From reducing chair time to managing intricate biomechanics, changing clear aligner systems helped these private practices scale efficiently without sacrificing clinical quality.
By Jessie Gainor
For private practice orthodontists, the ultimate goal is achieving predictable, high-quality clinical outcomes without sacrificing practice efficiency. Yet, unpredictable tooth movement and lengthy refinement stages often create bottlenecks in clear aligner workflows. By transitioning to the Spark Clear Aligner System from Ormco, three experienced orthodontists have directly improved their practice outcomes—achieving faster treatment times, fewer appointments, and the ability to confidently tackle complex malocclusions.
Scaling Without Sacrificing Quality
In Calgary, Alberta, Nadia Nizam, DDS, MCID, FRCD (C), needed a highly efficient, scalable system to support her goal of managing a multimillion-dollar practice—handling 500 to 600 starts a year—while working only three clinical days a week. After switching to Spark Aligners, she noted an immediate, measurable impact on her clinical metrics. Nizam reported 40% faster treatment times and 60% to 70% more consistent outcomes. Cases that previously took 18 months were consistently finishing in 12 to 14 months.
“I thought to myself, ‘What’s going on?'” Nizam said of the sudden shift in her practice’s efficiency. “And that’s when I realized it was actually Spark Clear Aligners that were making the difference.”
Predictability That Reduces Chair Time
Thomas Barron, DMD, MS, who has practiced in Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland, for 34 years, experienced similar improvements in predictability. Previously frustrated by older aligner materials that failed to execute prescribed movements, Barron sought a system that would eliminate the need for multiple refinements and lengthy case work-ups. After integrating Spark Aligners, he found that the system’s material delivered predictable, efficient tooth movement, allowing him to consistently finish most cases within 14 to 18 months. He also noted that fast, accurate setups and easy-to-use attachment templates translated directly to fewer appointments and a better quality of life for his staff.
“I exclusively use the Spark system for my clear aligner patients because it simply allows me to deliver the best results, in the shortest time, with the highest degree of comfort and precision,” Barron said.
Treating Complex Cases With Confidence
Beyond straightforward alignment, the system has proven effective for intricate biomechanics, reducing chair time even in complex scenarios. Ricky Caples, DDS, who operates a five-office practice in Monroe, Louisiana, leverages the aligners alongside Temporary Anchorage Devices and elastics to treat open bites and protraction cases. For Caples and his team, the transition resulted in a noticeable drop in the number of refinements required, freeing up valuable schedule space. Today, aligner patients make up roughly 50% of his daily schedule.
“I wanted to be able to look at a patient and say, ‘Did I treat them with braces or did I treat them with aligners,’ and not be able to tell the difference,” Caples said. “And you know what? I can do that with Spark Aligners.”
Ultimately, the integration of advanced aligner materials reflects a broader shift in orthodontic practice management. As patient demand for clear aligners continues to grow, the ability to combine predictable clinical outcomes with streamlined workflows remains a critical factor for practices aiming to balance high case volumes and complex treatments without compromising patient care. OP
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