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My dentist told me that I need Invisalign but that my insurance doesn't cover it, what should I do?

my dentist told me that i need invisalign but that my insurance desn't cover it, what should i do? Well i was told that not a lot insurance companies cover it anyway, but if you are under 19 years of age, that most insurance companies will. Am turning 19 in a few months but my insurance company does not cover invisalign. what should i do? is there any insurance i can switch to that will cover it?

Doctor Answers 3

June 15th, 2010

If they pay for braces, they pay for Invisalign....

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But they have to be sure to use the right insurance codes.  They insurance company does not care if braces are glued to the teeth or if you use removable aligners.  As long as the goal is to move teeth, it should be covered.


Atlanta Orthodontist

June 14th, 2010

Insurance covers Invisalign ONLY if you have that clause in your coverage

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Not a lot you can do exept change insurance companies or have your current one add on ortho coverage and then they will only cover a portion.

Michael J. Thomas, DDS
Los Angeles Dentist

June 12th, 2010

Insurance covers orthodontics sometimes

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Invisalign is coded as comprehensive orthodontics.  If insurance pays for braces, they don't ask what tool was used.  If the dentist is using the wrong code, they might be denied.  If they are coding it "limited orthodontics" or "removable appliance therapy" there may not be a benefit.

Even if insurance is paying something, it is usually not 100%.  It would be important to know the total fee for treatment, what the insurance will pay (max out at $1000?) and the difference.  You may find that insurance isn't going to pay much at all no matter what you are doing.

Just because insurance won't pay for something doesn't mean it shouldn't be done.  It just means they wont' pay.

Learn more: http://www.DrTimmerman.com

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.