Costs & Insurance
6 min read • By Dr. Kevin Baharvand, Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics
If you carry Cigna Dental, there's a good chance your plan can help pay for braces or clear aligners, but the details depend a lot on which Cigna plan you have. Cigna structures orthodontic coverage differently across its plan types, and that changes what you'll owe. Here's how it generally works and exactly what to look up on yours.
DPPO vs. DHMO: why your Cigna plan type matters
Cigna offers two main flavors of dental plan, and they handle orthodontics differently:
- Cigna Dental DPPO: the more common employer plan. Orthodontic coverage, when included, is usually a percentage (often 50%) up to a lifetime maximum, and you can use your out-of-network or in-network orthodontist, though in-network costs less.
- Cigna Dental Care (DHMO): instead of a percentage, these plans often list a set copay for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. That can make your cost more predictable, but you generally must use a contracted provider.
What to check on your specific Cigna plan
| Look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Is orthodontics included? | Not every Cigna plan has an ortho benefit |
| Percentage or copay? | Depends on DPPO vs. DHMO |
| Lifetime maximum | The most a DPPO will ever pay per person |
| Age limit | Some plans cover only dependents under 19 |
| Network | DHMO usually requires a contracted provider |
You'll find these details in your myCigna member portal or by calling the number on your card. Or just bring your card to us and we'll read the plan for you.
Does Cigna cover clear aligners too?
Generally, yes. Cigna treats clear aligners as orthodontic treatment, the same category as braces, so your benefit typically applies either way. One quick clarification: most people say "Invisalign," but that's one brand of clear aligner. Insurance covers the treatment category, not the brand name, so choosing Angel Aligners or any other system doesn't change your coverage.
Making the most of your Cigna benefit
We're in-network with most Cigna DPPO plans and file the paperwork so your benefit is applied correctly. Whatever your plan doesn't cover, we split into interest-free monthly payments with a low down payment. If you want to ballpark your out-of-pocket first, our guides on braces vs. clear aligner costs and payment options are a good starting point.
We'll check your Cigna benefit for free
Bring your card to a free consultation and leave knowing your exact cost.
Frequently asked questions
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Why families trust Elate Orthodontics
With over 1,000 five-star reviews across three locations, Elate Orthodontics is led by Dr. Kevin Baharvand, DMD, MS, a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, whose clinical work was recently selected for the cover of the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, the most prestigious peer-reviewed journal in the field, and a national speaker on clear aligner treatment. Alongside Dr. Julia Kang, DMD, MS, both Boston University graduates and members of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon national honor society, our husband-and-wife team has been recognized as D Magazine Best Dentist 2026, Living Magazine Readers' Choice 2026 Best Orthodontist in Frisco & Plano, Readers' Choice Best Orthodontist in The Colony, Best New Business by the Chamber of Commerce, Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite, and featured in Orthotown and Authority Magazine.
We serve families through three convenient offices in West Frisco, North Frisco, and The Colony, each staffed by the same trusted team, equipped with advanced technology, and committed to the personalized approach that consistently helps patients finish treatment sooner than expected. From braces and clear braces to Angel Aligners, we offer treatment for every age and every stage of life. We stay in-network with most insurance plans and offer flexible financing to make exceptional orthodontic care accessible for every family we serve.
Need general and family dentistry too? Our sister practice, Tribute Family Dentistry, provides dental care for all ages.
