Orthodontics in Germany

In Germany, braces typically cost between €2,600 and €9,000, with most people paying around €4,500. Whether your insurance helps with the bill depends on three things: your age, the severity of your misalignment (malocclusion), and the type of health insurance you have.

In this guide, we’ll explains:

• How orthodontics work in Germany, for both children and adults
• What orthodontic treatment costs
• What public, private, and supplemental insurance reimburses.

Brought to you by Feather, licensed insurance broker helping expats and internationals in Germany (and beyond) find the right cover.

Orthodontics: At a glance

• Typical cost: €2,600–€9,000 for a full course of braces, averaging about €4,500.
• Maintenance: roughly €50–€100 per orthodontist visit.
• Public insurance (GKV): covers medically necessary treatment (severity grades KIG 3–5) for children and teens under 18.
• How children's coverage is paid: GKV pays 80% during treatment and refunds the 20% you advance once treatment is finished. Drops to 10% per child if you're treating two or more at once.
• Adults: public insurance covers braces only when severe jaw problems require combined orthodontics and jaw surgery.
• Cosmetic upgrades (and most adult treatment): not covered by public insurance; this is where private and supplemental dental insurance come in.

How much do braces cost in Germany?

A full course of braces in Germany usually costs between €2,600 and €9,000, and most people pay around €4,500, according to industry cost overviews from insurers such as Techniker/Envivas. The final price depends on the type of braces, the materials used, the severity of your misalignment, how long treatment lasts, and your age. Maintenance is cheaper; expect around €50 to €100 per visit unless a part needs replacing.

Costs vary most by the type of braces (we explain each type further down):

These are market estimates from consumer and insurer price overviews; no official body publishes fixed self-pay prices for braces.

Does German health insurance cover orthodontics?

In Germany, public health insurance covers orthodontic treatment only when it's medically necessary. That means severity grades KIG 3 to 5, for children and teens under 18. Milder or cosmetic cases, plus most adult treatment, aren't covered. Private and supplemental dental insurance can step in to reimburse 70–100% of the costs public insurance leaves you to pay. How much you pay out of pocket comes down to your type of insurance and the severity of the dental issue.

Does public insurance (GKV) cover braces?

Public health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV) covers orthodontic treatment for children and teens whose misalignment is graded medically necessary; severity levels KIG 3, 4, or 5 and pre-approved. GKV uses the Kieferorthopädische Indikationsgruppen (KIG), or Orthodontic Indication Groups, to decide this. An orthodontist assigns a grade from 1 to 5 based on how misaligned the teeth or jaw are. The more serious the condition, the more likely treatment is reimbursed.

To put the scale of this in context: Germany's statutory health insurers spent over €1.1 billion a year on orthodontic treatment, as of the Federal Court of Auditors' 2018 review.

Does public insurance cover braces for children?

Yes. If a child is diagnosed at KIG level 3, 4, or 5 and the treatment is pre-approved, public health insurance (GKV) covers the full cost. It pays 80% during treatment and refunds the 20% that parents advance once treatment is successfully completed (§29 SGB V). If two or more children are treated at the same time, parents pay just 10% per child. Milder cases (KIG 1 or 2) must be paid privately, even if a dentist recommends the treatment.

Does public insurance cover braces for adults?

For adults over 18, public health insurance (GKV) rarely covers braces. It pays only when severe jaw abnormalities require surgery. For example, congenital deformities like cleft lip or palate, severe skeletal misalignment, or jaw damage from an injury. To qualify, your condition must be graded KIG B4, D4, K4, M4, A5, or O5, and the treatment plan must combine both orthodontics and jaw surgery. Purely cosmetic or moderate adult cases must be paid privately. If you qualify, your orthodontist submits a treatment plan to your insurer for approval.

What public insurance (GKV) doesn't cover

Even when treatment is approved, public health insurance (GKV) doesn't pay for cosmetic or comfort upgrades. That includes tooth-colored or transparent brackets, super-elastic or shape-memory wires, and lingual braces (fixed on the inside of the teeth). These extras improve how braces look or feel but aren't medically necessary, so you'll pay for them privately or through supplemental dental insurance.

Does insurance cover Invisalign in Germany?

No: public health insurance (GKV) doesn't cover Invisalign or other clear aligners, because they count as a cosmetic upgrade over standard metal braces. Expect to pay €2,800–€6,000 out of pocket. Private or supplemental dental insurance may reimburse part of the cost when the underlying treatment is medically necessary, but purely aesthetic aligner treatment is typically excluded. Always confirm with your insurer before you start.

What does supplemental dental insurance cover?

Supplemental dental insurance fills the gaps public insurance leaves. Usually, when a misalignment is minor (KIG 1 or 2) and not covered. But timing matters: you must take it out before your first orthodontic consultation, because most insurers won't cover conditions already diagnosed.

In our roundup of the best dental plans in Germany, we did find one that covers pre-existing conditions.

Supplemental cover is Germany's most popular private health add-on. Around 17.8 million people held a private dental top-up policy (Feather, 2026). It also makes the age and severity rules more flexible than public insurance, which only covers under-18s and only for severe cases. Feather's plan, for example, covers treatment started before turning 21, regardless of severity, and can reimburse extras like tooth-colored brackets or more comfortable wires.

Feather's supplemental dental insurance reimburses orthodontics up to these per-period limits (in Germany), after an 8-month waiting period on the dental plan:

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

Unused amounts carry over. So if you claim €150 in year one but nothing in year two, you'll have €1,850 available in year three. These limits don't apply if treatment is needed after an accident. In that case, you're fully covered regardless of timing.

