Clear Aligners & Orthodontic Treatment in Marlborough, MA

$500 off Spark clear aligners

Spark™ clear aligners, planned by Dr. Fatima, with a free 3D scan and smile simulation at your consult. Searching for Invisalign? We treat with Spark; see how the two compare below.

Free consult includes a 3D scan and smile simulation · Written estimate · 0% APR financing available

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Smiling woman holding a set of Spark clear aligners
Dentist-supervised clear aligner care

Designed for Clarity

TruGEN™ material is designed to look clear throughout each wear cycle.

Hand-Trimmed Comfort

Polished, scalloped edges are designed to fit comfortably along the gumline.

Designed to Resist Stains

Designed to resist staining; still remove them for coffee, tea and wine.

Comfortable Monthly Payments

0% APR financing through Cherry; we apply any orthodontic benefit your plan includes.

Flexible payment optionsInsuranceHSA/FSAMembership0% APR for qualified patients

Credentials and recognition

Dr. Fatima recognized by the National Consumer Advisory Board, 2023
National Consumer Advisory Board
FICOI — Dr. Fatima is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists
ICOI Fellow (FICOI)
FAAIP — Dr. Fatima is a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Prosthodontics
AAIP Fellow (FAAIP)
Dr. Fatima is certified by the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE) in facial aesthetics
AAFE Certified — Facial Aesthetics
NYU College of Dentistry Alumni
NYU College of Dentistry — D.D.S.
DenScore — Innova Smiles listed in the DenScore directory of Marlborough, MA dental practices
DenScore Listed — Marlborough

Clear aligners are custom, removable plastic trays that move teeth a little at a time, without brackets or wires. Innova Smiles in Marlborough, MA treats with Spark™ aligners, made from Ormco’s TruGEN™ material and planned by Dr. Ambereen Fatima, DDS on a digital 3D scan. Trays change every 1–2 weeks, with 15–20-minute check-ins every 6–8 weeks. The free consultation ends with a written estimate.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ambereen Fatima, D.D.S. — FICOI · FAAIP · practicing in the US since 2013 · Last reviewed · Meet Our Team

5.0113 Google reviews

Why Patients Choose Innova Smiles

In their own words, what patients value about their care.

Paying for Treatment

How Patients Pay for Spark™ Clear Aligners

Pick the line that sounds like you. Whichever it is, you see the plan and the written cost before we start.

“I have dental insurance”

We accept all PPO insurance plans. Many employer plans include an orthodontic lifetime benefit that applies to clear aligner treatment. We will check your eligibility before you start.

Plans we work with

“I don’t have insurance”

Our in-house membership plan takes 20% off treatment, with no deductibles, annual maximums or waiting periods. Enrolment is completed in the office, and it starts immediately.

See the membership plan

“I’d rather pay monthly”

0% APR financing through Cherry, subject to credit approval: plans run up to 24 months in equal payments, the first due at purchase, with no deferred interest.* We also accept CareCredit.

How Cherry worksCareCredit

“I want to know the cost first”

You see the plan and the written cost before we start. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. Patients aged 65 and older get 10% off all dental treatments. Mention it when booking and we'll apply it automatically.

Estimate your rangeHow our pricing works

What your Spark™ clear aligners fee includes

  • 3D digital scan and treatment-plan preview
  • All aligner trays for the full treatment
  • Two rounds of refinement aligners included

Regular progress check-ins are part of treatment. Retainers are not included and are priced separately on the written estimate.

No obligation. You receive a written estimate before any treatment.

*0% APR financing is through Cherry, a third-party lender, not Innova Smiles, and is subject to credit approval; not all applicants qualify. Plans run up to 24 months in equal payments, the first due at purchase. Cherry's 0% APR plans carry no deferred interest; if an account becomes delinquent, interest may apply going forward, never retroactively. Your cost and payment depend on your treatment plan and approved offer, and are confirmed in writing at your consultation.

Your Spark™ Journey: What to Expect at Your Consultation

Our digital workflow handles everything from scan to final trays, so you always know what comes next.

