Depending on the cost of Invisalign and your insurance coverage, you can choose between paying the entire cost upfront or making monthly payments. Some doctors even offer low-to-no down payment options, as well as financing with a range of repayment windows.
Any good treatment plan for Invisalign should be created to fit your unique smile and situation. Be wary of any practice that gives you a generic price before they’ve seen your teeth.
Cost
Invisalign costs depend on the type of treatment you need, how long you need it for, and whether or not your insurance covers part of the cost. Some dental insurance plans do cover Invisalign, but the specifics of your plan will make a difference.
The key to getting Invisalign covered by insurance is proving that the treatment is medically necessary. That requires a detailed examination and a statement from your dentist or orthodontist that the Invisalign treatment is needed to correct a medical condition that could lead to other health issues if not treated, rather than simply for cosmetic reasons.
Most dental insurance plans cap yearly payouts on orthodontics like Invisalign, so even if they do cover it, you may still have to pay some out-of-pocket costs. Fortunately, there are a variety of flexible financing options that can help offset some of the costs of Invisalign, including credit cards and third-party financing that is designed for healthcare expenses.
Insurance Coverage
Dental insurance coverage often helps offset the costs of orthodontic care. However, it’s important to carefully review your individual policy’s coverage terms and limitations. Dental insurance policies typically only cover certain types of orthodontic treatments, and they may have specific restrictions that apply to Invisalign.
Many orthodontic practices offer flexible financing plans that make it easier to afford Invisalign. These payment arrangements allow you to spread out your treatment costs into manageable monthly payments, usually with little or no interest. Medical credit cards and third-party financing options also provide a means to pay for Invisalign treatment. Carefully review all terms and interest rates before choosing a financing option.
It is also possible to get Invisalign without insurance, though this is typically not most patients’ preferred choice. This method can cost between $2,400 and $8,000 out of pocket. The amount will vary depending on the severity of the misalignment, age, and other factors. However, some healthcare-sharing ministries partially reimburse orthodontic treatments.
Payment Options
You can also use a healthcare credit card to help cover the costs of Invisalign. These cards are specifically designed for medical expenses and can allow you to make payments using pre-tax dollars.
Another option is Smile Direct Club, a service that bypasses the dentist office visit altogether and instead allows patients to take at-home impressions and photos of their teeth to send off for processing. Then, they receive the aligners by mail and follow instructions to straighten their smiles. This service can be very affordable and may work well for people who are self-conscious about going to a dental office. Patients who need more substantial funding can also apply for medical loans, which typically require a good credit history and offer competitive rates.
Schedule Your Consultation
The best way to find out what the actual cost of your Invisalign treatment will be is to see a qualified orthodontist for an initial consultation. During your consultation, the doctor will scan and photograph your teeth to get a detailed picture of how they are positioned in your mouth. This will allow them to create a customized plan that moves your teeth into their correct positions over time.
If you have dental insurance, the doctor will work to get pre-approval or a “predetermination” from your insurance company to determine how much they will cover. In addition, many dental offices offer payment plans to help you fit the cost of your Invisalign treatment into your budget.
You should also check to see if you have a flexible spending account (FSA). You can use these funds to pay for Invisalign or any other dental treatments, and the money will roll over year to year. This can make a big difference in your overall cost of Invisalign.