The color of your braces can make a huge difference in the way you feel about your smile, especially if you feel like your teeth are just plain unattractive as they are. Fortunately, there are several different colors of braces out there to choose from that will help you feel better about your smile and give you that extra confidence boost every day. However, not all colors work on every type of metal, so it’s important to find out which colors are best suited to you and your situation before making any decisions on the color of your next set of braces.
The Science Behind Brace Colors
At first glance, braces color may seem like a cosmetic consideration—especially if you’re just starting to explore your options. But, as it turns out, choosing a color that makes a lasting impression is as important to your overall treatment plan as picking out which teeth will get fixed in the first place. That’s because when you wear braces, color has more of an impact than you think—your clothes and accessories can even play a part in affecting how well you can see your braces. So what colors make an impact? Brace colors fall into three main categories: neutral tones, bright hues and specialty colors.
Red Color
Red tends to stand out and make a bold statement, so if you want your braces to be noticeable, go with red. Red braces are also known for being extra durable, meaning they’ll last a long time. When choosing red as your color, look for shades that are darker and more subtle. Neon-reds or light pinks will be less visible than dark maroons or deep reds.
Yellow Color
The shade of yellow used in braces color is different from that used in other color contexts. The lighter hues, ranging from almost white to a very dark shade of yellow, are designed to enhance rather than draw attention to themselves. Conversely, darker shades will not be as effective at hiding discoloration on your teeth. Yellow is an especially good color for people with naturally dark teeth who want a less intrusive look for their braces. Unlike bright colors or black, yellow blends in with and matches most natural tooth colors.
Bright shades of red and blue may be more fun but they should probably be avoided unless you’re keen on turning heads every time you open your mouth. Also avoid white; it might look nice when it’s just sitting there next to a pair of straightened teeth but its contrast turns into whitish-gray against stained teeth which creates a conspicuous contrast between old and new dentin. If you have stained teeth you need either colored brackets or metal-colored brackets so your braces blend in more easily (at least when closed). Or both!
Then there’s always clear brackets if you don’t mind standing out without any flashy colors being mixed into it whatsoever.
Black Color
The most popular color for braces is black. This is probably because it doesn’t change your teeth color, but also because it complements different skin tones and works well with white teeth and silver appliances. A pro of going with a darker color for your braces is that if you have metal-colored brackets, it will make them blend in more seamlessly than if you had lighter colors. Even if you have clear brackets (plastic), a dark-colored elastic band can help to camouflage it a bit more—especially if they are clear (the rubber). Black can also complement any other custom colored accents you want to wear; such as colorful rubber bands. For these reasons, black usually is one of our top picks for recommended brace colors.
Clear Color
You want a shade that will complement your skin tone. If you’re not sure, ask your orthodontist to help you figure out which color is best for you. Most likely they’ll recommend a clear color or one of two other shades: translucent or tooth-colored. What Is Translucent Color? Translucent simply means that it lets light through and blends in with your teeth—it’s great if you like natural-looking results that require little maintenance. What Is Tooth-Colored Color?
Tooth-colored is made to blend in with each person’s natural color, so it can be customized based on their preference. The key is finding a shade that mimics what someone’s own teeth look like; however, not everyone has a perfect set of white teeth – but thanks to new technology, more people than ever are able to get their smile looking just right. Before choosing any kind of custom colored braces (even if they’re supposedly tooth-colored), consult with an experienced dentist or orthodontist who can explain all options and work with you directly on deciding what color makes sense for your situation! When In Doubt: Be safe rather than sorry.
