What’s new with Spark?

Explore new releases for improving your workflow and enhancing your patients’ experience

Introducing Spark R15.3

This new Spark software update continues to bring even more fluidity and flexibility to your practice. Discover the new R15.3 features:

Spark Approver Desktop

Get notified when your case aligner count is high and you can upgrade to a Spark plan. Measure 2D distances on a 3D model and see your Spark case warranty expiration.

Spark Approver Web

Improved efficiency with the Recalculate function. New Clinical Tools include Bite correction with dot and notification, and Arch Form tool properties.

Spark DTX Web Portal

Updated clinical preferences let you specify the number of passive aligners for Spark On-Demand cases.

R15.3 Software updates

Spark Approver Desktop

Spark Approver Desktop

When using Spark On-Demand, get notified when your case aligner count is high, with the suggestion to upgrade to one of the available Spark plans.

Spark Approver Desktop

In the Clinical Tools, the Measurement Tool lets you measure the distance in 2D between two points on a 3D model.

Spark Approver Desktop

In your Case Details, you can now see when your Spark case warranty expires.

R15.3 Software updates

Spark Approver Web

The web version of Spark Approver now features the Recalculate function and you can modify T2 setup as often as needed. Plus, new Approver Tools include Bite Correction notifications and Arch Form properties

Spark Approver Web

This release also gets new Clinical Tools such as Bite correction with dot and notification as well as Arch Form tool properties.

R15.3 Software updates

Spark DTX Web Portal

06.-DTX-Web-portal-SOD-No.-passive-aligners-1024x411

Spark DTX Web Portal

You can now set your clinical preferences to add passive aligners at the end of Spark On-Demand cases, and choose exactly how many to include, giving you greater flexibility in treatment planning.

MKT-24-1583

Spark Release 15.2

This new Spark software update continues to bring even more fluidity and flexibility to your practice. Explore the new features:

Spark Approver Desktop

Recalculate Tool: You can continue to edit T2 and instantly approve a case using Real-Time Approval. You can also now use Stage Editor and Recalculate simultaneously to approve a case instantly. Additionally, Recalculate is also available for cases with a single IPR.
CBCT: Automatic download and import of DICOM files now makes it easier and faster for you to use CBCT with Spark.

Spark Approver Web

The web-based Spark Approver now offers additional software tools enjoyed by doctors on their desktop version. You can access Spark Approver Web conveniently from any location or computer.
Visualizing long roots on the 3D model.
The popular occlusal diagram showing interarch contacts.
The handy Overlay tool helps to show tooth position at the beginning and end of treatment.
Tooth Movement Table: editing function.

Spark DTX Web Portal

Expanded Brackets for Refinement feature: You can now switch Spark Advanced patients to a Single Patient Kit of Ormco brackets via Spark’s website anytime before the second Spark refinement.

R15.2 Software updates

Spark Approver Desktop

15.2-01 Column added to Bite Ramp properties 1

Spark Approver Desktop

A column has been added to the Bite Ramp Properties to indicate stages with a proximity warning for Bite Ramps.

Enhancement to Bite Ramp Properties: Introduction of Proximity Warning Column with stage indication.

Spark Approver Desktop

If a case has single arch treatment, only information related to the treated arch will be displayed in the PDF report.

PDF report: Active Arch Information.

Spark Approver Desktop

CBCT: Automatic Import in Approver

Based on the “DICOM Import” user settings, Approver can initiate the automatic download of DICOM files from DTX in the background.
If the TruRoots alignment was successful, or if the user has manually aligned the 3D model, CBCT will be imported and aligned automatically.

R15.2 Software updates

Spark Approver Desktop Real-Time Approval

Spark Approver Desktop

Enhancements to Recalculate and Stage Editor tools

Users are now able to utilize the Recalculate Tool in conjunction with the Stage Editor Tool.
If you change T2 after adding active aligners using the Stage Editor, the Recalculate button will be available.
If you change T2 and use the Recalculate button before adding active aligners, the Stage Editor – Active Aligners will still be available.

