Clear Aligners and Insurance Coverage in the USA 2025: What You Need to Know

Dental insurance for clear aligners

Clear aligners have completely changed the face of orthodontics because they are not nearly as noticeable as metal braces and they are so much more comfortable. Nowadays everyone is wearing clear aligners to straighten their teeth, so that makes the issue of cost even more prevalent. Dental insurance in the US can be crucial in covering some of the out-of-pocket expenses for clear aligner treatments. But then there is that whole mess of insurance coverage, and trying to figure out what exactly is covered.

This blog will explain clear aligners and insurance in 2025 so that you know exactly how insurance works with clear aligners and how Aligner32 can make orthodontic treatment even more affordable.

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What Are Clear Aligners?

clear aligners
Clear aligners and a tooth model placed on a white background

Before diving into insurance coverage, it’s essential to understand what clear aligners are. Clear aligners are an orthodontic treatment that involves using a series of clear, removable trays that slowly but surely move the teeth into the correct position. They are one of the hottest replacements for the traditional, old-school metal braces, not only because they are practically "invisible" and easy to keep clean, but also because they are comfortable. The patient can remove them when eating, brushing, and flossing, so they are an excellent choice for teens and adults.

However, there are more affordable options, such as Aligner32, which is a very good option for minor to moderate misalignment, spacing, and crowding. Aligner32 is an at-home teeth straightening program for those who do not wish to visit an orthodontist frequently.

Are Clear Aligners Covered by Insurance?

Now comes the key question: Are clear aligners covered by insurance? The answer is often a frustrating "It depends". Very few dental insurances cover clear aligners, and even if they do, they only cover a fraction of the cost. Let's talk about dental insurance coverage of clear aligners in 2025 in the USA.

Orthodontic Coverage in Dental Insurance Plans

Almost all dental insurances cover braces but only for people under 18. But then again, adult orthodontics, such as clear aligners are not always covered as well. Some dental insurance companies will pay for a part of clear aligner treatment and others won't pay for any of it. But be sure to contact your insurance company or read the fine print of your policy to see if clear aligners are included.

For example, some insurance plans will only pay for the regular metal braces but some might cover the clear ones like Aligner32. Sometimes insurance will pay for a certain percentage of the cost, like 50% but only up to a certain amount. That would mean that if your total cost of treatment is $2,000, you'd only pay $1,000.

Types of Dental Insurance That Would Cover Clear Aligners

dental insurance
Woman opting for dental insurance

There are many different dental insurances, and they all cover different amounts of orthodontics.

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)

PPO plans are much more open, well not only that but a lot of them even cover clear braces like the ones Aligner32 has. But on the other hand, most of the insurance coverage depends on whether the treatment is medically necessary.

DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization)

These types of plans have lower premiums but only cover orthodontics a little. Clear aligners are not included unless otherwise specified.

Indemnity Plans (i.e. fee-for-service plans)

They are more expensive but offer better coverage. Be sure to check with your plan or your insurance company to see if clear aligners are covered by your insurance.

Medically Necessary Orthodontics

Medical insurance will not pay for braces unless it is a medical necessity. That would mean that the treatment is necessary to fix some major defect, such as a horrible overbite or extreme overcrowding that interferes with your ability to bite and talk. But then again, if someone is using clear aligners just for cosmetic purposes, then insurance probably won't cover it.

Clear Aligners for Children and Teens

Insurance plans tend to cover braces a lot more for kids and teens (under 18). If it's caught early enough, it can stop more severe problems that occur as one age. If anyone is thinking of clear aligners for their child or teenager, almost all of that is paid for by your insurance.

Aligner32 has clear aligners for teenagers and adults. Call your insurance company and see if they cover clear aligners for children on your ortho benefits.

How Aligner32 Makes Clear Aligners More Affordable

Even if your insurance only covers a portion of the cost—or none at all—Aligner32 offers a range of ways to make clear aligners more affordable. Here’s how:

Affordable Pricing

Aligner32 is dedicated to providing low-cost clear aligners that are not of low quality. Their in-home treatment plans are always so much cheaper than in the office. Even better, Aligner32 allows you to pay in installments, so it's not quite so much of a strain on the wallet.

Helping You Claim Insurance for Clear Aligners

Aligner32 does not deal directly with insurance companies, but they provide all of the receipts and papers to file an insurance claim. You receive your treatment plan and then you pay for it, and then you can submit your claim to your insurance company and hope for reimbursement. Aligner32 can assist you with:

  • Documentation: They provide detailed invoices and documentation outlining the treatment, which is essential for insurance claims.
  • Guidance: Aligner32 takes you step by step through the insurance claim, telling you precisely what your insurance company expects.

