radiance Braces

If you're looking for a discreet alternative to traditional metal braces, then Radiance Plus braces may be your ideal solution.

Radiance Plus is a nearly invisible cosmetic brace from American Orthodontics (AO). Each bracket is made from a single clear sapphire crystal, which has been grown, heat treated and polished to make it extra smooth and translucent and this is bonded onto each individual tooth. Sapphire is second only to diamond in strength, which makes Radiance Plus braces the toughest ceramic braces currently available.

Radiance braces can be used to treat a wide range of problems, including complex cases, but are designed to give a highly aesthetic finish, making them perfect if you're looking for discreet orthodontic braces.




AMAZING RESULTS

Very high quality care, I felt listened to and involved in my treatment. All questions were answered and reassurance given. I feel more confident and so happy to smile in photos now, im not trying to hide my lower teeth with my lip.

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BEFORE

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radiance BRACES - FAQs

How do Radiance Plus braces work?

Radiance Plus braces are the clearest of all ceramic braces currently available. Much like traditional metal braces, they use a structure of brackets and wires to gradually move your teeth into the right position so that you can enjoy the straight, beautiful smile you've always wanted.

What makes Radiance Plus braces different to traditional braces?

These days, one in five people seeking orthodontic treatments are adults. As adults (and indeed, as teens), we want a tooth straightening treatment that is as discreet as possible because it's not unusual to feel intensely self-conscious about wearing a brace.

Although there are a number of clear, aesthetic brace systems to choose from, many are not suitable for complex cases. Radiance Plus braces can be used to correct most problems, from minor adjustments to highly complex cases, while offering an 'almost invisible' finish.

What do you mean by 'almost invisible'?

Each bracket on a Radiance Plus brace is made from a single clear sapphire crystal. This crystal is grown, heat treated and polished to make it extra smooth to the touch. When applied to your teeth, the brackets are barely visible to onlookers.

According to the manufacturers of Radiance Plus brace, American Orthodontics, a recent study in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics found that Radiance Plus is the most translucent of all monocrystalline brackets.

I've heard ceramic braces are not as strong as traditional wire braces - is this true of Radiance Plus braces?

Radiance Plus braces are the toughest ceramic braces on the market. Each bracket is made from a single clear sapphire crystal, which is second only to diamond in strength.

Q.Can I remove my Radiance Plus braces?

No. Your Radiance Plus braces will be attached to your teeth for the duration of your treatment.

Can I eat whatever I want during my treatment with Radiance Plus braces?

We would recommend limiting your intake of sugary foods and drinks while you're wearing your Radiance braces – this is because they offer more places for plaque to hide on your teeth (sugary foods and drinks are bad for your teeth anyway!).

You should also avoid eating sticky foods, such as toffees or chewing gum, as this can get stuck in your braces and be difficult to remove.

You may need to steer clear of hard foods such as nuts, apples, raw carrots or corn on the cob while you're wearing your brace to avoid damaging the brackets or wires.

Will tea, coffee or wine stain my braces?

Thanks to the highly polished surface of the Radiance Plus brackets, they are highly resistant to staining.

How comfortable are Radiance Plus braces compared to traditional metal braces?

Radiance Plus braces are associated with a high level of comfort because of the highly polished, smooth surface of each bracket.

Is treatment painful with Radiance Plus braces?

You may experience some tightness or pressure when your Radiance brace is fitted or adjusted but this can be easily treated with over-the-counter painkillers. Any discomfort or rubbing will usually wear off after the first few days.

Will my Radiance braces affect my speech?

You may find that it takes you a day or two to get used to having the brace in your mouth but the vast majority of patients report no effect on speech.

Can I smoke while wearing Radiance braces?

Although Radiance braces are high resistant to staining, we would always discourage you from smoking because it can significantly impact your oral health.

Can I chew chewing gum while wearing Radiance Plus braces?

We would advise against having chewing gum while wearing Radiance Plus braces because it might stick to them and get caught in the brackets.

Are Radiance Plus braces easy to maintain and keep clean?

Having a Radiance Plus fixed brace means that you will have to pay extra special attention to cleaning your teeth and gums. Once you develop a daily routine, it should become second nature.

