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Braces can transform a smile—but they can also hit your wallet hard. If you’ve stared at an orthodontic bill and wondered, “Can I write this off on my taxes?” you’re not alone. The good news? Braces can sometimes qualify as a tax deduction. The catch: it depends on medical necessity, your adjusted gross income (AGI), and whether you itemize.

Let’s walk through how it works—without the tax jargon overload.

The Quick Answer: Yes, But With Rules

The IRS considers braces a qualified medical expense when they’re medically necessary. That means treatment to fix bite issues, crowding, or jaw alignment usually qualifies. Purely cosmetic treatment (like wanting slightly straighter teeth for appearances) does not.

But there’s a big hurdle: the 7.5% AGI threshold. You can only deduct the portion of your medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your AGI.

Example: If your AGI is $60,000, the first $4,500 in medical expenses doesn’t count. Only costs above that line are deductible.

Think of it like a filter—the IRS only lets through the “extra” medical expenses beyond that threshold.

How It Works in Real Life

Let’s say your family had:

• Braces: $5,000

• Other dental work: $2,000

• Medical visits/prescriptions: $1,500

Total = $8,500

With a $60,000 AGI, 7.5% is $4,500. That means you could deduct $8,500 – $4,500 = $4,000.

Not life-changing, but when you’re paying for braces, every bit helps.

Requirements You’ll Need to Meet

1. Medical Necessity – Braces or Invisalign must be prescribed for health reasons, not just looks. (The IRS lists orthodontics as eligible medical expenses).

2. Itemize Deductions – You’ll need to itemize on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction.

3. Pass the AGI Test – Medical expenses must exceed 7.5% of your AGI.

4. Keep Records – Save receipts, insurance statements, and payment records. If the IRS asks, you’ll want proof.

What Orthodontic Expenses Count?

Deductible:

• Traditional braces

• Clear aligners like Invisalign (if medically necessary)

• Ceramic or lingual braces

• Retainers (prescribed as part of treatment)

• Consultations, X-rays, adjustments

• Medically necessary follow-ups

• Transportation costs to orthodontic visits (IRS guidelines here)

Not Deductible:

• Cosmetic-only procedures (like whitening or purely cosmetic Invisalign)

• Over-the-counter straightening gadgets

• Anything not prescribed by a qualified provider

Planning Moves That Save You Money

• Time your payments – If you’re close to the 7.5% AGI threshold, consider prepaying part of treatment in one year to push you over the line.

• Use an HSA – If you have a Health Savings Account, orthodontic costs qualify. That means pre-tax dollars, no AGI threshold, and triple tax benefits (learn more).

• Tap your FSA – Flexible Spending Accounts also work for braces, letting you pay with pre-tax dollars. Just remember FSAs are “use it or lose it” within the plan year.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting documentation – Always save receipts, EOBs, and even a note from your orthodontist confirming medical necessity.

• Deducting reimbursements – You can only deduct what you actually paid, not what insurance covered.

• Confusing cosmetic with medical – Purely cosmetic braces don’t qualify. Medical necessity is the key.

FAQs From Real Parents & Patients (Reddit-Inspired)

Q: My kid’s braces cost $6,000 but insurance covered $2,000. Can I deduct the full $6,000?
A: No—you can only deduct what you paid out of pocket ($4,000 here), and only if your total medical costs clear the 7.5% AGI threshold.

Q: I paid for treatment in 2024 but it continues into 2025. Which year do I claim?
A: The year you paid—so 2024. The IRS goes by payment date, not treatment duration.

Q: Are Invisalign aligners deductible like braces?
A: Yes, if medically necessary. Same rules apply as traditional braces.

Q: My AGI is $80,000. How much in medical expenses do I need before I can deduct?
A: $6,000. Only expenses above that can be deducted.

Q: Can I deduct mileage for orthodontic appointments?
A: Yes—medical mileage is deductible at the IRS standard rate (keep a log of dates and miles).

Q: My ex and I split costs. Can we both claim?
A: Only the parent who actually paid can deduct. And the child must be their dependent.

Q: Are retainers deductible?
A: Yes, if prescribed as part of treatment.

Q: My orthodontist required jaw surgery before braces. Is that deductible?
A: Yes, if medically necessary, it falls under deductible medical expenses.

Q: Should I use an FSA instead of itemizing?
A: Often yes—FSAs let you save upfront with pre-tax dollars and don’t require meeting the 7.5% threshold.

State-Level Rules

Some states have lower thresholds or additional deductions for medical expenses. It’s worth checking your state’s tax website—or asking a professional—because the rules don’t always mirror federal law.

The Bottom Line

Braces can be tax deductible, but only if:

• They’re medically necessary

• Your total medical expenses exceed 7.5% of AGI

• You itemize deductions

If you don’t qualify, HSAs and FSAs are great alternatives that often save more money right away.

And here’s the golden rule: keep every receipt, insurance record, and note from your orthodontist. If the IRS ever asks, you’ll be ready.

Ready to explore treatment options for your family? Schedule a consultation with Petrover Orthodontics and let’s talk about your best path forward.

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