Many dental insurance plans have waiting periods for certain services. Preventive care is often available immediately, while basic and major procedures may have waiting periods ranging from a few months to a year. Check your plan details to understand any applicable waiting periods.

If you’re covered under two plans (such as your own and a parent’s or spouse’s), you may be able to coordinate benefits. One plan pays first, and the second may cover some or all of the remaining costs. This can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for braces or Invisalign—just make sure both plans allow for coordination and that they cover orthodontic care.

Some insurance plans do cover Invisalign, but coverage varies widely. If your plan includes orthodontic benefits, it may apply to either traditional metal braces or clear aligners like Invisalign. However, some providers consider Invisalign cosmetic and may not reimburse for it. Look for plans that specifically state they cover clear aligner therapy or ask your orthodontist to verify benefits before committing.

Invisalign treatment typically takes 6 to 18 months, depending on how complex your alignment issues are. Minor spacing or crowding cases may resolve in a few months, while more involved adjustments take over a year. Your orthodontist will provide a projected timeline after your fitting.

Medicaid covers braces for children and teens when medically necessary, but coverage for Invisalign is rare and often considered cosmetic. In most states, retainers are included as part of the approved treatment. For adults, Medicaid generally does not cover orthodontic services unless tied to a serious health condition. Coverage varies by state, so check local guidelines or ask your provider to confirm eligibility.

If you see an out-of-network orthodontist, you may have higher out-of-pocket costs or receive reduced reimbursement. PPO dental plans may still cover a portion of treatment, but HMO plans usually restrict coverage to in-network providers. Confirm your provider’s network status before beginning treatment.

When shopping for dental insurance, look for plans that explicitly list orthodontic benefits. Check whether the plan includes adult coverage, the lifetime maximum, waiting periods, and if Invisalign is considered eligible under the policy. It’s also smart to ask your orthodontist which insurance companies they work with and whether they’ll assist in verifying benefits for braces, Invisalign, or retainers.