I think you'd want to get any insurance in place before scheduling the braces. Worst case the insurance won't cover things because it started before insurance coverage started.

Braces are crazy expensive. Did them for both of my daughters and myself. Me and 1 daughter did invasalign over traditional braces but the cost want' that much different. I honestly think orthodontist charge the same prices for braces vs invisalign - since if they didn't then everyone would just go towards one approach.

Srsly, see if http://smiledirectclub.com/ or similar would work.

Also, if you have FSA consider doing the work in 2021 to give you time to fund FSA.