How to Pick the Best Colors for Your Braces

Our Kelowna braces patients love personalizing their appliances with colorful elastics. Whether they opt for their school colors to show off their spirit or change their rubber bands according to the season, it’s a fun way to incorporate a bit of personality into the teeth-straightening experience. Not sure how to choose the Best Colors for Your Braces? We have you covered. Here are 6 tips for taking your colored braces to the next level.

Tips to Pick the Best Colors for Your Braces

1. Consider the type of braces you have. 

At Straight Smiles, Dr. James Scramstad, a general practitioner dentist practicing orthodontics only, offers two types of braces: metal braces and clear braces. Going for a color that contrasts with your brackets will have the biggest impact. For example, navy and black braces colors look great with silver brackets, while brighter blue, pink and green braces colors pop against clear brackets. 

2. Decide whether you want something bold or more discreet. 

Brightly colored braces elastics will draw attention to your smile. While that’s the point for patients who like to express themselves with their braces, others prefer a more classic look. To keep it under the radar, choose clear elastics with clear braces or silver or gray rubber bands with metal braces. 

3. Keep the color of your teeth in mind. 

Before deciding on the best braces colors for your smile, consider the natural shade of your teeth. Forest green, cranberry red and navy blue braces can make your teeth appear whiter.

Lighter shades don’t always provide enough contrast, particularly if your teeth aren’t extremely white. You might also want to steer clear of yellow or light gold, especially if you have clear brackets, as they can create the illusion of stained teeth. 

4. Don’t be afraid to choose more than one braces elastic color.

Why settle for one color when you can mix and match? Dual-colored braces are a fun way to embrace a theme. For example, wearing the colors of your favrotie sports team or rocking the colors of the Canadian flag. Feeling adventurous? Try a rainbow effect for a really unique look. 

5. Think about upcoming holidays or seasons. 

Coordinate your braces colors with the holidays or season. Choose red and green for Christmas, orange, black and purple for Halloween or pastels for spring. This doesn’t just make your orthodontic experience more fun, it also ensures you always look festive with minimal effort. 

6. Factor in your skin tone and hair color.

Cool colors like sky blue and lilac can be a nice contrast for warm skin tones or give a subtle lift to blonde hair. Those with a cooler skin tone might find warm colors like orange or gold are flattering. As for brunettes, rich hues like burgundy, hunter green and navy blue braces are always a nice touch. 

Frequently asked questions

1. Does changing braces colors hurt?
   Nope, not at all. Getting colored braces elastics is quick and easy.
2. How often can I change my braces colors?
   Dreaming of green braces colors but wearing purplee? No problem. You can change your braces colors at your regular appointments, which are usually every six to eight weeks.
3. Will certain colors make my teeth look straighter?
   Wouldn’t that be nice! But, no, unfortunately, there isn’t a magic braces color that will give you the appearance of straighter teeth.

The bottom line

Choosing your braces colors can be an expressive, exciting part of your orthodontic treatment journey. While our tips can help, ultimately, pick the colors that make you happy and remember to let your confidence and smile shine through! 

Book a braces consultation at Straight Smiles in Kelowna, BC!

Haven’t started braces treatment yet? Schedule a consultation at Straight Smiles today! Dr. Scramstad will assess your smile and provide personalized treatment recommendations.