Is Invisalign Covered by Insurance?
Table of Contents
- Insurance Coverage for Kids
- Insurance Coverage for Adults
- Invisalign Available Options
- Alternatives to Invisalign
- Cost of Invisalign & Aligners
- Are Invisalign & Aligners Cheaper Than Braces?
- Resources
Invisalign is sometimes covered by insurance, at least partially. Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign in the same way they cover traditional braces.
Depending on your specific insurance plan, your orthodontic issues, and which clear aligners you receive for treatment, insurance may cover all or some of the costs of treatment with clear aligners.
Does Insurance Cover Invisalign & Clear Aligners for Kids?
Many dental insurance plans cover some or all of the costs for orthodontic treatment for children under 18 years old, including Invisalign and other orthodontist-prescribed clear aligners.
Similar to how treatment with braces is handled, an insurance company may pay a certain percentage or a certain total amount toward Invisalign or clear aligner treatment. There may also be a limit on how much is covered (an annual of lifetime cap) for orthodontic treatment.
Does Insurance Cover Invisalign & Clear Aligners for Adults?
Some dental insurance plans do not cover orthodontic treatment for adults. Plans that do have an orthodontic benefit may cover some of the costs for Invisalign or clear aligners.
The policies vary by insurance provider and by plan. Some may cover only orthodontist-provided aligners. Others may help with the costs of at-home clear aligners.
If your insurance plan doesn’t provide orthodontic coverage for the aligner treatment you want, you may also consider the following options:
Payment plans: Many orthodontists and aligner providers offer financing or payment plans to make paying for treatment more manageable.
Health insurance, rather than dental insurance, coverage: Rarely, adults may be able to get orthodontic coverage through their health plan. This is more common if the treatment is deemed medically necessary rather than cosmetic.
Flexible spending accounts (FSA) or health savings accounts (HSA): These accounts allow you to put aside pre-tax funds to use on health and medical related expenses. They can be used to help cover the costs of aligners for Invisalign.
What Invisalign Options Are Available?
Invisalign offers different treatments for different age groups.
Invisalign offers different treatment options depending on the complexity and severity of the orthodontic problem being treated. These options vary in the number of aligners used in the treatment plan, how often the aligners must be worn during treatment, and how long the treatment will take in total.
Treatment plans for the mildest of issues may be completed in less than 6 months, while treatment for the most complex or severe issues treatable by Invisalign may require full-time aligner wear for about 18 months and possibly the use of attachments or accessories.
Designed for teeth that are still shifting, Invisalign for Teens aligners may be used with other attachments. They may feature an indicator for when it’s time to switch to a new aligner.
Invisalign First aligners are designed for children aged 6 to 10. They can be used to predictably treat common and complex orthodontic issues like crowding, spacing, and arch problems.
Alternatives to Invisalign
Invisalign is a well-known name when it comes to orthodontics, as they helped popularize clear aligners at a time when braces were nearly the only option when it came to straightening teeth.
Today, however, there are many clear aligner providers on the market, especially for adults who are looking to correct a smile or bite issue.
Alternatives to Invisalign include the following:
Like Invisalign, ClearCorrect offers in-office aligners (patients begin and continue treatment with in-office orthodontist visits) for mild-to-severe orthodontic problems. Aligners are provided by an orthodontist who is trained to use ClearCorrect aligners. Treatment times and pricing will vary depending on the orthodontist and the type of treatment needed.
Pros: ClearCorrect can treat more complex orthodontic issues. These aligners are generally more affordable than Invisalign.
Cons: Fewer providers offer ClearCorrect than Invisalign and in-office visits are required.
We are a leading brand in today’s clear aligner market, offering completely at-home treatment. Patients receive an easy-to-use impression kit. If it’s determined you’re a candidate for clear aligners and you op to continue, you will then be sent a complete set of aligner trays and begin doctor-monitored treatment, checking in virtually.Byte’s straightforward and affordable pricing, fast results, and user-friendly mobile app have earned it top ratings and positive reviews.
