Spark Aligners® in Brooklyn: The Clear Choice for a Straighter Smile

At Park Slope Dental Arts, we’re proud to offer advanced orthodontic solutions like Spark Aligners® to Brooklyn. Spark Aligners are designed to help patients achieve straighter smiles by providing a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. This makes them a popular choice for teens and adults seeking orthodontic care. With this advanced treatment option, you can transform your smile and maintain a natural look throughout your treatment.

What Are Spark Aligners?

Overview of Spark Clear Aligners

As an advanced clear aligner system, Spark Aligners combines innovative materials with precise engineering and software to create an effective orthodontic solution. These custom-fabricated aligners are made of proprietary material specifically designed for optimal, comfortable tooth movement over time.

3D imaging and treatment planning software are also used to create a series of precisely calibrated aligners for each patient. Each aligner is designed to move teeth incrementally until it is swapped out for the next one in the series. Each aligner typically advances tooth position by 0.25 to 0.3 millimeters.

Advanced Material Technology

The TruGEN™ proprietary material used by Spark Aligners offers several distinct advantages:

• Clarity of up to 19% clearer than leading competitors
• Sustained, gentle force using enhanced elasticity 
• Optimal surface texture for tooth grip and movement
• Built-in stress points to help maintain aligner shape during wear
• Polished edges designed for comfort next to soft tissue
• Designed to resist stains and stay transparent during treatment

Manufacturing Process

For each aligner, there is a rigorous production process:

• High-resolution 3D scanning for dental impressions
• AI-assisted treatment planning
• Robot-assisted manufacturing
• Detailed quality inspection
• Laser marking for tracking and identification
• Each aligner is created with varying thickness zones based on the treatment plan

Benefits of Spark Aligners

Park Slope Dental Arts is proud to offer Spark Aligners in Brooklyn. They are one of several clear aligner options on the market, but here are some key features to consider when weighing your choices:

Material

• TruGEN Material: Spark Aligners are the only aligners that use TruGEN™, a proprietary material offering superior stain resistance, durability, and consistent force retention for precise tooth movement. Its smooth design ensures enhanced comfort while being hypoallergenic and free of BPA, phthalates, and latex for safe, effective orthodontic treatment.

Design

• Scalloped edges follow the gumline contours, designed for comfort
• Contact surfaces are designed to engage with attachments when needed
• TruGEN material is engineered to keep its shape during the recommended wear time

Treatment Planning

• Treatment plans are created using 3D imaging technology
• Digital scanning helps create a customized fit for each patient

Spark Aligners vs. Traditional Braces

Clarity & Convenience

“Clear aligners like Spark can offer significant advantages over traditional bracket-and-wire braces, making them an increasingly popular choice for orthodontic treatment,” says Dr. Lee. Here are the advantages:

• Removability: Unlike braces, Spark Aligners can be taken out for meals, brushing, and flossing. This not only allows for better oral hygiene but also means there are no dietary restrictions—patients can enjoy their favorite foods without worrying about damaging their orthodontic appliance.
• Discreet Appearance: Spark Aligners are virtually invisible when worn. This makes them ideal for patients who want a more subtle orthodontic option, especially adults and teens who may feel self-conscious about traditional braces.
• Fewer In-Office Visits: Traditional braces often require frequent adjustments to tighten wires or replace bands. In contrast, Spark Aligners usually require fewer in-office visits, saving patients time.

Efficiency & Comfort 

Spark Aligners often provide a quicker path to a straighter smile than traditional braces. Here’s how:

• Tailored Treatment Plans: Each aligner is custom-designed using advanced technology to move teeth efficiently. This precise movement can reduce the overall treatment time compared to the gradual adjustments required with braces.
• Flexibility: Since aligners are removable, patients have more freedom to pop them out for special events like work presentations or weddings—as long as they’re worn at least 20-22 hours per day.
• Comfortable Fit: The smooth edges of Spark Aligners can reduce the risk of irritation to the gums and inner cheeks, a common complaint with traditional braces.

Spark Aligners in Brooklyn at Park Slope Dental Arts

At Park Slope Dental Arts, we aren’t dentists who provide orthodontic services. We’re orthodontists, too. We have a board-certified orthodontist right in our office—Dr. Richard Lee, DMD—also a member of the American Association of Orthodontics. 

Not only that, but we offer at-home orthodontic checks via Dental Monitoring. This advanced AI-powered technology uses a mobile app to track orthodontic progress remotely. Patients take regular photos or scans of their teeth using a smartphone and a special device we’ll provide. The system analyzes the images, compares them to the treatment plan, and alerts us if adjustments are needed. This allows for even fewer in-office visits while ensuring precise and efficient treatment. 

• Ease: Fewer office visits are required, so you can get on with your life.
• Real-time feedback: Know your treatment is progressing through regular virtual check-ins.
• Speed: Potential for faster treatment via frequent monitoring and timely aligner changes.
• Immediate Alerts: If problems arise, we’ll know right away for quick intervention.

How to Get Spark Aligners in Brooklyn

Initial Consultation and Custom Fitting

The journey to a straighter smile begins with a consultation at Park Slope Dental Arts in Brooklyn. During this visit, Dr. Lee will evaluate your teeth and their alignment, discuss your goals, and determine if Spark Aligners is the right option for you. If so, we’ll also take digital 3D impressions to create your custom aligners. These impressions are sent to the Spark lab to create your custom aligners, designed specifically for your treatment plan.

Treatment Timeline and Maintenance

Once your digital impressions are submitted, it typically takes 2-3 weeks for your custom aligners to be fabricated and delivered to our office. Once we receive them, we’ll have you come in for your first series of aligners, and provide you with detailed instructions on how to wear and care for them. 

The length of your Spark Aligners treatment depends on the complexity of your case. On average:

• Mild to moderate corrections: 6-12 months
• More complex cases: Up to 18 months or longer

Most patients wear each set of aligners for 1-2 weeks before switching to the next set in the series. Consistent wear for 20-22 hours per day ensures the aligners apply the correct pressure to move teeth effectively.

Regular Check-Ins

You’ll have periodic check-ins to monitor your progress. These visits are usually scheduled every 6-8 weeks, though some patients may benefit from remote monitoring with digital tools.

Maintenance Tips

To maximize the effectiveness of your Spark Aligners:

• Clean them daily using a soft toothbrush, clear, unscented soap, or an aligner cleaner.
• Avoid eating or drinking anything other than water while wearing them.
• Store your aligners in their case when not in use to prevent loss or damage.

By staying committed to your treatment plan, you can achieve a beautifully aligned smile in a timeframe that fits your unique needs.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Ready to explore the benefits of Spark Aligners in Brooklyn? Contact Park Slope Dental Arts to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward your new smile. 

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. Spark® is a registered trademark of Ormco Corporation.