We recommend cleaning your brace, teeth and gums after every meal. As well as cleaning above and below the fixed brace and along the gum margin with a normal toothbrush, you will also need to clean your Radiance brace with a special inter-dental brush. It is especially important that all food particles are removed from around the braces to avoid decay.

I play football regularly – should I wear a mouthguard?

If you play any kind of contact sport, it's a good idea to let us know so that we can provide you with a mouthguard. This will help protect you from cutting the inside of your mouth or lips should you accidentally take a ball to the face!

Can anyone have Radiance Plus braces?

Radiance Plus braces are designed to treat a wide range of straightening issues, and are used successfully for minor tooth movements as well as more complex cases. These braces may not be suitable for every case but we will always be honest in our assessment of your best treatment options.

Can Radiance braces be used to treat overbites?

For most adults and teens, Radiance Plus braces offer an effective treatment choice for overbites. We would need to see you to assess your individual case before we can determine whether Radiance Plus braces are suitable for you.

Can Radiance Plus braces close the gaps between widely spaced teeth?

Yes, Radiance Plus braces offer an effective treatment option for closing gaps in most cases. We would need to assess your individual case to determine whether Radiance Plus is the most suitable option.

I have a bridge – can I still wear Radiance Plus braces?

A bridge that links two or more teeth together can offer significant resistance to tooth movement. However, Radiance Plus braces enable us exceptional control over individual teeth. If you have a bridge, we can discuss this during your initial consultation and explore whether this would be a factor in your treatment.

Can I still wear Radiance Plus braces if I have a crown or missing teeth?

Yes. A tooth with a crown should still move in the same way as your other natural teeth. If you have any missing teeth, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of your remaining teeth.

I have TMJ – will that affect whether I can have Radiance Plus braces?

If you have TMJ, you will know that it refers to the temporomandibular (jaw) joint. Some orthodontic devices and treatments can aggravate the problem, while others can improve it. We would need to assess your individual case before we could offer accurate advice.

How often will I have to attend appointments about my Radiance braces?

Once your brace has been fitted, we would typically want to see you every six weeks to adjust the brace and ensure the correct movement of your teeth.

How long will my Radiance Plus treatment take?

The length of treatment with Radiance Plus braces varies from one person to another and will depend on the complexity of your case.

We would expect a typical treatment to last for between six to 18 months.

Do Radiance Plus braces damage tooth enamel?

Your brace will not damage your tooth enamel, although, as outlined above, it will provide more places for plaque to hide, which is why regular brushing is especially important. Radiance Plus braces are designed for easy removal. Also, the strength of the clear sapphire crystal brackets means they are less likely to come away from your teeth or suffer damage than other ceramic brace systems.

Can teenagers wear Radiance Plus braces?

Radiance Plus braces are an excellent choice for teenagers because they offer a high level of comfort, they're hard wearing and they're exceptionally discreet.

What is a retainer and will I have to wear one after my treatment?

Research and experience show that teeth that have been moved by orthodontic treatment will not stay in their final position without the help of a retainer.

Will I have to wear a retainer all the time?

In the weeks and months following your treatment, we may advise you to wear a retainer as often as possible throughout the day and night. Over time, as the bone density improves around your teeth's new position, we may recommend that you just wear a retainer at night while you sleep.

What will my Radiance Plus braces cost?

We understand the cost is an important consideration of any orthodontic treatment. It's hard to give a fixed price at this initial stage because the cost of Radiance Plus braces is dependent on your individual case and how long your treatment will take.

To give you a general figure, ceramic braces typically range from £2,500 to £4,000.

Who makes Radiance Plus braces? How established is the company?

Radiance Plus braces are manufactured by American Orthodontics, one of the world's largest privately held manufacturers of orthodontic appliances. American Orthodontics has customers in more than 100 countries worldwide.

The company was established in 1968 and is associated with innovation and providing the best overall value to its customers.

Can any dentist offer Radiance Plus braces?

Special training is needed to use Radiance Plus braces. At Refine, our specialists in Orthodontics have been trained to exceptional standards across a wide range of removable, fixed and invisible orthodontic systems.

How can I find out more about Radiance Plus braces?

Simply call the practice on 01773 830 560 or email your enquiry using our quick and easy form and a member of our team will contact you to arrange an initial consultation during which we can discuss your treatment options.

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