What Braces Colors to Get and Which Braces Colors to Avoid

Choosing the right braces colors can make all the difference in how you feel about your smile during your orthodontic journey. Whether you’re looking to complement your skin tone, match your personal style, or enhance the whiteness of your teeth, this guide will help you pick the best colors while avoiding the ones that might not work as well.

Let’s dive into the most popular choices and explore which colors can elevate your smile, as well as which ones to steer clear of.

Best Braces Colors to Choose From: Colors That Will Make Your Smile Shine

When it comes to picking braces colors, the key is balancing fun and functionality. Here’s a look at some of the best braces colors to choose from:

1. Navy Blue: The Classic Favorite

Navy blue is one of the most popular choices for braces. It’s a deep, rich color that can make your teeth appear brighter and whiter.

Why It Works:

• Whitening Effect: Navy blue creates a strong contrast with the teeth, which visually makes your teeth appear whiter.
• Timeless and Versatile: This shade complements almost every skin tone and gives a classic, sophisticated look.

Best For: Those who want a color that complements their skin and enhances their teeth. It’s especially great for both teens and adults who want a professional yet fun appearance.

2. Dark Green or Emerald: Bold Yet Elegant

Emerald green is perfect for those looking to make a statement with their braces. It’s a rich, eye-catching shade that can create a stunning contrast.

Why It Works:

• Harmonious Balance: Green works well with warm skin tones, bringing out the natural glow of your complexion.
• Complimenting Nature: It adds an elegant pop of color without overwhelming your overall look.

Best For: People with warm undertones or those who want something unique and bold. Emerald works especially well for olive-toned skin.

3. Purple or Lavender: A Fun, Playful Touch

Purple, ranging from deep violet to soft lavender, is another great option. It’s fun, lively, and full of personality.

Why It Works:

• Creativity and Playfulness: Purple conveys creativity, making it a great option for those who want to express their personal style.
• Skin Tone Harmony: Lighter purples can complement fair skin tones, while deeper purples can stand out beautifully against darker skin.

Best For: Individuals who want a fun, youthful, and stylish look, particularly those with cooler skin tones.

4. Silver or Clear: Subtle Yet Classy

For a more subtle approach, silver or clear braces bands can provide a nearly invisible look, keeping the focus on your teeth rather than the braces.

Why It Works:

• Minimalistic Appearance: Silver bands add a polished, classy look, while clear bands can blend seamlessly with your teeth.
• Low Maintenance: These colors are ideal if you’re concerned about staining.

Best For: Those who want a more discreet look and prefer minimal maintenance.

5. Teal or Turquoise: A Cool and Refreshing Vibe

Teal or turquoise braces are vibrant, lively, and perfect for those who want to stand out without being overly bold.

Why It Works:

• Cool Tones: These colors complement a variety of skin tones, especially those with cooler undertones.
• Refreshing and Fun: Teal brings a refreshing, beachy vibe to your smile.

Best For: People who want to brighten up their braces with something playful, yet not too loud.

Braces Colors to Avoid: Colors That May Not Be Ideal for Your Smile

While the sky’s the limit with braces color choices, there are some colors that might not work well or could make your teeth appear less attractive. Here’s what to avoid:

1. Yellow and Gold: Highlighting Stains

Yellow or gold can be a tricky choice because they can make your teeth appear dull or even yellowish.

Why You Should Avoid:

• Staining Issues: Yellow shades often accentuate the natural yellow undertones in teeth, making them look less white.
• Not Flattering: Gold can clash with certain skin tones and may not be as universally flattering as other colors.

Best To Avoid For: People with naturally yellowish teeth or those who are concerned about discoloration.

2. Brown and Dark Green: Mimicking Stains

Brown and dark green might seem like interesting choices at first, but they often mimic the appearance of food stains.

Why You Should Avoid:

• Food Mimicry: These shades can resemble food particles like leafy greens or chocolate stuck in your braces, which is definitely not an appealing look.
• Too Dark: Dark green can blend too much with the natural color of your teeth, reducing the visual impact of your smile.

Best To Avoid For: Anyone who wants their teeth to stand out, especially if you love drinking coffee, tea, or red wine, which can stain your bands.

3. White/Clear: Easy to Stain

While clear or white braces might seem like a good idea, they’re prone to staining easily.

Why You Should Avoid:

• High Maintenance: White and clear bands can stain quickly with foods and drinks like coffee or tomato sauce.
• Not Ideal for Everyone: If you don’t have naturally white teeth, these colors can highlight imperfections, making your teeth look dull.

Best To Avoid For: People who are prone to staining or those with naturally yellow or off-white teeth.

Quick Cheat Sheet: Best and Worst Braces Colors

Fun with Colors: Express Your Personality!

Braces don’t just have to be about function—they’re also an opportunity for personal expression! You can mix and match colors to reflect your style, personality, or even the season. Here are some ideas:

• Seasonal Colors: Red and green for the holidays, or pastel shades for spring!
• Team Spirit: Show off your school pride with your team colors.
• Alternating Colors: Mix complementary colors like teal and coral, or try analogous colors like light blue and navy for a harmonious feel.

Note: Always check with your orthodontist before deciding on an alternating color pattern, as certain colors may not be available.

Consider Your Lifestyle: Think About Stains and Maintenance

Your daily habits, such as coffee drinking or eating dark foods, can impact the color of your braces. If you’re someone who indulges in staining foods and drinks, you might want to avoid light or clear colors. Darker shades like navy or purple might be better suited to your lifestyle.

Conclusion:

Picking your braces color is a fun and personal decision. Now that you know the best options to enhance your smile and which ones to avoid, it’s time to discuss your choices with your orthodontist. They can help ensure your selected colors fit with your treatment and your lifestyle, so you can start your orthodontic journey with a smile that shines.

At your next appointment, talk to your orthodontist about these colors, and get ready to rock those braces with confidence!