Most new orthodontic patients are aware that Invisalign is a more expensive treatment option than braces. The cost comes from the materials used, the number of visits required, and even the cost of creating the appliances. Dental insurance can help patients pay for Invisalign if they decide that the added expense is worth it for the conveniences that Invisalign offers.
However, not all insurances cover Invisalign and many only do so partially. Invisalign remains an expensive treatment option compared to conventional metal braces, though the cost disparity may be smaller than you think, depending on your provider and your situation. Continue reading to learn which insurances cover Invisalign treatments and how much you can still expect to pay.
Want to find out if you or your child needs braces? Visit Reese Orthodontics in Charleston, SC for leading orthodontic care.
What is the Average Cost of Invisalign Without Insurance?
With no insurance coverage, Invisalign is much more expensive than conventional metal braces. Your situation will change the amount you pay, but the average Invisalign treatment costs anywhere between $3,000 to $8,000. For comparison, braces usually cost around $5,000 to $6,000. Your individual treatment needs will heavily factor into how these costs compare.
To figure out which side of the spectrum you may be closer to, consider the range of treatment you may need. Some factors that can increase the cost of Invisalign include:
- The severity of the gaps or crowding in your teeth
- The presence or severity of bite issues, including overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite
- Your oral hygiene habits, including how healthy your teeth and gums are before treatment as well as how well you brush and floss during treatment
- The amount of time you wear your appliance per day
- Your age
These factors can impact how long you have to wear your Invisalign appliance and how effective the treatment ends up being. This then impacts the price you will pay.
Which Companies Cover Invisalign Treatments?
Many orthodontic plans partially cover Invisalign, but it is not a guarantee. Basic plans usually offer coverage for other treatments while pricier plans are more likely to include Invisalign. This means that even if you have a plan with one of the companies listed below, you should still talk with your provider to learn if your specific coverage includes Invisalign.
These insurance companies have at least one plan that covers Invisalign:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Delta Dental
- Cigna
- MetLife
- Aetna
- United Concordia
- Guardian
How Much Will Your Insurance Cover?
All the companies listed above offer at least one plan that partially covers Invisalign. However, this coverage often goes up to 50%, not 100%. You cannot expect to have your Invisalign treatment completely paid for.
Also, keep in mind whether your orthodontist is in-network with your insurance company. Many insurance plans offer some form of coverage for patients visiting doctors out of network, but this coverage is often much less.
Restrictions on Orthodontic Benefits
In addition to in-network vs out-of-network differences, some restrictions may apply when you try to receive coverage for Invisalign:
Age limit – Many orthodontic benefits, including coverage for Invisalign treatment, have an age limit. They offer coverage for patients under the age of 20 but not for adults. Check with your insurance provider to find out if your plan has an age restriction.
Maximum coverage – To avoid paying tens of thousands of dollars for extensive orthodontic procedures, many insurance companies set a maximum coverage limit for patients. These limits may be a few thousand dollars and apply to the patient’s lifetime, meaning if your treatment exceeds this amount (with Invisalign, it will be likely), you will still have out-of-pocket costs.
Delays – Sometimes, insurance plans set delays between when their benefits are claimed and when they can be used. These waiting periods may cause you to delay treatment until you receive your coverage.
Choose Reese Orthodontics
If you’re an adult who is considering Invisalign or braces, you need professional advice on your treatment and payment options. For orthodontic treatments in Charleston, SC, Reese Orthodontics offers the latest technology and treatment plans. Our advanced and comfortable orthodontic treatments can be customized to suit your needs. A consultation with Reese Orthodontics includes scans, a comprehensive exam, and a conversation with the orthodontist to discover which treatment options are right for you.
Schedule an appointment with us today to stay ahead of your oral health and receive the best possible treatment in your area.