  1. Step 1

    Free Consultation

    We assess your goals and whether Spark™ suits your case, then take a quick digital 3D scan of your teeth, with no putty impressions. Our RAYFace 3D face scanner maps the projected smile onto a model of your own face; most patients see that simulation the same day. The visit is free. Ask about veneers if you want a combined makeover.

  2. Step 2

    Custom Treatment Plan

    3D planning maps every tooth movement so you can review the plan before starting. Dr. Fatima (DDS, NYU College of Dentistry) reviews each Spark™ plan herself; the practice is listed in Spark’s provider directory. Once you approve the plan, your custom trays typically arrive in two to three weeks, with a walkthrough of wear schedule and care.

  3. Step 3

    Wear Your Aligners

    Swap to a new set of custom trays every 1–2 weeks. Removable for eating, brushing, and flossing.

  4. Step 4

    Check-In Visits

    Quick 15–20-minute check-ins every 6–8 weeks: we confirm your teeth are tracking and hand you the next trays. No anesthesia, and the same team from first scan to final retainer.

  5. Step 5

    Reveal Your New Smile

    Finish with custom retainers to protect your results for years to come.

How Long Does Spark™ Treatment Take?

  • Minor Correction (small gap, mild crowding): 3–6 months
  • Moderate Case (moderate crowding, spacing): 12–15 months
  • Comprehensive Case (severe crowding, bite correction): 18–24 months

Dr. Fatima confirms your timeline and the written fee at the free consultation.

For Teens

Spark™ Fits Your Life, Not the Other Way Around

Built for active lifestyles. Play sports? An instrument? Just want to smile with confidence in school photos? Spark aligners are up to the task.

Searching for Invisalign Teen? At Innova Smiles, Dr. Fatima treats suitable teen cases with Spark™ clear aligners. She assesses dental development and the bite before recommending when to start, and reviews wear time and tooth movement at check-ups every 6–8 weeks.

  • No food restrictions, eat what you love
  • Often less sore than braces in the first few days
  • Wear time and progress reviewed at check-ups
  • A treatment plan based on your teen’s dental development
  • Safe for sports and musical instruments

Questions about lost trays, wear time or baby teeth? See the teen answers in the FAQs below.

For teens, we treat with Spark™ — here’s why

Dr. Fatima treats teen aligner cases with Spark™ clear aligners, and both systems remove for sports, school photos, and eating. Ormco’s material statement is in the TruGEN™ section; it matters for teens who don’t always rinse before re-inserting a tray.

The right fit depends on your teen’s bite and habits. At a free family consultation we review a 3D scan together and assess whether Spark treatment fits. See how aligners compare to braces in our Spark vs. braces guide.

Spark™ for Teens: What’s Included

  • Trays change every 1–2 weeks; Dr. Fatima reviews wear time and tooth movement at check-ups every 6–8 weeks.
  • Every aligner in the plan and two rounds of refinements are in the fee; retainers are priced separately on the written estimate.
  • Ormco states TruGEN™ is BPA-, mercury-, latex- and phthalate-free.
  • If your teen loses a Spark tray during treatment here, our team will explain the next step and any replacement costs.

Clear Aligners vs. Braces for Teens

  • Appearance: Clear, removable trays; braces: metal brackets and wires.
  • Sports: Remove the trays and wear a standard mouthguard; braces: risk of bracket cuts and lip injuries.
  • Eating: No food restrictions; trays come out to eat; braces: no popcorn, gum or hard candy.
  • Oral hygiene: Remove to brush and floss normally; braces: harder to clean around brackets.
  • Office visits: Check-ups every 6–8 weeks; braces: monthly adjustments.

Spark™ vs. Invisalign®

How the two systems are described by their makers. Innova Smiles treats with Spark™.

FeatureSpark Aligners™Invisalign®
Material
TruGEN™ (made by Ormco)
SmartTrack® (made by Align Technology)
Tray edges
Hand-polished scalloped edges
Smooth laser-trimmed edges

Searching for Invisalign? We Treat With Spark™

Invisalign® is Align Technology’s clear aligner system and the name most people know; it is not provided at Innova Smiles. Spark™, made by Ormco, is the clear aligner system Innova Smiles treats with. Both are dentist-directed: a digital 3D scan, a movement plan you review before any tray is made, a series of removable trays changed every 1–2 weeks, and check-ins every 6–8 weeks.

