Get braces put on before or after approval from insurance company

[raptel]

I have a 5mm underbite and need surgery to correct it. The surgeon told me today that I need to get braces put on before seeking approval from the insurance company to pay for the surgery. He stated that this shows the insurance company you are serious and they are less likely to deny you. He also stated that he has never had an insurance company reject a case like mine for coverage in his 21 years of practice.

Braces are 8k. This seems like alot of money to put out in hopes that the insurance company will pay for the surgery.

My question is has anyone had braces put on before getting approval from the insurance company? What are your thoughts? Any help will be appreciated.

[mariagn]

I rather be safe than sorry so if I were you I would just wait until you seek the approval of your insurance company. I always like to think of all the possible outcomes even if some aren't very good. Think of it this way: If your insurance denies you (which hopefully they won't), are you willing to pay the 8k out of pocket? When I got my braces I was quoted $5,500 and I didn't wait until my insurance company game me their approval, but that was because regardless if they helped me pay or not I still wanted to get braces.