If you are thinking of getting braces, have you considered Radiance braces? Most people think that braces mean a mouth full of metal, but that’s not the case. With modern technology, there are plenty of less visible options if you are concerned about your appearance in braces.
These may be a good solution if you are worried about how you might look with traditional orthodontics. But, before you make a decision you probably want to know a little bit more about them! Keep reading for the following:
- What are Radiance Plus braces?
- How are they different from traditional braces?
- How much do Radiance clear braces cost in the US?
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Radiance braces reviews
Let's start by discussing how these braces work and how they are different from regular metal braces.
In This Article
- 1 What are Radiance braces?
- 2 How do Radiance Clear braces work?
- 3 How are Radiance braces different from traditional metal braces?
- 4 Can you get Radiance Clear Braces with Medicaid?
- 5 How much do Radiance Braces cost?
- 6 What are the advantages and disadvantages of Radiance braces?
- 7 Alternatives to Radiance Plus
- 8 Radiance braces reviews
- 9 Conclusion
What are Radiance braces?
Considering fixed braces but aren't keen on how metal braces look? Radiance Clear braces could be an ideal solution for you. They are a nearly invisible fixed brace from American Orthodontics (AO). And, unlike ceramic braces which can be less durable, they are extremely strong.
This type of braces is made from sapphire which is almost as strong as diamond, and just as clear. With their glass-like appearance, many dentists say they are the clearest brackets on the market.
How do Radiance Clear braces work?
Much like traditional metal braces, these work with a system of brackets, wires, and rubber bands to gradually align your teeth and smile.
Your orthodontist will attach a clear Radiance bracket onto the outside of your teeth with dental adhesive. Then a metal archwire will be placed to connect each of the brackets and secured by clear elastic bands or ‘o’ ties.
Over time, the wire will put pressure on your teeth and pull them into the desired position. You will need to have adjustment appointments with your orthodontist every couple of weeks to make sure your teeth are still moving in the right direction.
Your braces treatment can take anywhere from six to 24 months or more depending on the complexity of your treatment. If your orthodontic case is more severe it may take longer to straighten your smile.
Who is eligible for Radiance Braces?
The Radiance Plus Clear Braces System can treat just about any orthodontic problem, from mild to complex. As they are very similar to traditional fixed braces, they can fix the same issues. However, it’s best to consult with your dentist or orthodontist to get an honest assessment of your case before making any decisions.
Some of the orthodontic issues that Radiance Plus can treat include:
- Crooked or misaligned teeth
- Overbite
- Gaps between teeth
- Protruding teeth
How are Radiance braces different from traditional metal braces?
Although Radiance braces are quite similar to metal braces in the way they attach to the teeth, and the way they function, they are not the same. Instead, they are considered a type of ceramic brace, and the brackets are made from sapphire, not metal.
Most ceramic braces are not as durable as metal braces because the material isn’t as strong. But, as Radiance brackets are made of sapphire, they are the strongest type of ceramic braces.
The main difference between these braces is that Radiance Clear Braces are almost unnoticeable, and metal braces are very visible. Both types of braces require rubber bands to secure the archwire, which does make clear braces slightly more visible over time as the bands are more prone to staining.
Another notable difference is that Radiance braces cost quite a bit more than traditional braces, due to the high cost of the materials that they are made from.
Can you get Radiance Clear Braces with Medicaid?
Metal braces are probably the only type of braces available on Medicaid, and to be eligible, treatment must be medically necessary and you will need to meet certain criteria. Most adults are not eligible for braces on Medicaid — this coverage also depends on the state you live in. So, if you want Radiance Braces you may have to opt for private treatment if it is within your budget.
If you have decided that these braces are right for you, but need a little help financing them, you can check out our dental financing guide here.
How much do Radiance Braces cost?
Radiance Clear braces cost between $2,500 – $5,000 per arch, depending on how complex your orthodontic case is. Prices can also range between dentists and from practice to practice.
