What Colors Of Braces Should You Choose?

What Gives Braces Their Colors

Braces involve many parts, including the brackets, archway, metal bands (o-rings for back teeth) and elastics or bands made of rubber that go around each bracket.

Of course, you may choose ceramic braces (and brackets) if you want to keep your braces low profile, or you may opt for Invisalign if you’d like to keep your dental treatment as invisible as possible! If you’ve chosen either of these options, you’re probably not looking to add color to your mouth though.

On the other hand, if you’re getting typical steel braces, your brackets and wires will be silver. It’s the tiny elastics (or bands) that allow you to colorize your mouth! Because these elastics get changed during your orthodontic visits every 4 to 6 weeks, you don’t have to settle for just one color through your entire treatment. You can switch colors each visit!

And some orthodontists will allow you to choose different colors of elastics for each tooth from a color wheel. The Happy Tooth even provides an online color selector for braces so you can test out your look virtually first, print it out and bring it with you to your next visit.

What Colors of Braces Should You Choose or Avoid?

Common colors of braces include shades of red, blue, green, yellow, purple, pink and orange, as well as gray, silver, gold and black. But check with your orthodontist before you begin plotting your colors.

Although there is no official style guide for braces yet, consider these suggestions when choosing your colors. And remember that the colors you see in an online selector may appear slightly lighter on your teeth.

• Gold, dark blue, turquoise, orange, green, violet or pink may look super if you have a darker skin tone.

• Lighter blue, bronze, darker purples or blues and subdued tones of red or pink might complement a lighter skin tone.

• Darker colors may make your teeth appear whiter.

• Lighter colors can make your teeth look more yellow.

• Choose colors that match or complement your eyes.

• Choose colors that complement the color of clothing you often wear.

• Choose school colors or colors of your favorite sports team.

• Wear red, white and blue to show your patriotism.

• Get festive with red and green during Christmas or blue and pink for Easter, etc.

• Opt for glow-in-the-dark bands for Halloween. They look clear in light but glow in the dark.

But, keep in mind some colors you may want to avoid:

• Black elastics may mimic rotting teeth or food in your teeth.

• White may seem like a good choice but may actually make your teeth appear more yellowed. Plus white elastics can stain more easily.

• Likewise, if your enamel already appears slightly yellow, yellow elastics will intensify this effect.

• Green or brown elastics may be mistaken for food in your teeth.

• Have fun rendering your mouth with different colors of braces with each visit. If you’re unsure about how a color will look on your teeth, ask your orthodontist for recommendations based on your natural enamel color.

Have You Considered Invisalign?

If you or your child are considering teeth straightening treatment, we invite you to dive deeper into:

• Invisalign Teen vs Braces – Which is Right For Your Child?

• With so Many Types of Braces, Which is Best For You?

• Top 9 Things to Know About Invisalign

• Living With Invisalign

Let's Talk Braces

If you haven’t selected an orthodontist yet to help you decide on best options for braces or Invisalign, call The Happy Tooth to set up your first visit. Our orthodontic services provide patients with straighter teeth and a more attractive smile, improved oral health and function, prevention of common dental problems caused by crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, and a boost in self–confidence. We aim to make your dental and orthodontic experiences pain-free and pleasant from the moment you walk in the door and through every visit.