Braces are an orthodontic treatment used to correct crowding, misalignment, or aesthetic issues with the teeth. Many people considering braces wonder about the cost, duration, and expected outcomes of the treatment.
In this article you will find answers to questions such as:
- Does the Social Security Institution (SGK) cover braces?
- What are the SGK coverage conditions for braces?
- Which hospitals accept SGK for braces?
- How to get an appointment for braces at a public hospital?
- What are the 2024 public hospital prices for braces?
- What are the 2024 private clinic prices for braces?
DOES SGK COVER BRACES?
The Social Security Institution (SGK) covers braces under certain conditions. The SGK requirements for coverage are as follows:
- The treatment must be performed in a state hospital or a university hospital. Braces applied in private hospitals or private clinics are not covered by SGK.
- The person receiving treatment must be under 18 years old. Braces for individuals over 18 are not covered by SGK.
- The person receiving treatment must be insured as a dependent under a parent. Individuals with their own insurance are not covered by SGK for braces.
HOW MUCH OF THE BRACES COST DOES SGK COVER?
SGK does not cover the entire cost of braces. SGK only covers the cost of materials used in the orthodontic treatment:
- Material costs such as brackets, wires, elastics, and bands are paid by SGK.
- However, fees for examinations, X-rays (including panoramic and cephalometric), imaging, models, simulations, follow-up visits, adjustments, and related services are not covered by SGK and must be paid by the patient.
WHAT ARE THE SGK COVERAGE CONDITIONS FOR BRACES?
SGK requires certain conditions to be met before it will cover braces. These conditions include:
- The orthodontic problem must be clinically significant and require treatment. Purely aesthetic treatments are not covered by SGK.
- The patient must apply to SGK and have the treatment plan approved before beginning treatment. Costs for patients who start treatment before SGK approval will not be covered.
- During treatment the patient must submit regular reports to SGK. Reports documenting the start, progress, and completion of treatment must be provided. Failure to submit required reports may result in loss of coverage for the treatment costs.
WHICH HOSPITALS ACCEPT SGK FOR BRACES?
SGK covers braces only when performed in state hospitals or university hospitals. Private hospitals and clinics that are not contracted with SGK are not eligible for coverage.
Hospitals that accept SGK are typically the nationwide network of Oral and Dental Health Centers (ADSM) and Oral and Dental Health Hospitals. These facilities usually have orthodontics departments that provide braces treatment.
HOW TO GET AN APPOINTMENT FOR BRACES AT A PUBLIC HOSPITAL?
- To get an appointment at a public hospital, first choose a hospital that provides SGK-covered braces.
- Your initial examination will be conducted by a dentist, who will determine whether braces are appropriate for your case.
- If braces are appropriate, the dentist will prepare a treatment plan and submit it to SGK for approval.
- Once SGK approves the treatment plan, you can begin the braces treatment.
- You can make an appointment to start treatment through the hospital’s website or by phone.
- Attend the scheduled appointment at the hospital to begin your orthodontic treatment.
DOES THE STATE COVER THE COST OF BRACES?
The state covers part of the braces cost under the conditions described above. SGK only pays for the material costs of the treatment. Other service fees are paid by the patient. Therefore, even when treated at a state hospital, patients are still required to pay certain fees.
ARE BRACES APPLIED IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS?
Yes — braces are provided in public hospitals. The department responsible is the orthodontics department, which treats crowding, misalignment, and aesthetic dental issues. To receive braces at a public hospital you must meet the conditions outlined earlier and obtain an appointment.
WHAT IS THE 2024 PRICE FOR BRACES IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS?
Public hospital braces prices vary depending on factors such as:
- Treatment duration,
- Complexity of the case,
- Materials and techniques used.
In public hospitals SGK provides partial coverage. For patients under 18, braces can be free provided the patient supplies the required materials. For patients over 18, public hospital fees typically range from approximately 7,500 TRY to 10,000 TRY for a single arch and 11,000 TRY to 14,000 TRY for both arches.
NOTE: These figures represent minimum fees set by professional guidelines and may vary by hospital and treatment specifics.
WHAT IS THE 2024 PRICE FOR BRACES IN PRIVATE HOSPITALS?
Braces in private hospitals are generally more expensive than in public hospitals and are not covered by SGK.
In private facilities, prices commonly range from about 12,000 TRY to 27,000 TRY for a single arch and 27,000 TRY to 60,000 TRY for both arches.
Private clinics often offer additional options and higher-end materials. For example, lingual braces, clear aligners, and ceramic brackets are more widely available in private practice settings.