Are you thinking about straightening your teeth? Invisalign offers you the chance to correct your smile, giving you back your confidence in social interactions.
However, Invisalign is an expensive treatment, and you could end up paying a fortune to straighten your teeth.
Does dental insurance cover Invisalign?
In this review, we’ll unpack the Invisalign system and look at the costs involved with the treatment. We’ll also look at insurers that contribute to your treatment.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the best alternative to traditional braces for straightening your teeth. These clear, plastic aligners progress you through a series of molded aligners designed specifically to pull your teeth into a straight position.
Invisalign is available in four systems to suit your treatment needs.
- Invisalign Full – The original system replacing the need for braces.
- Invisalign Teen – This system has a design specifically for teenagers.
- Invisalign Lite – This system suits minor issues involving the front teeth.
- Invisalign i7 – A system featuring seven aligners designed for minor dental issues.
It’s also important to note that Invisalign is the only orthodontist-approved aligner system available, and it’s registered with the FDA as a type II medical device. Invisalign also has recognition by the American Dental Association (ADA) as the only approved aligner system.
What Does Invisalign Cost?
The costs of your Invisalign treatment vary depending on the system you choose. The Teen and Full Invisalign systems are the most expensive options. Depending on your requirements, you could spend between $5,000 to $8,000 on your Invisalign therapy.
The i7 and Lite systems are around 40% cheaper, making them a cost-effective solution for resolving minor dental insures involving crowding or gapping in the front teeth. However, it’s an expensive system due to the amount of time you spend in your orthodontist’s office.
You’ll need to book consultations with your orthodontist so they can manage the process. These fees add up, forming the bulk of your Invisalign treatment costs. Fortunately, there are affordable alternatives to Invisalign that produce the same results without visiting an orthodontist.
What are the Alternatives to Invisalign?
There are several alternatives to Invisalign. Our favorite option is “Byte.” Byte is a new at-home aligner company founded in 2017 by Scott Cohen. Byte launched its aligner system in 2019, and it was an instant hit with the market.
Byte offers you the same concept as Invisalign, providing you with sets of clear, plastic aligners that gently move your teeth into a straight position. However, with Byte, there’s no need to visit the orthodontist.
Byte is a remote dental service, and you do everything through your account on the site. You’ll use the impression kit to make a model of your mouth at home and send that to the Byte team for assessment.
If you qualify for the treatment, you make your payment, and Byte delivers your aligners to your door in six weeks. Byte also includes the innovative HyperByte. This device fits the aligners to your teeth, fast-tracking your treatment time.
Byte also works with insurance companies, offering you significant discounts on the costs of your treatment.
What Does Byte Cost In Comparison to Invisalign?
Byte is much more affordable than Invisalign. As mentioned, even with insurance contributions, you could end up paying anywhere between $1,500 to $5,000 for the costs of your Invisalign treatment.
In comparison, the cash price on Byte-at-Night Aligners, the most expensive product offering from Byte, is only $2,295. The standard daytime system is only $1,895 for the total treatment. You also have the option of taking your Byte treatment in credit, with monthly costs of as little as $83, with a $349 downpayment.
However, many insurance companies also offer you coverage or contributions to your Byte treatment. With your insurance contribution, you could end up paying as little as $445 for your treatment. Byte aligners insurance contributions offer you a staggering 75% reduction on the discounted costs of Invisalign treatments.
With Byte, you receive the HyperByte device and teeth whitening included in your package. Byte works with FSA/HSA spending accounts, giving you further discounts on top of your insurance reimbursements.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign? – FAQ
Does Delta Dental cover Invisalign?
Delta Dental offers plans that cover orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign. However, if your plan doesn’t cover or contribute to your orthodontic treatment, the insurer may issue you with an allowance for partial coverage of your treatment costs. Ask your orthodontist to submit a request for a pre-treatment estimate with Delta Dental.
Does Medicaid cover Invisalign?
Medicaid will only cover Invisalign treatment if it deems it medically necessary. However, since Invisalign is a “cosmetic” dental treatment, most states do not cover or contribute to your Invisalign treatment. However, there may be exceptions depending on your individual circumstances. Call your service provider to enquire about coverage for Invisalign.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover Invisalign?
Blue Cross/Blue Shield does not offer coverage for cosmetic dental treatments in insurance plans. If you’re over the age of 18-years, Blue Cross/Blue Shield consider aligners systems and orthodontic work as cosmetic, and the insurer will not cover or contribute to your treatment.
Does Cigna cover Invisalign?
Of the three Cigna dental insurance plans, only the Cigna Dental 1500 plan offers you orthodontic cover for Invisalign. If you’re on this plan, Cigna may cover up to 50% of your treatment costs, but there are some limitations on coverage. Speak to your insurer regarding your policy terms before applying.
Does United Health Care cover Invisalign?
United Health Care may cover Invisalign treatments through the Premier Individual and Family Plans. You also have options for cover on some group plans. United Health Doesn’t offer orthodontic coverage for Invisalign treatment on the Primary or Essential plans.
Does MetLife cover Invisalign?
According to the company’s website, MetLife covers between $500 to $2,500 of your Invisalign treatment costs. That works out to 25% to 50% of your treatment cost, depending on the Invisalign system you take. You can expect to pay up to $4,000 for your treatment after your insurance contribution.