Pros: Byte offers convenient and completely remote treatment as well as affordable pricing, with easy financing available. Byte brings faster results than braces and many other aligner companies.Aligner kits include HyperByte, a high-frequency massage tool that may help with comfort and treatment efficiency. Byte is partnered with select insurance companies (Empire BCBS, Anthem BCBS, Guardian, and Aetna) to help with coverage.
Cons: Byte may not be able to address severe orthodontic issues. Some insurance plans will not cover at-home clear aligners.
Once a direct-to-consumer aligner brand, Candid changed its business model to a “hybrid” service. After an in-office consultation with a CandidPro dentist (including a tooth scan and/or impression), you’ll receive your full set of aligners by mail, along with the monitoring tools needed to check in virtually.
Pros: Virtual check-ins make it a convenient option. Direct orthodontic contact is available for any concerns or care questions.
Cons: Candid requires an initial in-office visit. Provider locations may be limited. Pricing and financing must be addressed with the individual orthodontist.
Cost of Invisalign & Aligners With and Without Insurance
The amount your insurance will pay to cover orthodontic treatment depends on your provider and plan. They may pay a percentage or total dollar amount toward the cost of your treatment option.
Invisalign: The cost of Invisalign treatment can vary widely depending on the complexity of the treatment plan and the provider chosen. Very mild cases (requiring only five aligners) may cost around $1,500, not including orthodontist procedure fees. The most severe or complex treatment plans can cost more than $8,500.
Byte: Byte’s complete aligner kit costs $2,099. Financing is available for $90 a month or less.
Candid: Candid’s pricing will depend on the provider and treatment needed, with a general range of $3,000 to $7,500. If financing options are available, they will be provided by the CandidPro doctor.
Are Invisalign & Aligners Cheaper Than Braces?
Traditional metal braces are the most affordable braces option, costing around $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the complexity and severity of the issue being corrected.
Ceramic braces, which are also called “invisible” braces as they use hardware that is clear or tooth-colored, are generally slightly more expensive at around $4,000 to $7,400.
Lingual braces are the most expensive option for braces. With lingual braces, the hardware is attached to the back of the teeth and not visible from the front. These braces can cost from $8,000 to $10,000 or more.
Because the cost of Invisalign varies so widely ($1,500 to $8,500 or more) depending on the treatment plan, it may or may not be cheaper than braces. It depends on the price of your proposed Invisalign treatment, as well as which type of braces you are comparing the pricing to.
Clear at-home aligners are generally much cheaper than braces. With prices ranging from around $900 to $2,500, they’re more affordable than most Invisalign treatments as well.
Price Comparison
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Metal braces | $3,000–$7,000 |
| Ceramic braces | $4,000–$7,400 |
| Lingual braces | $8,000–$10,000 |
| Invisalign | $4,000–$7,400 |
| Clear at-home aligners | $900–$2,500 |
Resources
Clear Aligners or Metal Braces? Here's How to Choose. Colgate. Date fetched: Oct 22, 2022.
What Dental Insurance Covers Orthodontics? Cigna. Date fetched: Oct 22, 2022.
How Much Are Braces With Insurance? (November 2022). Colgate. Date fetched: Oct 22, 2022.
Health and Medicaid Coverage for Orthodontic Procedures. DentalBilling.com. Date fetched: Oct 22, 2022.
Can I Use My HSA or FSA for Orthodontic Treatment? (March 2021). American Association of Orthodontists. Date fetched: Oct 22, 2022.
How Much Do Invisible Braces Cost? A Guide to Clear Braces Pricing. (March 2022). U.S. News & World Report. Date fetched: Oct 22, 2022.
Best Invisible Braces and Teeth Aligners of 2022. (August 2022). Forbes. Date fetched: Oct 22, 2022.