Age
Children and teenagers who meet the applicable age requirements of the health-insurance scheme.
Orthodontics Vienna
Publicly Funded Braces in Vienna – Eligibility and ÖGK Reimbursement
Publicly funded braces are available through Austria’s health-insurance system for eligible children and teenagers with severe dental or jaw misalignments. Dr. Manish Sablania is a qualified elective orthodontist for this programme. Eligibility and the amount of any reimbursement are determined by the relevant health-insurance provider after reviewing the individual case.
Important information about reimbursement
When treatment is provided by a qualified elective orthodontist, ÖGK reviews reimbursement individually. According to current ÖGK information, approved cases may receive reimbursement of 80% of the applicable contractual tariff. This does not necessarily mean 80% of the orthodontist’s invoice. Prior approval may be required. Patients should confirm their individual eligibility with ÖGK before treatment begins.
Who may qualify for publicly funded braces?
Eligibility and approval are not automatic. These points usually need to come together:
Severe misalignment
Severe dental or jaw misalignment – generally IOTN grade 4 or 5.
Medical necessity
Medical necessity must be confirmed through orthodontic assessment.
Approval
The final decision rests with the relevant health-insurance provider – approval is not automatic.
More on braces for children and braces for teens.
What do IOTN grades 4 and 5 mean?
The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need classifies the severity and medical need for orthodontic treatment. Grades 4 and 5 indicate severe or very severe treatment need. The final classification must be established through orthodontic diagnosis – not from website content alone.
We do not diagnose online. Whether IOTN 4 or 5 applies is determined in the examination and explained to you in person.
How does ÖGK reimbursement work with an elective orthodontist?
As a qualified elective orthodontist, Dr. Sablania does not bill like a contracted insurer orthodontist. A typical process looks like this:
- 1Initial consultation and orthodontic examination
- 2Clinical findings and IOTN classification
- 3Treatment plan and required documentation
- 4Application / review by the relevant health-insurance provider
- 5Start of treatment after any required approval
- 6Payment according to the agreement with the practice
- 7Submission of the invoice and required documents
- 8Reimbursement by the insurer according to its decision
The exact process can depend on the insurer, the treatment and the individual approval.
Which type of braces is included?
Under the publicly funded programme, main treatment follows the rules of the relevant insurance scheme. Important points:
Metal braces
Fixed metal brackets are generally the standard funded option for fixed treatment.
Ceramic brackets
Tooth-coloured ceramic brackets are an aesthetic private upgrade and are not automatically covered.
Clear aligners
Clear aligners / Invisalign are not automatically included in the publicly funded programme.
Lingual braces
Lingual (inside) braces are likewise not automatically covered and need a separate cost discussion.
Private options such as clear aligners are explained transparently during the consultation.
Publicly funded braces or a private alternative?
Overview – without prices. Whether reimbursement is possible, and at what level, depends on eligibility and approval.
| Option | Visibility | Possible reimbursement | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal braces | Visible | Subject to eligibility and approval | Usually the standard option in the public programme |
| Ceramic brackets | Less noticeable | Usually private | Aesthetic upgrade / private option |
| Clear aligners | Nearly invisible | Usually private | Not automatically included in the public programme |
| Lingual braces | Invisible from outside | Usually private | Separate cost clarification required |
Treatment process at our practice
From the first consultation through to retention, we guide you step by step – including insurance documentation where required.
- ✓Initial consultation and examination
- ✓Diagnostics (including X-rays, photos and digital scan where appropriate)
- ✓Individual treatment plan
- ✓Insurance documentation if needed
- ✓Regular control visits
- ✓Retention to stabilise the result
Consultation with Dr. Manish Sablania
Specialist orthodontist and general dentist · Wien 1200
- ●Qualified elective orthodontist for publicly funded braces – not a contracted ÖGK orthodontist
- ●More than 28 years of experience and over 7,800 orthodontic treatments and braces cases.
- ●Consultations in German, English and Hindi
- ●Treatment at the practice in 1200 Wien
We cannot promise insurer approval or reimbursement – that decision rests with your health-insurance provider.
FAQ
Are publicly funded braces completely free of charge?▾
With contracted insurer orthodontists, treatment may be provided as a health-insurance benefit under the applicable rules. With elective orthodontists, different reimbursement rules apply. ÖGK reviews each case individually and, according to current information, may reimburse 80% of the applicable contractual tariff. That is not necessarily 80% of the private invoice.
Who may be eligible for publicly funded braces?▾
In general, children and teenagers who meet the applicable age criteria and have a severe dental or jaw misalignment of IOTN grade 4 or 5 may qualify. The final decision is made by the relevant health-insurance provider.
Is prior approval required?▾
Depending on the treatment and insurer, a review or approval may be required before treatment begins. Eligibility should therefore be clarified before starting.
Does ÖGK pay for Invisalign or clear aligners?▾
Clear aligners and Invisalign are not automatically part of the publicly funded programme. Whether any contribution is possible must be clarified individually with the health-insurance provider.
What does elective orthodontist mean?▾
An elective orthodontist (Wahlkieferorthopäde) does not generally bill treatment in the same way as a contracted insurer orthodontist. Patients may apply for partial reimbursement depending on approval and insurance rules.
Insurance information last reviewed: July 2026. Please contact your health-insurance provider for binding information. Current ÖGK information on braces
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We will explain in person whether publicly funded braces may apply in your case – and which private alternatives are available.