You recently learned you could benefit from Invisalign clear aligners. Your teeth are crowded, and these smooth, plastic trays will help you see a more spacious, perfectly aligned smile in the new year. But is right now the best time to start the process? Does dental insurance cover Invisalign? A local dentist answers these questions and explains why you shouldn’t wait to start your orthodontic treatment as well as how you can minimize your costs before 2021 begins.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
There are various factors that your dentist will need to determine before providing you with a cost estimate. Each patient is different, as is every case, so that price tag for your new smile will likely look vastly different than someone else.
Some of the most common factors that dictate how much you can expect to spend on Invisalign include:
- The severity of your situation
- The number of aligners you will need to wear throughout treatment
- The location of your dentist’s office
- Whether you plan to file on your dental insurance or use an alternative payment method
- The retainer you will need following treatment
Will Invisalign Be Covered by Dental Insurance?
It is possible for your Invisalign treatment to at least be partially covered by your dental insurance; however, the stipulations will vary between companies, so it’s important that you or a member of your dental team reach out to discuss how much coverage is available. Whether it is a certain percentage or dollar amount they choose to provide is up to your insurer, but it will give you a better idea as to how much you can expect to pay out of pocket for your new smile.
If a remaining balance leaves you strapped for funds, your dentist may partner with a third-party financier like CareCredit who offers low and no interest payment plans to help you stay within your budget.
Why Start Now? Why Not Wait Until 2021?
One thing you should learn about dental insurance is that the benefits you pay for do not roll over at the end of the calendar year. Instead, any remaining balance is sent back to the insurance company, and your deductible and annual maximum are reset to $0.
By choosing to start Invisalign before the end of 2020, you can take advantage of your annual maximum, effectively saving you a great deal of money before the year is up. Not to mention, it is also possible that since you will be continuing your treatment into 2021, you can go ahead and take advantage of next year’s annual maximum as well.
Your decision to begin orthodontic treatment now is ultimately a win-win situation. Not only will you walk into the new year well on your way to a healthier smile, but you’ll be saving money, too, which you can spend on the people and things you love most.
About the Author
Dr. Michael C. Byars earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from William Jewell College before earning his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Dentistry. He offers complete dental care utilizing modern dental technology, and he provides his patients with a comfortable experience. If you need orthodontic treatment to address overcrowding, gapped teeth, or a misaligned bite, Dr. Byars can recommend Invisalign to help you achieve a more perfectly aligned smile. To learn more about this alternative solution and why you shouldn’t wait to get started, contact us at (816) 781-8222.