Known for their clarity, comfort, and stain resistance, Spark clear aligners in Enfield are quickly becoming one of the more popular orthodontic solutions on the market. Similar to Invisalign and other clear aligner systems, Spark delivers a more subtle way to straighten teeth. Dr. David Cordes and our team can transform the way you view braces by providing this unique method of care, allowing you to move about your regular routine without compromising your daily appearance. Call us today to learn more about Spark and how you can get started.
Spark Clear Aligners uses clear trays that are customized to fit your smile as it moves through treatment. Designed to be worn 20-22 hours a day for 1-2 weeks at a time, these aligners fit snugly against your tooth surfaces so that continuous, gentle pressure is placed into the appropriate areas, shifting your teeth in the right direction.
After 1-2 weeks of wear, you will swap out your current aligners for the next set in the series to keep your pearly whites moving. Throughout treatment, you will be required to visit our office for follow-up appointments to ensure that everything is moving smoothly and correctly. When finished with treatment, you will notice a dramatic difference in your smile as well as start the retention process to help keep them in place.
We know there are many options available when it comes to clear aligner systems but choosing Spark clear aligners will have you enjoying many great benefits, such as:
Good news: individuals who suffer from overcrowding, gapped teeth, or bite misalignment can find hope for a straighter smile with Spark clear aligners! If you are considering this orthodontic treatment, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation so we can determine if you’re a good candidate. In the meantime, you can read on to learn more on the topic.
Do your teeth sit too close to one another? If so, you may have been told in the past that metal braces were the only option. Now, patients with mild to moderate cases can opt for a considerably more discreet and comfortable alternative: Spark clear aligners! With this innovative orthodontic treatment, we can create the necessary space to minimize the potential for bacteria, plaque, and debris to become trapped (and give you a more aesthetically pleasing smile, of course).
Gaps between your teeth can negatively impact your self-esteem. Not only that, but they can trap food in place, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. That’s why we recommend scheduling a consultation with us sooner rather than later! If you’re a candidate for Spark clear aligners, then we can discreetly bring your pearly whites closer together to eliminate the space and improve the look and health of your smile.
Even in mild cases, overbites can make it difficult to smile confidently and chew properly. This common bite problem can also lead to premature wear and tear, taking a toll on your dental health as well. By straightening your teeth and aligning your bite with Spark clear aligners, we can give you a healthier, happier smile – all without any metal brackets and wires!
If you have an underbite, then you know first-hand that it can lead to chronic jaw pain, premature wear and tear on your teeth, difficulty enunciating clearly, and several other problems. Fortunately, whether your case is mild or more moderate, clear aligners may be an option! If that’s the case, you can expect to see a beautiful change in the way your smile looks and feels when finished with treatment.
Do you have a crossbite? If so, don’t take the “wait and see” approach. After all, misalignment often gets worse with time. Instead, schedule a consultation at our office so we can learn all about your smile goals and conduct a comprehensive oral exam. If we determine that you’re a good candidate for clear aligners, then we will have a custom series made to gently move your teeth and your bite into proper alignment.
Another common bite problem is an open bite, which is when there is space between the upper and lower teeth that prevents a patient from biting down evenly. Fortunately, even open bites are no match for Spark clear aligners. After all, the trays can realign your jaws, improve your bite, and minimize any pain that you may be experiencing around your jaw joints!
One reason why so many people are attracted to clear aligners is the fact that this treatment is easy to live with! It is meant to fit into even very busy and active lifestyles while having a minimal effect on your daily routine. Of course, it still must be acknowledged that you will have to adjust some of your habits in order to make a success out of your orthodontic treatment. What should you know about living with Spark aligners? Continue reading below to find out.
It is important that you keep your aligners in your mouth for 20 – 22 hours each day. Failure to meet this requirement will slow down the movements of your teeth and could make it difficult or impossible for you to wear successive aligners in your series. To make sure that you meet the required wear time, try to remove your aligners only when you eat, drink anything other than plain water, and take care of your oral hygiene.
Cleaning your aligners can keep them looking good and protect your oral tissues as well. Whenever you are about to place Spark back in your mouth, give your aligner trays a thorough rinse. At least once a day, clean them more thoroughly by brushing their surfaces with a soft brush and mild cleaning agent. You may also soak them in a cleaning solution for 15 – 30 minutes each day (many people choose to do this during dinner in order to maximize their wear time).