That doesn’t make Invisalign the wrong system. It is well established, and if it is specifically what you want, we will say so rather than talk you out of it. What we can tell you is what your case needs: at your free consultation, Dr. Fatima reviews a 3D scan with you, shows you the movement plan, and puts the estimate in writing before anything starts.

Serving clear aligner patients across MetroWest.

$500 off Spark clear aligners

Clear Aligners — Insurance Accepted with 0% APR Monthly Plans*

Free 3D scan and smile simulation. No obligation. See the price range it comes off

Your visit includes:

3D digital scan (no impressions)Custom treatment simulationWritten estimate

Applies to Spark clear aligner treatment. Combinable with our in-house membership plan; not combinable with dental insurance benefits. Your written fee is confirmed at the consultation.*0% APR financing is through Cherry, a third-party lender, not Innova Smiles, and is subject to credit approval; not all applicants qualify. Plans run up to 24 months in equal payments, the first due at purchase. Cherry's 0% APR plans carry no deferred interest; if an account becomes delinquent, interest may apply going forward, never retroactively. Your cost and payment depend on your treatment plan and approved offer, and are confirmed in writing at your consultation.

Why We Treat with Spark™: The Science of TruGEN™

Spark aligners are made with TruGEN™, a material Ormco developed for clear aligners: clear, removable trays, with a dentist supervising your treatment.

  • High Clarity

    Designed for a clear, nearly invisible appearance that minimizes visible tray edges in everyday settings.

  • What Ormco Reports

    Spark™ aligners are made from Ormco's TruGEN™ material. Ormco reports that TruGEN is clearer, more comfortable and less prone to staining than the leading aligner brand, with better force retention through treatment (manufacturer data on file).

  • BPA-Free Material

    Ormco states TruGEN™ is BPA-, mercury-, latex- and phthalate-free.

  • Hand-Trimmed Comfort

    Polished, scalloped edges are designed to reduce gumline irritation during aligner wear.

  • Designed to Resist Stains

    TruGEN™ is designed to resist staining. Take the trays out to eat or drink anything but cold water.

Spark TruGEN clear aligner material used

Spark™ aligner made from TruGEN™ material

Spark™ Technology in Action

See how advanced TruGEN™ material supports planned tooth movement with a plan matched to your teeth, bite, and goals.

Orthodontic Treatment With a General Dentist

Orthodontic treatment moves teeth and corrects the bite: crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite and crossbite. Innova Smiles is a general dental practice, not an orthodontic specialty office. Dr. Ambereen Fatima, DDS is a general dentist trained to plan and supervise treatment with Spark™ clear aligners, and the practice is listed in Spark’s provider directory; she reviews every plan herself and sees you at each check-in.

We do not provide braces in-house and can refer for traditional orthodontics when clinically appropriate, starting every consultation with an honest assessment of which approach serves your long-term oral health and aesthetic goals most effectively. Severe skeletal discrepancies, complex rotation patterns, and certain impacted tooth situations may still require traditional orthodontics or surgical approaches; if braces, jaw surgery or specialist care is the right call, we say so and refer you. Most aligner cases run 6–18 months with check-ins every 6–8 weeks.

Weighing the two options? Read Spark aligners vs. braces for adults.

Typically well-suited for aligners

  • Mild to moderate crowding
  • Gaps and spacing between teeth
  • Mild overbite or underbite
  • Crossbite correction
  • Open bite cases
  • Relapse after previous orthodontic treatment
  • Adults who want a discreet option for work or social life
  • Teens who participate in sports or play wind instruments

Cases that may need further evaluation or a referral

  • Severe skeletal discrepancies (may require surgery or hybrid treatment)
  • Significant rotations of round teeth
  • Very large overbites requiring vertical control
  • Young children still in mixed dentition
  • Patients with active gum disease (must be treated first)
  • Patients unable to commit to 20–22 hours of wear per day

How we decide at the consultation

Every orthodontic consultation at Innova Smiles includes a digital assessment: a Trios 5 intraoral scan, a full bite analysis, and a cone-beam CT (CBCT) scan when a case needs it, to map your teeth, roots and jaw in three dimensions. Those records tell us which option actually fits your case. If braces are the right call, we say so. If aligners are, we say so.

