Free braces:
High-quality treatment for complex misalignments at no cost at the Eltz Institut
For children and teenagers with severe dental or jaw misalignments, free braces (covered by Austrian public health insurance) are an excellent way to receive high-quality orthodontic treatment – without any financial burden for the parents. At the Eltz Institut, we rely on our proven technique with high-quality silver brackets to make treatment as gentle and efficient as possible. Our aim is to help children achieve a smile that is not only healthy but also attractive.

Who is eligible for free braces?
In Austria, free braces are available to children and teenagers under certain conditions. The decision is based on the so-called Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), which determines the severity of the misalignment.

Requirements for free braces:
1. Age under 18: Your child must be younger than 18 when treatment starts.
2. Complex misalignment (IOTN 4 or 5): The misalignment must be classified as grade 4 or 5 on the IOTN. These grades describe severe misalignments that should be corrected for health reasons.
IOTN grades 4 and 5 include misalignments such as:
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Severe crowding
- Overjet or underbite with a significant gap
- Gaps due to missing teeth (congenitally absent teeth)
Why choose the Eltz Institut for free braces?
Choosing the right orthodontic practice for your child’s treatment is crucial to the success of the treatment. At the Eltz Institut, we offer comprehensive care of the highest standard, combined with state-of-the-art technology and a specialised team.

Your benefits at the Eltz Institut:
- Specialised treatment for children and teenagers: Our experienced orthodontists are specially trained to work with young patients. We know how important it is for children to feel comfortable with us and for treatment to be gentle and stress-free.
- High-quality materials: For free braces, we use self-ligating brackets made from high-quality materials that are not only effective but also comfortable to wear. These brackets reduce frictional resistance and thus ensure gentle tooth movement.
- New York technique: Our proven technique guarantees fast and precise treatment that is tailored to the needs of each child.
- Individual care: Every patient receives individual care from us, and we draw up a tailor-made treatment plan to achieve the best possible result.
How do free braces work?
Orthodontic treatment with free braces follows a clear structure and is accompanied by regular check-ups to make sure the teeth are moving as planned. The entire course of treatment is closely monitored, and we work closely with the parents to document progress.
Treatment steps:
- 1. Initial examination: During a free initial examination, we check the position of the teeth and determine whether your child is eligible for free braces.
- 2. Treatment planning: Together with you and your child, we draw up a detailed treatment plan describing the expected length of treatment and exactly how we will proceed.
- 3. Fitting the braces: Our orthodontists gently fit the fixed braces with silver brackets. These brackets ensure continuous, gentle tooth movement.
- 4. Regular check-ups: Every 6–8 weeks, the progress of treatment is checked and the brackets are adjusted if necessary to guide the tooth movements optimally.
- 5. Retention: Once the misalignment has been successfully corrected, the braces are removed and a retainer is fitted to stabilise the result in the long term.
Why are regular check-ups important?
Regular check-ups are essential to ensure the success of treatment. At these appointments, we check the progress of the tooth movements and adjust the brackets or archwires if necessary. This ensures that the teeth are moved continuously into the correct position and that treatment goes according to plan.
What happens if my child’s misalignment is not IOTN 4 or 5?
If your child’s misalignment does not fall into IOTN grades 4 or 5, we still offer numerous other orthodontic treatment options at the Eltz Institut – from removable braces to clear aligners. Here too, we will be happy to advise you on the different treatment options and work with you to find the best solution for your child.

Your next steps: book your free consultation now!
Would you like to know whether your child is eligible for free braces and which treatment options might be suitable? Make an appointment for a free consultation at the Eltz Institut now and get advice from our specialised orthodontists. Together we will find the best solution for your child – gentle, effective and at no cost to you.