Free braces for children
Almost one in three children is affected by severely misaligned teeth. Since 2015, parents have been able to apply for medically necessary braces – that is, orthodontic treatment – for children and adolescents under 18. In everyday language, these are known as “free braces” (Gratis-Zahnspange). Who is entitled to them, and how can parents apply?
Read on for the answers to the most important questions about free braces for children.
Which children get free braces?
Free braces are used when a child’s bite needs to be corrected. Purely cosmetic corrections are not covered by social insurance. A child must therefore meet the requirements for medically necessary orthodontic treatment.
What does medically necessary mean?
In short: how much the misalignment reduces the child’s quality of life. We determine how severely the misalignment actually affects the child using the IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need) – an international index for malocclusions.
It is graded from IOTN 1 to 5.
From grade 4 upwards, the child is so restricted in everyday life that braces are medically necessary – and the child is therefore entitled to free braces.
What happens with a misalignment of grade IOTN 1 to 3?
In this case, unfortunately, you can’t apply for the “free braces”. However, we’ll still be happy to look into your options with you, as many health insurance funds contribute towards the cost of braces.
IOTN and misaligned teeth
To be able to claim this benefit covered by public health insurance, you must be insured with one of the following health insurance funds:
- GKK (Gebietskrankenkasse – regional health insurance fund)
- BVA (Versicherungsanstalt öffentlich Bediensteter – insurance institution for public servants)
- BKK (Betriebskrankenkasse der Wiener Verkehrsbetriebe – company health insurance fund of the Vienna public transport operator)
- SVA (Sozialversicherungsanstalt der gewerblichen Wirtschaft – social insurance institution for trade and industry)
- VAEB (Versicherungsanstalt für Eisenbahnen und Bergbau – insurance institution for railways and mining)
- SVB (Sozialversicherungsanstalt der Bauern – social insurance institution for farmers)
We’ll be happy to help you get the cost of your braces reimbursed.
Applying for free braces: how it works
The Association of Austrian Orthodontists (Verband Österreichischer Kieferorthopäden, VÖK) recommends an orthodontic check-up at the ages of 4, 8 and 12. This allows us to determine the right time for medically necessary treatment for every child.
Approval for free braces from the health insurance fund is not required. We assess whether the child is entitled to free braces.
- You need to book an initial consultation for your child with us.
- At this consultation, we determine whether treatment is needed. If there is a misalignment of IOTN grade 4 or 5, we arrange a further appointment to start treatment.
- At the next appointment, the actual treatment begins – the correction of the misaligned teeth is under way.
Will my child get removable or fixed braces?
At the very first appointment, the treating orthodontist determines whether the child is eligible for removable braces covered by public health insurance between the ages of 5 or 6 and 12, or whether fixed braces for patients between the ages of 12 and 18 are an option.
Conclusion: free braces for children?
Free braces are a huge financial relief for thousands of families in Austria – but even if your child doesn’t fall within this classification, you should consider braces if their teeth are misaligned. We’ll be happy to advise you free of charge!
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