The prospect of getting treatment that results in a straight, healthy smile is an exciting one. It’s also a financial investment that sometimes isn’t covered or is only partially covered by dental insurance plans. If you are considering Invisalign treatment, it’s only natural to wonder if your dental insurance will cover it. Unfortunately, there’s no answer that applies to everyone; some dental insurance policies cover Invisalign treatments, and some do not. Here’s what you need to know.
Insurance Coverage for Invisalign Treatment
As with other orthodontic treatments, Invisalign is often considered an elective treatment. As such, many dental insurance plans do not cover it. However, some dental insurance plans do cover Invisalign, and coverage varies by plan. Here are some factors to consider:
- Coverage: Some dental insurance plans cover a percentage or dollar amount of the cost of Invisalign, similar to how they cover braces.
- Coverage limits: Dental insurance plans may have annual, lifetime, or other maximums, or waiting periods. If your treatment falls outside of these parameters, it may not be covered.
- Medical necessity: Some insurance companies only cover Invisalign if it’s deemed medically necessary.
- Out-of-network coverage: Reimbursement for out-of-network providers may be lower, and there may be other limitations.
To find out if your insurance covers Invisalign, you can contact your dental insurance provider. You can also use the My Invisalign app to estimate how much your insurance will cover.
Other ways to help pay for Invisalign include:
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): These accounts allow you to use pre-tax dollars to cover out-of-pocket expenses.
- Discounts: Some orthodontists offer discounts for multiple family members getting treatment at the same time or for up-front payments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
Do You Really Need to Wear Invisalign 22 Hours a Day?
While Invisalign offers the convenience of removing your trays for eating and dental hygiene, they still must be worn the majority of the time. Invisalign’s clear aligners are only effective when they’re in physical contact with teeth. Considering this, Invisalign strongly recommends that the trays be worn at least 20 to 22 hours per day. The more you wear your clear aligners, the more effective they will be and the sooner you can be done with your treatment.
Can Invisalign Fix My Dental Alignment Issues?
Depending on the type of alignment problem, Invisalign might be an optimal solution. Invisalign effectively treats gaps in the teeth, overbite, open bites, and tooth crowding. Patients with a mild underbite or crossbite can also benefit from Invisalign. However, if either issue is severe, we may need to see an orthodontist for other treatment options.
Invisalign Treatment with The Smile Architects
The dental team at The Smile Architects is highly skilled in cosmetic dentistry, including treatment with Invisalign. Contact us today to see how you might benefit from Invisalign treatment. Our team is happy to submit your Invisalign claim to your insurance company to help determine what they might cover. Rest assured that even if your insurance doesn’t cover your Invisalign treatment, we offer financing through CareCredit® and can accept payments via cash, debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.