * **Coverage:** Each plan has its own orthodontic benefit. Most provide 50% coverage, but lifetime maximums vary significantly by plan (ranging from $1,500 to $3,500+ in 2026). * **No Age Limits:** Unlike TDP, many FEDVIP plans offer orthodontic coverage for adults (retirees and spouses), not just children.

### Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) Active duty members generally receive dental care, including orthodontia, at military dental clinics (MTFs). * **On-Base:** Braces are available at no cost if deemed medically necessary for readiness or if the member is part of a training program. * **Off-Base/Remote:** ADSMs require a specific "Fitness for Duty" referral from the Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP) contractor (United Concordia) to receive braces from a civilian orthodontist.

### What is NOT Covered * **Replacement Appliances:** If you lose your retainers or break your braces, the replacement costs are usually not covered. * **Cosmetic Procedures:** Treatment solely for appearance without functional necessity may be denied. * **Work-in-Progress:** If you start braces before enrolling in TDP, the plan may pro-rate the benefit based on the remaining months of treatment.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Family Members:** Eligible via the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP); limited to children. * **National Guard & Reserve:** Eligible for TDP (including sponsors and families); limited to children. * **Retirees and Families:** Eligible via FEDVIP; often includes adult orthodontic coverage. * **Active Duty Service Members:** Covered via military dental clinics or ADDP referrals.

## Sources 1. **TRICARE.mil Dental Care:** https://www.tricare.mil/Dental 2. **TRICARE Dental Program (United Concordia):** https://www.uccitdp.com/ 3. **BENEFEDS (FEDVIP Enrollment):** https://www.benefeds.com/ 4. **Active Duty Dental Program:** https://addp-uci.com/