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.
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.
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!
