Costs & insurance.
What do braces cost – and how much of it does insurance pay? That depends on age, diagnosis and the treatment you choose. Here are the most important rules at a glance.
( At a glance )
Who pays what?
- 01
Statutory insurance, under 18
The insurer covers treatment when the misalignment falls into the indication groups KIG 3 to 5.
- 02
Statutory insurance, adult
Usually a private service. Exception: severe jaw misalignments treated with a combination of orthodontics and surgery.
- 03
Private insurance
Reimbursement depends on your plan. With our cost plan you can clarify it with your insurer in advance.
- 04
Supplementary insurance
Many supplementary dental plans contribute to orthodontics – usually only if they were taken out before the diagnosis.
( Children & teenagers )
Covered from KIG 3.
For children and teenagers with statutory health insurance, the insurer covers orthodontic treatment when it is medically necessary and starts before the 18th birthday. The decisive factor is the grading into the orthodontic indication groups (KIG): from grade 3, treatment is covered.
During treatment you pay a contribution of 20 percent – 10 percent from the second child treated at the same time. The insurer refunds this share as soon as treatment has been completed successfully. Please keep the invoices for this.
If the misalignment is graded KIG 1 or 2, treatment is possible but a private service. In that case, too, you receive a cost plan in advance.
( Adults )
Mostly private – always transparent.
If treatment starts after the 18th birthday, statutory health insurance covers the costs only in exceptional cases – such as severe jaw misalignments that require combined orthodontic and surgical treatment.
The costs depend on how extensive the correction is, how long it takes and which appliance you choose. That is why we do not quote flat prices: after the examination and 3D scan you receive an individual cost plan that lists every item.
( Process )
How you find out your costs.
- 01
Consultation
We examine teeth and jaw and discuss what is sensible and possible.
- 02
Findings & grading
With X-rays and a 3D scan we establish the findings – for children including the KIG grading.
- 03
Cost plan
You receive a written treatment and cost plan with all options.
- 04
Your decision
You clarify reimbursement with your insurer at your own pace. Only then does treatment begin.
Costs – common questions
Every insurance is different. If in doubt, we are happy to answer your question in person.
What does statutory health insurance cover for children and teenagers?
Until the 18th birthday, statutory health insurance covers the costs when treatment is medically necessary. You get your own contribution back once treatment has been completed successfully.
And for adults?
For adults, statutory insurance pays only in exceptional cases, such as severe jaw misalignments that need combined surgical treatment. Private supplementary insurance covers part of the costs, depending on your plan.
When will I know what my treatment costs?
Before treatment starts. You receive a clear treatment and cost plan – with all options and any additional services.
What does KIG mean?
KIG stands for “Kieferorthopädische Indikationsgruppen” (orthodontic indication groups). The grading from 1 to 5 describes how pronounced a misalignment is. From KIG 3, statutory health insurance covers treatment for children and teenagers.
How high is the contribution for children?
During treatment you pay 20 percent of the insured service yourself. If two or more children are in treatment at the same time, it is 10 percent from the second child. After successful completion the insurer refunds the contribution.
What are additional services?
Services that go beyond standard insured care – for example less conspicuous brackets, especially flexible archwires or a fixed retainer. They are optional. We explain the benefits and costs, and you decide.
Does insurance pay for aligners?
Aligner treatment is usually a private service. For children and teenagers who are entitled to insured treatment, it can be chosen as an alternative for an additional payment, depending on the diagnosis.
Can I pay for treatment in instalments?
Please ask us at your consultation – we will discuss the payment options with you in person.