Does Insurance Cover Aligners? Costs, Coverage, and Alternatives

Aligners: What Are They and Why Are They Everywhere Now

You’ve probably seen those ads promising straighter teeth without the awkward metal. Yep, aligners are having their moment. These a custom-made clear trays which gently nudge your teeth into place over time. Compared to traditional braces, aligners are nearly invisible, removable, and, let’s be honest, way less likely to earn you a “brace face” nickname.

If you're considering clear aligners, especially popular brands like Invisalign, you're probably wondering about one very not-clear thing: how much they cost and whether your dental insurance will step in and help out. The good news? Dental insurance can help pay for your aligner treatment. The catch? It depends on your insurance plan.

Invisalign: The Heavyweight in the Clear Aligner Ring

Invisalign aligners are kind of like the Beyoncé of orthodontics. They've been around the longest, have serious brand recognition, and deliver solid results. Invisalign treatment uses a series of aligners to gradually straighten your teeth, and it’s backed by loads of orthodontists and dentists worldwide.

But before you fall head over heels for the sleek simplicity of Invisalign, let’s answer the real question on your mind: how much does Invisalign cost?

Much Does Invisalign Cost? You May Be Surprised

Ah yes, the wallet talk. So how much does Invisalign cost? While it varies based on where you live and how complex your case is, the cost of Invisalign treatment typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,000. Not exactly pocket change.

Compare that to traditional braces, which run anywhere from $2,500 to $6,000. While the price tags are similar, some folks think the flexibility and appearance of clear aligners are worth the extra spend.

But does insurance cover Invisalign the same way they cover braces? That depends. And yes, we’re about to dive into it.

Insurance Cover Invisalign Treatment the Same Way They Cover Braces

Dental insurance can help, but not all plans cover Invisalign treatment the same way they cover braces. The key lies in your orthodontic coverage. If your dental insurance plan includes orthodontics, it may cover part of the treatment cost, sometimes up to 50 percent.

Keep in mind, many dental plans have lifetime limits for orthodontic care. So, even if you have orthodontic coverage, there might be a cap on how much your plan will pay toward aligners or braces. The coverage amount averaged across plans usually falls somewhere between $1,000 and $3,000.

Here’s where it gets tricky: some plans cover traditional braces but don’t cover clear aligners, including Invisalign. That’s why it’s crucial to contact your dental insurance provider before you start treatment and submit a pre-treatment estimate to know what’s actually covered by your insurance.

Dental Insurance Plans May Cover Clear Aligners

Some insurance plans may cover clear aligners just like they would traditional braces. Many dental plans that include orthodontic coverage treat Invisalign or other clear aligners as acceptable alternatives to metal braces, especially if an orthodontist or dentist recommends them.

Still, there are outliers. Some insurance companies don’t cover Invisalign simply because they classify it as cosmetic. If your plan doesn’t cover aligners, or only partially helps cover the cost, you’re not out of options. We’ll hit those shortly.

Pro tip: group dental insurance often has more generous orthodontic benefits compared to individual dental plans, so if you’re covered through work, you might be in luck.

Orthodontics and the Role of the Orthodontist

Whether you go with braces or aligners, orthodontics is all about creating a healthy bite and straightening your teeth. An orthodontist specializes in this and is often your best bet when starting clear aligner treatment.

While some general dentists offer Invisalign or other aligners, an orthodontist has deeper training in complex cases. Many dental insurance plans actually require orthodontic treatment to be provided by a licensed orthodontist in order to be covered. So don’t skip that detail when you're looking into coverage.

Treatment Cost: What Goes Into It and What Insurance May Cover

The total treatment cost depends on several factors: your location, the complexity of your case, your provider, and the brand of aligner you choose. Aligner treatment is generally priced similarly to braces but can sometimes run a bit higher due to tech and lab fees.

Most insurance plans that include coverage for orthodontic treatment will help cover some orthodontic expenses, especially if they are deemed medically necessary. But keep in mind, coverage may vary by insurance company, and plans may cover Invisalign differently than metal braces.

Some plans cover the cost of Invisalign treatment, while others only cover metal braces. That’s where it helps to review the complete details of coverage under your specific insurance plan or talk to your provider directly.

Delta Dental and Other Insurance Companies That Cover Orthodontics

Delta Dental is one of the major players in the insurance world, and many Delta Dental plans include orthodontic benefits. Depending on your specific plan, Delta Dental may cover Invisalign, braces, or other aligner options.

Plans vary wildly. Some Delta Dental plans may cover clear aligners, while others may be more rigid about what types of treatment they consider eligible. Many dental insurance companies take a similar stance. That’s why it’s important to double-check the exact language in your policy or speak with your dental provider to understand what’s covered.

Dentist or Orthodontist: Which One Should You See

This depends on your case. If you're doing mild teeth straightening, some dentists offer aligners as part of their dental care lineup. However, for complex treatment plans or full-mouth changes, an orthodontist is often your go-to.

Many dental providers work in partnership, so your dentist might refer you to an orthodontist for aligner treatment. And again, some dental insurance plans only reimburse if the treatment is done by an orthodontist, not a general dentist.

Adult Orthodontics and the Rise of Clear Aligner Treatment

Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for teens anymore. Adult orthodontics is booming, with millions of grown-ups choosing clear aligners because they’re subtle, convenient, and better suited to adult schedules (and social lives).

Many dental insurance plans now include coverage for adult orthodontics, though this wasn’t always the case. Plans may cover adult aligner treatment more frequently than they used to, especially with the growing popularity of Invisalign and similar systems.

Still, adult treatment may be covered as a standard benefit only under more comprehensive dental plans. Individual dental insurance plans don’t always include coverage for orthodontics, so always double-check.

What to Do if Your Insurance Doesn’t Cover Clear Aligners

If your insurance doesn’t cover clear aligners or the coverage amount isn’t enough to ease the sting, don’t panic. You still have options:

• Health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA): You can use these to pay for medical and dental expenses, including aligner treatment.

• Monthly payment plans: Many orthodontists and dentists offer no-interest financing to help cover the cost.

• Third-party financing: Companies like CareCredit offer options that break down the cost of treatment into manageable chunks.

In other words, you don’t need to sell your car to afford a better smile.