Table of Contents
- Best Elastic Color Option
- Alternative Options
- Elastic Teeth Movement
- References
Why did you choose to get braces? If you're like most people, aesthetics drove your decision. You wanted your smile to look as beautiful as possible.
Unfortunately, braces aren't appealing to many people. A mouth filled with metal can look robotic rather than human. And you might find that all the gleaming hardware prompts people to use awkward nicknames like "metal mouth" when talking about you.
It's almost impossible to eliminate all the metal from your braces. Even if you choose clear or ceramic brackets, the wires that connect them are sometimes shiny and bright with metal.
But your doctor might use elastics during your braces treatment. If so, you could add a bit of color and flair to your smile. For some people, that added dash of fashion is just enough to lower the impact of metal and make their treatment bearable.
While your braces will probably be silvery with metal, you'll have plenty of elastic items that can be as colorful as you'd like
What Color Is Best for Your Elastics?
Bands come in almost every color you can think of. In fact, your orthodontist might show you a wheel of colors that looks a lot like something you'd see inside the paint department at the hardware store.
Researchers say that both men and women often choose blue as their favorite color. If you have a hue that calls to you, chances are, your orthodontist can apply it to your teeth.
But if you don't have a favorite color, think about:
Your diet. Do you drink a lot of coffee and tea? Are blueberries and pomegranates your favorite fruits? Light-colored bands can pick up stains from the items you eat and drink. A darker color might be better for you.
Your tooth color. Are your teeth gleaming white? Or are they closer to yellow? Choose yellow bands, and your teeth will look even more discolored. And bright, white bands can make your teeth look darker too.
Your skin coloring. Bright colors look great in people with darker skin. If you're fair, a warm color might be better for you.
Upcoming events. Dress up your smile with holiday colors. Or pick out a hue that works well with an outfit you're wearing to a wedding or important dance.
Lifestyle issues. You might love brown and green. But food often takes on these colors, and your bands can look like items trapped in your teeth.
You're not stuck with the same color throughout your treatment journey. Each time you visit your orthodontist, you'll get new bands. So experiment, and choose a different color each time to spice up your smile.
What Else Can You Try?
Add color to your braces with bands, and your smile is bound to get noticed. For some people, that's a problem.
You may want a brighter, better smile. But you may not want people to notice and comment on all of your hard work. If you're a private or sensitive person, adding color can add to your embarrassment, not reduce it.
Aligners can also move your teeth, and studies suggest that people think clear aligners are more attractive than braces. People who look closely at your mouth may see your trays. But you won't call attention to them with garish colors and plenty of metal. They'll just be there, quietly working on your perfect smile.
How Does Elastic Move Your Teeth?
If you're surprised at the idea of using latex with your braces, you're not alone. Many people had no idea that their path to a perfect smile might involve something loose and rubbery.
Your orthodontist might use one or all three of these elastic forms during your treatment plan:
Ligatures: Brackets affixed to the front of your teeth have a gap just wide enough for a tiny band. Wires connect all of your brackets, and that band keeps the wire in place. You can't remove these bands at home, but each time you visit your doctor, you'll get a new set.
Rubber bands: A few of your brackets are customized with hooks for larger bands. Your doctor might stretch some from your upper jaws to the lower to pull your bite into alignment. You can take these bands off to eat and brush, but they should stay on throughout most of your day.
Power chains: If your smile is marred by several gaps (including those caused by pulled or missing teeth), your orthodontist might use long, twisted sets of rubber bands called power chains to add to the pulling power and close up the space.
If you have all of these bands filling your mouth at once, people may see very little metal when you smile. Researchers say most people like braces with very little metal. The more we can see, the more uncomfortable we are.
But some people don't need all of these elastic types. You might need just one or two bands on your journey to the smile you always wanted.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to serve as dental or other professional health advice and is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any condition or symptom. You should consult a dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
FAQs
Braces Colours and Your Skin Tone
You can choose colours of braces to help complement your skin tone. If you have dark or olive skin, opt for bright jewel tones, like gold, turquoise, violet or navy. If you have fair skin, cool colours look best, so try silver, sky blue, light pink or lilac.
