If the company or insurance company does not pay, the problem is not serious.

Companies generally cover accident and health insurance. Supplementary dental insurance is optional.

On the other hand, if you have supplementary dental insurance, a large proportion of orthodontic costs will be reimbursed.

Taking out this type of insurance can prove beneficial, as orthodontic bills are generally quite high. The largest amount is required for the first part of the treatment, i.e. between 40% and 50% of the total cost. This is because the design and installation of the braces are very costly.

There are two exceptions where costs are covered at 100%.

1. Tooth jammed

In the first case, the tooth has not erupted and remains trapped in the bone. This happens, for example, when the canines fail to erupt. In this case, and depending on the seriousness of the situation, patients are entitled to full reimbursement from their health insurance.
It is then up to the orthodontist to make a precise diagnosis and contact the insurance company.

2. Extreme orthodontic cases

There are also orthodontic cases that warrant full reimbursement due to their severity. In these cases, the patient is covered by disability insurance.
Extreme cases may, for example, involve a very large gap between the upper and lower jaws (i.e., the upper teeth are much further forward than the lower ones, or vice versa), or teeth that don't touch. These are extremely serious problems, which is why they are covered by disability insurance in Switzerland. It is therefore very important for the orthodontist to be able to recognize these specific cases, as it is his or her duty to declare them to the invalidity insurance and thus enable the patient to access free treatment.

These cases are assessed on the basis of very precise, objective criteria. For example, if the orthodontist's measurement on the patient's X-ray is greater than the length limit, the patient is entitled to disability insurance.

It's vital to be aware of this aspect, as it gives access to free treatment. Please note, however, that disability insurance coverage for treatment ends between the ages of 13 and 14 (although follow-up continues until the patient is 20).

This applies not only to orthodontics, but also to maxillofacial surgery.

By not going to the orthodontist, we run the risk of not being informed of the existence of this possibility, and of denying ourselves treatments that would cost us nothing.