Gum transplant AND bone graft before aligners?

I haven’t started aligners yet – I just consulted with a periodontist because my orthodontist told me at the initial consult that I might need a gum transplant after treatment.

Not only did the periodontist tell me I needed a gum transplant, he told me I also needed a bone graft and it all should to be done before treatment. they might be able to do it in one procedure but they also might need to be done about five months apart depending on how the first procedure (bone) goes.

Has anybody had to have the bone graft? The reason I wonder about it is because insurance will cover the gum transplant but not the bone graft. Seems Aetna doesn’t think it’s necessary. But who knows with cheap ass US insurance.

Also, how long before you could start the aligners? (I forgot to ask when I was at the appointment). Seems at the age of 53, I now have to wait another year potentially to get the damn aligners taken care of.