Retainer Kosten und Krankenkasse: Your guide to optimal cost coverage
8 Apr 2025
3
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
After the braces come the retainers – but who bears the costs? Many patients are unsure about which retainer costs are covered by health insurance and when a supplementary insurance actually pays. This article highlights the cost traps and presents clear ways to ensure financial security during your important retention phase.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Statutory health insurance usually covers retainer costs only for removable models and up to two years after the end of treatment; fixed retainers are often a private expense.
The cost for fixed retainers is approximately two hundred to five hundred euros per jaw, while removable ones are cheaper at one hundred to three hundred euros.
A supplementary dental insurance can significantly reduce or completely cover the costs for retainers, especially for fixed models and extended wear periods.
Understanding Retainer Variants and Their Price Ranges
The costs for a retainer vary depending on the type and scope. Removable retainers often cost between one hundred and three hundred euros per jaw. Fixed lingual retainers are usually more expensive, with prices ranging from about two hundred to five hundred euros per jaw. These price differences reflect the material and labour involved for each stabilisation method. The choice of retainer thus directly influences the initial financial considerations after your orthodontic treatment. Next, we will look at how statutory health insurance handles these costs.
Statutory health insurance: These retainer costs are covered
Die gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV) übernimmt die Kosten für Retainer nicht pauschal. In der Regel werden die Kosten für einen herausnehmbaren Retainer für bis zu zwei Jahre nach Abschluss der aktiven Zahnspangenbehandlung erstattet. Diese Zweijahresfrist gilt als medizinisch notwendiger Zeitraum zur Stabilisierung. Fixed retainers, on the other hand, often need to be paid for privately by patients. An exception often exists for a pronounced crowding of the lower front teeth (KIG classification E3 or E4). In this case, the GKV may cover the cost of a fixed retainer in the lower jaw. For costs to be covered, orthodontic treatment usually needs to have started before the age of 18. The specific conditions are regulated in the Social Security Code Five (SGB V) §29, which defines the entitlement to orthodontic care. An supplementary health insurance can be a useful addition here. Knowing these regulations is crucial before considering private options.
Expert Tip: KIG classification as the key
The orthodontic indication groups (KIG) play a central role. A classification in KIG three to five is often a prerequisite for the cost coverage of the initial treatment by the GKV. This classification also influences the possible reimbursement of retainer costs. Have your KIG status checked and documented early by your orthodontist. This provides clarity about the services you can expect from your health insurance. The correct classification can save you several hundred euros.
Private and dental supplementary insurance: More benefits for your smile
Where statutory health insurance reaches its limits, private health insurance (PKV) and supplementary dental insurance often offer expanded benefits. Many policies include cost coverage for fixed retainers, which are not routinely covered by the statutory health insurance. The reimbursement rates can be up to one hundred percent of the costs, depending on the contract. Some supplementary dental insurances also provide coverage when the statutory health insurance refuses cost-sharing, for instance, if the retention period exceeds two years. It is important to closely examine the policy details, as there may be waiting periods or initial benefit limits. A practical example: A good supplementary dental insurance can mean savings of over three hundred euros for retainer costs of four hundred euros per jaw. Therefore, carefully selecting insurance coverage is an important step in cost optimisation.
Our Expert Tip: Comparing policies is worthwhile
When taking out a supplementary dental insurance policy, consider the following points to optimally cover retainer costs:
Does the policy explicitly cover costs for fixed and removable retainers?
What is the reimbursement rate (percentage)? Is there a maximum annual reimbursement limit?
Does the insurance provide coverage even if the statutory health insurance does not offer any advance payments?
Are there waiting periods before benefits for retainers can be claimed?
Are repairs or new fabrications of retainers also covered? A policy may reimburse up to sixty euros per repair here.
A precise comparison, for example through our online insurance portal, helps you find the right protection. This way, you ensure long-term security.
