Working toward a straighter, healthier smile is genuinely exciting, but it also represents a real financial commitment, since dental insurance plans do not always pay the full cost and in many cases only cover a portion of it. Anyone weighing Invisalign treatment naturally wants to know whether their coverage will help offset the expense. The honest answer is that it depends entirely on your specific plan, as certain dental insurance policies pay toward Invisalign while others offer no coverage for it at all. Here is what you should know before you decide.
How Dental Insurance Handles Invisalign Costs
Like many orthodontic options, Invisalign is frequently classified as an elective procedure, which means a considerable number of dental insurance plans exclude it from coverage. That said, other plans do provide some level of benefit toward Invisalign, and the details can differ quite a bit from one policy to the next. A few factors typically come into play, including the following:
- Some plans reimburse a percentage or a set dollar amount toward the cost of Invisalign, much the same way many policies handle traditional braces.
- Dental plans often include annual, lifetime, or other maximums, along with possible waiting periods, so treatment falling outside those limits may not receive any reimbursement.
- A number of insurers only extend benefits toward Invisalign when it is classified as medically necessary rather than cosmetic.
- Choosing an out-of-network provider can mean a lower reimbursement rate, along with additional restrictions on what is covered.
The most reliable way to confirm your own coverage is to reach out directly to your dental insurance carrier. You might also try the My Invisalign app, which can give you an estimate of what your plan may pay toward treatment.
If insurance does not cover the full cost, a few additional payment options can help, such as:
- Using a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), both of which let you apply pre-tax dollars toward out-of-pocket costs.
- Taking advantage of discounts some orthodontists provide when several family members begin treatment together or when payment is made up-front.
Answers to Common Invisalign Questions
Is It Necessary to Wear Invisalign for 22 Hours Each Day?
Invisalign trays can be removed for meals and for brushing and flossing, which is a nice convenience, but they still need to stay in for most of the day to do their job. The clear aligners only move teeth while they remain in direct contact with them. For that reason, Invisalign recommends keeping the trays in for at least 20 to 22 hours per day. Generally speaking, the more consistently you wear your aligners, the faster and more effectively your treatment can typically progress.
Is Invisalign Able to Correct Alignment Problems?
The right fit for Invisalign depends largely on the specific type of alignment concern you have. In many cases, Invisalign can address gaps between teeth, overbite, open bites, and tooth crowding. Patients dealing with a mild underbite or crossbite may also see good results with this treatment. That said, when either of those issues is more severe, a referral to an orthodontist for alternative treatment options may be the better path forward.
Invisalign Care at The Smile Architects
At The Smile Architects, our dental team brings extensive, hands-on experience in cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign included. To learn more about whether Invisalign could be a good fit for you, please contact us today. We are also glad to submit your Invisalign claim on your behalf so we can help clarify what your insurance may cover. Even in cases where your plan does not cover Invisalign, you can rely on financing through CareCredit®, and we accept cash, debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.