One of the main reasons people look to get orthodontic procedures is because they want to solve an issue regarding how their teeth look. But, there are actually many other benefits to orthodontic procedures. In this article, we will discuss both those benefits and the common treatment options for orthodontics, as well as insurance coverage factors you should be aware of. However, if you live in the Chicago area, and are considering orthodontic treatment, we highly recommend contacting our team. We provide discounts for new patients when they get Invisalign aligners.
Health Benefits of Orthodontic Treatments
So you might think the only benefit to getting your teeth straightened is the way your smile looks. And while it is true that in some cases orthodontic treatments are purely cosmetic, that isn’t always the case. The alignment of our teeth can impact us in a few ways. Bite alignment can lead to jaw pain and TMJ if pressure is unevenly distributed. Gaps and crowding in teeth can also increase the risk of dental decay. Teeth that are difficult to brush and floss because of overlap are sometimes at a higher risk of decay and might need fillings or root canals if not properly cared for. For this reason, many patients are interested in getting orthodontic treatments and procedures to benefit their overall oral health and provide the cosmetic benefits of straightened teeth.
Does Insurance Cover Orthodontic Treatments?
That depends on your insurance plan. That said, there are some things to consider. One common plan detail is a certain amount of money offered for approved orthodontic treatments that are capped off per patient. This is often done by insurance companies because, in theory, you should only need orthodontic treatments once, but you might end up needing them multiple times if you don’t wear a retainer and your teeth shift back. Insurance plans with this system will often offer a specific budget for orthodontic treatments for each individual on the plan and then require patients to pay the rest out of pocket. Other insurance plans might cover traditional metal braces but not aligners like Invisalign due to the difference in cost. Aligners can often cost more as multiple pairs of aligners will need to be created during the treatment process. It is always best to check your own plan or to discuss payment options with a dentist. For example, even if your insurance provides no coverage, some coverage, or not the coverage you need for the procedure you want, there are other options. For example, we provide a special price on Invisalign for our new patients and can also discuss health financing options with you.
Invisalign Vs Traditional Braces
The two most common methods for straightening teeth are braces and aligners. Aligners like Invisalign are removable, which has pros and cons. First and foremost, removable aligners make it possible to see no changes to oral care or diet during the treatment whereas traditional braces will impact both how you eat and how you care for your teeth and gums. On the other hand, if you do not wear your aligners for the correct amount of time it can increase the time it will take to see your results and prolong the treatment time. When choosing an orthodontic solution for either yourself or a family member you should consider insurance coverage, cost, duration of treatment, personal responsibility, and other factors before making a final decision.
Save Money On Invisalign Aligners in Chicago
If you are interested in getting Invisalign aligners for you or your teens in the Chicago area, please give us a call. New Dental Town Patients can save on Invisalign, whitening, and other dental procedures.