FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do Spark Aligners work?
Patients wears a series of doctor-prescribed, customised, clear, plastic removable aligners that incrementally move teeth with gentle force from their original state to the desired position.
Will I be able to see my treatment results in advance?
Yes, our Spark Clear Aligner system creates a personalised, custom treatment plan from a 3D scan of the patient’s teeth using Spark’s proprietary Approver™ software and the clinical expertise of your doctor.
How is my treatment plan developed?
First, your doctor takes a 3D scan of your teeth and photographs of your face then uploads this data along with the treatment instructions. We then create a 3D simulation based on the data and your doctor's prescription. Once you and your doctor are satisfied with the plan, you are ready to start.
How often do Spark patients visit their doctor?
It depends on the complexity of your malocclusion. Your specific malocclusion case will determine how many aligners you must wear during your treatment. Generally, an aligner treatment needs less practice visits than a conventional bracket treatment.
How often do Spark patients replace their aligners?
Patients usually start using a new set of aligners every one to two weeks as part of their personalised treatment plan. New aligner sets ensure a proper fit for optimal tooth movement as teeth shift into the new desired position.
How does treatment begin?
A Spark treatment journey begins with an initial consultation with a Spark provider. Your selected orthodontist will examine you, obtain images, and determine whether you are eligible for treatment.
The next step includes uploading a digital scan of your teeth to create a personalised treatment plan with Spark’s 3D software. Once the treatment plan is complete, the aligners will be made.
Active treatment begins when a patient visits their orthodontist to pick up the entire set of aligners. During this appointment, the doctor will ensure the first set of aligners fit well, discuss the treatment process, appointments, and answer any questions the patient may have. With each aligner set, the patient will see progress toward their new smile.
How long do I wear the clear aligners each day?
Patients should wear their Spark Aligners 22 hours a day. Ideally, a patient would only take out the aligners for eating, drinking, or brushing/flossing.
Do I sleep with my Spark Aligners?
Yes. Patients should wear their Spark Aligners 22 hours a day, including while they are sleeping.
Can I take out my Spark Aligners to eat and drink?
Patients can continue to enjoy their favourite food and beverages by simply removing their aligners to eat and drink. Patients should brush their teeth before putting the clear aligners back in their mouth after eating.
How easy is oral hygiene with Spark?
Because they are removable, Spark allows for easier and better dental care and oral hygiene during treatment.* Patients should remove their aligners for brushing and flossing.
What should I do if I lose my aligners?
Contact your orthodontist if you lose your aligner set. It’s important to get a replacement set or make amendments to the treatment plan.
How long will treatment take?
As with all orthodontic treatment options, treatment times will vary and is dependent on your specific orthodontic needs. Talk to your Spark provider to learn more.
Will the results last a lifetime?
Orthodontic treatment, including Spark Clear Aligner therapy, is designed to last a lifetime. This depends on your treatment and post-treatment compliance.
Does Spark require attachments? How does this work?
Depending upon the complexity of a patient’s treatment plan, the doctor may add attachments to certain teeth. These attachments act like handlebars to help move teeth in sync with the aligners.
What types of malocclusions can Spark Clear Aligners treat?
Orthodontists worldwide are using Spark Clear Aligners to treat a wide variety of patient malocclusions including open bite, deep bite, overbite (Class II), underbite (Class III), crossbite, crowding, and spacing.* Not all aligner brands can treat as many complex issues.
Are teenagers and children suitable for a Spark treatment?
Besides adults, teenagers and children with mixed dentition are also eligible for a Spark treatment. Consult a Spark provider to find out if your child is eligible for treatment.
Are any patients not suitable for Spark?
Patients with severe periodontal disease should not enter into aligner treatment until their disease is managed.
Do I need to see a doctor in order to get Spark? Can I order online or get it directly from the manufacturer?
Spark is not sold directly by the manufacturer. Spark’s treatment approach and philosophy require a skilled orthodontist in the guidance and supervision of every aspect of treatment, unlike online or retail aligner products that eliminate the important role of a trusted orthodontist. A trained and experienced doctor ensures that the treatment is progressing as planned and that outcomes are as expected.
Is Spark available through dentists, orthodontists, or both?
Spark Clear Aligner therapy is only available through trained orthodontists and dentists specialised in orthodontics.
Do all orthodontists offer Spark?
Some doctors do not offer aligner treatment, while others may use an alternative product. However, there are doctors across the UK now treating patients with Spark Clear Aligners. To find a trained, skilled Spark provider near you, prospective patients should use our Provider Locator or ask their orthodontist if he or she is an authorised Spark provider.
