Meet the Spark Clear Aligner System: Giving Patients a Clearer Choice

By: Ben Ovando, Manager, Platform Development

Brace Face. Metal Mouth. Train Tracks.

Many of us have likely been on the receiving end of the occasional high school joke. And while there are many advantages to traditional braces and head gear, often involving spacers, brackets, wires, bands retainers and more, advancements in orthodontics are offering a clearer alternative.

Meet the Spark Clear Aligner System.

The clear aligner market has responded to increased demand for alternatives to teeth straightening products with improved aesthetics. In fact, Fortune Business Insights forecasts the global market to grow from $2.85 billion to $10.4 billion in 2028, an increase of 19.7%. While patient demand helped expedite the process, advancements in 3D-scanning technology, thermoforming materials and 3D printing have made it possible to offer superior products with both form and function.

In PDS fashion, we are leading the way by investing in technology and clinical offerings to support clinicians in providing the best dentistry available to their patients. We began conducting market research of the most innovative solutions and tested a limited product pilot with several leading orthodontists and GP aligner providers over a 12-month period. At the end of the trial, the answer was clear (pun intended). In 2021, PDS committed to further our partnership with Envista by offering the Spark Clear Aligner system to supported clinicians. Now, over a year later, more than 170 PDS-supported general dentists and orthodontists have become Spark providers and have approved over 1,200 cases.

What Sets the Spark Clear Aligner System Apart?

The Spark Clear Aligner system offers patients a product with several key advantages over competing products. Spark aligners are made using proprietary TruGENTM material, the latest innovation in aligners that is nearly invisible and clearer compared to the leading competitor. This material also minimizes staining from drinking coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc., which improves the discreet nature of the aligners. Additionally, Spark is designed with scalloped and smooth edges to enhance patient comfort and improve the overall treatment experience.

Example of the Spark Clear Aligner System.

For clinicians and their teams, Spark offers more advanced and sustained force retention from its TruGEN material which may result in more effective treatment outcomes. The aligners also provide closer contacts with the surface area of the tooth with only 99μm between contacts as compared to 180μm for the leading aligner brand. This type of contact may result in more efficient tooth movement.

“The attachment process is very smooth. The dental assistants in my office prefer the Spark template when compared to other templates from competitor aligner products,” Orthodontist Boyd Martin, DMD, of Hamner Dental Group (Office 12) said. And if that’s not enough, the Spark Clear Aligner system provides a cost savings for PDS-supported practices that increases the revenue per patient while providing an easy-touse platform and a consistent high level of support reinforced by PDS and Envista’s strategic partnership. Many clinicians appreciate the value of the aligner system—it provides a compelling product at a competitive price point. Additionally, offices appreciate the Kerr consumable goods credit that is offered with every Spark case which potentially reduces overhead for pre-selected supplies that are commonly used.

“From chairside digital scanning to uploading the case, to the treatment planning software and case assessment, delivering the aligners and attachments, it is a fantastic, straight forward, easy-to-use platform. I am very happy to have made the switch to Spark as the clear aligner treatment option of choice in my practice,” Owner Dentist Marisol King, DDS, of Cottonwood Smiles Dentistry (Office 567).

The Future Looks Bright

As we look to the future of clear aligner therapy, we are excited about the opportunity our partnership with Envista presents to continue to provide an industry-leading clear aligner experience for our supported clinicians and their patients. As we continue to support clinicians and ensure a partnership that stays ahead of innovations and improvements in the industry for years to come, we invite clinicians and operators alike to share feedback about the Spark Clear Aligner system by emailing ClearAlignerSupport@pacden.com.