Under 18 · Covered by health insurance · 1070 Vienna
Free Braces for Children and Teens in Vienna
In cases of severe tooth or jaw misalignment, health insurance will cover either removable or fixed braces with silver brackets, depending on the patient’s age and diagnosis. To qualify, treatment must begin before the patient’s 18th birthday, and the malocclusion must be classified as IOTN Level 4 or 5. At our clinic on Mariahilfer Straße, we determine during the initial consultation whether you are eligible for this coverage.
Call us at 01 / 524 48 68 or email us at klinik@jonke.at to schedule an initial consultation.
★ All health insurance providers: ÖGK · BVAEB · SVS
★ IOTN/KIG 4–5
★ Under 18
★ 100% off at checkout
★ 5.0 DocFinder

★ 4.1 Google | ★ 5.0 DocFinder
1,000+ Families · 457 Reviews
Eligibility & Requirements
Who is eligible for free braces?
Whether the health insurance plan covers the cost depends on the severity of the case. We assess this using the IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need) on a scale from 1 to 5. Treatment must be provided by an orthodontist contracted with the respective health insurance plan. If certain requirements are met, you are entitled to reimbursement of 80 percent of the contracted rate when treatment is provided by a provider of your choice. As a clinic with a contract with health insurance providers, we bill the health insurance provider directly for the free braces.
For mild malocclusions (IOTN Levels 1 through 3), there is no entitlement to free braces; however, under the general regulations, the health insurance provider may cover a portion of the costs.
Under 18
Children and adolescents under the age of 18.
IOTN/KIG 4 or 5
Severe malocclusion or jaw misalignment classified as IOTN Level 4 or 5.
All payment methods
Across all health insurance funds (ÖGK, BVAEB, SVS) if the findings warrant it.
Free Initial Consultation
We calculate the IOTN value and let you know right away whether you are eligible.
Process
How to Get Free Braces
Initial Consultation & Diagnosis
We will examine your child’s teeth and assess the malocclusion according to the IOTN. This allows us to determine early on whether the medical criteria for coverage are met.
Planning
First, you will receive an orthodontic diagnosis. For this, we use an intraoral scanner, photos, and digital X-rays. The orthodontist will take a clinical history and assess the misalignment of your teeth. This is followed by digital 3D planning.
Start of Treatment
The brackets are bonded in place, usually first on the upper jaw and shortly thereafter on the lower jaw. After that, we’ll see your child regularly for checkups.

The Treatment
Why Are the Braces in the Free Orthodontic Treatment Program Silver?
With fixed, free braces, silver brackets are covered by insurance. They are durable and suitable even for severe misalignments. We handle the planning and follow-up care.
Appointment Booking
Book a Free Initial Consultation Now
Just select a date and time—we’ll check your eligibility for free braces.
01 / 524 48 68 · Available 24/7 · klinik@jonke.at
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Free Braces
Who is eligible for free braces?
Children and adolescents under the age of 18 with severe dental or jaw misalignment classified as IOTN Level 4 or 5. We determine the exact severity during a brief, free examination. Only then can we determine whether you are eligible in your specific case.
Which type of braces is free?
It depends on the child’s age and the findings: for younger children, removable braces are used for interceptive early treatment; starting around age 12, fixed braces with silver metal brackets are used. White ceramic brackets or aligners are considered private services.
Can you pay extra for free braces to get ceramic brackets, for example?
No. The free fixed braces come with silver metal brackets. Ceramic brackets or aligners are not available as an option for an additional fee. For anyone who prefers a more discreet solution, alternatives are available as a private service from the start.
Does every health insurance plan cover free braces?
The key medical requirements for free braces include, in particular, a malocclusion classified as IOTN Level 4 or 5 and the start of treatment before the age of 18. Contract, approval, and billing procedures may vary depending on the insurance provider.
How can you determine your eligibility and apply for free braces?
During a brief examination at our clinic, we will assess the malocclusion according to the IOTN and explain whether you meet the medical criteria. The specific documents, approvals, or additional steps required depend on your insurance provider. We will take care of the necessary steps.
At what age should orthodontic treatment begin?
That depends on the type of misalignment. Some misalignments are treated early on with removable braces; fixed braces are not used until the permanent teeth have mostly erupted. It’s a good idea to have an initial checkup at around age 8 or 9.
What happens if my child turns 18 during treatment?
The key factor is when treatment begins: The braces must be fitted for the first time before your child’s 18th birthday. If treatment begins on time, coverage under your health insurance plan remains in effect, even if your child turns 18 while treatment is ongoing.
How long does treatment with the free braces take?
The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the condition and averages about two years.
Does getting braces hurt?
During the bonding process, the brackets are attached to the teeth. Afterward, you may experience a feeling of pressure or tightness during the first few days. The intensity of this sensation varies from person to person.
Do children and teenagers who wear braces also need to practice good oral hygiene?
Yes, absolutely. Plaque tends to build up around the brackets because it’s harder to clean those areas. That’s why professional teeth cleaning is especially important during treatment. As a result, insurance providers cover oral hygiene visits for children and adolescents between the ages of 10 and 18 who have fixed braces—even twice per treatment year.
Worth Knowing
What You Should Know About Free Braces
Everything you need to know about eligibility, costs, and the process for free braces—explained in simple terms.
Content
What are free braces?
Free braces have been available in Austria since 2015. This service is provided by health insurance companies (e.g., ÖGK, BVAEB, SVS, and KFA) for children and adolescents with significant misalignment. Depending on age and diagnosis, treatment is free of charge: Early treatment involves the use of removable braces, while from around age 12, fixed braces with silver metal brackets are used—the proven standard treatment in orthodontics. The brackets are firmly attached, work day and night, and reliably correct even difficult cases.
Fixed or removable braces?
For younger children (up to age 10), treatment often begins with a removable appliance to guide jaw growth early on. This so-called interceptive treatment is limited to one year; it is followed by a one-year break. Once the permanent teeth have largely erupted, fixed braces with silver brackets are used starting at age 12 for more severe malocclusions, provided the child is eligible. Often, the two approaches complement each other: first guiding growth, then making fine adjustments. The best approach for your child depends on their age and the findings of the examination.
What if you're not eligible for free braces?
For IOTN Levels 1 through 3, there is no entitlement to free braces. However, your health insurance may cover part of the costs under the general guidelines. We’ll discuss the costs openly and show you your options: from silver brackets to white ceramic brackets to aligners.
How long does braces treatment take, and what happens afterward?
Treatment takes an average of two years, depending on the severity of the condition. For some malocclusions, additional speech therapy can help the treatment progress. Once the desired result is achieved, the braces are removed; a retainer is then used to keep the teeth in their new position so they do not shift back.
Schedule a free initial consultation now
We will review your eligibility and advise you on the options available for your child.