Spark Approver Desktop

Recalculate tool: Now allows IPR configurations

You can now use the Recalculate Tool when performing tooth movements on an arch with 1 or fewer IPR stages. The opposite arch can have any amount of IPR, but the arches cannot have IPR stages that coincide (IPR on the same stage for both arches).
Recalculate will be available after moving teeth in the arch with 1 IPR or no IPRs, if no teeth are moved in the arch containing multiple IPRs.
Recalculate will NOT be available if any tooth was moved in the arch containing multiple IPRs.

R15.2 Software updates

Spark Approver Web

Spark Approver Web

Tooth Movement Table

The Tooth Movement Table (TMT) can be edited by the user. The functionality in Approver Web is the same as the functionality in Approver Desktop.
Notification message:
- If the user opens the TMT panel on any non-T2 selected stage, a notification will be displayed to inform the user on how to edit measurements.
- The notification states: “Go to the final stage to edit measurements”.

Spark Approver Web

Treatment Tools

With R15.2, the web-based Spark Approver now offers you additional software tools enjoyed by doctors on their desktop version. You can access Spark Approver Web conveniently from any location or computer.

Visualizing long roots on the 3D model.
The popular occlusal diagram showing interarch contacts.
The handy Overlay tool helps to show tooth position at the beginning and end of treatment.
Editing the Tooth Movement Table.

Spark Approver Web

Treatment Tools:

The popular occlusal diagram shows interarch contacts.
Approver uses different colors to show the amount of collision as follows:
- Green for collision <= 0.1 mm
- Yellow for collision > 0.1 mm and <=0.2 mm
- Red for collision > 0.2 mm

Spark Approver Web

Supported browsers and requirements

The supported browsers are Edge version 95 or later, Chrome version 95 or later, Firefox version 100 or later, and Safari version 16.4 or later with hardware acceleration enabled.

R15.2 Software updates

Spark DTX Web Portal

Spark DTX

Brackets for Refinement feature expanded:

You can now switch Spark Advanced patients to brackets anytime before the 2nd refinement (previously, there was only this option prior to the 1st refinement).
When you decide to switch a patient to brackets, you can select a Single Patient Kit of stock brackets from Spark’s DTX website.
Once a patient has switched to brackets, no additional Spark refinements will be allowed.

Spark DTX

Files upload validation removed from Photos tab

The validation to upload pictures in the Photos tab has been removed. You can click Next or select another tab and leave the Photos tab without uploading pictures. These changes apply to both primary and refinement cases.

MKT 24-1289

Spark Release 15.1

This new Spark software update continues to bring more fluidity and flexibility in your practice. Explore the new features:

Spark Approver Desktop

Case Rating – Introducing a new design of case rating with preset reasons, for an enhanced communication with our design team.
Recalculate Tool – Enjoy increased functionality, allowing more case types.
CBCT – Automatic downloads and uploads of DICOM into Approver, allowing you to continue to perform regular actions while downloading.

Spark Approver Web

Tooth Movement Table – Expanded functionalities and ease-of-use.
Unsupported browser – Alerts if incompatible.

Spark DTX Web Portal

Spark On-Demand – You can now start a new SOD case for an existing Spark patient.

R15.1 Software updates

Spark Approver Desktop

Spark Approver Desktop

New design of case rating dialog

Every action (Approve or Submit) on Approver presents you a case design rating dialog.
The new dialog design aims to make it easier for you to provide your feedback to our designers.
You can now select at least one reason for a given case rating from the list of pre-defined reasons, which includes a free-form “Other” field with a text input option.
The case rating dialogue consists of questions and reasons. The options presented depend on:
- Rating
- The number of CRs sent within primary treatment plan or refinement plan
If you are submitting a CR because you have new instructions for the treatment objectives, it is recommended that you select the “I have new instructions” option to better inform the Design Technician.

