The orthodontic treatment

So I had made up my mind. From here on, a tight schedule started. In addition to an examination of my teeth, I first went to the responsible surgeon. First and foremost, this should determine whether and how an operation makes sense and is feasible for me at all. Here it quickly became apparent that although it is feasible, both the lower and the upper jaw have to be adjusted. If only the lower jaw would have been adjusted, the lower jaw could be too close to the esophagus and windpipe which eventually might lead to snoring or worse - no thanks!

The surgeon himself not only had decades of experience, he was also an award-winning cosmetic surgeon before being a orthodontic surgeon. This fact is very pleasant here, as you can be much more be certain that the surgeon will make sure the result looks fine.

Here I was informed about the (surgical) costs - and then there was my first shock moment which I didn't really expect. In order to perform the operation, some special examinations and x-rays must be taken that are not covered by health insurance AT ALL. For me, the main nerve had to be localized in 3D - the health insurance company only pays for the 2D image. However, this is not enough for the surgeon to be 100% sure that the nerve will not be injured or severed. In addition, there are other examinations that are not absolutely necessary but still are better or more pleasant for you.

So all in all, I agreed to pay for 13 treatments myself. I don't have the possibility to translate that to english, but still a list to give you the idea:

Profil- u. Enfacefotographie
Klinische Funktionsanalyse
Gelenkbez. Registrierung
Modellmontage
Registrierung des Unterkiefer Bewegung
Splint
Maßnahmen an Modellen im Artikulator
Comp. Tomographie im Kopfbereich
3d Rekonstruktion
Lagerbildung
Impl. Von Knochen
Knochenspanentn.
Membrantechnik

Costs totally: 1404€

Now that this was resolved, the orthopedic work continued. Examinations and plaster molds were made and a cost estimate was submitted to the health insurance company. The company didn't take long to appove the assumption of the costs. Having that said, the orthodontist started himself with services that have to be done, but unfortunately will not be covered by the health insurance. It is important to mention: I opted for porcelain brackets because you can't see them so clearly. All other services were not necessary for the optics, but (allegedly) for health reasons.

So all in all, I agreed to pay for 4 extra treatments myself. Again I don't have the possibility to translate that to english, but still the list to give you the idea:

Porzellanbrackets
Superelastische Bögen
Gaumenbogen
OP-Paket

Costs totally: 1620€

So after I approved this assumption of costs, I slowly had a really bad feeling. It is claimed that the costs will be covered if it is necessary for health reasons. In fact, I already agreed to pay 3000€ myself before anything was done! Unfortunately, I can't really say that this information is presented transparently in advance. Hence my tip to you: Find out more! Ask exactly what the costs are. Otherwise there can be a pretty rude awakening.