Dentist-Supervised vs. Mail-Order Aligners

Mail-order aligners look cheaper on the surface. The trade-off is no clinical supervision when something shifts wrong, and patients pay for that down the line. Here is the real comparison.

FeatureDentist-Supervised AlignersDIY / Mail-Order
Professional Oversight
Doctor-led from start to finish
Remote or no direct supervision
Precision
Digital 3D scans taken in the office
Putty impressions by user
Safety
Regular clinical check-ins
Risk of bite issues or tooth loss

Choosing the Right Aligner Provider

Clear aligner results depend on the provider as much as the product. Before starting treatment anywhere, ask:

  • Are refinement aligners included, or do they cost extra?
  • Is a retainer included in the treatment fee?
  • How often will I have in-person check-ups with the dentist?
  • What happens if my teeth don’t track as planned, is re-treatment included?
  • Does the practice use direct-to-consumer aligners or professional-grade systems?
  • Will a dentist monitor my treatment throughout, or just at the start?

Professional oversight is the difference between a good result and a great one.

Book Free Aligner Consult

Free consultation with a 3D digital smile scan and a written quote.

Caring for Your Spark™ Clear Aligners: Daily Habits & Tips

Spark clear aligners are made from Ormco’s TruGEN™ material. Here’s how to keep them performing at their best.

Daily Wear Requirements

  • 20–22 hours of daily wear for on-schedule treatment, consistency is everything
  • Remove for all food and all drinks except cold water
  • Brush and floss before reinserting, clean teeth, clean aligners
  • Use the provided attachment hooks or chewies to seat trays fully
  • Keep your case with you, never wrap aligners in a napkin (common loss point)
  • Follow your prescribed tray-change schedule; don’t skip ahead

Keeping Spark Aligners Clear

  • TruGEN™ is designed to resist staining, but coffee, tea, wine and curry can still discolor trays.
  • Clean daily: rinse with cool water, brush gently with soft toothbrush and clear antibacterial soap
  • Avoid: colored mouthwash, toothpaste on aligners, hot water, and leaving them exposed to heat
  • Soak weekly in an aligner cleaning tablet or a gentle retainer cleaner for deep cleaning
  • If they look cloudy: check if you’re leaving them out in air or using colored rinses

Common Questions After Starting Treatment

  • Speech: a slight lisp is common at first and usually fades within days
  • Sensitivity: mild tooth sensitivity when moving to a new tray is normal
  • Soreness: mild pressure for 1–3 days after a new set is expected and a sign treatment is working

After treatment

Retainers After Treatment

When you complete your final aligner set, the retention phase begins. Teeth can gradually shift if not held in place. We fabricate custom-fit retainers and give you a retention plan to help maintain your alignment after treatment; most patients wear them nightly long-term. Consistent retainer use is an important factor in maintaining your result.

We recommend wearing your retainers every night while you sleep to keep your teeth straight. Retainers are not included in the aligner fee and are listed separately on your written estimate. If a retainer is lost or no longer fits, call us before the teeth have a chance to shift.

After Treatment: Retainers Are for the Long Term

  • Your teeth will shift without retention, this is biology, not a flaw in your treatment
  • Wear your retainer every night, indefinitely (or as Dr. Fatima advises)
  • Replace Essix retainers every 1–2 years; keep a backup if possible
  • If your retainer is lost or doesn’t fit: call us before the teeth have a chance to shift significantly
  • Your final result is an investment, protect it with consistent retainer wear

Honest Talk About Risks

No procedure is risk-free. Here’s what you should know, and how we manage it.

Every treatment plan includes a written estimate and a clear discussion of risks before we begin.

Sources: Ke et al., BMC Oral Health 2019 (clear aligners vs. braces); Cardoso et al., Prog Orthod 2020 (pain with aligners vs. braces); Ladewig et al., Dental Press J Orthod 2025 (refinement rates).

