Choosing the right colour of orthodontic braces
Some people who wear braces like them to be inconspicuous but many others – youngsters and adults alike – prefer to make a style statement with them.
Written by NoFrills Dental
This dental article has been curated by the clinical team @ NoFrills Dental 🙂
January 2, 2021
Customising the colour of your braces can add a fun element to orthodontic treatment, and the choice of shades is virtually endless. The rubber bands that go around each bracket of braces – also known as elastic ligatures or O-rings – come in every colour of the rainbow and then some. You don’t have to stick to one colour for your braces, either.
You can mix and match different hues to create your own colour combination.
You can even change the colour of your braces every few weeks to suit your mood, or just for the fun of it, or to let your personality shine through for special occasions.
Putting the Fun into Braces!
Kids – particularly fashion-conscious teenagers – tend towards making a fashion statement with the colour of their braces, while adults often choose braces colours to complement their complexion.
Whatever your age, picking the right colour of braces can go a long way towards making your orthodontic treatment a more satisfying, enjoyable experience and it gives you the opportunity to reflect your individuality. And modern braces give you a wider choice of colours than ever before. But how do you know which braces colour or colours are right for you.
Here are a few ideas.
Subdued shades of red or pink
Light blue
Purple
Subdued shades of red or pink
Light blue
Purple
Dark blue
Pink
Orange
Green
Violet
Gold/Yellow
Dark blue
Green
Pink
Violet
Gold/Yellow
Orange
Other Factors to Consider When Picking Your Braces Colour
Match Your Wardrobe
If you have a go-to wardrobe colour, braces with complementary colours can further enhance your look. If you wear a lot of black or other dark-coloured clothes, braces with gold or navy rubber bands will pair up well.
You can also choose braces colours to match your favourite footwear, such as a bright jewel tone from a colourful pair of shoes, combined with more muted colours for your clothes. If you wear clothes in the colours of your favourite sports team, you can use the same colours for your braces.
Braces Colours to Avoid
There’s really no wrong colour when it comes to braces – the choice is entirely up to you.
However, some people tend to avoid certain braces colours, including:
- Brown, which could look like bits of food stuck in your teeth.
- Yellow, which may intensify the appearance of yellow-toned teeth.
- Black, which may look like your teeth are decayed.
Braces for Special Occasions
The colour of your braces can be customised for a stylish look for special occasions such as wedding parties, graduations and annual festivals like Chinese New Year and the mid-autumn Lantern Festival.
Remember, though, that your choice of braces colours may be with you for some time after the occasion, depending on when your next orthodontic appointment is.
Braces Colour Combinations
Each time your orthodontist adjusts your braces – typically every six to eight weeks – gives you the opportunity to choose a new colour or combination of colours.
Here are a few braces colour combo ideas.
- Pink and neon green – the watermelon look!
- Purple and pink – can be mellow or dazzling.
- Baby blue and navy blue – the contrast can help to make teeth look whiter.
- Orange and blue – makes a bold statement.
Festive Braces Colours
Both adults and teens often choose braces colours to go with the Christmas holidays, particularly combinations like:
- The now Christmas classic colours of red and green – made popular by Coca Cola advertising in the 1930s.
- The red and gold associated with Christmas gift wrappings.
- Silver and deep blue for an elegant Christmas party look.
Colour of Your Eyes
If you have blue or green eyes, choosing the same colour in a darker shade can enhance your appearance.
If your eyes are brown or hazel, a bright or deep blue or green, or silver or gold, will create an appealing contrast.
Braces Colours for Adults
Many men choose braces colours in darker shades. Those with darker skin often prefer colours such as navy blue, turquoise, dark violet or hunter green. Men with lighter skin tones tend to choose bronze, dark red or silver.
Women often prefer lighter braces colours like pale blue, violet, green, gold or pastel shades, which give off a more feminine vibe. A bolder feminine look can be achieved with colours such as bright magenta or gold.
Business professionals typically opt for more subdued shades to create the right impression at work, especially colours that match blue or black suits. They may also prefer to choose a single colour rather than a combination of tones, which can look more playful than professional.
Braces Colours for Teens
While many teenagers may be apprehensive about starting orthodontic treatment, the experience is made easier with the opportunity to customise the colour of their braces for a unique look.
It’s entirely a matter of personal preference, of course, but popular braces colours among teens include:
- Colours that match fun milestones during the year, such as black and orange for Halloween.
- Colours that reflect the seasons – like neon shades for summer, and understated colours in winter.
- Sports team colours.
Minimising Discolouration
The elastic ligatures of braces, especially light-coloured ones, can be susceptible to staining through factors such as pigments in the foods and drinks we consume and bacteria accumulation.
Proper oral hygiene can be difficult when you wear braces but is essential to minimise discolouration and keep your braces and mouth clean.
You need to brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day and floss daily, making sure you clean between the wires and the teeth.The best time to clean your teeth is just before bed.
An antiseptic mouth rinse will help to prevent gum inflammation while an antibacterial mouthwash will kill germs.
How Your Orthodontist Can Help You Pick the Right Colour of Braces?
If you’re undecided about the colour you’d like to adorn your braces, your orthodontist can be a big help. Most orthodontic dental clinics offer a wide range of colours, and orthodontists and their assistants are generally experienced in helping patients choose the right braces colours. They may also be able to show you a colour wheel or colour chart of all your options, and often have samples they can hold up against your teeth.
Being able to frequently switch the colours of your braces allows you to experiment safely in the knowledge that if you get fed up with your colour choice, it will only be temporary and you can change it on your next visit to the orthodontist.
Your friends and family may also offer helpful advice on picking the right colour for your braces. Contact us if you’d like more help in choosing the colour of your braces or advice on any other aspect of orthodontic treatment.
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Our Dental Clinics
We are conveniently located at these locations:
NoFrills Dental @ Suntec City
3 Temasek Boulevard
Suntec City (North Wing)
#03-317
Singapore 038983
NoFrills Dental @ Marina Square
6 Raffles Boulevard,
Marina Square,
#B1-11
Singapore 039594
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