Orthodontic treatment is more than just an aesthetic upgrade; it is crucial to overall dental health and well-being. Straight teeth and a properly aligned bite can prevent future dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, speech problems, and jaw disorders.
Investing in your child’s dental health today can lead to significant long-term savings by reducing the need for costly corrective procedures later in life.
Given the medical importance of orthodontic treatments, the IRS allows certain medical and dental expenses to be tax-deductible. Suppose your out-of-pocket expenses exceed a specific percentage of your adjusted gross income (AGI). In that case, you may qualify for tax reductions, making dental care a smart financial decision for your family. We analyze those potential savings now that Tax Day approaches in California (15th of April 2025).
Dental Treatments that are tax-deductible
Medically necessary dental treatments may qualify as a medical expense by the IRS and be eligible for tax benefits. They can include:
- Braces (metal, ceramic, lingual)
- Clear aligners, such as Invisalign® or ClearCorrect™
- Retainers and orthodontic appliances
- X-rays, imaging, and molds for treatment
- Dental surgeries related to orthodontics
Purely cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, are not eligible.
If your child’s orthodontic treatment is necessary for their health, you may be eligible for savings through FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HSAs (Health Savings Accounts).
You can book an appointment with us so we can explain which procedures you could potentially benefit from.
Are braces a tax write-off?
In many cases, braces are considered medically necessary to correct bite alignment, overcrowding, and jaw problems. The IRS allows tax deductions when they are essential for oral health rather than solely for cosmetic enhancement.
Is Invisalign tax deductible?
Invisalign and other clear aligner treatments may be tax-deductible if they are prescribed for medical reasons (e.g., correcting an overbite or preventing future dental complications).
However, if people use Invisalign purely for aesthetic improvements, it may not qualify.
Can you claim your child’s braces on your taxes?
If you are paying for your child’s braces, you may be able to claim the cost if your total medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your AGI.
Additionally, FSAs and HSAs allow you to pay for orthodontic care with pre-tax dollars, reducing your out-of-pocket costs.
How to deduct orthodontic treatment costs
If you’re paying for an orthodontic treatment, you must meet specific IRS guidelines to claim them as a deduction.
If you are an existing patient of Image Orthodontics, we can help you giving you guidance and all receipts required for this procedure. Check our dental practice locations here.
How to deduct braces
- Maintain all receipts and invoices from your orthodontist.
- Calculate your total medical expenses to determine if they exceed 7.5% of your AGI.
- Itemize your deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040) instead of taking the standard deduction.
- Use an FSA or HSA to reduce taxable income and pay for treatment with pre-tax dollars.
How to deduct aligners
- Obtain written proof from your orthodontist stating Invisalign® -or any other brand- are medically necessary.
- Include aligner costs in your total medical expense calculation for tax deduction eligibility.
- Ensure payments are properly recorded for tax documentation.
Other orthodontic treatments
Orthodontic care, including retainers and corrective jaw surgeries, may qualify for deductions. To determine if your orthodontic treatment is tax deductible, keep detailed records and consult a tax return professional.
Considerations
- Insurance reimbursements: Only the unreimbursed portion of your orthodontic expenses is deductible. Costs paid by your dental insurance are not deductible.
- FSAs & HSAs: These accounts allow you to pay for orthodontic treatment tax-free.
- State Tax Benefits: Some states offer additional deductions or tax credits for medical expenses. Check the specific ones for California.
- Medical Necessity Requirement: Treatments must be prescribed for oral health reasons, not just for cosmetic purposes.
How can Image Orthodontics help?
- Provide documentation for tax deductions.
- Assist with FSA and HSA payment options.
- Offer affordable financing plans for out-of-pocket costs.
- Ensure your child’s treatment is both medically necessary and financially manageable.
We offer flexible payment plans to make financing your orthodontic treatments easier. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Central Valley, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
We also recommend you check official sources to understand better which kind of deductions may apply in your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are braces considered medical or cosmetic?
Braces are medical if they are needed to correct bite problems, improve speech, or prevent future dental issues. If used only for aesthetic reasons, they may be considered cosmetic.
Can dental bills be a tax write-off?
Medically necessary dental procedures, including orthodontics, qualify for tax deductions if they exceed 7.5% of your AGI and you itemize your deductions.
Do I have to keep receipts to deduct dental expenses?
Can you claim metal braces on taxes?
Can you claim Invisalign on taxes?