  • Tooth Sensitivity & Discomfort

    Most patients experience mild pressure or soreness for the first 2–3 days of each new tray. This is normal and means the aligners are working. At Innova Smiles, we advise switching trays at bedtime and using over-the-counter pain relief if needed. Tell us at your check-in if pain is severe or lasts longer.

  • Attachment Issues

    Small tooth-colored attachments are bonded to specific teeth to help the aligners grip. An attachment can occasionally debond between visits, most often in the first few months of treatment. It is easily re-bonded at your next appointment and does not compromise treatment if reported promptly.

  • Refinement Rounds Needed

    In a 2025 survey of orthodontists, refinements were requested in about 7 in 10 aligner cases (Ladewig et al.). This is a normal, anticipated part of clear aligner treatment, not a failure; two rounds are included in your fee.

  • Temporary Speech Changes

    A mild lisp may occur when you first start wearing aligners. It usually fades within days as your tongue adapts.

What the Research Says

Published studies on this treatment, each summarized from the paper’s own abstract and linked to its PubMed record, including where the evidence is limited.

Peer-reviewed

Clear aligners and braces both treated malocclusion effectively; aligners shortened treatment, while braces were better at achieving bite contacts, controlling tooth torque and holding the result

Ke et al., BMC Oral Health, 2019PubMed (opens in a new tab)
Peer-reviewed

In five studies of moderate evidence, gum-health measures improved during clear aligner treatment, more so than with fixed braces, and no periodontal side effects of aligners were found; the authors advise caution given the small number of studies

Rossini et al., Eur J Orthod, 2015PubMed (opens in a new tab)
Peer-reviewed

In 72 teenagers with moderate to severe bite problems, aligner cases finished about 3 months sooner with eight fewer visits than braces, with no significant difference in how well the treatment worked

Chou et al., Angle Orthod, 2023PubMed (opens in a new tab)

In short

  • Spark™ is the only clear aligner system Innova Smiles treats with; Invisalign® is compared on this page, not provided here.
  • Trays change every 1–2 weeks, with 15–20-minute check-ins every 6–8 weeks; custom trays usually arrive two to three weeks after you approve the plan.
  • Every aligner in your plan and two rounds of refinements are in the fee; retainers are not, and they are listed separately on the written estimate.
  • Many PPO plans include an orthodontic benefit; we check your coverage once you book and return your forms, and we offer 0% APR financing through Cherry, subject to credit approval.
  • The consultation is free and includes a 3D digital scan and a smile simulation; you leave with the plan and a written quote before deciding anything.

Clear Aligner & Orthodontics FAQs

How is Spark™ different from Invisalign?

Spark™ aligners are made with TruGEN™ material, which is designed for strong clarity and stain resistance. They also use hand-trimmed, scalloped edges to reduce gum irritation.

Where can I get Spark™ aligners near me?

Innova Smiles in Marlborough, MA treats with Spark™ clear aligners and serves patients across MetroWest, including Southborough, Hudson, Framingham, Stow, Northborough and Sudbury. Dr. Ambereen Fatima plans every case with a TRIOS® 5 digital scan and a 3D preview of your result, and Ormco reports that Spark's TruGEN™ material is clearer and less prone to staining than the leading aligner brand (manufacturer data on file). If you are searching for Spark aligners near you, the consultation and digital scan are free.

How long does Spark aligner treatment take?

Treatment time depends on your case; many cases take about 6 to 18 months, and Dr. Fatima gives you an estimate after your scan. Ormco reports that TruGEN™ holds its force longer than the leading aligner brand (manufacturer data on file).

Can you chew gum with Invisalign?

No — take your aligners out before chewing gum. Gum sticks to the plastic and can warp or damage the trays, and chewing with them in can crack them. Remove your aligners whenever you eat or chew anything other than water, then brush before putting them back in. Innova Smiles treats with Spark™ clear aligners, not Invisalign.

Is Invisalign worth it?

