It doesn’t matter whether you’re 15 or 55; no one likes hearing that they need braces. Traditionally, braces are thought of as ugly, uncomfortable metal contraptions. But these days, braces technology has improved considerably and they are nothing like the eyesores they used to be.
There are myriad options available, and plenty of different braces colours on the market.
Unfortunately though, they are still a visible form of orthodontic treatment – with Invisalign being the best option if you’d prefer to hide your braces as much as possible.
BEST BRACES COLOURS TO GET
Choosing your braces colors is a fun way to personalize your smile journey! Here are some of the best options and why they work well:
Making Your Teeth Sparkle:
- Light Blues and Pinks: These cool colors create a nice contrast with your teeth, making them appear whiter and brighter. This is a fantastic choice for anyone who wants a smile that pops! Light blues are particularly flattering for those with fair skin tones, while darker pinks can complement olive or darker complexions.
Expressing Yourself with Boldness:
- Red: This is a head-turning color that injects confidence and personality into your smile. Red braces are perfect for those who want to make a statement and aren’t afraid to stand out. Just be aware that red can be a little on the loud side, so consider your usual style and comfort level.
- Green: From a refreshing mint to a deep forest green, this color family offers a fun and unique way to personalize your braces. Lighter greens can feel energetic, while darker tones add a touch of sophistication. Green braces work well for most skin tones, so have fun finding a shade that reflects your personality!
Classic Choices for Every Smile:
- Purple: This versatile color offers a range of choices, from playful lavender to regal violet. Purple braces add a pop of color without being overwhelming, making them a great go-to for any occasion. They tend to flatter a variety of skin tones as well.
- Gold: This trendy metallic option adds a touch of glamour to your smile. Gold braces work especially well for those with warm skin tones and complement a variety of outfit styles.
Bonus Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with color combinations! Many orthodontists allow you to choose different colors for the top and bottom brackets, or even alternate colors throughout your treatment. This lets you express your creativity and keep things interesting.
Remember, the best color choice for your braces is the one that makes you feel most confident and happy!
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST BRACES COLOURS FOR YOU
Choosing colours for your braces is obviously a very personal decision. There are no hard and fast rules. Like the clothes you wear, it’s all about finding what works best for you, and what makes you feel good.
However, we all like a bit of help when it comes to finding out what looks good on us. So here are a few tips to help you out when choosing your elastic colours:
- Skin Tone: The tone and shade of your skin informs a lot of the choices we make. It helps us to choose hair colour and the colour of clothes. It can also help us with the colour of our braces. Orange, green, gold, dark blues and gold work well with darker skin tones, while purples, light blues and less intense shades of pink and red work well with lighter shades of skin.
- Work With Your Teeth: You should keep in mind that darker coloured elastic will help your teeth to appear whiter. On the other hand, lighter coloured elastics can make your teeth appear yellow. If you’ve ever put zinc on your lips and then looked at your teeth in the mirror you’ll understand the difference we’re talking about. If you’re blessed with pearly-whites then go for the darker option, if your teeth are a bit stained it may be better to stick to the lighter colours.
- