Ormco Rolls Out Spark Clear Aligner Release 12, Including CBCT Integration

Among the new features included are root visualization and integration of CBCT DICOM files, the extension of posterior bite turbos from the molars to the premolars, and a wider choice of materials.

Ormco Corp announced the latest updates to Spark Clear Aligners. According to the company, Release 12 (R12) features a number of clinical enhancements, product optimization, and case-planning improvements. All designed to give orthodontists more flexibility, efficiency and control.

Key among the new features are root visualization using submitted CBCT DICOM files for accurate treatment planning, added Posterior Bite Turbos for premolars and molars to assist with clinical conditions requiring posterior bite opening, wider choice in material with the availability of both TruGEN or TruGEN XR for Spark 10 and Spark 20 to ensure greater precision in finishing, and upgrades to Spark’s Approver software and doctor portal to help optimize treatment, planning, and practice communications.

Spark Release 12 allows orthodontists to now submit DICOM files to the Spark Design team to ensure that the roots shown in the Spark Approver software are positioned precisely over the roots in the DICOM files. Doctors can also import CBCT scans directly into the Spark Approver software from the website. In addition, Spark Release 12 introduces three new CBCT presets: Skin, Translucent Skin, and Bone & Soft Tissue. These are intended to deliver more comprehensive diagnosis and treatment planning.

Posterior Bite Turbos, previously available only on molars, are now available for premolars. This feature reportedly will help mitigate molar intrusion while correcting the anterior open bite, crossbite, or other conditions requiring posterior bite opening. According to the company, Spark’s Posterior Bite Turbos need no bonding or composite filling. In addition, bite ramps will now reposition automatically as treatment progresses to enhance engagement between the bite ramps and teeth throughout treatment.

With Spark Release 12, TruGEN XR is now available for primary cases of Spark 10 and Spark 20. TruGEN XR was previously only available for refinement cases. As TruGEN XR is slightly more rigid, it presents as an ideal solution for finishing, refinements and limited stage cases. According to the company, both TruGEN and TruGEN XR have more sustained force retention, superior stain resistance and clarity, and better contact surface area with the tooth than the leading aligner brand.

Release 12 also includes enhancements to the Spark Approver software and case portal that are aimed at a more efficient workflow. Among the new enhancements are view capture and private doctor notes. With this feature, orthodontists reportedly can capture and send specific views of the 3D model in the Spark Approver software, along with their notes, to facilitate communication between doctor and designer. The Spark Approver software also enables orthodontists to enter and save private case notes, which provide treatment reminders for improved workflow.

Another enhancement with Release 12 is new support for scanned appliances. The Spark Approver software will display scanned attachments, buttons, fixed retainers, and brackets. Once scanned, appliances are displayed in the treatment PDF to distinguish between existing and new attachments during bonding.

Additional enhancements to the Spark Approver software include a performance upgrade to the 3D model features for more responsive movements and faster rotation; a redesigned auxiliaries panel which allows doctors to more easily add different auxiliaries and change options according to their desired treatment plan; and a new feature that calls out potential issues with attachments. This last enhancement now allows the Spark Approver software to provide detailed information when it detects any potential issues with attachment collisions or proximity issues with the trimline.