There are no dietary restrictions during Spark treatment. However, keep in mind that the only thing you should consume while wearing your aligners is plain water. Otherwise, you could easily end up staining or warping your trays. When you take your aligners out, you can enjoy all of your favorite snacks, meals, and beverages. Then, brush and floss your teeth and rinse your aligners before placing them back in your mouth.
Despite your best efforts to care for your Spark aligners, you might accidentally lose or damage one at some point. If that happens, give us a call. We might advise you to return to wearing a previous aligner temporarily so we can order a replacement for the one that is no longer usable. Or, we might tell you that it is okay to move on to your next aligner a few days early.
Spark clear aligner check-ins are usually very brief, often lasting just 15 minutes or so. During these appointments, our team will check on your progress, answer any questions that might have popped up since your last visit, and provide you with additional aligners so you can continue your treatment. If we ever find that your treatment plan needs to be adjusted, you might require a longer appointment so we can adapt things accordingly.
Like many other patients, you may have assumed that the cost of Spark Clear Aligners is the same for everyone. Since there are several factors that need to be considered, that’s not the case! During your initial consultation, our orthodontist will consider the various factors at play before creating a cost estimate. Once you review the proposed plan, we will go over available options for payment so you pay less for your new smile as well. Until then, you can read on to learn more about the price, including if dental insurance providers usually cover a portion of it.
The cost of your clear aligner treatment ultimately depends on a few factors, including:
While you’re watching TV or scrolling through social media, you might come across an advertisement for mail-order aligners and wonder if they are the best option for your smile and your wallet. There are a few reasons the answer is “no,” starting with the fact that they rely on DIY impressions. They also usually skip the initial exam, don’t have a licensed dental professional overseeing the treatment process, and there is nowhere to turn if something goes wrong. So, even though these alternatives are cheaper, they certainly aren’t better.
If orthodontic treatment is deemed necessary by your dental insurance provider, then they may cover a portion of the cost of Spark Clear Aligners in Enfield. If you’re not familiar with your benefits or you’re having trouble understanding the fine print on your plan, don’t hesitate to let us know! We’re proud to be in-network with several major PPO dental insurance plans, which makes understanding and utilizing your benefits even easier.
If you are interested in Spark Clear Aligners, but you don’t have dental insurance, ask us about the other financial solutions available! In addition to offering in-house, interest-free financing, we welcome payment plans with CareCredit. As a result, you don’t have to pay for the entire cost of your orthodontic treatment at once. Instead, you can break up the payments into smaller, more manageable chunks that work for you.
Unlike traditional braces, they are basically invisible! In fact, unless they know exactly what to look for, there’s a good chance that the people around you won’t notice them at all. As long as you take good care of them, that is. To prevent your aligners from turning yellow, you need to adopt good habits, like rinsing them with clean, cool water when you take them off.
Yes, but you need to remove your aligners first. If you don’t, then it’s only a matter of time until your clear aligners turn yellow, drawing unwanted attention to your orthodontic treatment in the process. So, whether you’re having a hot cup of coffee in the morning or you want an iced latte to give you a burst of energy in the afternoon, make sure you don’t keep your trays on.
There aren’t any dietary restrictions. That said, there are a few recommendations we have for our patients with clear aligners. The first is to exercise caution with extremely crunchy foods, like hard pretzels, since they can chip your tooth or crack your enamel. It’s also important to be mindful of added sugar since it’s one of the leading causes of cavities, and cavities can lead to unwanted treatment plan delays. Ultimately, it’s important to eat a well-balanced diet filled with lots of nutrient-dense, smile-friendly foods, like cooked carrots and fresh apples.
There are some patients who aren’t eligible for clear aligner treatment initially. For example, if we find out you have gum disease, then we will need to eliminate the infection before we can discuss straightening your teeth. If you are interested in learning whether or not you’re a candidate for this discreet orthodontic treatment, then the next step is a simple one: schedule a consultation with our Enfield dental team so we can learn about your dental needs, the complexity of your case, and your smile goals.
Like many other patients, you might be a bit worried that clear aligner treatment will hurt. Don’t worry – the aligners don’t have any metal components, so they won’t irritate the soft tissue in your mouth. The most you will feel is some pressure every now and then as your teeth move into their properly aligned positions. When this sensation arises, take OTC pain medication, sip on cool water, and don’t eat anything crunchy.
First, try to figure out the last place you had them. Then, retrace your steps. Since the aligners are clear, it’s important to be thorough in this process. It’s also important that you look in “random” places, like the center console of your car or the trash can. If you can’t find them, then call us ASAP – we’ll take it from there!