Does Dental Insurance Cover Clear Aligners?

Posted on April 30, 2025

Nashua, NH – Clear aligner treatment, such as Invisalign, is growing in popularity, and for good reason. Patients of all ages love that it is virtually invisible, comfortable, and removable. But do all these advantages mean it won’t be covered by dental insurance? Dr. Chelian of Chelian Orthodontics provides further information about clear aligner treatment and insurance coverage.

What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners are an alternative to traditional braces. Rather than using brackets and wires to guide teeth, they are custom-created aligners that fit snugly over the teeth. They are made of smooth, clear, BPA-free plastic. Patients love them because they are:

• Comfortable – with no brackets or wires to irritate the inside of the mouth
• Removable – no adjustments are needed to your diet or oral care routine because you take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss
• Virtually invisible – plastic so clear others can barely tell you’re wearing them

Does insurance cover clear aligners?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a straight yes or no answer to this question. Some insurance plans may cover clear aligners while others may not. Insurance plans vary widely, and unfortunately, not all will cover clear aligners. 

The good news is that more and more plans are covering clear aligners. When clear aligners were first introduced, they were typically not covered because they were deemed cosmetic. Today, clear aligner technology has greatly improved and can now treat more types of malocclusions. This includes those that insurance may look to as medically necessary. 

Before beginning treatment, it is important to check your insurance plan to see what may and may not be covered. Your financial obligations can be significantly affected so be sure you know if your treatment will be covered by your insurance before starting. 

Every insurance company unfortunately looks at clear aligners in different ways. Some include them while others do not. Here is a look at how some of the top dental insurance companies handle clear aligners:

1. Delta Dental has orthodontic coverage for many plans, but clear aligners vary from policy to policy. Some may cover it, and some may require proof of medical necessity in order to cover it.
2. Cigna’s insurance has an emphasis on traditional braces. However, some plans might include clear aligners so look at your individual plan carefully.
3. United Healthcare has orthodontic benefits available under certain plans. Clear aligners are sometimes included in this, but may require pre-authorization. 
4. Humana has some dental plans that include orthodontic benefits. Of these, some cover traditional braces, and others may also include clear aligners.
5. Medicaid varies from state to state. Clear aligners are typically not covered, especially for adults, but it is important to check with your specific state. 

It is important to speak directly with your insurance provider prior to seeking out orthodontic treatment so that you understand what your plan will cover. If you do not have a copy of your policy, you can call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card. Be specific with your questions so you can get clear answers. 

Once you’ve spoken with your insurance company and know if clear aligners will be covered, you can reach out to your orthodontist’s office. They can help verify your benefits to be sure you receive proper care. 

What happens if my insurance doesn’t include clear aligners?

There are a few options if your specific insurance plan doesn’t include clear aligners:

1. Choose a different treatment option. If your plan covers other treatment options, such as traditional braces, you can speak with your orthodontist about what that treatment may look like. 
2. Ask about payment plans. Most orthodontic offices have payment plans available so that treatment can be as affordable as possible. At Chelian Orthodontics, we’ll help you find a payment plan that can comfortably fit into your family’s budget.
3. Use your HSA or FSA. Health savings accounts and flexible savings accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars to later be used for qualified medical expenses. You can use these accounts to cover the cost of clear aligner treatment.
4. Look into financing options. Your orthodontic office may have in-house financing available, but there are also other financing options you can look into. CareCredit, for example, offers financing for medical and dental expenses. 
5. Ask your orthodontist if there are any discounts available. Some offices offer discounts for paying in full at the start of treatment, or for other things, such as siblings receiving care at the same time. 

What are my next steps?

If you are interested in clear aligner therapy to improve your smile, here are your action steps:

1. Review your insurance policy.
2. Contact your policy provider and ask any specific questions you may have.
3. Schedule a consultation with an orthodontist who accepts your insurance plan.
4. Understand your financial obligations.
5. Begin your treatment!

At Chelian Orthodontics, we strive to provide exceptional orthodontic care at affordable prices. We never want the ideal smile to be out of reach for anyone, so we work hard to make our treatment accessible. Our team is here to help you. From verifying your benefits to filing claims, we’ll help every step of the way. 

Call our office at 603-882-6100 to begin your treatment journey today.