Avoiding cost traps: Forward planning is crucial
To avoid unexpectedly high costs for retainers, good preparation is essential. Always request a detailed treatment and cost plan from your orthodontist. This should clearly list all items, including material and laboratory costs for the retainer. Check with your health insurance provider early on—be it statutory or private—what expenses will be covered. Submit the treatment and cost plan before starting treatment to receive a written confirmation. This provides financial security and prevents future surprises. Also, inquire about instalment payment options in case of a private contribution; many practices offer this. Repairing a fixed retainer can quickly cost between twenty and sixty euros per adhesive point. This forward planning is an important cornerstone for a worry-free retention phase.
Long-term Benefits: Why Investing in the Retainer Pays Off
The cost of a retainer may initially seem like an additional burden. However, in the long term, this investment is invaluable. The retainer prevents your teeth from shifting back to their original misalignment after often years of expensive orthodontic treatment. Studies show that without sufficient retention, there is a relapse rate of up to ninety percent within ten years. The cost of a repeat orthodontic correction would be many times higher than the initial retainer costs. Moreover, a stable dentition contributes to overall oral health and can prevent problems such as jaw joint discomfort. So, the initial expense of perhaps four hundred euros for a retainer protects an investment of often several thousand euros in your dental health. This perspective highlights the importance of good protection.
Your next step towards cost certainty
Financing your retainer need not be a mystery. With the right information and suitable coverage, you can significantly reduce costs. nextsure supports you as a digital insurance portal in finding the optimal protection for your needs. We offer you transparent comparisons and tailored solutions to keep your smile bright and your wallet protected. Use our expertise for your dental health.
Request your personalised risk analysis now: Get your insurance situation reviewed for free and receive concrete optimisation suggestions.
More useful links
Verbraucherzentrale provides comprehensive information on personal contributions, health insurance benefits, and additional costs for orthodontic treatments.
The Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) provides detailed information about retainer treatment following the wearing of braces.
The Verbraucherzentrale offers further information on follow-up retainer treatment after braces.
The Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) grants access to an IGES report on orthodontic treatments.
The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds provides guidelines on orthodontic treatment.
The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Dentists (KZBV) provides information about fixed orthodontic appliances.
The German Dental Association (BZAEK) publishes a press release on a study regarding dental and jaw misalignments in children.
The German Society for Orthodontics (DGKFO) offers further information on the field on its website.
FAQ
Does my statutory health insurance cover the costs for a lingual retainer (fixed retainer)?
In most cases, you have to bear the cost of a fixed lingual retainer yourself. An exception may exist in cases of medically proven severe crowding of the lower anterior teeth (KIG E3/E4), where the statutory health insurance may cover the cost for the retainer in the lower jaw. Clarify this with your insurance in advance.
How much does it cost to repair a retainer?
The repair of a fixed retainer, such as reattaching a loose spot of adhesive, costs around twenty to sixty euros per tooth. For removable retainers, if broken, a new fabrication might be necessary, and the costs for this can vary.
Is supplemental dental insurance worth it for retainer costs?
Yes, supplementary dental insurance can be very worthwhile, especially if you want a fixed retainer or need a longer retention phase. It can cover a significant portion of the costs that statutory health insurance does not cover. Compare rates carefully.
How long do I need to wear a retainer?
The duration of wear is individual. The statutory health insurance often covers costs for up to two years. However, orthodontists frequently recommend a significantly longer, sometimes even lifelong retention to permanently secure the treatment results.
What happens if I don't wear a retainer?
Without a retainer, there's a high risk (up to ninety percent) that your teeth will shift back to their original misalignment (relapse). This would nullify the success of the orthodontic treatment and might necessitate another expensive treatment.
Can I deduct the cost of a retainer from tax?
Self-paid medical expenses, which can also include certain dental treatment costs like retainers, may under certain circumstances be claimed as extraordinary burdens in the tax return. The prerequisite is that the reasonable burden limit is exceeded. For this, it is best to speak with a tax advisor.
