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Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

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Invisalign can help patients correct crooked or misaligned teeth in a short time period without the need for braces. If you’re considering this orthodontic treatment, you may be wondering if dental insurance can help cover the cost. Read on to learn how Invisalign works and whether dental insurance offers coverage for this treatment.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that involves wearing a series of clear, plastic, removable aligners over your teeth to shift them into their proper positions gradually. The patient wears each set of aligners for a few weeks, as instructed by their dentist, then moves to the next pair until treatment is complete.

Invisalign vs. braces

Invisalign and braces differ in many ways:

  • Appearance: Invisalign is nearly invisible since it’s clear and fits precisely to the teeth, while braces are more visible.

  • Removability: Braces cannot be removed except by an orthodontist. Invisalign can be removed anytime, such as for eating, drinking, oral hygiene, and athletic activities. However, patients often wear Invisalign 20 to 22 hours per day.1

  • Care and maintenance: Braces require more work to eliminate particles from brackets and wires. Invisalign can be removed for easier cleaning, and Invisalign provides a special cleaning solution to clean the devices.

  • Comfort: Both forms of treatment create some form of discomfort. However, Invisalign tends to cause less irritation since it doesn’t have brackets and wires.2

  • Treatment time: On average, Invisalign can take 12 to 18 months, but many patients may only need to wear them for six months. Meanwhile, braces can take one to two years.2

What is dental insurance? 

Dental insurance is a supplemental insurance plan that helps patients pay for their dental visits and procedures. You can pay a monthly premium to maintain coverage. Dental insurance policies like Aflac’s cover preventative, basic, and major services:

  • Preventative: Preventative care involves regular cleanings, exams, and X-rays. These keep your oral health in good shape and help the dentist catch early warning signs of potential issues.

  • Basic: These fix minor damage to the teeth and gums. Basic procedures may include treatments and care & maintenance.

  • Major: These correct significant dental issues and entail more complex procedures. 

Is Invisalign covered by dental insurance?

Dental insurance plans often cover orthodontic devices like Invisalign for children under age 18.3 Some plans may offer orthodontic coverage for adults, but many do not. Although Aflac’s dental insurance does not provide orthodontic coverage, we do help with a wide range of services.

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How much does Invisalign cost?

Invisalign can generally cost anywhere from $1,200 to $8,000.4 Given the wide range, many factors can impact the cost of Invisalign treatment:

  • Treatment time: The longer you need treatment, the more treatment will cost.

  • Treatment complexity: Mild tooth corrections require less complex treatment, potentially reducing costs. However, more major issues with malocclusion or crooked teeth may cost more.

  • The dental professional’s experience: More experienced professionals may charge more.

  • Location: The living costs of your dental professional’s area can influence treatment costs. For example, if your dental professional lives in a major city, they may have to charge more for treatment.

  • Patient compliance: The more rigorously the patient adheres to their dental professional’s instructions, the fewer mishaps can occur. This prevents the need to extend treatment time, reducing costs.

Should I get a dental insurance plan?

Consider the following when deciding whether a dental insurance plan is right for you:

  • Dental visit frequency: Dental insurance may make sense even if you only visit the dentist for semi-annual cleanings. Calculate the cost of premiums against the cost of your visits to decide if you should get a plan.

  • Dependents: If you have a partner and children, you’ll pay for more visits, even if everyone only goes for preventative care. A dental policy covering your family may be the most cost-effective option.

  • Your provider: If you have a preferred provider, you’d have to find a policy where they’re in-network to save money. If you get a policy that doesn’t cover your preferred dental provider, you’ll pay more in premiums without receiving much coverage for your treatments.

  • Expected dental care needs: If you foresee the need for basic or major services, such as a root canal, a dental insurance plan may be right for you.

  • Workplace availability: Some employers offer dental insurance in their benefits package. Workplace dental insurance may cost less than an external policy, so enrolling in a workplace plan may be worth it.

Get Aflac dental insurance today

Dental insurance can help many people afford dental care, from preventative care to major services. Invisalign, as an orthodontic device, may not be covered by most insurance policies for adults. Although Aflac doesn’t cover orthodontics, we offer coverage for many preventative, basic, and major procedures to fit your dental care needs. Speak with an agent today to learn more about your dental coverage options and get a quote.

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