La Habra/Chino Hills, CA – You’ve decided to seek out orthodontic treatment and know you want clear aligners. But should you choose Spark aligners or Invisalign? Dr. Robert Gire explains both systems so you can determine which is ideal for you.

“Spark and Invisalign are both excellent options,” says Dr. Gire. “Invisalign has been around for a while and is the name most people think of when they think of clear aligners. Spark was created just for use by orthodontists and is growing in popularity. The best option for you is dependent on your individual needs and preferences, in conjunction with the expertise of your orthodontist.”

Let’s take a look at some of the key differences between the aligner systems.

• Material used: Invisalign uses SmartTrack, which is known for its durability and efficiency in moving teeth to their desired locations. Spark uses TrueGen. TrueGen is thought to be both more comfortable and more stain-resistant.
• Comfort: Both aligner systems are designed to be more comfortable than traditional bracket and wire braces, but Spark aligners are deemed to be the most comfortable aligner system. Spark aligners are made of medical-grade polyurethane resin and are hand-trimmed and polished to be as comfortable as possible. Invisalign aligners are made of BPA-free plastic, which some patients say can cause some minor discomfort, especially in the beginning.
• Treatment time: Spark aligners often have a faster treatment time, especially when paired with proper compliance and regular checkups.
• Availability: Invisalign and Spark is available for use by both orthodontists and dentists.
• Cost: Exact cost is dependent on the individual case; however, Spark can be slightly less expensive than Invisalign depending on the case.
• Transparency: Patients choose clear aligners for their discreet nature. While Invisalign aligners are transparent, Spark’s TrueGen material is more so. That means they are less visible when worn.
• Treatment complexity: Because Invisalign has been around longer, it has fine-tuned its methods and may be more suitable to more complex malocclusions than Spark.

“At Gire Orthodontics, we proudly offer both Spark and Invisalign clear aligners,” says Dr. Gire. “We can help you determine which option is best to meet your smile goals and your lifestyle needs and craft a treatment plan customized for you.”

To begin your clear aligner journey, call Gire Orthodontics today. We have two conveniently located offices – 562-690-1199 (La Habra) or 909-393-9911 (Chino Hills).