In this article
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nermeen Khazan, BDS — an AHPRA-registered dental practitioner, for clinical accuracy.
Understanding what happens to your money if your case turns out not to be suitable for treatment is something you should know before you pay, not after. Here's exactly how refunds work depending on which path you take to start treatment.
If You Started With an Impression Kit or Scan
If you begin with an impression kit or a scan at a partner clinic rather than paying the full treatment cost upfront, and your case is assessed as unsuitable for remote treatment, the kit or scan fee is retained to cover the cost of that assessment, and no further charges apply. You are not charged the full treatment cost, since you never paid it in the first place. This path exists specifically to limit your financial exposure while you find out whether treatment is right for you.
If You Paid the Full Treatment Fee Upfront
If you pay the full aligner fee upfront and your provisional plan is then sent for full clinical assessment, and the outcome is that your case is unsuitable, a refund is issued, minus a $250 assessment fee. This fee reflects the cost of the clinical review your case has already gone through by that point, since real work by a dental professional has occurred regardless of the outcome.
Why an Assessment Fee Exists at All
A genuine clinical review, someone actually looking at your case, is a real cost regardless of whether treatment proceeds. A provider that offers a completely free assessment with zero cost under any circumstance is either not doing genuine clinical review, or is absorbing that cost elsewhere in ways that aren't transparent. A modest, disclosed assessment fee tied to an actual review process is a more honest structure than the alternative.
What to Check With Any Provider
Before paying anything, whether with Jawology or any other provider, confirm what happens if your case is found unsuitable, whether that's disclosed clearly before you pay, and whether there's a lower-risk starting point, like an impression kit, before committing to the full cost. A provider that's upfront about this from the start, rather than burying it in fine print, is generally a better sign than one that avoids the topic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the $250 assessment fee charged even if I'm accepted for treatment?
No, the assessment fee only applies as a deduction from your refund in the specific case where you've paid upfront and your case is found unsuitable.
Can I start with the lower-cost impression kit option to avoid any refund complications?
Yes, starting with an impression kit or scan rather than paying the full treatment fee upfront limits your financial exposure if your case turns out not to be suitable.
How long does a refund take to process if my case is unsuitable?
Processing times can vary. Contact Jawology directly for specifics on refund timing for your situation.
What if I simply change my mind after seeing my provisional plan?
If you're not happy with your provisional plan, you can choose not to proceed at that stage. Refer to Jawology's current terms for exact policy details on this scenario.Find Out If You're a Good Candidate
Take our free 2-minute assessment to see if Jawology's clear aligners suit your case. Treatment from $1,945.
Take the Free Assessment
