Orthodontic treatments are dental treatments which correct misaligned teeth and deformations of the jaw for both functional and aesthetic reasons.
The treatment involves applying pressure on one or more teeth in such a way as to shift and reposition them to create a true alignment and a harmonious dental equilibrium. Traction will be applied to the dental roots and they will be made to move in the jaw bone.
Types of orthodontic treatments
Fixed or multi-attachement devices
These are usually metal attachments which are routinely fixed for children. Transparent, ceramic or plastic attachments are less commonly used for aesthetic reasons. Additional costs incurred as a result are not covered by health insurance.
There is a so-called lingual system, whereby the bracket is attached to the back of the teeth. It is completely concealed but it does require a certain time for the tongue to adapt and a longer period of treatment.
Detachable devices
They come in the form of transparent resin aligners which cover and assume the shape of the teeth and the roof of the mouth and move the teeth into their optimal alignment position.
Conditions of coverage
Age of beneficiary
Orthodontic treatment is only covered if it begins before the person being treated has reached 17 years of age.
Orthodontic treatment for adults is not covered by health insurance.
Single coverage
All orthodontic services (codes DT10-DT62) can be covered once only, with the exception of:
- code DT10 (orthodontic casts supplied to the health insurance fund), which may be reimbursed a maximum of 3 times over a 5-year period, with a minimum of 365 days between two DT10s,
- codes DT36 and DT46 (orthodontic treatment for cleft lip or labiomaxilla), which may be reimbursed a maximum of once per calendar year over a period of 3 years.
Prior authorisation
Orthodontic treatment (except for positions DT10 and DT11) is only covered if it is carried out with the prior authorisation and under the supervision of the Medical Board of Social Security (CMSS).
Authorised orthodontic treatment must be started within 12 months of the CMSS's date of authorisation. Once this period is over, a new authorisation must be requested.
This 12-month period does not apply to authorisations for orthodontic treatments for cleft lip or labio-maxilla using mobile appliances or fixed appliances started before the age of 17 (positions DT36 and DT46).
The full list of dental services covered is set out in the dentists' nomenclature. Click here to access the dental nomenclature (list in PDF format).
Reimbursement
Payment method
Payment method
As a general rule, you pay the invoice and request reimbursement from the CNS.
You send the CNS the original of the paid and receipted invoice showing your 13-digit national identification number.
If this is your first request for reimbursement, please enclose a bank identity statement (relevé d'identité bancaire RIB).
Sending mail to the CNS (L-2980 Luxembourg) from within Luxembourg is postage free.
Reimbursement rate
Reimbursement rate
Orthodontic treatment costs are invoiced in stages for defined periods (1st period of 6 months, 2nd period of 9 months, etc.). Orthodontic treatment is reimbursed only to the extent of the treatment actually carried out.
Reimbursement is 88% of the official rates, above an annual amount of €77.35 (as of 01.09.2023) which is fully covered by health insurance. This amount is not limited to orthodontic treatment, but also to other dental treatment (except prosthetic treatment).
For children who have not yet reached the age of 18 at the time of invoicing, reimbursement is 100% of the official rates.
Personal conveniences
Personal convenience
In certain situations, dentists may charge an additional fee for personal convenience (CP), provided they have informed you in advance and received your agreement. These surcharges are not reimbursed by the CNS and are entirely at your expense.
For more information on personal conveniences, please consult our "Personal conveniences" page.
Do you have any questions about dental treatments and reimbursements? Talk to your dentist! As each dental treatment is unique, your dentist will assess the treatments they consider necessary on a case-by-case basis. The CNS cannot give you any medical advice.