Are braces free in NZ? Mostly, no.
Braces are not free in New Zealand for most people. The free basic dental care that under 18s receive does not include orthodontics, and only a small number of very severe cases qualify for public hospital treatment. Most families pay privately, from $4,500 for children's early treatment, with interest free plans that spread the cost to around $60 to $76 a week.
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Free dental care for under 18s stops short of braces
Young people in New Zealand get free basic oral health care until their 18th birthday. That covers examinations, cleaning, fillings and extractions through school and community dental services. Orthodontic treatment sits outside that scheme, so braces and clear aligners are a private cost for almost every family.
Free until 18: the basics
Check ups, fillings and extractions are covered through community oral health services until the 18th birthday. Braces are not part of this scheme.
Public funding: severe cases only
Hospital orthodontic care exists for the most severe conditions, such as cleft lip and palate. Criteria are strict, referrals are required and waiting lists are long.
Everything else: private, with a written quote
For most families orthodontics is a private cost. At Milk you get an exact all inclusive quote in writing before anything starts, so there are no surprises.
Work and Income, ACC, charity and insurance
A few other sources can help in specific situations. Here is the honest picture of each.
Work and Income
Dental grants from Work and Income target essential dental treatment, and orthodontics is usually not covered. Ask them about your own situation before ruling it out.
ACC
ACC covers dental injuries caused by accidents. If teeth were damaged in an accident, some of the resulting treatment may be covered. Everyday orthodontics is not.
Charity and insurance
A charitable trust supported by NZ orthodontists helps a small number of children in hardship each year, and some health insurance policies include an orthodontic benefit. We are a Southern Cross Affiliated Provider.
Wondering what treatment actually costs? See our transparent pricing and payment options.
Interest free plans make the real difference
Frequently asked questions
Are braces free for under 18s in New Zealand?
No. The free basic dental care that young people receive until their 18th birthday covers check ups, fillings and extractions, but it does not include orthodontic treatment. Braces and clear aligners are paid for privately by almost all New Zealand families, which is why payment plans matter so much.
Who qualifies for publicly funded orthodontic treatment?
Only a small group of patients with the most severe problems, such as cleft lip and palate or other significant developmental conditions, may qualify for treatment through public hospital services. The criteria are strict, a referral is required, and waiting lists are long. Most crowding, bite and alignment cases do not qualify.
Does Work and Income help pay for braces?
Generally no. Work and Income dental grants are aimed at essential dental treatment such as relief of pain, and orthodontic treatment is usually not covered. It is always worth asking Work and Income about your own situation, and we will always give you an exact written price so you know what you are working with.
How much do braces cost if you pay privately in NZ?
At Milk Orthodontics, children's early treatment starts from $4,500, simple cosmetic treatment from $7,900, and comprehensive specialist treatment from $9,900, all inclusive of records, appointments, retainers and aftercare including GST. A full diagnostic work up with a written plan and exact quote is $390, and the first Smile Assessment is free.
Is there help for families who cannot afford braces?
Yes, several kinds. In house interest free payment plans spread the cost to around $60 to $76 a week, paying in full saves $500, and family discounts take $200 off a second family member and $300 off each one after. A small number of children from families facing real financial hardship are also helped each year by a charitable trust supported by New Zealand orthodontists. Ask us about all of these at your free assessment.
Does health insurance cover braces in New Zealand?
Some health insurance policies include an orthodontic benefit, and Milk Orthodontics is a Southern Cross Affiliated Provider. Check your own policy for an orthodontic or dental benefit and its annual limits, and we will provide the paperwork your insurer needs.
Get an exact price, for free
Book a free 20 minute Smile Assessment with our Treatment Coordinator, in clinic or on Zoom. You will leave knowing whether treatment is needed, what it would cost, and every way to make it affordable. No referral needed.