Clear Aligners

Yes—for most mild to moderate concerns like crowding, spacing, and certain bite issues, Spark clear aligners can match the results of traditional braces. Drs. Ross and Laura Pulver plan every tooth movement digitally so each tray delivers the precise force needed to guide your smile into place.

The biggest key to success with aligners is patient compliance—wearing them 22 hours a day, every day. Severe or surgical cases may still require braces, but aligners can handle the vast majority of everyday orthodontic needs when worn as prescribed.

Your Spark journey starts with a precise digital scan, allowing Drs. Ross and Laura Pulver to map out a step-by-step treatment plan in Spark’s advanced software. You’ll receive a series of custom aligners that follow this plan, switching to a new set about every one to two weeks.

Between visits, you’ll use DentalMonitoring®—a secure, app-based system that lets the doctors track your tooth movement remotely. This technology helps calibrate when you change aligners based on your actual progress, not just the calendar.

In-office check-ins let us confirm results in person, prep for and give you your next sets of aligners, and answer any questions along the way.

Most patients finish treatment in 12 to 18 months, but your exact timing depends on your starting point and how consistently you wear your aligners.

Wearing them 22 hours a day, every day, is the single biggest factor in reaching the finish line on time—or even ahead of schedule. At your free consultation, we’ll give you a personalized timeline based on your smile goals and treatment plan.

You’ll feel gentle pressure for the first 24–48 hours of a new tray; that’s the aligner at work. Smooth TruGEN™ edges eliminate the rubbing and bracket sores common with metal braces, and any tenderness usually fades quickly.

Over-the-counter pain relievers or a quick salt-water rinse are all most patients ever need.

Absolutely! Just take them out first. Removing your aligners for meals prevents the aligners from staining and protects their shape, so your sparkling trays stay clear even after enjoying Paso Robles coffee or Atascadero Mexican food.

Remember to brush your teeth (or at least rinse) before popping the aligners back in so sugars and acids don’t get trapped against enamel.

Rinse trays in cool water each time you remove them, then brush gently with a soft toothbrush. No toothpaste is needed since abrasives can dull the plastic.

For a deeper clean, Dr. Ross or Dr. Laura may recommend a fizzing aligner soak or mild dish soap. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material, and store your trays in their case whenever they’re not in your mouth.

A slight lisp is common during the first few days because the trays sit over the biting edges of your teeth.

Your tongue quickly relearns where to land when you speak, and most patients notice clear, normal speech within a week. Reading aloud or chatting with friends speeds up the adjustment period.

Both tools move teeth with controlled pressure, but they go about it differently. Braces rely on brackets and wires that stay put 24/7, while Spark aligners use removable, nearly invisible trays that you switch on schedule.

Aligners are smoother, have no food restrictions, and require fewer office visits. Braces excel in very complex or compliance-sensitive cases. Drs. Ross and Laura Pulver will outline which option best fits your smile and lifestyle.