Coloured Braces

Once you embrace the idea that you’re going to live with braces for a while, adding some colour can be a chance to customize your appliance!

Braces involve many parts, including the brackets, archway, metal bands (o-rings for back teeth) and elastics or bands made of rubber that go around each bracket.

If you've chosen translucent cosmetic braces (and brackets), or have opted for Invisalign, you’re probably not looking to add colour to your mouth though.

On the other hand, if you’re getting traditional steel braces, your brackets and wires will be silver.

What Gives Braces Their Colors?

It’s the tiny elastics (or bands) that allow you to colorize your mouth! Because these elastics get changed during your orthodontic adjustment appoinemtns, you don’t have to settle for just one color through your entire treatment. You can switch colors each visit!

Some orthodontists will allow you to choose different colors of elastics for each tooth from a color wheel. The Happy Tooth even provides an online color selector for braces so you can test out your look virtually first, print it out and bring it with you to your next visit.

You’re likely going to wear your braces for anywhere from 18 to 24 months. Coloured elastics can be an opportunity to use your braces to express yourself.

Choosing Braces Colours

Although there is no official style guide for braces, consider these suggestions when choosing your colours. Here are some tips:

• Gold, dark blue, turquoise, orange, green, violet or pink may suit a darker skin tone
• Lighter blue, bronze, darker purples or blues and subdued tones of red or pink might complement a lighter skin tone
• Darker colours may make your teeth appear whiter
• Lighter colours can make your teeth look more yellow
• Choose colours that match or complement your eyes
• Choose colours that complement the colour of clothing you often wear

Colours To Avoid

• Black elastics may seem like rotting teeth or food in your teeth
• White may make your teeth appear more yellowed and can stain more easily
• Green or brown elastics may be mistaken for food in your teeth

And, remember... You can change it up with every visit!