Spark Clear Aligners – Cambridge, MD
A Picture-Perfect Smile Is Closer Than You Think
These days, most patients associate orthodontic treatment with having to wear metal brackets and wires on their teeth for years. What’s worse is that often, braces meant having to give up some of your favorite foods, not to mention that some patients felt embarrassed by the plethora of hardware present in their mouths. Thankfully, Spark Clear Aligners have emerged as a suitable orthodontic solution for many. To learn more about this exciting orthodontic alternative or to schedule a consultation for yourself or a loved one, feel free to contact our Cambridge office today!
Why Choose Harbor Dental Center for Spark Clear Aligners?
- Skilled Dental Team with Years of Experience
- Faster Treatment Timelines Compared to Metal Braces
- Affordable Consultation for Every Patient
How Spark Clear Aligners Work
Spark Clear Aligners serve the exact same purpose as braces – to gradually shift a patient’s teeth to address crookedness, bite issues, and other orthodontic concerns. However, they accomplish this using a system of custom-made plastic trays that fit over the teeth, rather than metal brackets connected with wire.
Patients wear these aligners for roughly 22 hours each day, only removing them to brush their teeth or eat their meals. Every two weeks or so, patients also advance to a new set of trays to keep up with the movement of their teeth. Assuming these guidelines are met, the aligners will gradually shift their teeth into healthier, straighter positions over the course of several months.
Who Spark Clear Aligners Can Help
While severe orthodontic cases may warrant traditional treatment options like braces, Spark Clear Aligners are capable of addressing a very wide scope of orthodontic issues, including:
Crowded Teeth
Overcrowding is a common concern that can impact both the look and the function of your smile. Luckily, Spark Clear Aligners can gently guide your teeth into properly aligned positions.
Gaps Between Teeth
Gaps between teeth don’t just affect your confidence; they increase the likelihood of suffering from cavities or gum disease since there’s more space for bacteria to become trapped. Spark Clear Aligners help you close these gaps, and in turn, protect your future oral wellness.
Bite Alignment
Overbites, underbites, crossbites, and even open bites are all fairly common concerns that can cause serious harm to teeth if left unaddressed. Minor bite issues can easily be corrected with the help of Spark Clear Aligners.
The Benefits of Spark Clear Aligners
Spark Clear Aligners have helped countless patients achieve their orthodontic goals with unmatched convenience and comfort. It’s a highly sought-after solution due to the many benefits it offers, including:
- On average, it takes less time to complete clear aligner treatment compared to metal brace treatment.
- Since the aligners are made from a special type of plastic, they’re virtually invisible while being worn.
- The aligners are also fully removable, meaning patients don’t have to follow the same dietary restrictions they would for metal braces.
- Typically, patients who wear clear aligners have fewer routine check-in appointments with their provider.
How Much Do Spark Clear Aligners Cost?
Everyone has a unique smile, which means that the orthodontic process varies greatly from patient to patient, and there’s no “set price” for clear aligner treatment. That said, during your consultation, we’ll be able to review your dental history and discuss your smile goals with you before coming up with a plan as well as details concerning the timeline and total cost of care. If your dental insurance plan has provisions for orthodontic treatment, our team is happy to work with you to ensure that you’re fully maximizing your benefits.
Spark Clear Aligners FAQs
Can You Eat with Spark Clear Aligners In?
No – you can’t (or at least shouldn’t) eat while wearing your Spark Clear Aligners. Doing so would threaten your long-term treatment results.
Remember that Spark Clear Aligners are completely removable. They’re made to be taken out when you eat, so you don’t need to wear them during a meal. You can just pop them out of your mouth and store them in a safe place before re-inserting them later.
More importantly, eating with your trays “in” would damage them. The force from your biting and chewing could cause the aligners to crack, and food debris could stain their clear plastic. The only “safe” thing to consume while wearing them is room-temperature water.
How Do I Clean My Spark Clear Aligners?
Though they have a complex design, Spark Clear Aligners aren’t that hard to clean. Patients only need to take a few steps.
The best approach is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. By brushing the trays at least once daily, you’d remove any food debris built up over time. Combining this approach with a thorough rinse also keeps “leftovers” from sticking to the aligners’ clear plastic. (However, please don’t use hot water for rinses; it could warp the trays’ material.)
Some supermarkets and pharmacies also offer clear aligner solutions. Such products are effective, as they come with simple instructions and work reliably. Still, try not to soak your trays in these solutions too long; doing so could discolor them.
Do Spark Clear Aligners Hurt?
Spark Clear Aligners in Cambridge cause little to no pain. Because they use clear and smooth plastic, these trays are one of the comfiest orthodontic options. They won’t upset or irritate your mouth with brackets or wires like some metal braces would.
With that said, the trays do have an adjustment period. You may feel slight discomfort when you start wearing them, as your teeth won’t be “used to” them at first. The good news is that this effect (when present) quickly fades as you acclimate to the trays.
You can also take steps to manage any (temporary) aligner pain. In particular, using over-the-counter pain medications, ice packs, and cold compresses should help.
What Should I Do If My Spark Clear Aligner Broke?
While Spark Clear Aligners are made with durable plastic, they can break, crack, or get scratched sometimes. You’ll want to respond correctly if such damage occurs.
If your tray suffers a hairline crack, you can still use it. Just be extra careful when taking it out and putting it back in your mouth. For example, apply even pressure when placing the aligner on your smile and minimize bending by using a flat edge to take it out.
Contact your dentist at once in case of severe tray damage. Trying to repair your aligner yourself is too risky, as doing so could harm your health. In contrast, a dentist could provide you with a substitute tray until a replacement is ready. They could also have you switch to your next set of aligners ahead of schedule.