Spark Clear Aligners vs. Invisalign: Best Options for Knoxville Dental Patients?

PRESS RELEASE

Published November 8, 2024

Comparing Spark Clear Aligners and Invisalign: Top Choices for Dental Care in Knoxville

Knoxville, United States - November 8, 2024 / Knox Valley Dental /

Spark Clear Aligners vs. Invisalign: What is the best option for Dental Patients in Knoxville

Clear aligner therapy has revolutionized orthodontic treatment, offering aesthetic alternatives to traditional metal braces for patients. Among the various burgeoning options, Spark Clear Aligners and Invisalign are the most prominent orthodontic choices. This comprehensive analysis compares and contrasts these two leading clear aligner systems.

Material Technology

The most basic difference between these aligners is in the proprietary materials. Spark Clear Aligners use TruGEN™ material, an advanced thermoplastic designed and developed specifically for orthodontic use. This material has superior force retention, making it possible to maintain uniform pressure throughout the wearing time. The molecular structure allows for optimal tooth movement without distortion of the aligner.

Developed through extensive research and development, Invisalign's SmartTrack material has exhibited highly elastic and accurate control of tooth movement. This patented multilayer polyurethane plastic material offers predictable force delivery and comfort to the patient's mouth. Both materials also undergo intense testing for biocompatibility and durability.

Clarity and Aesthetics

Spark Clear Aligners are clear because of a unique manufacturing process that allows for minimal light refraction. The material does not stain from common beverages and retains its transparency throughout the prescribed wear period. The surface texture is matte, similar to natural tooth enamel.

Even though Invisalign aligners are transparent, they usually have a slightly more defined edge due to the manufacturing method. However, the Invisalign system has patented SmartForce® attachments, which can easily blend into the natural tooth structure. Both systems significantly minimize visual impact when attending social events.

Comfort and Fit

Spark edge design incorporates the scalloped pattern. The margin of gingival will exactly follow a perfect, soft tissue-irritation-reduced feature of edge design, providing a uniform pressure distribution that ensures smooth comfort through its first time-wearing stages. Patient convenience with material-controlled flexibility assured that removal should take place very smoothly without experiencing discomfort during the wearing cycle.

Invisalign's SmartTrack material provides constant force with minimal discomfort. The edges of the aligners are smoothed over in the manufacturing process; however, some patients do have periods of adaptation at first. The adaptation to the speech and comfort for patients wearing during daily activities will be similar for both systems.

Spark Clear Aligners vs. Invisalign: What is the best option for Dental Patients in Knoxville

Treatment Efficiency

Movement precision varies by system, with Spark showing excellent control in complex cases. TruGEN™ is a material that allows predictable tooth movement, which potentially can obviate refinement aligners. Treatment is generally in the range of 12 to 18 months.

Established protocols and the SmartTrack® material that Invisalign employs have ensured that there is comfortable movement with regard to both rotation and extrusion. The proprietary ClinCheck® technology ensures accurate treatment planning. Similar case types experience related treatment times on the two systems.

Cost Factors

The treatment cost of both systems reflects their premium positioning in the clear aligner market. The typical cost of Spark aligners is between $3,000 and $6,000, while Invisalign treatment costs generally range from $5,500 to $8,500. Insurance coverage varies considerably among providers, with some plans offering partial orthodontic benefits.

Both companies have flexible, third-party financing options to pay for the treatment. Most offices offer in-office financing plans so that one can afford treatment. Total investment is typically dependent upon the complexity of the case and the duration of the treatment.

Provider Access

Spark Clear Aligners has specific, selective qualifications for providers. This can ensure quality in treatment and yet allow the company a strategic expansion of its network of providers. The education focused on the management of challenging cases and the optimal plan of treatment. Availability still growing, but primarily limited to metropolitan locations.

Invisalign has a greater number of approved providers with more market presence. The approved providers receive rigorous training curriculums and additional education programs. Both services provide locators for service providers for easy access.

Production Process

In both services, the productions involve state-of-the-art digital designs and manufacturing methods. Spark aligners engage in robot and automated operations to produce products that allow uniform thickness control and high-quality edge finishing. Some inspections are carried out through several stages during production.

The two manufacturers use proprietary thermoforming processes and automated trimming systems. Both manufacturers follow strict quality assurance protocols, although details of manufacturing are proprietary.

Patient Experience

Treatment begins with intraoral scanning for both systems. Spark's scanning protocol emphasizes the importance of accuracy in capture, whereas Invisalign's iTero scanning system is integrated with treatment planning software. Progress monitoring takes place through regular provider visits and digital monitoring tools.

Both devices provide patient education content as well as compliance monitoring. Support systems include mobile applications to monitor wear time and treatment progress. Provider communication mechanism facilitates timely resolution of issues arising after treatment.

Clinical Science and Evidence

Published studies suggest a good prognosis for both systems. Spark aligners are highly promising for controlling rotation and deep bite corrections but long-term studies continue to be the need of the hour. Clinical evidence, therefore, supports both of these in the treatment of mild and moderate malocclusion.

Success rates are strongly related to patient compliance and the case selection. Long-term stability seems to be comparable when appropriate retention protocols are employed for both systems. There is ongoing research to broaden the evidence base for clear aligner therapy.

This extensive comparison unveils the fact that both Spark Clear Aligners and Invisalign present sophisticated solutions for orthodontic treatment. The decision between the two systems depends more often on specific patient needs and also on the preference and availability of the provider in the region. Technology is always moving forward on each platform, which means an interesting future for clear aligner therapy.

Knox Valley Dental offers comprehensive, gentle and five star rated dental care to families in the Knoxville - Farragut area. They prioritize patient comfort and outstanding oral health.