Peartree Dental Care

Dr. Michael Zhou

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(410) 750-2599

General and Aesthetic Dentistry

5725 Richards Valley Rd A7
Ellicott City, MD 21043

Peartree Dental Care > Services > Clear Aligners

We are pleased to offer Spark™ clear aligners for the latest in invisible orthodontic treatment.

Clear Aligners

Every smile tells a story. If yours includes moments of hesitation before photos or carefully practiced closed-lip expressions due to crooked or crowded teeth, your Peartree Dental Care team understands. Misaligned teeth affect more than appearance—they can impact your confidence, oral health, and daily comfort. Fortunately, traditional braces aren't your only path to a straighter smile.

Dr. Michael Zhou is dedicated to staying current with the latest advancements in dentistry and offers Spark™ clear aligners—an innovative approach to invisible orthodontic treatment. This state-of-the-art system represents the latest in clear aligner technology, offering superior clarity and comfort and delivering precise, predictable results.

The Science Behind Spark Aligners

Spark works similarly to leading brands like Invisalign®, with clear aligner trays carefully calibrated to guide teeth into their ideal positions. What’s unique is TruGEN™, Spark’s proprietary material, which offers exceptional clarity compared to other brands—meaning most people won't notice them. The material is also highly stain-resistant, and the smooth, scalloped edges of the aligners make them comfortable to wear.

Benefits of Clear Aligner Treatment

You may already know that clear aligner therapy like Invisalign offers numerous benefits. Treatment is discreet, comfortable, and convenient and won't interfere with your lifestyle. Now, take a look at the benefits of clear aligner therapy with Spark™.

Crystal-Clear

Clarity is a major concern for patients seeking clear aligner treatment. Spark uses TruGEN™, a proprietary material that’s clearer than the leading aligner brands.

Enhanced Comfort

Unlike leading brands, Spark clear aligners are designed with smoother, scalloped edges, ensuring they fit comfortably against your gums without irritating soft tissues.

Stain-Resistant

TruGEN™ material is not only clear but also resistant to stains from coffee, tea, and other common culprits, helping your aligners stay crystal-clear throughout treatment.

Efficient Treatment

Spark aligners offer advanced force retention and better surface contact with teeth for more efficient and effective treatment compared to leading aligner brands.

Safe Materials

We care about your overall safety and well-being. Spark Aligners are free of BPA, mercury, latex, and phthalates, making them a safer option for you and your family.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr. Michael Zhou

Dr. Michael Zhou grew up in Maryland and earned his undergraduate degree in history from Johns Hopkins University. He then completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree at the University of Maryland Dental School, followed by a general dentistry residency (AEGD) at the Martinsburg Veterans Affairs Medical Center in West Virginia. This advanced training provided him with comprehensive experience in treating complex dental cases and working with patients from diverse backgrounds.

A Foundation in Research and Lifelong Learning

Dr. Zhou’s dedication to lifelong learning is evident in his extensive research and ...

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Transforming Your Smile with Clear Aligners

Your journey to a straighter smile begins with a comprehensive consultation, during which Dr. Zhou evaluates your needs. Advanced 3-D digital scans allow us to create a precise map of how your teeth will move, and you can even preview your future smile before treatment begins!

This precise approach ensures your treatment plan effectively and efficiently addresses your unique orthodontic concerns. Alignment issues we can correct with Spark clear aligners include:

Crooked or crowded teeth
Overlapping teeth
Gaps between teeth
Bite misalignments (overbites, underbites, crossbites)
General tooth misalignment

Based on your treatment plan, you'll receive several sets of aligners. You'll wear the first set for one to two weeks, then swap them for the next set as your new smile gradually emerges. The aligners work gently yet continuously, so you must wear them 20 to 22 hours daily for the fastest results.

We'll schedule regular progress checks with Dr. Zhou every six weeks to ensure your treatment stays on track. You'll receive a custom retainer once you complete treatment in 12–18 months to ensure your beautiful new smile stays aligned perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after clear aligner treatment?

After completing your clear aligner treatment, wearing a retainer becomes essential to maintain your new smile. Without proper retention, teeth can gradually return to their original positions and undo all your hard work.

Understanding the Retention Phase

The first few months after treatment are particularly crucial because your teeth are most susceptible to movement. Dr. Zhou will create a custom-fitted retainer designed for your newly aligned smile. Retainer use depends on your unique case but typically involves wearing it full-time, removing it only for meals and oral hygiene, as you did with your aligners.

After the initial stabilization period of approximately three months, you will likely transition to nighttime-only wear. This schedule typically continues indefinitely to ensure your teeth maintain their new positions long-term.

Types of Retainers

There are several types of retainers that we may recommend:

Essix retainers are custom-molded to fit over your teeth, similar to aligners
Fixed retainers are bonded to the backs of lower front teeth to keep them in place
Hawley retainers combine acrylic and metal similar to a removable wire retainer.

Maintaining Your Investment

Remember, committing to wearing a retainer directly affects the longevity of your orthodontic treatment. Accepting that retention is just another phase of treatment when you begin clear aligner therapy can make it easier to follow through.

If you have questions about wearing orthodontic retainers after clear aligner treatment, please call our Ellicott City, MD, dental office for more information.

Start Your Journey to a Straighter Smile

Spark clear aligners are the modern, discreet way to help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile. At Peartree Dental Care, Dr. Zhou combines advanced technology with personalized care to guide you through every step of your orthodontic journey.

Call (410) 750-2599 to schedule a consultation to learn more about clear aligner treatment in Ellicott City, MD. We proudly serve patients in surrounding areas, including Columbia and Catonsville. We look forward to helping you achieve the straight smile you’ve always wanted!

Clear Aligners Technology

Panoramic X-Rays

A panoramic x-ray captures a full, detailed image of your entire mouth in one scan. This advanced technology shows us all the teeth, jaws, sinuses, and surrounding structures, helping Dr. Zhou diagnose complex dental issues like impacted teeth, jaw misalignment, and bone abnormalities. The process is quick, noninvasive, and ideal for treatment planning, including TMJ disorder and orthodontics.

SEE OUR TECHNOLOGY

Take the First Step to a Straight Smile