Spark Approver Desktop

RTA recalculate

Allows you to use Recalculate and change T2 setup multiple times.
Recalculate now includes cases with:
- Overcorrection stages
- More complex T2 movements
- Expanded applicable case types

Spark Approver Desktop

CBCT: Auto download and upload of DICOM

DICOM downloading function processes in the background, followed by automatic importing.
When selecting Download DICOM:
- The download will be executed in the app in the background, allowing you to perform regular actions with the case (review, edit T2 and staging, etc.) and indicating downloading progress with special spinner indicator.
- Once downloading completes, the importing process starts automatically in the background.

Spark Approver Desktop

Language support: Brazilian Portuguese

Spark Approver Desktop installer and application are now translated to Brazilian Portuguese, which can be selected from the list of available languages.

15.1-5 Passive Aligners stage now limited to 6

Spark Approver Desktop

Passive aligners stage now limited to six

The maximum number of passive aligners you can put in the treatment plan of any product type is changed from 10 to 6.
Should you need more than 6 passive aligners, you will be required to use Spark On-Demand (SOD) for the additional passive aligners.

Spark Approver Desktop

Opposite arch collision warning

Collisions with objects on the opposite arch, which do not require adjustment or redesign, are now split into a special collisions warning table in the Properties panel.

Page numbering of PDF report

Page numbers (ex. Page 2 of 3) were added to PDF report to provide better clarity.

R15.1 Software updates

Spark Approver Web

Spark Approver Web

Tooth movement table

TMT now updates the tooth movements values for previous revisions.
When you change a revision to a historical one, the alert for threshold is updated accordingly.
When you change a case within MTP, the alert for threshold is updated accordingly.
Unlock and lock teeth on the TMT panel on T2 by clicking on the lock icon (under tooth numbers).

Spark Approver Web

Error message for unsupported web browsers

Supported browsers for Spark Approver Web are Edge v.95+, Chrome v.95+, Firefox v.100+, Safari v.16.4+ with hardware acceleration enabled.

15.1-11 Error message for unsupported browser

R15.1 Software updates

Spark DTX

15.1-12 Spark On-Demand - Start new SOD case

Spark DTX

Spark On-Demand: Start a new SOD case from existing Spark patient

From any shipped order, click Spark On-Demand to select the desired SOD option.
Patient information will be pre-filled.
A new case ID will be generated (patients will appear twice, once for original order and once for SOD order).

Spark Approver DTX

Spark On-Demand: Reorder/ refinement option

SOD Aligner Refinements – You can order additional aligners for patients who need a refinement, and they will simply be billed per tray, similarly to the primary order.
SOD Reorders – In case of warranty issues, you can reorder aligners to be remade from the original order at no charge.

Spark DTX

Spark On-Demand: Create a new order for existing SOD order type

You can select “New Order” on existing Spark On-Demand cases and generate a new order for an existing SOD order type.
New orders will be charged similarly to original aligner order.

MKT 24-0603
MKT 24-1064

Spark Release 15.0

Spark On-Demand
Order any number of Spark Aligners at an affordable price.

Ormco Combo Treatment
You can now switch patients from aligners to braces, before refinements, at no extra charge*.

Software updates

Spark Desktop Approver
A fresh update improves your movie export and real-time approval capabilities.

Spark Approver Web
A whole new and improved Tooth Movement Table and better auxiliary placement editing.

Spark DTX Web Portal
Make refinement scans a thing of the past!

New

Spark On-Demand

This will bring more flexibility to your treatment options and planning, allowing you to order any number of Spark Aligners at an affordable price without the need to subscribe to a plan.

Flexible: Choose between Spark Aligners and Spark Passive Aligners, select the exact number of aligners needed, and pay per tray.
Cost-efficient: Only pay for what you need, based on your loyalty tier, with no extra commitment necessary.
Convenient: Follow the Spark Aligner workflow to order through our DTX Web Portal instead of manufacturing in office.
No change to submission process: Select Spark on Demand, then Spark Aligners, and continue with prescription form and approval as usual.

