Spark clear aligners are custom-made, virtually invisible trays that straighten your teeth a little at a time. At Michael King Orthodontics, Dr. Michael King, a board-certified orthodontist, uses Spark to help teens and adults from Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Chaska, Victoria, Excelsior, Minnetonka, Waconia, and Shakopee improve their smiles without drawing attention to the fact that they are in orthodontic treatment.
What are Spark clear aligners?
Spark is a clear aligner system. Instead of brackets and wires, you wear a series of thin, clear trays made just for your teeth. Each aligner shifts your teeth slightly, moving them horizontally and vertically and even rotating them when needed. Your aligners are engineered to use the right amount of force in the right place at the right time. When you change to the next set, your teeth gradually move into position, following a custom treatment plan.
How does Spark treatment work?
1. It starts with a digital scan, not putty
We are a digital impression practice. Our intraoral scanner captures a detailed 3D model of your teeth and gums in about five minutes or less, with no messy putty and no gagging. That model is the foundation for your aligners.
2. Dr. King builds your custom plan
Using your scan, x-rays, and photos, Dr. King maps out how each tooth should move and in what order. He looks at your bite and facial balance, not just how straight your front teeth look.
3. You wear your aligners full time
Spark aligners are worn full time, about 22 hours a day. You take them out only to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss. Wearing them as directed is the single biggest factor in staying on schedule.
4. Check-ins every 8 to 10 weeks
You’ll visit our Chanhassen office about every 8 to 10 weeks so Dr. King can check that your teeth are tracking with the plan and make adjustments if needed.
Who is a good candidate for Spark aligners?
There have been many advancements in clear aligner technology that make this type of treatment suitable for most patients. Spark works well for many crowding and spacing concerns and for many bite corrections. Some cases, especially those that need more precise root control or involve a more complex bite, are better treated with braces or a combination of braces and aligners.
Spark is a popular choice for adults who want a discreet option for work and social life, and for teens who are ready to take responsibility for wearing their aligners consistently.
Spark aligners or braces: how do I choose?
You don’t need to decide before you come in. At your consultation, we will discuss your options and identify which one is best for you. A few differences to keep in mind:
Appearance: Spark aligners are virtually invisible. Damon Clear braces are also a discreet option.
Eating: Aligners come out for meals, so there are fewer food restrictions. Braces stay on, so some sticky and hard foods are off-limits.
Cleaning: With aligners you brush and floss normally. Damon braces have no elastic ties, which makes cleaning easier than with traditional braces.
Responsibility: Aligners only work when you wear them full time. Braces work around the clock without anyone having to remember.
Regardless of whether you have braces or clear aligners, we will ensure that your final result is amazing.
Why get Spark from a board-certified orthodontist?
Clear aligners are a tool, and results depend on the plan behind them. Dr. King graduated Summa Cum Laude from the UNLV School of Dental Medicine, completed his orthodontic residency at Louisiana State University, and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association. Because orthodontics is all he does, he can dedicate his full attention to your tooth alignment, bite, and facial esthetics.
How long does Spark treatment take?
Most full treatments at our practice take about 14 to 18 months. Simpler cases can be shorter. Your bite, the amount of movement needed, and how consistently you wear your aligners all affect the timeline. Dr. King will give you a realistic range before you start.
Is Spark right for you? Start with a complimentary consultation
Your first visit, including the exam, consultation, and x-ray, is complimentary. You’ll meet Dr. King, see what’s possible for your smile, and leave with clear answers, with no pressure to start the same day. Call 952-470-2627 or request an appointment online. Our office is at 2687 W 78th St in Chanhassen, near Arboretum and Century.
Frequently asked questions
Are Spark aligners noticeable?
Spark aligners are clear and custom-fit, so most people won’t notice you’re wearing them. That’s a big reason adults and teens in the Southwest Metro choose them.
How many hours a day do I wear Spark aligners?
Full time, about 22 hours a day. Take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss, then put them right back in.
Do Spark clear aligners hurt?
You may feel pressure or mild soreness for a few days when you switch to a new aligner. That’s a sign your teeth are moving. It usually eases quickly and is manageable with soft foods and over-the-counter pain relief.
Does insurance cover Spark aligners?
Orthodontic insurance coverage often applies to clear aligners the same way it applies to braces. We’ll help you check your benefits and review payment options at your first visit, before anything starts.