What does private health insurance cover?

For adults, private health insurance rarely covers orthodontics (unless treatment follows an accident). For children and young adults, coverage is more flexible but still depends on the plan and needs pre-approval. Most private insurers, including Feather, only cover orthodontics if treatment starts before age 21. With Feather, how much you get back depends on your plan: 70% on Standard, 80% on Plus, and 90% on Premium.

Most private health plans include an 8-month waiting period before orthodontic benefits apply. Feather waives this waiting period on its private health plans 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 plan. 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 can't get a certificate, a signed letter from your previous doctor confirming the period works too.
2. You completed a medical and dental exam before joining.
3. You had an accident that now needs 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 none of these apply, you'll need a medical and/or dental check-up before your orthodontic claim can be processed.

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that corrects misaligned teeth and jaws — including crooked or crowded teeth and bite problems like overbite (where the upper teeth extend too far over the lower ones). Misaligned teeth and jaws aren't just cosmetic: left untreated, they can make chewing, speaking, and cleaning your teeth harder. It's common, too. According to the Barmer Zahnreport 2024, around 55% of children and adolescents in Germany receive orthodontic treatment (roughly 60% of girls and 50% of boys).

What orthodontic treatments are available in Germany?

In Germany, braces are the most common orthodontic treatment, and they come in two forms: fixed and removable. Which one is right depends on the type and severity of the misalignment, the patient's age, and personal preference. Fixed braces (metal, ceramic, lingual, or self-ligating) attach directly to the teeth. Removable options, including Invisalign clear aligners, suit milder cases and are popular with adults.

Fixed braces

Fixed braces attach directly to the teeth and stay in place throughout treatment. They're often recommended for moderate to severe misalignments and are known for their reliability. Here's how the main types compare:

Removable braces

Removable braces are commonly used for milder conditions, particularly in children. They're a plastic plate with wires or brackets that gently move the teeth and expand the jaw, and they can be taken out for eating and brushing. Children often enjoy customizing them with bright colors and patterns.

Adults tend to prefer something more discreet. The most popular option is Invisalign, removable "clear aligners" that are nearly invisible and worn about 20–22 hours a day to gradually shift the teeth. Invisalign suits mild to moderate misalignments and is a favorite among adults for its subtle look, easy cleaning, and no food restrictions.

When should you get braces?

Braces are typically recommended when one or more of these signs are present: crowded or crooked teeth, an open bite or gaps, a misaligned bite (malocclusion), missing or extra teeth, or jaw and bone problems. Your dentist may spot these at a check-up, or you might notice them yourself (like trouble chewing or discomfort in your jaw). If any of these sound familiar, it's worth getting an orthodontic evaluation.

• Crowded or crooked teeth: There isn't enough space for all your teeth to fit correctly, which can make brushing and flossing harder and raise the risk of decay and gum disease.
• Open bite or gaps between teeth: Teeth that don't touch when your mouth is closed, often from thumb-sucking or inherited traits. Gaps can interfere with speech and chewing.
• Misaligned bite (malocclusion): When top and bottom teeth don't line up, it can cause uneven wear, jaw strain, and difficulty chewing or speaking.
• Missing or extra teeth: Being born with too few or too many teeth, or losing teeth to injury, can shift how the rest of your teeth align.
• Jaw or bone problems: A misaligned jaw or uneven bone structure can worsen bite issues, and conditions like teeth grinding or TMJ (jaw joint disorder) can make things worse over time.

Addressing these early can help prevent long-term dental problems and support better overall health.

How can you make orthodontics more affordable?

Braces are pricey for a few reasons: the materials (often titanium alloys) are costly, and the treatment is complex. Cost also depends on the severity of your case, your location, and your orthodontist's experience and technology. Here are five ways to bring the bill down.

Consider treatment abroad (with caution)

In countries like Poland or Turkey, orthodontic treatment can cost substantially less than in Germany, and the quality can be comparable. But there are real risks:

• Legal differences: German law doesn't protect you. You'd have to make any legal claim in the country where you were treated — which can be complex and expensive.
• Language barriers and follow-ups: Communication and aftercare can be tricky, especially since braces need frequent visits over time.

If you go this route, consider legal insurance with international coverage, which some German providers (Feather included) offer. For more, read why you might need legal insurance in Germany and how legal insurance works here.

Don't forget tax deductions

Orthodontic treatment can often be claimed as an extraordinary medical expense (außergewöhnliche Belastung) on your German tax return. How much you can deduct depends on your income, so a tax advisor can help you work out what's claimable.

Get a second opinion

It's fine to ask your orthodontist for evidence (or a second opinion) before starting treatment, especially for children. Treatment rates in Germany run higher than clinical need: while around 55% of adolescents are treated (Barmer Zahnreport 2024), studies suggest closer to 40% have a treatment-relevant malocclusion. And there's limited evidence that mild misalignment increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, or jaw pain.

Choose a more affordable option

If cost is your main concern, traditional metal braces are usually the cheapest option. And, they're durable, effective, and still widely used.

Set up a payment plan

Many orthodontists offer monthly installment plans that spread the cost over 12 to 24 months, so you don't need a large upfront payment.

Consider dental insurance

Supplemental dental insurance can help cover the cost of braces — especially for children. Look for a plan that includes orthodontics, and check the fine print for waiting periods and limits.