Orthodontics in Germany: Cost & Insurance Coverage Explained

Braces are the most common treatment for straightening teeth. They can also improve speech, chewing, and aesthetics. 

However, orthodontic treatment in Germany can be expensive: up to €9000 (though on average, it’s closer to €4500).

Readers often ask us what braces cost, and whether statutory or private insurance will help cover the bill. The answer depends on several key factors: your age, the severity of your misalignment (malocclusion), and the type of health insurance you have.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What orthodontics involves and why it matters
  
• The types of braces available in Germany (including Invisalign)
  
• How much different treatments cost
  
• What’s covered by public, private, and supplemental insurance
  
• And our top tips for making orthodontics more affordable

By the end, you’ll better understand how orthodontic care works in Germany and how to make wise decisions for yourself or your family.

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that corrects misaligned teeth and jaws. 

Common issues orthodontists treat include: 

• Crooked teeth
  
• Crowded spacing
  
• Bite problems include overbite, where the upper teeth extend too far over the lower teeth.

These misalignments aren’t just cosmetic. 

Left untreated, they can lead to difficulty chewing, speaking, or cleaning teeth properly. 

That’s why orthodontic care is often essential, especially for children and teens. Nearly one in two teen requires orthodontic treatment to guide their teeth into healthier positions and prevent complications later in life.

What orthodontic treatments are available in Germany?

Braces are the most common solution and can be either fixed or removable. The choice depends on the type and severity of the misalignment, as well as the patient’s age and personal preferences.

Let’s take a look at these two options

1. Fixed braces (brackets)

Fixed braces are attached directly to the teeth and stay in place throughout treatment. They are often recommended for moderate to severe misalignments and are known for their reliability and effectiveness. 

There are several types:

• Metal braces: These are the most traditional and widely used. Small metal brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth and connected by a wire. They’re especially effective for complex tooth movements.
  
• Ceramic braces: Similar in function to metal braces, using tooth-colored or clear brackets that make them less noticeable. They’re a popular choice among teens and adults seeking a more discreet option.
  
• Lingual braces: They’re fixed to the back side of the teeth, hiding them from view. While they offer excellent aesthetics, they are more challenging to install and maintain, contributing to their higher cost.
  
• Self-ligating braces: use a built-in clip to secure the wire in place, eliminating the need for elastic bands. This can reduce pressure on the teeth and make the installation easier.
  

2. Removable braces

Removable braces are commonly used to treat non-severe conditions, particularly in children. 

They consist of a plastic plate with wires or brackets that gently move the teeth and expand the jaw. The braces can be removed for eating and brushing, which many find convenient.

Children often enjoy customizing their braces with bright colors and patterns, making the experience fun. 

On the other hand, adults tend to opt for more discreet options. 

One of the most popular alternatives is Invisalign, a removable brace known as “clear aligners.” They are nearly invisible and worn for about 22 hours a day. These aligners gradually shift the teeth into place. 

Invisalign is ideal for mild to moderate misalignments and is a favorite among adults due to its subtle appearance and flexibility, with no food restrictions and easy cleaning.

How much do orthodontic treatments cost in Germany?

In Germany, the average cost of braces ranges from €2,600 to €9,000, with most people paying around €4,500. Prices vary depending on several factors, including:

• The type of braces
  
• Materials used
  
• The severity of the misalignment (malocclusion)
  
• Length of the treatment
  
• Age of the patient
  
• Any complications during treatment§

Maintenance costs are generally low. Unless parts need to be replaced, you can expect to pay around €50 to €100 per visit.

Average costs by type of braces

Type of braces	Estimated cost
Traditional metal braces	€2,600 – €4,600
Ceramic braces	€4,000 – €5,200
Self-ligating braces	€4,000 – €5,000
Lingual braces (e.g. Incognito)	€7,500 – €9,000
Invisalign (clear aligners)	€2,800 – €6,000

Does German health insurance cover orthodontics?

Orthodontic treatments, like getting braces, are not fully covered by all health insurance plans in Germany. How much you’ll need to pay out of pocket depends on your type of insurance and the severity of the dental issue.

Let’s break it down so you can understand what’s covered (especially if you’re trying to plan for the cost).

What does public health insurance (GKV) cover? 

