Table of contents
As more and more people seek alternative methods of straightening their teeth, clear aligners have become a popular option. Clear aligners offer a discreet, convenient and effective way to achieve a straighter smile. But for many people in Canada, one question remains: does insurance cover clear aligners? In this blog post, we’ll explore the current state of insurance coverage for clear aligners in Canada and what you need to know before starting treatment in 2023.
What are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth. The aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth and are changed every two weeks to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. Clear aligners are a popular alternative to traditional braces because they are virtually invisible, more comfortable to wear, and easier to maintain.
Insurance Coverage for Clear Aligners in Canada
In Canada, dental insurance plans typically cover a portion of the cost of orthodontic treatment, including clear aligners. However, the amount of coverage can vary depending on your plan and your insurance provider. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand what your plan covers and what portion of the cost you will be responsible for.
In general, most insurance plans will cover a portion of the cost of clear aligners up to a certain amount, such as $2,000 or $3,000. Some plans may also have a waiting period before coverage kicks in, so it’s important to plan ahead and understand your coverage before starting treatment.
It’s worth noting that some insurance plans may only cover traditional braces and not clear aligners. This is because clear aligners are still considered a relatively new treatment option and some insurance providers may not yet fully recognize their effectiveness. However, as clear aligners become more popular and widely accepted as an effective treatment option, it’s likely that more insurance plans will start to cover them.
Tips for Maximizing Insurance Coverage for Clear Aligners
If you’re considering clear aligners as a treatment option and want to maximize your insurance coverage, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Check your plan: Check with your insurance provider to understand what your plan covers and what portion of the cost you will be responsible for.
Plan ahead: Some insurance plans may have a waiting period before coverage kicks in, so it’s important to plan ahead and understand your coverage before starting treatment.
Choose the right provider: Some insurance plans may only cover clear aligners if they are provided by certain orthodontists or dental clinics. Be sure to choose a provider that is covered by your insurance plan to maximize your coverage.
Keep track of receipts: Keep track of all receipts and invoices related to your clear aligner treatment. You may need to submit these to your insurance provider to receive reimbursement.
Consider payment plans: If your insurance coverage doesn’t cover the full cost of your clear aligner treatment, consider payment plans or financing options to help spread out the cost over time.
Conclusion
Clear aligners are a popular and effective way to straighten teeth, but it’s important to understand your insurance coverage before starting treatment. In Canada, most dental insurance plans will cover a portion of the cost of clear aligners, but the amount of coverage can vary depending on your plan and provider. By checking your plan, planning ahead, choosing the right provider, keeping track of receipts, and considering payment plans, you can maximize your insurance coverage and make clear aligners an affordable treatment option for a straighter, healthier smile.
FAQs
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners are a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth. The aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth and are changed every two weeks to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. Clear aligners are a popular alternative to traditional braces because they are virtually invisible, more comfortable to wear, and easier to maintain.
Does insurance cover clear aligners in Canada?
In Canada, dental insurance plans typically cover a portion of the cost of orthodontic treatment, including clear aligners. However, the amount of coverage can vary depending on your plan and your insurance provider. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand what your plan covers and what portion of the cost you will be responsible for.
How do I know if my insurance plan covers clear aligners?
You can check with your insurance provider to understand what your plan covers and what portion of the cost you will be responsible for. Some insurance plans may also have a waiting period before coverage kicks in, so it’s important to plan ahead and understand your coverage before starting treatment.
Does ALIGNERCO accept insurance?
Yes, ALIGNERCO accepts most dental insurance plans in Canada that cover clear aligner treatment. However, it's important to check with your insurance provider to understand what your plan covers and what portion of the cost you will be responsible for. ALIGNERCO CA also offers financing options to help make treatment more affordable for those without insurance coverage or with limited coverage.
