Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisible Aligners?

Invisible aligners gradually straighten crooked teeth and correct bite issues. Unlike braces, you can’t see them and you can remove them when you need to. Dental insurance may cover the cost of dental aligners in some circumstances, but coverage depends on the policy, the type of aligners, and the orthodontist you choose.

Dental Insurance and Invisible Aligners

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether dental insurance will cover invisible aligners.

"Every insurance question often comes down to the plan. Some will cover dental aligners, and unfortunately some won’t,” Hugh Flax, DDS, a cosmetic dentist at Flax Dental, tells ishonest Connect to Care.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, State Children’s Health Insurance Programs must devise a dental coverage plan that includes medically necessary services, which can include braces. Some states may opt to cover dental aligners, while others might not.

Similarly, private dental insurers set their own policies for orthodontic coverage, including dental aligners and other types of braces for adults. Because orthodontic care affects overall health, many plans will cover all or a portion of dental aligner costs. You might have to hit a deductible first or choose from a list of in-network providers, depending on your policy. Additionally, your insurer might only cover a set percentage of care.

Other Ways to Pay

If your insurance doesn’t cover invisible aligners or only covers a portion, you still have options for making dental alignment affordable, including:

• Payment plans: Talk to your dentist about paying over a period of time.
• Credit and loans: Some people opt to use a medical loan program or a credit card to cover the cost of care. You’ll pay less if you minimize the money you borrow and pay it off as quickly as possible.
• Comparison shopping: The price of invisible aligners varies greatly from dentist to dentist, as do payment options. Call around for quotes to get the best deal.

Start Your Journey to a More Confident Smile Today!

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