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Are aligners worth it if you have dental insurance?

To be completely honest, wanting braces isn't on anybody's to-do list. But, for those interested in straightening their teeth, clear aligners are replacing the clunky, visible brackets and wires pretty quickly.

They're convenient. They're comfortable. They're practically invisible.

But there's still one question that most people ask: Are aligners cheaper than braces if you have dental insurance? More importantly, are they worth it?

In this blog, we break down costs, explain how clear aligners insurance coverage works, and share why so many people are choosing Caspersmile for affordable, convenient, and incredibly effective teeth straightening, whether you have insurance or not.

Aligners vs. braces: Let's talk numbers

A side-by-side image of aligners and braces

To make an informed decision, you need to understand the financial side of things.

Cost of traditional braces

Depending on your case and where you live, traditional braces can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000. This doesn't include the potential extra costs of emergency visits, broken wires, or monthly adjustments.

Cost of clear aligners

Clear aligners, such as those produced by Caspersmile, usually run about $895. They generally offer a more efficient and lower-cost alternative to fixing your teeth because you do not need to pay for regular office visits or repairs. So, are aligners cheaper than braces? In lots of scenarios, yes. But when the dental insurance factors in, that's when the playing field changes.

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How orthodontic insurance coverage works

Many dental insurance plans offer coverage for orthodontic treatments, whether it's traditional braces or clear aligners. But every policy is different, so it's important to understand the details.

Here's how dental insurance for orthodontics typically works:

Coverage percentage

Most plans cover up to 50% of the total orthodontic cost, regardless of whether you choose braces or aligners.

Lifetime maximum

Usually, orthodontic benefits have a lifetime maximum limit. As an example, consider if your braces were $5,000 and your plan has 50% coverage and a $2,000 lifetime maximum coverage amount. The insurance pays $2,000, and you owe $3,000.

Age restrictions

Some plans only offer orthodontic coverage for dependents under 18, while others also cover adults. Always double-check your plan.

Waiting periods

Many insurance policies require a waiting period of 6 to 12 months before orthodontic benefits become available. Caspersmile simplifies this process by providing you with aligners that are more affordable. So, you can get your teeth straightened on a budget.

Aligners are covered by insurance

Let's compare the costs with typical insurance coverage:

Treatment Type Average Cost Insurance Coverage Out-of-Pocket
Traditional Braces $5,000 $2,000 $3,000
Caspersmile Aligners $895 $0 $895

As this example shows, at-home clear aligners cost significantly less out-of-pocket. Traditional braces cost with insurance is less than usual, but because aligners often start at a lower base price, they end up being more affordable.

Why people are choosing clear aligners

More than just cost savings, clear aligners offer practical lifestyle benefits that traditional braces can't compete with.

Discreet appearance

Clear aligners are practically invisible. You can wear them at work, social events, or while traveling without feeling self-conscious.

Removability

You can take aligners out while eating, brushing, or flossing. This means no food restrictions and easier oral hygiene.

Greater comfort

Aligners are made of smooth BPA -Free plastic, so no wires are poking your cheeks or brackets scraping your gums.

Fewer dental visits

Caspersmile offers remote progress monitoring through the Aligner Tracker app, allowing you to check in with an expert without frequent in-office visits.

Why choose Caspersmile?

Two girls holding Caspersmile Clear Aligners box and protective case

Caspersmile is transforming the orthodontic experience. Our goal is to make teeth straightening as affordable, convenient, and comfortable as possible.

Here is what differentiates us from the rest:

  • Affordable: Competitive prices that are lower than most traditional options

  • Flexible payment plans: Monthly payment plans to fit your budget

  • Supervised treatment plan: Licensed dentists oversee the treatment plan before sending it to you

  • Home-based: We ship everything, from impression kits to aligners, to your door.

Caspersmile is determined to make orthodontic treatment affordable, whether you have insurance or not.

Are aligners more affordable than braces

In short, yes, even if your orthodontic insurance coverage does not cover clear aligners. Luckily, with the price of aligners being so affordable, you'll find that aligners are not only effective and comfortable, but also a smart financial choice.

So if you're an adult seeking to discreetly fix your smile, or you're a teen wanting to have a wire-free bite, aligners offer a safe and ideal solution.

Are aligners worth the cost

When choosing between aligners and braces, the most important parts to decide on are comfort, ease of use, performance, and affordability. Clear aligners, especially those offered by Caspersmile, provide a discreet alternative to metal braces when considering orthodontics.

If you do not have dental insurance for orthodontic services, or your insurance plan does not work with brands like Caspersmile, it will still be ideal for your budget. Many patients put forth that their overall treatment plan through clear aligners is more efficient and effective and usually considered faster than using braces.

Ultimately, choosing clear aligners is not only a more straightforward orthodontic journey, but it also allows you to achieve amazing smiles with ease while carrying on your day-to-day activities.

FAQs

FAQs
Yes, aligners are worth it for many people. They're discreet, comfortable, and often more affordable than braces, especially with dental insurance for orthodontics.
The best dental insurance for orthodontics depends on your needs, but top providers like Delta Dental, Cigna, and Guardian often offer good aligner coverage with reasonable lifetime limits.
Aligners must be worn 20-22 hours a day, can be lost or damaged if not handled carefully, and may not be suitable for very complex dental issues.

Related Blogs

https://caspersmile.com/blogs/blog/braces-cost-breakdown

https://caspersmile.com/blogs/blog/caspermsil-vs-competitors

https://caspersmile.com/blogs/blog/understanding-at-home-teeth-aligners

Citations

Colgate. (n.d.-a). Are clear aligners worth the cost?
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-orthodontics/what-do-invisalign-braces-cost-are-they-worth-it

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