Get Your New Invisalign® or Spark Clear Aligners in Arlington, VA

They really work! Dr. Iverson, Dr. Wahab and Dr. Bawa have treated many patients using Spark Clear Aligners with fantastic, shining results. Traditional metal or clear ceramic braces are no longer the only choice for patients.

Below are some examples of issues clear aligners can treat, in addition to some before and after pictures of patients that used clear aligners to treat their orthodontic issues.

Like any orthodontic treatment, Spark Clear Aligners come with their pros and cons. This treatment isn’t perfect for everyone, so it’s important to look at the below list to see if Spark is the right fit for you.

Pros

1. They are easier to keep clean and less likely to stain than other clear aligners.
2. They are much more comfortable than metal braces with wires and brackets.
3. Spark Clear Aligners are smoother and better for your gum and tooth health, as they are less likely to irritate and rub your gums and cheeks.
4. They are removable, so it’s easier to eat and to brush and floss after meals.
5. They prevent wear on the teeth from tooth grinding.
6. They are basically invisible to the naked eye, boosting patients’ self-confidence.
7. They require less adjustments and are less costly overall to maintain, which also means shorter and fewer appointments.

Cons

1. Spark Clear Aligners may cause speech problems in some patients at first, though this issue does eventually get better over time.
2. They are much easier to lose or accidentally throw away, since they are removable. If you are someone who misplaces things easily, this may make the treatment more expensive.
3. They can be more expensive than traditional braces, as some insurance companies do not cover the cost of treatment in-network.

One of the biggest benefits for teens is how discreet and invisible Spark Clear Aligners are. Teenagers are building their confidence and self worth daily, and traditional metal braces can make that harder on them. Clear aligners are a great choice for these teenagers. Plus, clear aligners don’t require teens to drastically change their diet.

Much like for teenagers, using clear aligners or invisible braces for adults can be confidence boosting and better for overall morale. Especially in a professional setting, having a discreet option for orthodontic treatment is appealing to many adults. Spark Clear Aligners also require significantly fewer appointments and adjustments, which is better for busy adults who may not have much flexibility in their schedules.

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If you’re stressed about how to clean clear aligners, don’t be! It’s very easy since they’re removable. We recommend rinsing your aligners with cool or lukewarm water every time you remove them to eat or brush your teeth. This makes it easier to clean them properly, as it prevents bacteria buildup.

Never use hot water, mouthwash, toothpaste, or hard toothbrushes to clean your Spark Aligners, as this might warp or otherwise damage them. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush to carefully remove any bits of food or saliva from your aligners, including the smaller crevices where bacteria may thrive.

With braces, patients are limited on what they can eat if they want to reduce the likelihood of breaking or damaging their appliance, or even simply avoid causing discomfort and pain. But Spark Clear Aligners are removable, so there’s nothing on your teeth to break! Clear aligners provide dietary freedom, so you can eat things like:

• Nuts; these bunches of fiber and antioxidants are fair game.
• Sticky candies; have at it — responsibly — we’re dentists too and we will know!
• Popcorn; with or without the latest Marvel movie.
• Fibrous vegetables; not as exciting, but practical!
• Bagels; breakfast is saved!
• Chips; these are fine too!
• Raw fruit; all yours!
• Tough meat; may I recommend Outback or Ruth’s Chris?
• Peanut butter; fair warning… your dog may try to take it too. Just make sure it doesn’t have Xylitol for your dog’s safety!

You bet! In mid-2021, the U.S. FDA approved Spark Clear Aligners for orthodontic treatment in patients with both primary and secondary teeth, meaning both adults and younger patients can receive the treatment.

Clear aligners require less in-office upkeep overall. You’ll need to come into the office about every 10-12 weeks during treatment so Dr. Iverson, Dr. Wahab or Dr. Bawa can check your aligners, and one of our clinical assistants can rescan your teeth as needed.

We also offer Dental Monitoring as an option for our aligner patients. This allows us to supervise your treatment via weekly scans taken by the patients, wherever they are. We are able to virtually see your progress, address any issues, and provide faster feedback, without needing you to come into the office

We also offer Dental Monitoring to aligner patients so we are able to supervise treatment via weekly scans taken by the patients. We are able to address treatment issues and provide feedback faster because we have a designated staff to monitor the DM dashboard.

Like any orthodontic treatment, you aren’t 100% guaranteed to have straight teeth with Spark Clear Aligners. Oral health and alignment is ever changing throughout your lifetime, and changes can always happen. Talk with your orthodontist about your concerns and they will observe your orthodontic health over time.

Some dental insurances do cover Spark Clear Aligners treatment, although not all do. You should check with your dental insurance company to see if Spark is covered and if so, what the co-payment may be. You can always talk with our staff about payment plans for Spark or any other treatment we provide.