What is the most chosen color for braces? ›
Clear Braces
Some of the most popular colors are clear, white, and gray. Depending on your orthodontist and their customization options, other colors may be available as well.
How many colors can you get on your braces? ›
Braces come in over 80 different colors, including black, white, red, blue, green, and purple, as well as more exotic colors such as glow in the dark, metallic gold, and tooth-colored. You can mix and match these colors and change them every adjustment.
What color braces make your teeth look whiter? ›
Make your teeth look whiter – Darker shades like royal/navy blue, purple, and even black can make the color of your teeth appear whiter. Even so, be aware that colors like dark green and brown can look like food.
Can you pick your own color for braces? ›
You can literally choose from a braces color wheel that includes multiple shades of every color of the rainbow. From candy apple red to deep maroon, royal blue or a pretty shade of teal, you have more choices than ever when it comes to colored braces.
What color braces make your teeth look yellow? ›
White braces: While this may be a color you were considering, you may want to avoid them. White bands not only deteriorate over time, but they also make your teeth appear yellower. This is an important point to remember.
What is the least obvious color of braces? ›
Try neutral tones: Neutral tones blend in well, so they are great if you want your braces to be camouflaged. Black, white or grey, all are good options for blending in your braces if you want to minimise how obvious your braces are to others. Remember to choose duller tones, not too bright.
What color braces look good on girls? ›
What are the finest colors for girls' braces? The following are some of the best braces colors for girls: Pink, pale blue, muted crimson, dark purple, or silver is all options for a lady with a lighter skin tone. Dark blue, pink & turquoise, a violet color is a suitable options for girls who have a darker complexion.
What are the popular braces colors in 2024? ›
Pretty Pastels: Gentle pastel tones like blush pink, pale green, and light blue are all in vogue in 2024. They're ideal for adding a delicate splash of color to your braces and go well with pastel outfits. Glistening Metallics: Shades like silver, golden, and blush metal are classic options that complement any look.
Do you have to pay extra for colors braces? ›
The colored ties for braces do not add any extra cost to your orthodontic treatment as they are part of the entire investment. The cost for orthodontics varies with each patient based on the treatment needed, the type of appliances used, and the length of time needed to achieve the desired results.
You can eat many soft and delicious foods without damaging your braces. For example, you can eat cooked rice, soft tortillas, pasta, noodles, and soup. Other choices include soft bread that does not have a hard crust, pancakes, soft-cooked beans, soft-baked goods, and soft cheeses. You can enjoy many snack options too.
Can I eat McDonalds with braces? ›
A: Yes, you can eat a burger AND sushi with braces. Remember to chew carefully. You can also cut your food into bite size pieces. A few days after getting your braces on or after an adjustment, you may feel sensitivity or soreness in your teeth.
What colors should I avoid for braces? ›
Colors like white or pale yellow can create unflattering tones against your teeth, giving the appearance of discoloration. To maintain a clean and bright smile, it's best to steer clear of these colors. Several options are available for the type of braces.
Can I change the color of my braces? ›
Changing Braces Colors
Our orthodontists will tighten the wires at each visit, which means you can change your color when you want. We typically recommend changing your color every four to eight weeks, but most of all, enjoy your fun color brace journey, as it is a precious one for your beautiful new smile.
What colors stain your teeth with braces? ›
Avoid dark colors like black or brown since they might stain and discolor your teeth. White and yellow bands should also be avoided since they absorb the color of dark beverages like coffee, tea, or red wine.
How do you know if braces will look good on you? ›
If you have light skin, bright colors like red and orange will look great on you. On the other hand, if you have dark skin, colors like white and light blue will be more flattering. Dark hair means you can go for silver-colored braces which will blend in well with your hair color and won't stand out too much from it.
Can I get my braces color changed? ›
Our orthodontists will tighten the wires at each visit, which means you can change your color when you want. We typically recommend changing your color every four to eight weeks, but most of all, enjoy your fun color brace journey, as it is a precious one for your beautiful new smile.
Do you get color the first time you get braces? ›
You now officially have your braces on! Next, patients pick color ties that will hold the wire into the braces. These colors will be switched out each adjustment appointment. You can choose as many colors as you would like.
