Will My FSA Cover Invisalign Treatment?

Getting orthodontic treatment is a major decision, one with the potential to change your life. However, before you can get the care you need, you have to determine how you’ll pay for it.

If you opt for Invisalign, expect the cost to fall somewhere between $3,000 and $8,000, depending on the complexity of your misalignments. Keep in mind that there also could be extra costs for attachments, aftercare retainers, and more.

If that is more than you can pay out of pocket, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can help. You use the funds you and your employer have contributed over the year to lower the financial burden. Here is what you should know about applying FSA funds to orthodontic care.

FSAs and Invisalign: Key Takeaways

• In most cases, you can use an FSA to pay for orthodontics, including Invisalign.
• You can access your FSA funds by either paying with your FSA card, completing an online transfer, or requesting a reimbursement.
• You can combine dental insurance payments with FSA funds to pay for Invisalign.
• Other dental treatments your doctor might require before, during, or after Invisalign are also FSA-eligible — but cosmetic treatments, like teeth whitening, are not.

What Is an FSA?

Flexible spending accounts (also called “flexible spending arrangements”) are savings accounts owned by employers but used by employees. You contribute a portion of your salary or wage, and your employer can contribute as well. Then, you can use these funds to pay for approved medical expenses. Any money contributed to an FSA will not be subject to income or payroll tax, allowing you to pay less in taxes without earning less money.

The primary disadvantage of an FSA is that the funds generally do not roll over from year to year. The only exception is plans that allow a limited rollover ($550 or less). This means that with FSA funds, you either use it or lose it.

Do FSAs Cover Invisalign?

Yes! Invisalign is one of the many treatments you can purchase with funds from your FSA. In fact, most orthodontic expenditures are eligible.

FSAs can’t cover cosmetic dentistry, and in rare cases, Invisalign used for mild, cosmetic dental shifts might fall under that category. It depends entirely on your specific misalignment, dentist, and provider. But most of the time, you should be able to use your FSA for Invisalign.

If you are uncertain where your case falls, discuss it with your dentist or orthodontist and get clarification from your FSA provider.

How to Use FSA Funds

The exact method for using your FSA funds will depend on the rules and setup that your administrator has. Most will offer the following options:

• Debit Card: If your provider issues debit cards, you can use your FSA account like a checking account. Just keep in mind that the card only works at medical merchants.
• Online Bill Pay: Just like a traditional bank account, most FSAs will have online banking. Using the administrator’s portal, you transfer money to your dentist’s or orthodontist’s account.
• Reimbursement: If you go this route, you pay for your treatment out of pocket but then submit a claim to be reimbursed for the cost.

Most medical providers are happy for you to exercise any of these FSA payment options, allowing you to choose whichever works best for you.

What If I Have Dental Insurance Too?

Having dental coverage does not prevent you from using your FSA funds to cover Invisalign treatment. The only thing you need to remember is that you cannot double bill. In other words, if your insurance pays for Invisalign in full, you cannot also get reimbursed through your FSA funds; if your insurance covers all but 2,000 of Invisalign treatment, you can use your FSA to pay for that remaining amount.

However, remember that just having dental insurance doesn’t mean it will help pay for Invisalign. Be sure to verify your coverage limits and ask about distinctions between essential and cosmetic treatments, as well as orthodontics for adults and teens.

How Much Is Invisalign?

Invisalign doesn’t have a set sticker price. Instead, the cost of your Invisalign will depend on the severity of your misalignment, your dentist’s experience and rates, your location, and more. On average, most people pay $3,000–$8,000, but your treatment might fall outside of that range if you have a particularly simple or complex case.

Some dentists and orthodontists also offer an abbreviated version of Invisalign called Invisalign Express for especially mild cases. Since Express requires less time and materials, it often costs a lot less, typically $1,500–$5,000.

FSAs vs. HSAs: How Are They Different?

Thinking FSAs sound similar to a Health Savings Account (HSA)? Well, you’re right; they have a lot in common. Plus, you can use both to pay for Invisalign. But they also differ in key ways. Here’s what you need to know.

Do FSAs Cover Dental Work?

The parameters for FSA coverage are set by the IRS. According to their guidelines, you can use your FSA funds to pay for any dental procedure that either treats or prevents dental disease. Essentially, if the treatment benefits your oral health, it is typically an eligible expense.

Procedures that are considered strictly cosmetic are not eligible expenses. This means teeth whitening, veneers, and other similar services are not covered.

Covered Dental Procedures

• Braces and aligners (in most cases)
• Dentures
• Sealants and bonding
• Fluoride treatments
• Dental cleanings
• X-rays and scans
• Fillings
• Root canals
• Extractions
• Crowns

Final Thoughts

Invisalign can transform the way you feel about your smile, as well as your overall dental health. If you can benefit from treatment, it is essential that you find ways to make the cost work for your budget. By utilizing your FSA funds, you can reduce your burden, then use insurance, payment plans, and financing to make treatment accessible to you.