Between 20% and 25% of all patients getting orthodontic treatment are adults.
There are even more in North America, with 27% of orthodontic patients being adults!
All these show that more people are now aware of the oral health benefits of orthodontics. No, straighter teeth aren’t just for show — they’re also less susceptible to decay! Whereas crooked teeth can cause complications like cavities and gum disease.
The thing is, orthodontic treatments like Invisalign, aren’t cheap. This has led to you wondering, “does insurance cover Invisalign?”
We’ll answer this question once and for all in this post, so be sure to keep reading!
Does Insurance Cover Invisalign?
This depends on whether you’re referring to a health or dental plan. Most dental plans cover Invisalign, as part of their orthodontic care coverage.
Just like traditional braces, Invisalign is also a type of orthodontic treatment. Most dental insurance plans cover such treatments, up to certain limits. For example, your dental insurance policy may only pay a portion of your Invisalign treatment.
Call your dental insurance provider to ask what their orthodontic coverage requirements are. Depending on the specific type of dental plan you have, there may be deductibles and co-pays. You may also have to go to a specific Invisalign provider to get coverage for your treatment.
Is Invisalign Covered by Insurance Plans Other Than Dental Policies?
Yes, there are also specialty insurance policies designed to cover orthodontic care. These are supplemental plans though, so they’re not always included in a standard policy. Meaning, you’d have to purchase this as an “extra” so you can get coverage for Invisalign.
The good news is, most insurance companies offer discounts for these extras. For existing policyholders, call your provider to ask about Invisalign insurance coverage. You may only have to pay a small additional premium to get Invisalign covered.
When Health Insurance May Cover Invisalign
Some health insurance providers also offer coverage for orthodontic care. Eligibility varies, but most require orthodontic treatment to be “medically necessary”. If the dentist confirms it is, your insurance may also cover the Invisalign treatment.
When could orthodontic treatment be “medically necessary” though? An example is if you get into an accident that caused trauma to your mouth. As a result, you now have severe teeth misalignment that affects how your mouth functions.
In this case, your insurance may cover orthodontic treatment (including Invisalign).
Why Invisalign and Not Traditional Braces?
Let’s say your insurance does cover Invisalign and other orthodontic treatments. The question is, why should you opt for Invisalign?
If you want your teeth straightened out faster, then Invisalign may be a better choice. Especially if you only have a minor case of malocclusion or crooked teeth. Studies found that Invisalign treatment for these cases ranges from six to 12 months.
Whereas treatment time with traditional braces usually gets completed within 19.9 months. For more severe cases, treatment can extend up to 25 months or more.
Get Straighter Teeth With Insurance-Covered Invisalign Treatment
There you have it, all the answers to your question, “does insurance cover Invisalign?” If you have a dental insurance plan, then Invisalign is likely covered. The best way to confirm is to call your insurance provider and to make sure you meet their requirements.
By doing so, you can make your Invisalign treatment much more affordable.
Ready for more health guides like this? Then be sure to check out the rest of the posts in our site’s Health Programs section!