Spark (clear aligners)
Spark orthodontics, a treatment that fits everyday life
In many people’s minds, orthodontics is still associated with painful, invasive treatment with bulky, unattractive braces. That is an outdated view of a field that has come a long way. New methods have been developed, including Spark clear aligners, which improve the alignment of the teeth and jaws in complete comfort and discretion.
This safe option, well suited to the active lifestyles of young people and adults, is offered by your dentists at Clinique dentaire Saint-Étienne.
What is Spark clear aligner treatment?
Spark is a clear aligner treatment: it uses a series of transparent trays (the aligners). There are no brackets or connecting wire. Instead, the changes happen gently and gradually. Spark can change the position of the teeth on the dental arch and the shape of the palate, so it can correct the main alignment and bite problems: crowding or spacing, crossbite, open bite, deep bite.
How does the treatment work?
Since a series of custom aligners is used, planning is very important and requires advanced tools. The treatment follows a few defined steps:
- A preliminary assessment determines your actual needs and whether the treatment is feasible;
- X-rays and 3D scans are taken; they serve as digital impressions;
- The dentist uses the Advance Approver 3D software to produce a 3D model of the teeth from the digital impressions, then simulates the changes that will happen during treatment. These images and projections are used to design the aligners.
- Once the trays are ready, you simply wear them at least 22 hours a day (at all times except during meals and your oral hygiene routine). They are changed on a regular schedule set by the dentist (every 7 days).
The advantages of Spark clear aligners
Comfortable and discreet treatment
Transparent and barely visible, the aligners hardly change how your teeth look. They also don’t put pressure on the teeth and jaws the way traditional braces do. The changes happen gently, with a minimum of discomfort and pain.
A treatment that fits everyday life
Since the trays come out for meals, you don’t need to change your diet during Spark clear aligner treatment. Just do your hygiene routine after meals and clean the aligners properly. You can also take them out to wear a mouthguard for high-risk sports.
Well-supervised treatment
Unlike options sold online, Spark clear aligner treatment is done entirely under professional supervision. Your dentist follows your progress and can adjust the treatment if needed, with follow-up visits along the way. Retention options are also offered once treatment is complete, to preserve the results.