Braces colors come from the small elastic ties that hold the wire to each bracket, and you can change them at every adjustment visit. Darker and richer shades tend to make teeth look whiter, while white, clear and yellow ties can make teeth look duller or show stains.
Picking colors is one of the few parts of orthodontic treatment that is purely fun, and it is a big reason many teens look forward to their appointments. Here is how the colors work, how to choose shades you will still like in a few weeks, and what to know if you would rather your braces blend in.
What Part of Braces Actually Has Color?
Elastic Ties
The brackets on metal braces stay silver, and the wire stays the same throughout. The color comes from the elastic ties, sometimes called ligatures or O-ties, that wrap around each bracket and hold the archwire in place. Because these ties are small rubber rings, they are swapped out for fresh ones whenever the wire is adjusted, which is why you get a new color choice at nearly every visit.
Power Chains
Some patients also wear a power chain, a connected row of elastic rings used to close spaces, and those come in colors too. Our post on what power chains do explains when they are used. A colored power chain looks like a continuous band across several teeth, so many patients match it to their ties or use it as an accent color. On metal braces for teens, our team offers fun customizable colors on teen braces so each patient can show a little personality.
How Do You Choose Braces Colors You Will Like?
Since you will look at the same colors for several weeks, a little planning helps. Start by deciding what you want the colors to do: blend in, stand out, match something you love, or celebrate an upcoming event.
Think About Your Skin Tone and Teeth
Jewel tones such as deep blue, purple, emerald and dark red tend to make teeth look brighter by contrast. Very pale shades sit right next to the enamel and can make teeth look more yellow than they are. Many patients with warmer skin tones like gold, coral or teal, while cooler skin tones often pair well with navy, violet or silver. These are guidelines, not rules, so pick what makes you smile.
Match Your Wardrobe or Your Plans
If you wear a lot of one color, ties in a neighboring shade will feel like part of your style. If you have school photos, a dance, a sports season or a family trip coming up before your next visit, choose colors that will still look good in those pictures.
Try Alternating Two Colors
You do not have to pick only one. Alternating two colors across the brackets, or using one color on top and another on the bottom, is popular for school spirit and holidays. October is a favorite month for orange and black or purple and green, and many patients pick red and green in December.
Which Braces Colors Should You Avoid?
A few shades are less forgiving than others. Most of the problems come from the way light colors show staining and from how certain colors look next to enamel:
- White and clear ties. They look clean on day one but can pick up color from coffee, tea, curry and dark sodas, and may look yellowed before your next visit.
- Yellow and gold. These can make the teeth themselves look yellow.
- Dark green or brown. From a distance, these can look like food stuck in your braces.
- Black on its own. Some patients love it, but from across the room it can look like a gap or a cavity. Pairing it with a second color helps.
If you want lighter ties, the best defense against staining is brushing after meals and going easy on deeply colored foods and drinks. Our braces food guide covers which foods are easiest on your brackets and wires.
Quick Braces Color Guide
Use this table as a starting point before your next appointment:
| Color group | How it tends to look | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep blue, purple, navy | Makes teeth look brighter | Everyday wear, most skin tones | Very dark shades can read as black |
| Bright pink, coral, teal | Fun and noticeable | Summer, events, showing personality | Can clash with some outfits |
| Red, orange, green combos | Bold and festive | Holidays, school and team colors | Dark green alone can look like food |
| Silver, gray, light blue | Subtle on metal braces | A low-key look | Pale shades can make teeth look yellow |
| White, clear, yellow | Blends in at first | Short stretches between visits | Staining and a yellowed look |
Can You Get Braces That Do Not Show Color at All?
Clear (Ceramic) Braces
Yes. If you would rather your braces stay low-key, ask about clear braces. Ceramic brackets are made of a tooth-colored material, and they are often paired with clear, white or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties so the whole appliance blends in. Our clear braces work the same way metal braces do, with a more subtle look.
Keeping Light Ties Looking Fresh
The tradeoff is the one mentioned above: light-colored ties can pick up stains between visits. The ceramic brackets themselves resist staining, and the ties are replaced at every adjustment. Our post on whether ceramic braces stain explains the difference in detail.
A few habits keep light ties looking their best between visits. Brush soon after meals, rinse with water after coffee or tea, and use a straw for dark drinks when you can. If an important photo is coming up, schedule your adjustment a few days before it so the ties are fresh.
How Often Can You Change Your Braces Colors?
You can usually choose new colors whenever your ties are replaced, which happens at your regular adjustment appointments. If you know your visit falls right before a holiday or a big event, plan your colors around it. Our guide to how often braces appointments happen shows what those visits involve and how to schedule them around school and work.
Because you get a fresh choice so often, there is no pressure to find the perfect combination the first time. Some patients rotate through the color wheel visit by visit, while others settle on a favorite and keep it for the whole treatment. If you are unsure, try a bold color for one round and a subtle one the next, then keep whatever you liked seeing in the mirror.
Frequently Asked Questions
What braces color makes teeth look whitest?
Darker, cooler shades such as navy, deep purple and dark blue usually make teeth look whiter by contrast. Pale colors like white, light yellow and clear can do the opposite once they pick up stains.
Can adults get colored braces?
Absolutely. Plenty of adults enjoy a subtle color like silver or navy, or a bold choice for a special occasion. Adults who prefer a discreet look often choose clear braces or clear aligners instead.
Do braces colors stain?
The elastic ties can, especially light colors. Coffee, tea, curry, dark sodas and red sauces are the usual culprits. Because the ties are replaced at each adjustment, any staining is temporary.
Can I change my colors between appointments?
Ties are normally replaced at your adjustment visits, so plan on choosing new colors then. If a tie breaks or comes off between visits, call us so we can tell you whether it needs attention before your next appointment.
Pick Your Next Colors at Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics
Whether you love bold color or want braces no one notices, our team will help you choose a look you feel good about. To start treatment or ask a question, call or text (336) 887-3168 or request a free consultation at our High Point or Greensboro office.