Statutory (public) health insurance uses Kieferorthopädische Indikationsgruppen (KIG), or Orthodontic Indication Groups, to decide if treatment is medically necessary and eligible for coverage.

These “severity levels” range from 1 to 5 and are determined by an orthodontist based on how misaligned the teeth or jaw are.

Here’s a quick overview:

KIG Level	Description	Medical Relevance
KIG 1	Very mild misalignment (e.g., slight overbite up to 3mm)	Considered cosmetic
KIG 2	Mild issues (e.g,. slight crowding or spacing)	May be medically helpful
KIG 3	Moderate misalignments (e.g,. bilateral crossbite, notable crowding)	Medically necessary
KIG 4	Severe cases (e.g. missing teeth, large overbite, or crossbite)	Medically urgent
KIG 5	Extreme malformations (e.g., cleft lip/palate, severe underbite)	Medically urgent

The more serious the condition, the more likely treatment will be reimbursed. 

Now that we’ve gotten this out of the way let’s dive into whether or not you’re covered for orthodontics:

Coverage for children

If your child is diagnosed with a KIG level of 3, 4, or 5, public insurance will cover the full cost of treatment as long as it’s approved beforehand.

Here’s how the payment process works:

• Insurance initially covers 80% of treatment costs.
  
• Parents pay the remaining 20% during treatment.
  
• Once treatment is completed, the remaining 20% is refunded.
  
• If more than one child is being treated simultaneously, parents only pay 10% per child.

If the condition is mild (KIG 1 or 2), the full cost must be paid privately—even if a dentist recommends the treatment.

Coverage for adults

For adults over 18, statutory health insurance only covers orthodontic treatment if surgery is required due to severe jaw abnormalities.

These conditions may include:

• Congenital jaw or facial deformities (e.g., cleft lip or palate)
  
• Severe misalignment of the upper or lower jaw (e.g., skeletal dysgnathia)
  
• Jaw damage from injury

To be eligible, your condition must be assigned a severity level of KIG B4, D4, K4, M4, A5, or O5, and the treatment plan must involve both orthodontics and jaw surgery.

If this applies, your orthodontist will submit a treatment plan to your insurer for review and approval.

What’s not covered?

Even if your treatment is approved, public insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic or comfort upgrades. 

This includes:

• Tooth-colored or transparent brackets
  
• Super-elastic or shape-memory wires
  
• Lingual braces (on the inside of teeth)
  

These extras improve the look or feel of the braces but aren’t medically necessary, so they must be paid for privately or via dental insurance.

Talking of which…  

What does supplemental dental insurance cover?

If public health insurance doesn’t cover the cost of braces—usually because the misalignment is considered minor (KIG 1 or 2)—supplemental dental insurance can help. 

These plans are designed to fill the gaps left by statutory coverage.

But timing matters: you must take out supplemental insurance before your or your child’s first orthodontic consultation. Most insurers won’t cover treatments for conditions that were already diagnosed. 

That said, in our compilation of the best dental plans in Germany, we found one that does cover pre-existing conditions.

Statutory health insurance only covers children and teens under 18—and only for severe cases. Private dental insurance makes the age limit and severity rules more flexible.

For example, some plans, like Feather’s, cover treatments started before turning 21, regardless of the severity of the misalignment. 

Supplemental dental insurance can also cover extras, like tooth-colored brackets or more comfortable wires. Even quality-of-life improvements can be reimbursed if the total cost stays within your plan’s limit.

However, when taking out additional dental insurance for orthodontics, please note that there is usually a waiting period of 8 months and that no malocclusion may have already been diagnosed.

Here’s how the coverage limits work at Feather:

• Year 1: €150
  
• Year 2: €150
  
• After 2 years: €1,700
  
• Total: €2,000
  

If you use only part of it in a given year, the limits carry over. For example, if you get reimbursed for €150 in year one but don’t use any benefits in year two, you’ll have €1,850 available in year three. 

Note these limits don’t apply if the orthodontic treatment is needed after an accident. In that case, full coverage will be provided regardless of the timeline.

What does private health insurance cover?

For adults, orthodontic treatment is rarely covered by private health insurance—unless it’s needed after an accident.

Coverage is more flexible for children and young adults, but it still depends on the plan and requires pre-approval from the insurer. Most private insurers, including Feather, only cover orthodontics if treatment starts before age 21.

