Introduction
There is no difference in the cost of braces for children or adults. In some cases, the costs are partially or even completely covered by the health insurance, in others, nothing is reimbursed. On the one hand, the costs vary according to the type of treatment, i.e. depending on the type of braces used.
In addition, the costs increase or decrease depending on the severity of the jaw and tooth misalignment. Sometimes only one jaw or only one section of jaw is treated. Depending on how much pre- and post-treatment is necessary, or whether an operation must also be performed, the total price of the treatment changes. The severity of the malocclusion is classified by the orthodontic indication groups.
Costs for fixed braces
The cost of fixed braces varies depending on the type of braces you choose. There are different multi bracket appliances with different materials. There are also additional aids such as bands, elastics, a headgear, or an autumn hinge, which of course cause additional costs.
If a patient needs such appliances, the tooth and jaw misalignment is usually so severe that the health insurance will cover the costs. For treatments that only affect one jaw, the costs are about 1000 to 2000 Euros. If a complete treatment is carried out, the costs extend to 5000 Euro and more.
For children and adolescents under 18 years of age, in many cases at least a part of the costs is covered by the health insurance, so that the private part does not correspond to the above mentioned. The prices and the costs covered by the health insurance only refer to the basic treatment. Possible additional therapies or aesthetic treatments must be paid privately. More about this under: The fixed braces
Costs for the different brackets
The different materials from which brackets can be made cost different amounts. They are also cheaper or more expensive to produce. The standard brackets are made of stainless steel, which cannot rust, and have a silver color.
Nowadays there are other materials available, such as gold, titanium, ceramic or composite. The last two are tooth colors and therefore especially aesthetic. However, the additional costs incurred by the purchase or manufacture of the alternative brackets must be paid privately.
Composite brackets are the cheapest alternative, however, the plastic material discolors slightly, so after some time they do not look so aesthetic. Prefabricated ceramic brackets are still a little more expensive than titanium brackets, but they retain their white color throughout the treatment period. Most of the costs are incurred in the production of lingual brackets. These are usually made of an alloy with a gold content. Since they are custom-made to fit exactly on the inside of the tooth, there are additional costs to pay for the dental technician’s time.
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