6 Things You Should Expect When Starting Clear Aligner Treatment

Two women smiling in bed holding Spark case and box.

Whether you’re an adult who’s self-conscious about your smile or a savvy parent looking for the best option to improve your teen’s orthodontic health, there are several reasons why clear aligner treatment is a great choice. With clear aligners, you can experience a more comfortable and discrete alternative to traditional braces that’s easy to use and brings lasting results. The Spark Aligner system is designed with comfort and ease in mind. Plus, Spark Clear Aligners are made with TruGEN™ material, an innovative, BPA-free material that’s proven to resist stains and remain clearer than the leading aligner brand.*

As you start your journey to a better smile, you may have some questions about what to expect with clear aligners. It’s natural to be apprehensive at first, but you’ll soon find the clear aligner treatment process is relatively easy and painless. Here are some clear aligner tips to prepare you for what happens after you make that first appointment.

1. Expect Personalized Treatment

One of the biggest benefits of clear aligner treatment is the customized approach. In your first appointment, your doctor will talk to you about your goals and what you can expect throughout the treatment. Once you are ready to begin, your doctor will create a model of your teeth and map out a plan that makes sense for your unique journey. In this plan, they can include attachments, cutouts, hooks, or bite ramps to aid in the desired movement. After the digital scan is created, Spark Aligner Providers can use Spark’s proprietary 3D software to edit the plan and see your smile progression in real-time.

A clear aligner tip: no two smiles are the same! Be wary of direct-to-consumer companies that offer a less personalized, more hands-off experience.

2. Wear Your Aligners As Much As Possible

The success of your clear aligner treatment depends on how much you wear your aligners. Most doctors recommend wearing your aligners for 22 hours a day and taking them out only to eat, drink, or brush your teeth. You should keep your aligners in while you sleep, too. You’ll be surprised to find how easy it is to wear your clear aligners! Spark Aligners are designed with scalloped, smooth edges that make them comfortable and discrete.

When you remove your aligners for eating or drinking, you should store them in your aligner carry case. A great clear aligner tip is to keep your carrying case with your cell phone, keys, or other items you frequently carry so that taking it with you can become part of your routine.

3. Don’t Worry About What You Eat

Many people think they need to cut out foods that could stain aligners or avoid drinks like coffee, tea, or wine. However, if you use quality, doctor-approved aligners, staining shouldn’t be an issue. One of the benefits of Spark Clear Aligners is that they resist stains better than the leading brand*, making it easy for you to enjoy any food or drink that you please. Just ensure that you’re removing your liners when eating or drinking and placing them right back in when you’re done to keep up with your clear aligner treatment.

4. Keep Your Aligners Clean

Another benefit of your Spark Clear Aligner treatment is that it improves your overall oral health by preserving gum health.* In order for your aligners to provide that extra protection for your gums, they will require daily cleaning. The best time to clean your aligners is right before bed, ensuring you have fresh trays to put back on your teeth. To clean your aligners, simply rinse them using soap and water. For an even better clean, you can use a solution of 50 percent hydrogen peroxide and 50 percent water or vinegar.

5. Update Your Aligner Trays Regularly

Generally, your clear aligner treatment will call for updating your trays every one to two weeks. Your doctor will give you multiple sets at one time and be ready to answer any questions about your treatment progress. Most doctors see patients every eight to ten weeks where they will provide them with new sets of aligners.

Keep in mind that you may experience some mild discomfort whenever you change to a new set of aligners. It’s perfectly normal to have some slight discomfort and is actually a sign that your aligners are working! Over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease this initial discomfort as your teeth adjust.

6. Look Forward to Lasting Results!

Each clear aligner treatment program is unique, but the results are the same: a straighter, healthier smile. Patients that keep up with their personalized plan will see results that last. Following our clear aligner tips, such as keeping your aligners in for an average of 22 hours a day and staying faithful to updating your trays frequently, will help make the process even smoother. While each patient will have a different post-treatment plan, these minor lifestyle adjustments are well worth it for a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.

Spark Aligner patients know how a new, smile can improve confidence. Individuals with overbites, spacing issues, crossbites, crowding, and other specific cases have all seen striking results.** Check out our impressive before and after cases to see why 100% of patients would recommend Spark Aligners to a friend.*

To get started on your Spark Clear Aligners treatment journey, find a provider in your area today!