They are the most costly type of ceramic braces considering that they are not self-ligating. Damon Braces is another type of brace that can come clear but is also self-ligating.
InVu and Clarity Advanced braces are other types of ceramic braces to consider that are not self-ligating and may be cheaper.
The following table compares the average cost of popular ceramic braces in the US. Remember that no orthodontics prices are fixed, as each case is different, and private dentists are free to decide their own rates.
Type of braces | Cost per arch | Material | Self-ligating? |
Damon Clear | $1,900 - $4,000 | Clear | Yes |
Radiance Plus | $2,500 - $5,000 | Clear | Yes |
Clarity ADVANCED | $2,200 - $4,700 | Translucent tooth-colored | No |
Clarity SL | $2,500 - $5,000 | Translucent tooth-colored | Yes |
InVu | $2,300 - $4,300 | Translucent tooth-colored | No |
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Radiance braces?
Even though Radiance braces are quite similar to other fixed braces, they do have some advantages and some disadvantages. We have already mentioned that they are the clearest ceramic brace available, but what other advantages are there?
Advantages
- Clearest brackets on the market
- Sapphire brackets (almost as strong as diamond)
- Smoother brackets that cause less irritation to the gums, lips, and cheeks
- Stain-resistant
- Can treat anywhere from mild to severe orthodontic cases
Disadvantages
- Require elastic bands to secure the wires
- Frequent braces adjustment appointments
- More expensive than other brands
- No self-ligating option
- Can be uncomfortable at first and after adjustment appointments
- Difficult to clean
While there are some advantages to these braces, they are quite costly considering they are not self-ligating, or removable. It may be worth considering alternatives that are less costly or have more benefits such as clear aligners like Invisalign, or self-ligating braces like Damon braces.
Alternatives to Radiance Plus
There are even less noticeable alternatives to Radiance braces on the market that you may want to consider.
Clear aligners are almost invisible when worn and are removable so that you don’t have to deal with the tricky business of eating with braces.
Clear aligners are custom-made, plastic removable trays that use pressure to gradually align your teeth. They don’t consist of any brackets or uncomfortable wires, and are much easier to keep clean!
Invisalign is the most popular option for people who would otherwise choose regular metal braces, but they certainly aren't a budget option.
If you're looking for a more affordable way to straighten teeth then you might be interested in clear aligners, although these are only appropriate for correcting minor to moderate imperfections.
Radiance braces reviews
Melissa reviews her Radiance Plus braces in the following video. She starts by explaining why she wanted to get braces at the age of 45. Her teeth have shifted and were looking crooked so she decided to do something nice for herself and get braces.
Melissa goes on to say that not many people even notice that she is wearing braces until she points them out. And, she thinks that the brackets themselves are really pretty.
Braces adjustment appointments tend to be uncomfortable, but Melissa says that she has never had a problem, and is very happy with her braces.
There weren’t very many Radiance braces reviews to be found when we looked. However, ask your dentist to see any Radiance braces before and after images they may have from past patients. This might help you to make a decision on your braces treatment and give you confidence in your orthodontist.
Conclusion
Radiance Plus clear braces are ceramic fixed braces that are very similar to traditional metal braces, except they are clear. They are the most expensive type of ceramic brace, but that is because of the materials they are made from.
The brackets are made from sapphire which is almost as strong as diamond. This makes them the strongest type of ceramic braces, and very durable so they will last your entire treatment.
The downside is that, although they are much more expensive, the materials also make them a little more abrasive on your enamel. Radiance clear brackets are polished very smoothly though, so they are much less irritating on your cheeks and gums than regular metal braces.
If you are looking for less visible braces, it may be worth considering an alternative in a similar price bracket like Invisalign. They are almost invisible, and as they are removable they are much easier to eat with and keep clean.
CHCS.org: Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits Coverage by State. Consulted 3rd August 2022.