The MyoForce journal

Dental retainers: prices and reimbursement in France

Dental retainers: prices and reimbursement in France

Request a quote for a removable dental retainer. It may be included in orthodontic follow-up or billed separately as a replacement. Assurance Maladie's published reimbursement amounts concern eligible retention years; they are not a universal retainer price.

What the quote should specify

  • The proposed appliance: removable retainer, wire or another device.
  • The arch involved: upper, lower or both.
  • Any impression or scan.
  • Included consultations, fitting and checks.
  • Repair and replacement conditions.

To compare quotes, compare these lines before the total. A price for one arch and a price for two appliances answer different requests. The guide to orthodontic retention presents the options.

Official French Assurance Maladie reference amounts

The Ameli page accessed on 1 October 2026 gives the following bases for eligible treatment. Fees are freely set. Prior-approval and treatment-age conditions apply; an exception exists for certain treatment before jaw surgery. Assurance Maladie, orthodontic treatment reimbursement.

Eligible treatment Published basis Published rate Published amount
Retention, first year €161.25 100% €161.25
Retention, second year €107.50 60% €64.50

These figures do not establish reimbursement for a separately ordered replacement retainer. Confirm the procedure and your circumstances with the professional and insurer.

Supplementary insurance and out-of-pocket cost

Send the quote to your supplementary insurer before accepting it. Request an answer in euros for the described treatment, date and any limits. “100%” alone does not mean all freely set fees are covered.

Keep the quote, response and invoice. If the proposal changes, for example to include a second arch or new scan, have the calculation updated.

Replacing a lost, broken or poorly fitting retainer

Replacement depends on the appliance and current tooth position. The practice should check whether the old model or impression remains usable. Do not assume a new retainer will move shifted teeth back.

See advice on night-time wear and fitting problems. For a fixed device, charges may concern rebonding, replacement or another procedure: the guide to fixed retainer wires helps you describe your need.

What about a retainer bought online?

Check the exact offer, indication, manufacture, follow-up and replacement process. An online retail price does not automatically represent a reimbursable care procedure. MyoForce publishes no retainer price here until its offer is established.

To compare uses without confusing bruxism and retention, see dental appliance prices by type.

Common questions

Why is my quote higher than Ameli's basis?

Retention fees are freely set. The reimbursement basis and billed price are separate amounts.

Is adult retention automatically covered?

No. Assurance Maladie rules depend on treatment conditions and certain exceptions. Have your case checked.

Is replacement included in the initial invoice?

This depends on what was agreed. Request written conditions from the practice or seller.

Sources and update

Written by Dr Vladimir Khourda. Updated: 1 October 2026. This information helps explain the options; appliance choice depends on your dental circumstances.

Dr Vladimir Khourda, founder of MyoForce

A dentist who is no longer practising. References and their limitations are stated in the text. This general information does not replace advice tailored to your situation.