For many people, yes — clear aligners straighten teeth discreetly, come out for eating and cleaning, and often work in a timeframe comparable to braces. Whether it is worth it depends on your goals, case complexity, and budget. At Innova Smiles, where we treat with Spark™, your fee is set at the consultation and given to you in writing, with any orthodontic insurance benefit applied, financing available (subject to credit approval) and a free 3D preview so you can see the projected result before you commit.

Do Spark aligners cost more than braces?

Your Spark fee depends on your case, and we quote it in writing after a free consultation and scan. We accept all PPO plans and apply any orthodontic benefit your plan includes, and we offer 0% APR financing through Cherry, subject to credit approval, and we also accept CareCredit.

How many hours a day do I need to wear them?

For the best results, you should wear your Spark aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink (anything other than water), brush, and floss.

Does Invisalign hurt?

Most people find Invisalign comfortable to wear. You can expect mild pressure or soreness for one to three days after starting each new set of aligners — this is normal as your teeth adjust. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help if needed. The trays have smooth edges and no metal brackets or wires. Innova Smiles treats with Spark™ clear aligners, not Invisalign.

Is Invisalign cheaper than braces?

Clear aligners and traditional braces often cost about the same, and the right choice depends on your case rather than on price. Many insurance plans that include orthodontic benefits apply the same benefit to either option. 0% APR financing is available through Cherry, subject to credit approval, and we also accept CareCredit. We treat with Spark™ aligners; we go through your exact costs at your free consultation and give you the figure in writing.

How long does Invisalign take?

Most Invisalign treatment takes 6 to 18 months, though simple cases can finish in as little as 3 to 6 months and complex ones take longer. Your timeline depends on how much your teeth need to move and on wearing the aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. We treat with Spark™ aligners; Dr. Fatima previews your estimated Spark timeline with a 3D scan at your consultation.

Can I eat or drink with Spark aligners in?

You should only drink cool water with your aligners in. For all other foods and drinks (coffee, juice, soda), you must remove them to prevent staining the aligners and trapping sugar against your teeth.

Will wearing aligners affect my speech?

You may have a slight lisp for the first day or two as your tongue gets used to the aligners. This is temporary and usually disappears quickly as you keep talking.

Do I need to wear a retainer after treatment?

Yes. Teeth have a memory and will try to drift back to their old positions. Wearing a retainer at night is the best way to keep your new smile straight long term. We provide durable custom retainers to protect your investment; retainers are priced separately from your aligner treatment fee.

Do Spark aligners stain?

Ormco reports that Spark's TruGEN™ material stains less than the leading aligner brand (manufacturer data on file). However, frequent exposure to coffee, red wine, or curry can eventually cause discoloration, which is why we recommend removing them to eat/drink and brushing before putting them back in.

Are clear aligners covered by insurance and what do they cost?

Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits that apply toward clear aligners, including Spark, the aligner we treat with, and how much your plan contributes varies by policy. Once you've booked your appointment and returned your forms, we'll verify your insurance benefits and call you with a breakdown within three business days. For anything insurance does not cover, we offer 0% APR financing through Cherry, subject to credit approval, and we also accept CareCredit. Our team handles all the insurance paperwork so you can focus on your smile. Call us at (508) 481-0110 to schedule a free consultation, where you will get an itemized written estimate built around your specific case.

Why straighten teeth?

Properly aligned teeth are significantly easier to clean, drastically reducing your risk of getting cavities or developing periodontal disease. As a dentist-led aligner practice in Marlborough, we know a correct bite prevents uneven wear on your enamel and minimizes painful jaw joint problems.

What are attachments and will I need them?

Attachments are tiny tooth-colored bumps bonded to specific teeth. They help the aligners grip the teeth for more complex movements. Most patients need a few attachments to get the best results.

What are refinements and why are they common?

Refinements are a small additional set of aligners used near the end of your treatment plan. They are common in orthodontics because teeth do not always move exactly as predicted. Refinements fine-tune your alignment for the best result without compromising your bite. At Innova Smiles, two rounds of refinements are included in Spark treatment.

How much does Invisalign cost in Marlborough, MA?

We treat with Spark™ clear aligners, and the cost depends on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment, so the right number for you comes from your own bite, not an average. At your free consultation we map out your plan and hand you an itemized written estimate. To keep a confident smile within reach, we offer 20% savings for our in-house members plus 0% APR financing through Cherry, subject to credit approval.