The amount reimbursed depends on your private health plan. For example, Feather offers:

• 70% coverage on the Standard plan
  
• 80% coverage on the Plus plan
  
• 90% coverage on the Premium plan
  

Once treatment is approved, your share of the cost will be based on the plan level you chose at signing up.

Most private health insurance plans include an 8-month waiting period before orthodontic benefits apply. However, Feather offers several ways to waive this waiting period, making it easier to start treatment sooner.

You can skip the waiting period if any one of the following applies:

1. You had comprehensive public or private health insurance (in any country) for at least 12 months before starting your new private plan.
   
   • To prove this, you’ll need a certificate showing the start and end dates of your previous coverage.
     
   • If you were covered by a public system like the NHS or Medicare, and no certificate is available, you can request a signed letter from your previous doctor confirming your coverage period.
     
2. You completed a medical and dental exam before joining private insurance.
   
3. You had an accident that now requires medical or orthodontic care.
   
4. Your spouse has had private insurance for over 3 months, and you joined as a dependent within 2 months of marriage or civil partnership.

If you don’t meet any of the above conditions, you’ll need to complete a medical and/or dental check-up before your orthodontic claim can be processed.

When should you get braces?

If you visit your dentist regularly, they’ll likely suggest seeing an orthodontist if there are signs that you may need braces. You might also notice these signs yourself—such as crooked teeth, trouble chewing, or discomfort in your jaw.

Braces are often recommended when the following issues are present:

• Crowded or crooked teeth: When there isn’t enough space in your mouth for all your teeth to fit correctly. This can make brushing and flossing difficult, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
  
• Open bite or gaps between teeth: Teeth that don’t touch when your mouth is closed may be caused by habits like thumb sucking or inherited traits. Gaps or spacing issues can also interfere with speech and chewing.
  
• Misaligned bite (malocclusion): If your top and bottom teeth don’t align correctly when you bite, it can lead to uneven wear on teeth, jaw strain, and difficulty chewing or speaking.
  
• Missing or extra teeth: Some people are born with too few or too many teeth or lose teeth due to injury. These changes can affect how the rest of your teeth shift and align.
  
• Jaw or bone problems: A misaligned jaw or uneven bone structure can contribute to bite problems and discomfort. Conditions like teeth grinding or TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) can make things worse over time.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues—or even unsure—it’s worth getting an orthodontic evaluation. Addressing these problems early can help prevent long-term dental complications and support better overall health.

Tips for more affordable orthodontics

Braces can be expensive for several reasons. The materials used—often titanium alloys—are costly, and the treatment itself is complex. Prices also depend on the severity of your case, your location, and your orthodontist’s experience and technology. However, there are ways to reduce costs:

1. Consider treatment abroad—with caution

In countries like Poland or Turkey, orthodontic treatment can cost 30–50% less than in Germany. While the quality can be comparable, there are significant risks to consider:

• Legal differences: German law does not protect you. You must make legal claims in the country where treatment was received, which can be complex and expensive.
  
• Language barriers and follow-ups: Communication and aftercare may be challenging, especially since orthodontic treatment often requires frequent visits over time.

If you choose this route, consider purchasing legal insurance with international coverage. Some providers in Germany, like Feather, offer this protection, making treatment abroad safer and more feasible.

2. Do not forget about tax deductions

Orthodontic treatment can often be claimed as an extraordinary medical expense on your taxes. 

However, the deductible amount depends on your income. A tax advisor can help determine how much of your costs are tax-deductible.

3. Reconsider braces

Some orthodontists may say treatment is necessary to avoid long-term dental problems. However, research shows that braces don’t continually improve health outcomes. 

There’s no solid proof that misaligned teeth increase the risk of cavities, gum disease, or jaw pain. 

It’s okay to ask your orthodontist for evidence—or a second opinion—before starting treatment, especially for children.

4. Choose more affordable treatment options

Metal braces are usually the most affordable option if cost is a concern. They’re durable, effective, and still widely used.

5. Set up a payment plan

Many orthodontists offer monthly installment plans that spread the cost over 12 to 24 months. This can make treatment more manageable without needing a hefty upfront payment.

6. Consider dental insurance

Dental insurance can help cover the cost of braces—especially for children. Look for a plan that includes orthodontics and check the fine print to see what’s covered.