What does a brace cost in 2026? Prices and reimbursement

Quick answer: In 2026 a brace costs on average 2,000 to 3,500 euros for children and 3,500 to 6,500 euros for adults, depending on the type and duration. The Dutch NZa tariffs dropped by 11.18% on 1 January 2026. Basic health insurance rarely covers orthodontics; supplementary insurance often reimburses 250 to 2,000 euros.

Are you thinking about getting a brace, for yourself or your child? Then you want to know upfront where you stand financially. Good news: since 1 January 2026 the maximum tariffs for orthodontics have dropped considerably. The Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa) lowered prices by an average of 11.18%. That quickly saves a few hundred euros over the whole treatment.

On this page you can read what a brace really costs in 2026, what your health insurer reimburses and how, at our practice on the Museumplein in Amsterdam, you get a clear view of the costs before treatment starts.

The price depends on three things: the type of brace, the duration of the treatment and the so-called laboratory costs (the materials supplied by the dental technician). These are the averages we see in our practice:

• Children (headgear or basic block appliance, 1 to 2 years): 1,500 to 2,500 euros
• Children (fixed brace with brackets, 1.5 to 2.5 years): 2,500 to 3,500 euros
• Adults (fixed brace): 3,500 to 5,000 euros
• Adults (invisible aligners such as Invisalign): 4,500 to 6,500 euros
• Retention wire or night retainer after treatment: 200 to 400 euros per jaw

These are total amounts including consultations, fitting, check-ups and laboratory costs. You do not pay all at once: you receive a monthly or quarterly invoice.

Why are braces cheaper in 2026?

Every few years the NZa reviews whether the tariffs still match the actual costs of a practice. The 2024-2025 cost study showed that orthodontic practices work more efficiently than the old tariffs assumed. That is why most service codes went down by 11.18% on 1 January 2026. A treatment that still cost 3,500 euros in 2025 comes to around 3,100 euros in 2026.

An orthodontist in the Netherlands is not allowed to set the price themselves. For every procedure there is a service code with a fixed maximum tariff. These are the codes that appear most often on your invoice (indicative 2026 prices):

The laboratory costs for the materials (wires, brackets, aligner foils) come on top of this and are listed separately on the invoice. That way you always know exactly what you are paying for. In our overview of treatments you will find an example estimate per type of brace.

Children under 18

Basic insurance only reimburses orthodontics for children in the case of rare congenital conditions, such as a cleft lip or a severe jaw abnormality. For all other cases, including ordinary tooth alignment, you pay yourself or through supplementary insurance.

A good supplementary dental policy usually reimburses 80% to 100% of the costs, up to a maximum of between 1,500 and 2,750 euros per child over the whole treatment period.

Adults

For adults, basic insurance reimburses nothing. In 2026 a supplementary package usually reimburses 250 to 1,000 euros per year, sometimes up to 2,000 euros. Pay attention to these three points if you want to switch:

1. Waiting period: many insurers apply a waiting period of 6 to 12 months before you can claim orthodontics.
2. Annual maximum versus treatment maximum: some policies reimburse per calendar year, others per treatment.
3. Own risk: orthodontics falls outside the deductible as long as you have it reimbursed from your supplementary insurance.

Is switching worth it?

Always do the maths. A supplementary package with 500 euros of orthodontic cover often costs an extra 15 to 25 euros per month. Over two years of braces you then pay 360 to 600 euros in premium for a maximum of 1,000 euros of cover. Sometimes it is cheaper to pay for the brace yourself and save on the premium.

1. Ask for an estimate in advance. With us you receive a written cost overview after the diagnostic consultation, with all service codes and laboratory costs.
2. Check your policy before the first appointment. Call your health insurer and ask explicitly about cover for 2026.
3. Spread the payment. Most practices, including ours, invoice per month or per quarter so you do not have to pay one large bill.
4. Choose deliberately. Invisible aligners are more expensive than a classic fixed brace, but medically the result is comparable. Discuss with the orthodontist what is really needed.

Our practice is in the centre of Amsterdam, within walking distance of the Museumplein. We treat both children from about 9 years old and adults who want a beautiful, healthy bite later in life. What you can expect from us:

• Transparent prices. You always receive a clear estimate in advance, with an explanation per service code.
• Experienced orthodontists. Our team works exclusively according to the guidelines of the Dutch Association of Orthodontists (NVvO).
• Easy to reach. Easily accessible by tram, car or bike from all over Amsterdam and the surrounding area.
• Tailored care. Fixed brace, removable brace or invisible aligners: together we choose the best path.

Want to know what a brace will concretely cost in your case? Book a no-obligation first consultation at our practice in central Amsterdam.

What does a brace cost on average in the Netherlands in 2026?

For children the total price is usually between 2,000 and 3,000 euros, for adults between 3,500 and 6,500 euros. Since 1 January 2026 the NZa tariffs have dropped by 11.18%, so the actual costs are on average 10 to 12% lower than last year.

Does my health insurance reimburse a brace for adults?

Basic insurance does not. A supplementary dental policy reimburses 250 to 2,000 euros per year in 2026, depending on your package. Always check the waiting period and the maximum with your insurer.

What about reimbursement for children?

For children under 18, basic insurance only reimburses in the case of rare congenital conditions. For regular orthodontics you need supplementary insurance, which usually reimburses 80 to 100% up to a maximum of 1,500 to 2,750 euros.

Do I have to pay the whole amount at once?

No. At most orthodontic practices, including ours on the Museumplein, you pay per month or per quarter. That makes the treatment more affordable. Read more practical questions about how we work in the frequently asked questions.

How do I know which brace I need?

You determine this together with the orthodontist after a diagnostic examination. This involves photos, impressions (or a 3D scan) and an analysis of your bite. You then receive a treatment plan with a cost overview to take home.

Want to know more or request a no-obligation consultation? Contact our practice in Amsterdam.