How much do braces cost and how to finance them. Insurance companies, repayments and other ways

Are you thinking about braces, but are discouraged by their financial demands? You're not the first or the last. According to statistics, only about 15 percent of people have completely blemish-free teeth. The other 85 per cent are only likely to go for orthodontics during their lifetime if crooked teeth bother them. Read our article to find out how much to prepare for in each case, as well as what your financing options are. 

5 factors that affect the price of braces

The final price you pay for braces varies based mainly on the following factors:

1. Complexity of an orthodontic case
2. Type of braces chosen
3. Region and surgeries
4. Number of interventions or procedures
5. Whether you need braces for one or both palates

Types of braces and their average prices

Table with approximate price range of braces

*The final price of these types of braces always depends on the frequency of tightening the locks, changing elastics, etc. It cannot be known in advance and is often higher than it first appears.

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By far the cheapest braces are the removable ones, but don't be fooled. Removable braces are not suitable for straightening the teeth themselves - they are used more as a pre-treatment for children or just as splints to maintain the results after treatment.

For a comprehensive comparison of the types of braces, including their advantages and disadvantages, read the article on braces comparison.

How to save on braces

Braces with insurance contribution

It's understandable that your first thoughts will be about health insurance. Does insurance cover braces? Not directly for the cost of braces, but it does for orthodontic care - more precisely, from 1 January 2022 only for children and adolescents up to the age of 22. This is stipulated by the amendment to Act No. 48/1997 Coll., on public health insurance.

What can we mean by "orthodontic care"? ‍

• Initial examination including necessary X-rays or analysis of orthodontic models,
• fitting of fixed appliance components (locks, rings, intraoral arch),
• regular checks,
• removal of fixed apparatus, etc.

However, the material, which constitutes the largest item of the final amount, as well as all other procedures related to orthodontic treatment, is paid for by each individual.

At the same time, if you opt for braces after the age of 22, you will in the vast majority of cases have to pay for the cost of orthodontic care yourself. 

Which health insurance company contributes to braces?

Although your insurance company will not pay for braces (only the orthodontic care mentioned above for people under 22), insurance companies provide a one-off allowance for braces. 

We have 7 health insurance companies in the Czech Republic. How will the price of braces change with a contribution from each of them?

Table - contributions for braces by insurance companies

These dates are current for 2024. The amount of contributions depends on how each insurance company determines, which is constantly changing. 

When are you eligible for reimbursement by the insurance company after age 22?

For children and adults with severe developmental defects of the teeth, insurance companies reimburse for the work and material of braces.

If you're suffering:

• cleft lip, jaw and palate,
• congenital general defects and systemic disease with orthodontic manifestations, 
• multiple hypodontia (i.e. unerupted, missing teeth of 6 or more in one jaw),

you are entitled to full reimbursement for orthodontic treatment, including materials. 

The amount of reimbursement for individual procedures is governed by the valid decree of the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic. Always check with your health insurance company for specific benefits and options.

Braces on installments

Many orthodontic practices also offer braces on a pay-as-you-go basis - specifically at World of Braces, starting at CZK 979 per month. This allows you to spread the cost of your treatment over a longer period of time and manage everything better financially. 

Diligence in dental care with braces

You have some control over the cost of your braces. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions to help prevent unforeseen costs for repairs or extended treatment.

• Go for regular check-ups, usually every 4-12 weeks depending on the type of braces. If you want to go for check-ups as little as possible, choose invisible braces.
• Take care of your mouth and braces in the way your orthodontist recommends - including interdental brushes or special toothpastes.
• Follow your doctor's instructions to minimize damage to your braces.

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Go for a beautiful smile the most comfortable way - with invisible braces. Schedule a free consultation to find out how long your specific treatment could take and how much it could cost. 

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