Braces colours: How to choose yours
One of the best things about orthodontic treatment is that you have the option to customise the colour of your braces – so you can make them stand out or blend in depending on your mood.
Your brace consists of small metal brackets, which are attached to your teeth for the duration of your treatment. These brackets are moved using a thin wire, which is held in place using tiny elastic bands, also known as ligatures.
These bands come in an array of different and exciting colours – from subtle ‘clear’ and ‘pearl’ to statement colours such as ‘fire red’ and ‘bubble gum’. You can even choose to combine two different colours for a bespoke look and maximum impact.
Colour choices at Total Orthodontics
Every time we adjust your brace – approximately every six – eight weeks – your orthodontist or therapist will change your elastic bands, giving you the opportunity to change your colour scheme.
Some patients prefer to keep things inconspicuous and opt for ‘clear’, ‘pearl’ or ‘tooth’ coloured bands, while others unleash their creativity, choosing colours that stand out. Think ‘red’ and ‘green’ at Christmas, or ‘orange’ and ‘black’ for Halloween. Just remember that you’ll be wearing your chosen colours for around two months and typically only choose up to two colours, so choose wisely.
Do light colours stain?
While lighter colours such as ’white’ and ‘clear’ are less obtrusive they can be more prone to staining, for example following a curry. So if you’re a fan of colourful foods you may want to choose something slightly darker. ‘Grey’ or ‘silver’ can be good choices if you’d like something discreet and stain proof as they’ll blend in well with your metal brackets.
Some patients also choose to avoid colours that may be mistaken for bits of food – for example green. Yellow is also relatively unpopular for obvious reasons.
Our advice: have some fun and get creative! Don’t let your braces hold you back or stop you showing off a confident smile.
For some brace colour inspiration, head over to our Pinterest board on this very topic.
How much will it cost?
The cost of your treatment will depend on how complex your case is and the brace that you choose. You can find some more information on our cost of braces page. Following your consultation, you’ll be given a personalised quote.
If you’d like to arrange a consultation,
Our orthodontists
*Form Terms and conditions:
1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2. Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
3. Consultations subject to availability.
4. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
Total Orthodontics and Bupa Dental Care are trading names of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England Wales No: 00478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom BS16 1GW.
