Are Braces Tax Deductible?
April 10, 2025
If you're a parent in West Palm Beach or the surrounding area, you know that raising a family comes with its fair share of expenses. And when the time comes for braces, the cost can feel like just one more thing on a very long list — school supplies, sports fees, family activities, and now teeth straightening too?
The good news is you might have a little help available at tax time. In certain situations, the IRS allows families to deduct some dental expenses, including braces, when they’re medically necessary. It’s not always straightforward, but that’s exactly why we created this simple guide.
Keep reading to learn how braces might qualify as a tax deduction, what expenses you can claim, and tips to help you save money along the way.
Can You Deduct Braces on Your Taxes?
When tax season rolls around, many families wonder: can you deduct braces on your taxes? The answer is—sometimes. According to the IRS, certain medical and dental expenses can be deducted from your taxes if they are considered essential for your health and well-being.
Braces often qualify for this deduction if the treatment is medically necessary. This means your orthodontist has recommended braces not just for cosmetic improvement, but to address health issues like:
- Bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
- Jaw alignment concerns
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Preventing further dental complications
However, it's important to know that purely cosmetic treatments, like teeth whitening or braces used only for aesthetic reasons, usually aren't tax deductible. If your orthodontist provides documentation stating that braces are necessary for your health, you may be able to claim those costs as a medical deduction on your taxes.
What Dental Expenses Are Tax Deductible?
Beyond the braces themselves, several other orthodontic-related expenses may also qualify for a tax deduction. These can add up quickly, so it's important to track everything carefully.
Here are some common dental expenses that may be tax deductible:
- Initial consultations for braces
- X-rays and dental exams
- Braces or Invisalign treatment
- Retainers and follow-up care
- Regular adjustments and check-ups
- Medical travel expenses (such as mileage for trips to your orthodontist)
Why Keeping Records Matters
Detailed documentation is your best friend when claiming medical expenses on your taxes. Be sure to save:
- Receipts and invoices from your orthodontist
- Proof of payment (credit card statements, canceled checks)
- Insurance statements showing your out-of-pocket expenses
- Mileage logs if you travel for treatment
The more organized your records, the easier it will be to support your tax deduction claim and avoid any issues during tax filing.
What Are the Requirements for Claiming Braces on Your Taxes?
Understanding the requirements for claiming braces as a tax deduction can help you manage orthodontic expenses more effectively. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process:?
Itemizing Deductions vs. Standard Deduction
When filing your taxes, you have two options: taking the standard deduction or itemizing your deductions. The standard deduction is a fixed amount that reduces your taxable income, simplifying the filing process. For the 2024 tax year, the standard deduction amounts are:?
- Single filers: $12,950?
- Married filing jointly: $25,900?
- Head of household: $19,400?
Itemizing deductions involves listing eligible expenses, such as medical and dental costs, on Schedule A of your tax return. To benefit from itemizing, your total deductible expenses should exceed the standard deduction amount for your filing status. If your qualifying expenses, including medical costs like braces, are substantial, itemizing may result in greater tax savings.?
Minimum Expense Threshold You Need to Meet
The IRS allows you to deduct unreimbursed medical and dental expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). Your AGI is your total income minus specific adjustments, such as contributions to retirement accounts or student loan interest.
Example Calculation:
- Adjusted Gross Income (AGI): $60,000?
- 7.5% of AGI: $4,500?
- Total Unreimbursed Medical Expenses: $6,000?
- Deductible Amount: $6,000 - $4,500 = $1,500?
In this scenario, you can deduct $1,500 of your medical expenses. It's important to note that only the portion of your medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of your AGI is deductible.
Required Documentation to Support Your Claim
Maintaining thorough records is crucial when claiming medical expense deductions. Ensure you collect and organize the following documents:?
- Receipts and Invoices: Detailed statements from your orthodontist outlining the services provided and the associated costs.?
- Proof of Payment: Bank statements, canceled checks, or credit card statements confirming payment for orthodontic services.?
- Insurance Statements: Documents showing amounts covered by insurance and any out-of-pocket expenses you incurred.?
- Mileage Logs: If you traveled for medical care, keep a log of the dates, destinations, and distances traveled, as transportation costs related to medical care may be deductible.?
Organizing these records will facilitate accurate reporting and provide necessary support if your tax return is subject to review.?
How to Claim Braces as a Tax Deduction
If you meet the IRS requirements and your braces qualify as a deductible medical expense, you may be wondering exactly how to claim them on your tax return. The good news is that the process is relatively straightforward, especially if you plan ahead and stay organized.
First, you will need to complete Schedule A of the IRS Form 1040. This form is used to itemize your deductions, including medical and dental expenses. On this form, you should list all qualifying out-of-pocket medical costs for you, your spouse, or your dependents. Make sure to include not only the cost of braces but also any related expenses like X-rays, consultations, and follow-up appointments.
Once you have listed your total qualifying expenses, you will need to calculate the amount that exceeds 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). Only expenses beyond this threshold are deductible. Because tax rules can sometimes be complex or change over time, it is always a smart idea to consult with a tax professional who can guide you through the process and ensure accuracy.
In addition to tax deductions, families can also take advantage of other savings opportunities. For example, using a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or a Health Savings Account (HSA) can provide significant financial benefits. These accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible medical expenses, including orthodontic treatment. This can help reduce your taxable income while covering the cost of braces.
Are Braces Tax Deductible for Kids and Adults?
One of the most common questions parents have is whether braces are only tax deductible for children or if adults can also benefit from this tax break. Fortunately, both kids and adults may qualify for a tax deduction on braces, provided the treatment is deemed medically necessary.
For children, braces are often recommended to support proper dental development and prevent future oral health issues. Because of this, orthodontic treatment for kids is more likely to meet the IRS guidelines for medical necessity.
However, adults can also deduct the cost of braces if the treatment is recommended for dental health reasons rather than cosmetic improvement. For instance, if braces are needed to correct bite problems, jaw misalignment, or speech issues, these expenses may qualify. On the other hand, if the purpose of getting braces is purely for cosmetic reasons, such as improving the appearance of your smile, those expenses typically will not be deductible.
Understanding these guidelines can help you determine if you are eligible to claim braces on your taxes and may even encourage you to consult with an orthodontist to document the medical necessity of your treatment properly.
Conclusion
So, are braces tax deductible? In many cases, yes — especially when braces are medically necessary for dental health. By understanding the IRS guidelines and keeping detailed records, you may be able to reduce your orthodontic costs.
Ready to start your orthodontic journey? Contact Parsons Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation. Our team proudly serves families in West Palm Beach and surrounding areas, offering personalized payment plans to make braces more affordable for your family.
