Frequently asked questions about the cost of braces
On this page, we regularly add the questions our patients most often ask about the cost of braces during their initial consultation.
Do I need a specialist referral to come to the Eltz Institut?
No, you can come straight to the free consultation and don't need to bring anything. Feel free to call us on 01/3583101 or simply book your appointment at the Eltz Institut online.
How much does a consultation at Eltz cost?
The initial consultation at the Eltz Institut is free of charge.
How much does orthodontic treatment at Eltz cost?
Much like taxi fares, orthodontic treatment is subject to autonomous fee guidelines issued roughly once a year by the Austrian Dental Chamber (Österreichische Zahnärztekammer) for specialists in dental, oral and maxillofacial medicine, dentists and dental practitioners (Dentisten); the Eltz Institut also follows these guidelines. You can find out more on this page.
Will my health insurance fund cover part of the cost?
In many cases, the health insurance fund covers part of the cost; the exact amount reimbursed depends on three factors. You can find out more on this page.
Isn't the Eltz Institut "private"?
Austrian health insurance funds count the Eltz Institut among the qualified orthodontic practices, so with our braces it is possible to have the treatment costs reimbursed through your health insurance fund.
Can I pay in instalments?
At the Eltz Institut, we offer both an interest-free instalment plan for up to 36 months and an instalment plan with interest for up to 60 months. You can find out more on this page.
How long does treatment with braces take for adults?
Treatment with braces for adults takes from around 5 months for mild crowding to 24 months for complex jaw misalignments (dysgnathia) or malocclusions.
Does Eltz offer "free braces"?
Yes – the Eltz Institut was in fact one of the very first practices to offer them and is certified. For you, this means that treatment with free braces (covered by Austrian public health insurance) is guaranteed to be cashless and you do not have to pay anything in advance. You can find out more on this page.
Who is eligible for "free braces"?
The following two conditions must be met:
- the patient must be under 18 when treatment starts
- the teeth show a complex misalignment according to the "Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need" (= IOTN 4 & 5)
How are the IOTN grades of severity defined?
IOTN Grade 1
Minor deviation from the ideal tooth position
IOTN Grade 2
Slight overjet, slight rotation of the teeth (up to 2mm)
IOTN Grade 3
Deep overbite with the teeth touching the gum, moderate rotation (up to 4mm)
IOTN Grade 4
Increased overjet of more than 6 mm, severe rotation (more than 4 mm), congenitally missing teeth
IOTN Grade 5
Cleft lip, jaw and/or palate, several congenitally missing teeth, increased overjet of more than 9 mm
I have misaligned teeth and would like to have them corrected – what is the first step?
We invite you to a free consultation. Feel free to call us on 01/3583101 or simply book your appointment at the Eltz Institut online.
Can I deduct my braces from my taxes?
Braces from Eltz are tax-deductible. In your annual tax assessment (Lohnsteuerausgleich), you can claim all payments for your braces made in the previous year as "extraordinary expenses" (außergewöhnliche Belastungen).
I'm X years old – is treatment even an option for me?
It may sound like a cheap platitude, but dental health knows no age. At the Eltz Institut, we treat patients aged 6 to 80. It is never too late to correct misaligned teeth.
How long has the Eltz Institut existed, and how many patients has it treated?
The Eltz Institut has existed for over 30 years. We are proud of our long history and of well over 20,000 happy patients treated. The Eltz Institut is one of the 5 largest Invisalign providers in Europe and one of only a few Diamond Providers.
Can I change the account holder or the bank details for the direct debit while my treatment with braces is under way?
Yes, but please let our reception know (approx. 5 working days before the debit) and we'll be happy to take care of it!
Will I get anything back from my health insurance fund?
In most cases, the health insurance fund covers part of the cost of braces. However, this depends on your particular health insurance fund and on the severity of the misalignment. Our reception team will be happy to help. You can find more information on coverage by health insurance funds here.
Does supplementary private insurance cover the cost of treatment with braces?
Depending on the policy, supplementary (private) insurance covers part of the cost of treatment with braces. If your policy includes orthodontic treatment, the contribution can amount to several hundred euros per year. Please note: for braces, supplementary private insurers usually settle claims by calendar year rather than by treatment year.
What if my orthodontic treatment takes longer than planned? Will I have to pay extra?
If your treatment with braces takes longer than planned, there are no additional costs for you at the Eltz Institut.
Can I deduct my braces from my taxes?
Yes, you can deduct your braces from your taxes as extraordinary expenses in the year in which the invoice was actually paid.
Can I end the instalment plan for my braces early?
Yes, you can pay the outstanding amount at any time and so end the instalment plan early.