Spark Clear Aligners and Invisalign Aligners are both invisible, clear plastic trays made of slightly different proprietary material. Each one has a different mouthfeel and comfort level for patients. Additionally, Invisalign has wider reach with more insurance coverage, but Spark is available through a network of licensed dental professionals, so you know you’re getting great treatment with Spark.

Spark is newer than Invisalign, and has newer technology when it comes to stain resistance. Unlike Invisalign, Spark Aligners are resistant to coffee, tea, wine, and other common beverages that stain teeth.

In terms of comfort, Spark aligners are built to be more comfortable and kinder to your gums and cheeks. They are made of medical-grade polyurethane resin and have hand-trimmed edges, severely reducing the likelihood of damaging your gums.

Yes, this is possible if you’d like to do so. It’s not particularly recommended, but in certain circumstances where patients are uncomfortable or have certain life changes, switching from braces to Spark is doable. This is true no matter where you are in your treatment journey, and is possible without disrupting or lengthening your treatment time.

Yes! In fact, they may be more comfortable than traditional braces for these patients, because clear aligners don’t require any type of bonding material or long procedure to install.

Yes, this is possible. However, it’s more common to get treatment done with Spark Clear Aligners first and then getting veneers, than vice versa. Your orthodontist will work with you on what makes the most sense for your treatment plan.

Yes, but please only take them out if you’re eating or brushing your teeth. Spark Aligners need to be worn for at least 22 hours a day in order to stay on track with treatment and not cause any unexpected shifting.

Relieving tooth and gum pain from your aligners is just like alleviating pain from any other part of your body. A cold compress or cold water will help, in addition to sucking on ice cubes. Over-the-counter painkillers like Aleve or Advil are particularly effective if the pain is strong. Orajel is a brand made for dental and orthodontic pain, and many with braces use this gel, so patients with clear aligners can as well.

Don’t eat any harder foods like nuts or crackers if you’re experiencing pain. Be sure to eat softer foods and be gentle as you chew.

If you aren’t eating anything hard and you’re trying to take care of your pain but nothing is working, the next step is to make sure your aligners are fitted properly and worn correctly. You can visit your orthodontist to make sure the aligners are fitting the way they should. Otherwise, we can work to provide aligners that will fit properly and hopefully lessen the pain you’re experiencing.

If your teeth feel loose with Invisalign, Spark, or other clear aligners, take comfort in the fact that this is normal. Your teeth are slightly shifting every day during treatment, so it makes sense that they would feel a bit wobbly and loose. As your teeth become stronger and more used to this new setting, the feeling of looseness should subside. If not, please consult with your orthodontist.

No, not for proper treatment, especially in the beginning. No orthodontist would really recommend only wearing clear aligners at night, even if it is technically possible. You need to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day, so unless you’re getting that much sleep every night, please wear your aligners as instructed by your orthodontist.

At first, possibly. Spark Clear Aligner trays are quite thin, but they are still something new your mouth needs to get used to. They should only have a small impact on your speech cadence and sound, and this will fade as you get used to the aligners.

It is not at all recommended to smoke while wearing your clear aligners. Nicotine and tar can stain them, even if the aligners are taken out while you smoke — the residue left behind on your teeth can also stain your aligners.

It is not at all recommended to smoke while wearing your clear aligners. Nicotine and tar can stain them, even if the aligners are taken out while you smoke — the residue left behind on your teeth can also stain your aligners.

It’s not normal for your clear aligners to fall out of your mouth on their own. If they do, that’s a sign they may not have the right fit or they aren’t tight enough to your teeth. Poorly fitted aligners can cause more problems during treatment and down the road, so visit your orthodontist as soon as possible if you’re experiencing this issue.

It happens! If you forget your aligners when you go out of town on a trip, don’t stress — just make sure to go back to the aligner that best fits your teeth after not wearing them for an extended period of time. Please tell your orthodontist this happened, too, so they can work with you on the best path forward.

Spark Clear Aligners are much more stain resistant than other treatment options, but they aren’t indestructible. To keep them nice and clear, try to avoid foods that are known to stain teeth, like wine and other dark-colored drinks and food, just in case. You can reduce the likelihood of stains by brushing your teeth after each meal.

If you lose one of your clear aligner tray sets, please contact your orthodontist immediately. They can start to get a replacement set made as soon as you call, so you can avoid lengthening your treatment time or causing other dental issues.

Get a Replacement Clear Aligners in Arlington, VA

No. In order to get new Spark Aligners, you must order them through your orthodontist via an appointment or check up. Your orthodontist will work with Spark directly.

Get a Replacement Spark Aligners in Arlington, VA

Of course! All orthodontic treatments end with a “retention” phase that lasts for the rest of your life. You can choose from either a permanent or removable retainer by consulting with your orthodontist.

Learn More About Retainers in Arlington, VA