Frequently asked questions
About Cosmos
Who are we?

We’re a team of smile experts, including dental professionals, who have extensively researched the best options for teeth straightening - including evaluating the top aligner companies. We're here to help you find the right solution for your unique needs. Our goal is to give you all the information you need to make the right decisions and get started on your smile transformation journey. 

How do we make personalized recommendations?

We’ve reviewed all of the best options for getting that perfect smile. By getting to know a little about you and your teeth, we can make you a personalized recommendation that suits your smile. We consider all the factors that go into making this decision from understanding your current smile to your budget - and making sure you're going to be given the appropriate support throughout the process. 

Is this 100% free?

Yes, this service is 100% free. And as an impartial service, we won’t push you towards any decision. We’re here to help you understand your options, compare them, and provide details about the pros and cons of each service. 

About Aligners
How long will it take to see results?

You’ll start to see the first results within the first few weeks, although it’ll be a small difference initially. Make sure that you follow your treatment plan through to the end, even if you think your teeth look perfect – otherwise they could recede and go back to their original positions. You also will need to wear a retainer once the plan is complete for a set period of time.

Do aligners hurt?

Aligners work by putting pressure on your teeth in order to move them into the desired place. Naturally, this means they can be a little uncomfortable, with mild aches and tenderness around the gums. On a scale of 1 to stubbing your toe, it’s probably a 3 or 4. There may be some slight discomfort with each new aligner set, but it should be very mild and you likely won’t pay it attention after a couple of hours. They may hurt slightly more when you first wear them, just as they fit into the right place.

How are aligners different from braces?

Generally speaking, braces will act faster than aligners and can fix larger problems, but they have the drawbacks of being much more visible and harder to clean, and so you risk also damaging your teeth if you don’t practice impeccable dental hygiene. Most people prefer aligners because they are clear, more comfortable and they still do the same job, albeit over a slightly longer time.

Who do aligners work for?

Aligners are suitable for mildly or moderately misaligned teeth. Aligners can’t solve more severe issues, so if you have large gaps or your mouth is overcrowded, you may need to look into an alternative treatment orthodontic solution.

Complete our smile assessment to determine what aligners you qualify for. If we think you might need an alternative treatment, we can connect you with an orthodontist.

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What are aligners?

Aligners are plastic trays that are molded to fit around your teeth and are worn to move them into their proper place. Unlike braces, invisible aligners do not have brackets or metal wires, and are hardly noticeable to the public eye. Typically, a series of aligners are worn and interchanged every 2-3 weeks to get the desired results. Depending on the severity of the case, a treatment can vary from 3 months to over a year. 

How much do aligners cost?

Dental aligners start at around $1,200 but can reach up to a few thousand, depending on the length of treatment plan required There’ll also be an initial fee for the impression or mold kit, which is often $100 or less, and often a post-treatment retainer. Many people choose not to pay upfront but to split the cost over a number of instalments. This may involve paying interest and so it may be cheaper to pay upfront. Complete our smile assessment to find an aligner that works for your budget.

Are aligners covered by insurance?

Many dental insurance plans cover the cost of aligners treatment. Some insurance plans will pay the full amount, but many will offer either a percentage of the treatment or a certain dollar amount. If aligners are not covered by your dental insurance, they may be reimbursable by a FSA, HSA, or HRA account.

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