Spark Aligners
Orthodontic problems, including issues with your bite, misaligned or crowded teeth can significantly affect your self-esteem. They can also cause jaw pain and eventually contribute to inflammation and decay, as your teeth become more difficult to clean. Left untreated, your tooth enamel may wear down more rapidly than if you had straight teeth.
Spark aligners are a stain-resistant, removable and invisible alternative to fixed braces. They consist of a series of clear plastic trays, worn for 1 or 2 weeks at a time to gently guide your teeth into position. Spark aligners are hand-trimmed, with smooth, soft edges for additional comfort. This means that the plastic edges of every clear tray are manually trimmed so that they follow your gum line, rather than being cut in a straight line.
At Enhance Smiles, we offer Spark clear aligners for patients who are looking to straighten their teeth in East Grinstead or Rochester.
What Spark clear aligners can help with
Spark clear aligners can adjust your teeth without the need for wires or brackets. They are used to treat a range of orthodontic issues, including:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps and extra space between your teeth
- Deep bites, underbites and overbites
- Crossbites and open bites
Benefits of Spark clear braces
Discreet and invisible
Spark aligners are an excellent choice if you are self-conscious about having orthodontic treatment. They use TruGen clear plastic, which is designed to be stain-resistant and will not be noticed by others.Removable for your convenience
Unlike fixed braces, Spark aligners are removable, making them more convenient for eating, drinking and cleaning your teeth.Smooth, scalloped edge design
Spark aligners are designed with your comfort in mind. The smooth, scalloped edges ensure that your aligners will fit snugly against your teeth without any rough sides to cause soreness.Stain resistant
Unlike several other aligner brands, Spark aligners are resistant to staining, meaning that you don’t have to take them out while drinking liquids other than water.Easy to keep clean
The smooth surface of Spark aligners means it’s less easy for plaque to build up than some other aligner brands. You will also find them easy to take care of, compared with braces where food can get stuck between brackets and wires.The Spark Aligners treatment process in East Grinstead and Rochester
Consultation and treatment planning
At your initial consultation, we’ll go through your treatment options with you and use a 3D scanner to create a detailed map of your mouth. You’ll be able to preview how your smile will look once you’ve finished your treatment. You’ll receive a detailed breakdown of costs and estimated timeframes involved.
Teeth straightening
If you choose to go ahead, we’ll send your scan to a lab who will create your bespoke aligners. You’ll receive a new set of Spark aligners every 1-2 weeks. These should be worn between 20 and 22 hours per day. Over time, your teeth will be guided into their new positions.
Final appointment
You can take your aligners off for the last time to reveal your beautiful new smile. You’ll be given a retainer to wear at night to keep your teeth in their new positions.
Our Pricing
We offer a range of flexible payment plans and finance options to keep our dental care accessible for everyone. The cost of your Spark aligners will vary depending on the length and complexity of your treatment; you’ll receive a full breakdown at your initial consultation.
Meet the team
Our practices in East Grinstead and Rochester are well-established orthodontic centres, providing a variety of treatments for a healthier, brighter smile. Established in 1992, we provide a friendly, relaxed and empathetic environment for patients of all ages and their families.
FAQs
What is the difference between Spark and Invisalign®?
Both Invisalign and Spark Aligners are removable and work in about the same length of time (about 12 months).
Invisalign aligners, which we also offer, are the oldest brand of removable clear braces on the market, and have a well-established reputation in the orthodontic community for delivering excellent results. However, some patients have reported that Spark’s smooth plastic and scalloped edges create a more comfortable fit.
Spark aligners are also stain-resistant, so you can drink liquids besides water when wearing them, which we advise against for Invisalign patients.
How long will Spark aligners take to straighten my teeth?
The time varies, but Spark aligners typically take between 6 and 18 months to straighten teeth. If you only need minor adjustment, treatment can last as little as 6 months, while complex bite corrections can take 15 months or longer. However, it is important to wear your aligners between 20 and 22 hours per day, and change to a new set every 1-2 weeks, or when advised by your dentist.
Are any patients not suitable for Spark?
Spark aligners can treat most orthodontic issues. However, we may recommend fixed braces if you anticipate you may struggle to remember to take your aligners in and out, or if you have severe alignment or bite issues and need the additional force fixed braces can provide.
Additionally, if you have severe periodontal (gum) disease, we recommend that you do not have Spark aligners until this is treated.
Do you offer Spark aligners for children and teenagers?
Yes – teenagers and children who have some permanent teeth (mixed dentition) may be eligible for Spark treatment. For further information, please contact us here.
Are Spark aligners painful to wear?
No. You may experience some discomfort when you first start wearing your aligners, or switch to a new set – this is a sign of your teeth being straightened. However, Spark aligners do not have rough edges, wires or brackets and are smooth for maximum comfort. If you experience toothache or gum pain while wearing aligners, please contact us.
How much do Spark aligners cost in East Grinstead and Rochester?
The cost of your treatment will vary based on the complexity of treatment required and the length of time it takes, as well as any other procedures required. During your consultation, we’ll provide you with a full breakdown of costs and estimated timeframes.