Can I transfer my clear aligner treatment to your office?

We treat with Spark™ aligners only, so we cannot order new Invisalign trays to continue a case started elsewhere. Bring your current aligners and records to a consultation and Dr. Fatima will examine your teeth and talk you through your options.

Can Invisalign fix severe overbites, underbites, or crossbites?

Often, yes. While aligners were once mainly for minor crowding, modern aligner materials and tooth-coloured attachments let clear aligners, Invisalign and Spark alike, address many bite issues on their own. However, severe overbites, underbites, and crossbites need careful evaluation, as some complex cases may still benefit from traditional braces, surgery, or a combined approach. We treat with Spark™ aligners: during your consultation, we'll use our TRIOS® 5 intraoral scanner to map your bite and confirm whether clear aligners are the most effective tool for your specific alignment goals.

Can I get Invisalign if I already have crowns, bridges, or dental implants?

Usually, yes: clear aligner treatment can often work around crowns, bridges and implants. Implants and bridges don't move like natural teeth, so the plan straightens the surrounding teeth around them. We treat with Spark™ aligners rather than Invisalign, and we evaluate the position of your existing restorations during 3D planning before recommending treatment.

Can my teen play sports with Invisalign?

Yes. For contact sports, they can simply remove their aligners and wear a standard mouthguard. For non-contact sports, the aligners can stay in and actually provide a layer of protection. This flexibility is a huge advantage over metal braces, which often require potential expensive specialized mouthguards and carry a risk of lip cuts. Innova Smiles treats with Spark™ clear aligners, not Invisalign.

Are there any food restrictions?

None at all. Your teen removes the aligners to eat, so they can still enjoy popcorn, pizza, nuts, and crunchy apples—foods that are typically off-limits with traditional braces. They just need to brush their teeth before putting the aligners back in.

What happens if my teen loses an aligner?

If your teen loses a Spark aligner, contact our team before moving to another set. We will review their treatment progress and explain the next step, including any replacement terms and costs.

How will I know if my teen is wearing them enough?

We review wear time and tooth movement at your teen’s Spark check-ups. A daily routine and reminders can help your teen follow the prescribed wear schedule. Bring any concerns about missed wear time to the next visit so we can discuss them together.

Can my teen start clear aligners if they still have baby teeth?

Dr. Fatima will evaluate your teen’s dental development and bite before recommending treatment or when to begin. Innova Smiles treats suitable teen cases with Spark clear aligners. If your child still has baby teeth or needs a different approach, we will discuss the appropriate next step at the consultation.

Is Invisalign painful for teens?

Most teens find Invisalign much more comfortable than metal braces. There are no sharp brackets or poking wires. There may be mild pressure for a day or two when switching to a new set of aligners, but this is a sign that the teeth are moving correctly and usually fades quickly. Innova Smiles treats with Spark™ clear aligners, not Invisalign.

What age can my teen start Spark clear aligners?

Dr. Fatima recommends Spark for teenagers from about 16, when wearing the trays 20 to 22 hours a day is realistic. For younger teens, compliance is often the problem, so she does not usually recommend aligners and will discuss the timing, or a referral for braces, at the consultation.

What should parents ask any aligner provider before starting?

Whether the dentist, and not only an assistant, sees your teen at every check-up; whether replacement trays are included if one is lost, and what they cost if not; whether refinements are included; and whether your family dental plan's orthodontic benefit applies to the quote. At Innova Smiles Dr. Fatima reviews every visit, two rounds of refinements are included, retainers and replacement trays are priced on the written estimate, and we verify the orthodontic benefit once your forms are returned.

Complimentary Offer

Free Clear Aligner Discovery Scan — No Commitment

See what clear aligners could do for your smile with a complimentary 3D digital scan and personalized smile preview. Includes an orthodontic assessment and payment plan review.

Book My Free 3D Scan

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Clear Aligners in Marlborough & MetroWest MA

Our dental office is at 340 Maple St, Suite 100, Marlborough, MA 01752, serving patients throughout the MetroWest region.