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Invisalign Insurance Coverage & Cost

Updated May 2022

What are the advantages of Invisalign?

If you have a less complex case of misaligned teeth, your dentist may suggest Invisalign treatment as an option. Invisalign offers a lot of benefits that make it a more attractive option than traditional braces including:  

  • Less trips to the orthodontist throughout the treatment period 
  • Ability to remove your aligners for several hours at a time
  • No food or drink restrictions
  • More subtle appearance vs traditional braces
  • In many cases, less time needed to straighten your teeth vs traditional braces

However, Invisalign treatment can be expensive so it is important to consider the cost and whether or not insurance can help cover expenses. 

Does insurance cover Invisalign?

Yes, you can find dental insurance that covers Invisalign. This means you have options that can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. 

Coverage amounts vary between plans. Typically, insurers cover a percentage of the cost of orthodontics. Also, keep in mind that some policies might only cover orthodontics if they’re medically necessary, so they might exclude Invisalign if it’s considered a cosmetic treatment. 

Note: If you have a dental plan that covers regular braces, your insurer might cover Invisalign the same way. Just confirm that Invisalign, in particular, is included. 

Invisalign cost with vs without insurance

How much is Invisalign without insurance? 

The amount you’ll pay will depend on various factors, which are covered below. On average, the cost of Invisalign might be $3,000 to $8,000. If you don’t have insurance, you’ll be responsible for the entire bill.  

How much does Invisalign cost with insurance?

If you have insurance, your provider might cover a portion of the cost of Invisalign, such as 25-50%, and this might help you save hundreds or thousands. As an example, if your insurance were to cover half of the cost of a $6,000 bill, you’d only need to pay $3,000.  

Note: Insurance plans might impose limits on coverage and other restrictions, such as annual maximums, waiting periods, and lifetime maximums. You might also be responsible for a copay, coinsurance, and/or deductible when you receive orthodontic care, and these fees will vary from one policy to the next. 

Factors that can affect the cost of Invisalign

What can affect the cost of Invisalign? Several factors can have an impact, such as where you’re located, the orthodontist you use, and the following: 

Severity of the misalignment 

The more severe and complex your condition, the more expensive your Invisalign treatment will be. 

For example, treatment for a minor misalignment might cost less than $3,000 and might only take a few months. But if the misalignment of your bite or teeth is severe, the cost might be closer to $5,000 or more and the treatment will likely take longer. 

The teeth that are treated and the number of trays you need

Another factor that can impact the cost is whether you need to straighten just your bottom or top teeth or you need to straighten both. If you need aligners for your whole mouth, the cost will be higher.  

Also, the number of trays you’ll need will depend on how mild or severe your condition is. On average, people might need 20-30 trays, but you may need more or less, and this will play a role in your total cost. 

Treatments needed before, during, and after Invisalign 

Before you get your first Invisalign tray, your orthodontist will examine your mouth and might need to take X-rays. Also, if your teeth or gums aren’t as healthy as they should be, you might need to undergo treatments to get them in tip-top shape. And if you need other treatments, such as extractions, those will increase the total cost. Plus, after you’ve completed your treatment, you may need to get a retainer to maintain the results. 

Having comprehensive insurance can help you save in many or all of these areas. High-quality plans may cover exams, extractions, fillings, and other treatments you might need before, during, and after Invisalign.

Can’t afford Invisalign? You have other options

If Invisalign is too pricey, consider discussing other options with your orthodontist. There are other brands that offer clear aligners, such as ClearCorrect, SmileDirectClub, SnapCorrect, and Byte. These might be priced within your budget, and your insurer might help cover some of the cost too. 

Shop for Invisalign insurance on Direct Benefits Marketplace

Now that you have a better understanding of the cost of Invisalign and you know that you can reduce the cost of Invisalign with insurance, it’s time to start your search for the perfect dental plan. 

What insurance covers Invisalign in your area, and how can you find it quickly and easily? Check out the Direct Benefits Marketplace to compare options and enroll in the policy that’s just right for your needs and budget.