Frequently Asked Questions

Clear aligners may be used to treat certain bite problems, including some overbites. Whether Spark is appropriate depends on the type and severity of the orthodontic problem.

Both are clear aligner systems, but they use different materials and technologies. Spark uses proprietary TruGEN™ material designed for clarity, comfort, and stain resistance. More important than choosing a brand is having an experienced orthodontist determine the appropriate treatment for your individual needs. Compare Spark Aligners to Invisalign on this page.

Neither treatment is automatically better. Clear aligners may be preferable for patients who value removability and a discreet appearance, while braces may be more appropriate for certain orthodontic problems or lifestyles.

Treatment time varies considerably depending on your orthodontic needs and how your teeth respond to treatment. Your orthodontist can give you a more individualized estimate after evaluating your teeth and bite.

The best way to find out is with an orthodontic evaluation. Your orthodontist can evaluate your teeth, bite, goals, and lifestyle and explain whether Spark Clear Aligners or another treatment option would be most appropriate.

OrthoFi is a preferred vendor and vetted by Griffin Orthodontics. OrthoFi is a secure online patient financial platform that makes it easy to review treatment costs, manage payments, and access your account anytime.

In many cases, Health Savings Account (HSA) funds or FSA funds to help pay for orthodontic treatment.  Check with your plan administrator for eligibility.

Absolutely. Many families use their orthodontic insurance benefits along with monthly payment plans to make treatment even more affordable.

Yes. Our team will review your orthodontic benefits and explain your estimated coverage before treatment begins.

Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits. Our team will help verify your coverage and explain how your benefits apply to treatment. Get started here.

Yes. Through OrthoFi, you can conveniently manage your account and set up automatic payments online.

Yes. We offer financing solutions designed to make orthodontic treatment affordable for children, teens, and adults.

No. Many patients begin treatment without paying the entire balance upfront. We’ll explain your payment options during your consultation.

Yes. Griffin Orthodontics offers flexible monthly payment options that help make orthodontic treatment fit comfortably into your family’s budget.

Adult orthodontic treatment is customized for each patient. Whether you choose traditional braces or clear aligners, we’ll review your treatment options, affordable, monthly payment plans during your consultation.

Teen orthodontic treatment varies based on the complexity of tooth movement and the type of braces selected. We’ll review all costs upfront so there are no surprises.

Every child’s smile is different, so treatment costs vary. After an orthodontic evaluation, we’ll explain the recommended treatment, review your insurance benefits, and discuss flexible payment options.

The cost of braces depends on your unique orthodontic needs, the type of treatment you choose, and the length of treatment. During your free consultation, we’ll provide a personalized treatment plan and explain all costs before you decide to begin.

LightForce is the only fully customized braces system in the world. Every bracket is 3D-printed to match the unique shape and anatomy of each individual tooth, rather than using standard off-the-shelf brackets. This results in more precise tooth movement, potentially shorter treatment times, and superior aesthetics compared to conventional ceramic braces.

The LightForce ceramic bracket material is highly stain-resistant. However, the elastic ties that hold the wire in place can pick up color from dark foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine. These ties are replaced at every adjustment visit, so any discoloration is temporary.

Most patients feel a brief sensation of pressure across the bridge of the nose or teeth for about 5–10 minutes after a turn, but it is rarely described as “pain.”

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child have their first check-up by age 7. At this stage, we can monitor jaw growth and the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth. Early evaluation at our Oak Creek or West Allis offices allows us to catch potential issues early, often making future treatment faster and less invasive.

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities.While dentists manage overall oral health, orthodontists at Griffin Orthodontics specialize in “aligning” your bite and straightening teeth. We use advanced tools like iTero digital scanners and 3D-printed LightForce braces to move teeth into their ideal positions, improving both the function of your jaw and the aesthetics of your smile.

Yes, there is usually just a small learning curve. Most young musicians find that after a week or two of practice, they can play their trumpet, flute, or clarinet just as well as before. We provide plenty of orthodontic wax to help cushion the lips during those first few practice sessions, ensuring your child can stay active in their school band or orchestra.