HSA/FSA Benefits

A doctor holding a jigsaw puzzle with HSA written on it
A doctor holding a jigsaw puzzle with HSA written on it

If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use these funds to pay for your clear aligners. These accounts allow you to deposit money into the account before it is ever taxed and then you use that money for medical expenses, like orthodontics (clear aligners).

Plus, you can pay partially from your HSA/FSA accounts and the rest from other debit cards- so you save more and spend less on out-of-pocket money with Aligner32. Which is very convenient, especially with families that have more than one person getting braces at a time.

Flexible Payment Options

Aligner32 also offers payment plans to make treatment more accessible to the common man. You either pay for your aligners all at once, or you can pay a monthly fee. So that you won't have to start treatment in debt.

Steps to Take Before Starting Clear Aligner Treatment

Oh, call the dental insurance company to check if clear aligners are covered. Remember to inquire about any age limitations, coverage caps, or need for medical necessity forms.

  • The other thing is to try to get some pre-treatment estimates from your insurance company so you know exactly how much of your treatment they will cover and how much you will have to pay out of pocket.
  • Once you’ve chosen Aligner32 as your clear aligner provider, reach out to discuss your payment options. They walk you through the entire thing: HSA/FSA accounts, insurance claims, and everything.
  • While going through the process of treatment, always keep copies of receipts and correspondence with the insurance company. This paperwork is something you will need in case you ever have to put in a claim or appeal denial of coverage.

Final Thoughts

Clear aligners may very well be covered by insurance in 2025; however, it all depends on your insurance company and plan, because if it does, it varies greatly. Although most dental insurance plans do cover orthodontics, they don't always cover clear aligners, particularly for adults. However, Aligner32 makes clear aligner treatments a lot more accessible with its payment plans, and HSA/FSA coverage, and they take insurance (with the right paperwork of course).

With Aligner32, you can now have a straighter smile at a fraction of the cost of regular orthodontics. However, if your dental insurance won't cover the whole cost of treatment, you can still take advantage of the numerous savings Aligner32 has to offer.

For more information on claiming your insurance for our affordable clear aligners, call our customer support at (888) 861-1884.

FAQs

Are clear aligners covered by insurance?

Clear aligners can be covered by insurance, but it depends on your specific dental insurance plan. Some plans include orthodontics, such as clear aligners; other plans include only the metal braces; or they may have limited coverage. Don't forget to call your insurance company and verify that clear aligners are indeed covered under your plan, and if so, how much.

So does Aligner32 contact insurance companies directly and take care of all the coverage for my treatment?

Currently, Aligner32 does not work directly with insurance companies. However, they do give you all of the receipts and paperwork so you can do the insurance claim yourself. Aligner32 is there with you the entire time and gives you all of the information you need to file a claim for possible repayment.

Can I pay for clear aligners with Aligner32 using my HSA or FSA?

Yes! Aligner32 can be paid for using Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds. And you can use that money for part or all of your treatment. Aligner32 also offers the flexibility to split payments between your HSA/FSA and other payment methods, ensuring your treatment fits within your financial plan.

How can I check if my insurance covers clear aligners?

To check if your insurance covers clear aligners, contact your insurance provider and ask about their orthodontic benefits. Therefore, question whether they cover clear aligners in particular, and if not, do they have any age restrictions, medical necessity requirements, or max coverage amount. Another thing you can do is call your insurance company and ask for a pretreatment estimate so you know exactly how much money you will be paying out of pocket.

What are my payment options if insurance doesn't fully cover my clear aligners?

In the case that your insurance does not fully cover the cost of treatment or it doesn't cover it at all, Aligner32 provides many different payment plans to make this treatment an affordable option. You either pay straight up or you can do a monthly installment plan. You can also pay for part of it using your HSA or FSA, so you pay less money out of your pocket.

  • Haruki Tanaka

    Haruki Tanaka

    Content Contributor

    Hailing from New York City, Haruki Tanaka seamlessly blends his love for lifestyle blogging with a passion for oral health. A dedicated ALIGNER32 user, Haruki shares his experiences navigating the vibrant urban landscape of New York City while undergoing teeth alignment. His blogs capture the intersection of contemporary American lifestyles... Read More

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