FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do Spark Aligners work?
The Spark patient wears a series of doctor-prescribed, custom manufactured, clear plastic, removable aligners that incrementally move teeth with gentle force from their original state to a more optimal, treated state.
Can a doctor show me what my Spark smile will look like before treatment begins?
Yes. Using our proprietary 3D software, each patient can see what his or her anticipated Spark smile will look like before aligner therapy begins.
How does a doctor develop my treatment plan?
The Spark Clear Aligner system creates a personalized, custom treatment plan from a 3D scan of the patient’s teeth using Spark’s proprietary Approver™ software and inputs from the orthodontist. The software shows a simulation of what the patient’s roots may look like based on our library of past cases.
How often do Spark patients visit their doctor?
As with all other orthodontic options, the frequency of visits is dependent on each patient’s orthodontist.
How often do Spark patients get new aligners?
Patients usually receive a new set of aligners every one to two weeks as part of their personalized treatment plan. New aligner sets ensure a proper fit for optimal tooth movement as teeth move into their new desired locations.
How does treatment begin?
A Spark treatment journey begins with an initial consultation with a Spark provider. Your selected orthodontist will examine your smile and show you what the Spark system can do for you.
The next step includes taking a digital scan of your smile to create a personalized treatment plan with Spark’s proprietary 3D software. Once the treatment plan is complete, the custom aligners will be made.
Treatment begins when a patient visits his or her orthodontist to pick up the first set(s) of aligners. At this appointment, the doctor will ensure the aligners fit well, talk about the treatment process and appointment schedule, and answer any questions. Then, the patient will schedule a time to pick up his or her next set(s) of aligners. With each aligner set, the patient will see progress toward his/her 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.
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 the foods and beverages they love by simply removing their aligners when they 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 do I do if I lose my aligner?
Contact your orthodontist if you lose your aligner set. It’s important to get a replacement set made immediately, so you don’t regress or stall your treatment progress.
How long will treatment take?
As with all orthodontic treatment options, treatment times will vary and are dependent on your specific orthodontic needs. Talk to your Spark provider to learn more.
Will a Spark smile last my whole lifetime?
Orthodontic treatment, including Spark Clear Aligner therapy, is designed to last a lifetime. This is dependent on 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 patients are suitable for Spark Clear Aligners?
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.
How old do you need to be to use Spark Clear Aligners?
Treatment is available to adults, teens, and children who have their permanent teeth, including all second molars.
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. However, not all orthodontists use the same treatment methods or appliances. Only Spark-trained orthodontists are approved to treat with Spark. Fill out our Provider Locator to find a Spark provider near you.
Do all orthodontists offer Spark?
Some doctors do not offer aligner treatment, while others may use an alternative product. However, there are doctors nationwide 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 authorized Spark provider.
How is Spark different from Invisalign or Smile Direct Club aligners? Which works better?
Spark Clear Aligners are designed to be clearer and more comfortable than the leading aligner brand and have higher sustained force retention.* This means that Spark Clear Aligners may result in more effective and efficient tooth movements.* Spark is also designed to have less staining when tested with coffee, tea, wine.* Spark Clear Aligners are only available through a trusted Spark provider, allowing for professional treatment with a doctor’s prescription.
Are Spark Clear Aligners more comfortable than other aligners on the market?
Spark custom aligners are designed with scalloped and smooth edges to enhance patient comfort and improve the overall treatment experience.* Other aligners on the market do not offer this same comfort feature.
Is treatment with Spark painful?
Clear aligners are an orthodontic treatment used to move teeth into a more desired position for health and aesthetic purposes. No orthodontic treatment is painless. 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. As teeth move in the desired direction or position with each new aligner, slight pain is normal but temporary.
Are Spark Clear Aligners discreet? How clear are they compared to other aligner brands?
Spark Clear Aligners are more transparent than the leading competitor. 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 compared to the leading aligner material.* This is good news in terms of helping with treatment goals. Spark’s TruGEN™ material also minimizes staining compared to the leading competitor, allowing for discreet treatment.*
Does Spark material include carcinogen BPA?
Spark’s custom aligners, made with TruGEN, are BPA-free for patient safety.*
Are Spark Aligners Gluten Free?
Yes. Spark Aligners are Gluten Free.
How much does Spark 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. Additionally, if the patient has a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) with their employer, they may be able to use tax-free dollars from their account. 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. Doctors are also using Spark in several European countries. Spark is now widely available and has treated thousands of patients to date. We are thrilled to currently have the highest patient satisfaction possible with 100 percent of patients surveyed citing they would refer Spark to a friend.*
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.