New

Ormco Combo Treatment – Switch to Brackets

You can now switch patients from aligners to braces for refinements at no extra charge*. Bring more flexibility to your patients’ treatment plans with aligners and braces.
Order an Ormco Single Patient Kit of your choice, instead of a refinement, from within the Spark website.
If you wish to transition from Spark Advanced to Single Patient Kit of Ormco brackets before any refinements have been submitted, simply use the “Combo Order” button on the DTX Web Portal. Please note, if a patient has already transitioned to a Single Patient Kit of Ormco brackets through our website, no additional refinements are possible.

*Shipping charges may still apply. Applicable to Spark Advance cases only. No additional refinements allowed.

How to transition a patient to brackets

Step 1

Select “Switch to Brackets” by clicking a patient in the “Shipped” tab after a Spark Primary order but before submitting refinements.

Step 2

Select the type of bracket to transition patients.

Step 3

Select a specific Single Patient Kit for your patient but acknowledge that no future refinements will be permitted before ordering. Upon submission, the Ormco Customer Care Team processes the order free of charge, except for potential shipping fees. The option to refine or reorder will be disabled for this case.

R15.0 Software updates

Spark Desktop Approver

Multi-view movie export

You can now export a composite multi-view treatment simulation movie along with the previously available Single-view movie option.
In multi-view mode, 5 pre-defined model views are combined into a single movie frame for each stage.
The multi-view mode is now the default mode, and your last choice will be remembered when accessing the movie export feature in the future.

Spark Desktop Approver

Real Time Approval: Tool expansion for single jaw cases

Approver Software’s Real Time Approval now supports the staging recalculation and approval of single jaw cases. Disclaimers will be displayed for cases that are not supported for staging recalculation.
You can now update the final tooth position (T2)* and recalculate the current staging while instantly approving changes.
The Stage Editor feature allows you to increase the number of active or passive aligners while instantly approving any changes made.

*In class I cases with spacing or minor crowding, no C-chain, no Eruption guides and no IPR. The Recalculate tool should be used once all the modifications to the final tooth position and increasing the number of aligners are done

R15.0 Software updates

Spark Approver Web

Tooth Movement Table

The new horizontal layout allows you to view and follow the teeth and their movements in the same view following the teeth sequence.
This tool enables you to edit and view the values of tooth movements in a single table. A red dot indicates intermediate or challenging movements.
Each column represents a tooth number, and each row represents a movement or rotation of a crown or root. The Tooth Movement Table (TMT) is available in a read-only format. You can find the TMT icon on the right-side panel. If there isn’t enough space on the browser display, the icon will be shifted to the left panel.
The TMT icon displays alerts for teeth that have either intermediate or challenging values. If there are teeth with intermediate values only, a yellow alert will be displayed with the number of such teeth. However, if at least one tooth has a challenging value, a red alert will be displayed for the number of teeth with challenging values. In other words, the red alert has priority over the yellow alert.

Spark Approver Web

Match Auxiliaries Stages

This feature enables you to edit the start and end stages of auxiliary placement.
When using Spark Approver Web, the placement of auxiliaries such as Attachments, Elastics, Bite Ramps and Bite Turbos will be determined based on clinical preferences and the start and end stages of the auxiliaries on the target arch or opposite arch (when there are no auxiliaries present on the target arch).
If you add auxiliaries with different stages to teeth on different mandibles, two rows of stages will be displayed.

R15.0 Software updates

Spark DTX Web Portal

Spark DTX Web Portal

Smart STL integration for DentalMonitoring

With the DentalMonitoring Smart STL integration on the Spark DTX Web Portal, you can take refinements using DentalMonitoring Smart STLs*, thus making refinement scans for Spark a thing of the past!
This means more convenience for patients who no longer need to visit the office for a new intraoral scan for refinement aligners. You can select Smart STL as the refinement scan type during the refinement submission process.

*Spark doctors with an active DentalMonitoring subscription can only access this feature for refinement cases. Smart STL may not be regulatory cleared in your market. Please check with your local sales representative for regulatory clearance status.”

Spark is an advanced clear aligner system designed for more predictable & efficient treatment planning from start-to-finish.

Learn more

MKT 24-0603