Can I continue my treatment with another Spark provider?
If you are relocating or seeking a different provider, transitioning during your treatment is possible. Below, we offer guidance for a seamless transition that will not affect your treatment. However, always settle your treatment agreement with your initial Spark provider.
What is the process for changing Spark providers?
- Notify your current provider of your intention to switch.
- Share your reasons; sometimes, concerns can be addressed, allowing continued treatment with the same provider.
- Find a new Spark provider using our Doctor Locator for a seamless transition.
- Schedule a consultation with the potential new provider.
- Request a transfer by informing your previous Spark provider about your preferred new provider. Your previous Spark provider will initiate the process by filling out a transfer form and sharing essential details for a smooth transition to your new Spark provider.
If I switch providers, do I have to pay for everything again?
Pricing for Spark treatment plans is set individually by providers. Clear any outstanding payments with your current provider and discuss financial expectations with your new provider. Always adhere to the terms and conditions of your previous Spark Provider and allow them to handle financial matters. Please note that Ormco B.V. is not responsible for pricing disagreements.
Do I start the treatment from the beginning?
No, treatment doesn't reset. Your new Spark Clear Aligner provider customises your treatment based on your current malocclusion status. They'll conduct a 3D scan and work with you to develop a continued treatment plan tailored to your progress.
Are Spark Clear Aligners more comfortable?
Spark Aligners are designed with scalloped and smooth edges to enhance patient comfort and improve the overall treatment experience.*
Is treatment with Spark painful?
Clear aligners are part of a customised orthodontic treatment aiming to move teeth into a more desired position for health and aesthetic purposes. The amount of discomfort can vary as treatment planned for every individual is different. However, it is normal to experience slight discomfort, and it is an indicator that the aligner treatment is working as planned. The discomfort patients may experience is not constant and compared to a conventional brackets' treatment rather small. As teeth move in the desired direction or position with each new aligner, slight pain is normal but temporary.
Are Spark Clear Aligners discreet?
Spark Clear Aligners are nearly invisible. Made with TruGEN™, the latest innovation in proprietary branded aligner material, Spark Aligners are a nearly invisible, discreet aligner system.*
How are Spark Aligners made?
Spark Clear Aligners are custom designed and manufactured based on a patient’s 3D scan and the treatment plan designed by the doctor using Spark’s Approval software program. Then the custom aligners are printed on a high-resolution quality 3D printing system using the proprietary TruGEN™ material.
What material is used to make Spark Aligners?
Spark is made with the latest innovation in aligner material called TruGEN™. TruGEN™ has been designed to provide advanced sustained force retention, which may result in more efficient tooth movement and effective treatment.*
Are Spark Aligners BPA-free?
Spark Clear Aligners are made with TruGEN and are BPA-free.*
Are Spark Aligners Gluten Free?
Yes. Spark Aligners are Gluten Free.
How much does a Spark Clear Aligner therapy cost?
The cost of Spark Clear Aligners is determined by each individual provider and is based on factors such as the case complexity and treatment length. In many cases, the cost of Spark is comparable to braces or other aligner brands.
Does insurance cover Spark?
For patients who have dental insurance, Spark treatment may be included in their orthodontic coverage plans. Patients should check with their insurance plan (or employer, if their insurance is provided by their employer) to see what is covered and what their deductible and co-payment will be. Patients should consult with their employee benefits coordinator to learn more.
Also, many providers offer monthly payment plans or other treatment financing options. Patients should consult their provider to learn more.
How many Spark cases have been completed worldwide?
Spark was introduced and piloted in Australia and New Zealand starting in 2017 and commercially released in the U.S. in 2019. Orthodontists are also using Spark in Europe. Spark is now widely available and has treated thousands of patients to date.
Where can I learn more about Spark?
To learn more about Spark, find a Spark provider, review patient testimonials, read the latest Spark news, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Can I see Spark patients before and after images?
You can see before and after images from real patients with a variety of cases using the interactive visuals on our Before & Afters page.
Who manufactures Spark, and what is the company’s background?
Spark Clear Aligners are manufactured by Ormco, a global leader in innovative orthodontics products with 60 years of orthodontics expertise, R&D, and high manufacturing standards. Ormco has helped doctors create more than 20 million smiles in more than 130 countries.
Is Spark only available in the U.S., or is it sold elsewhere?
Spark Aligners are currently available in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and China. To find out if Spark is available near you, please use our Provider Locator tool.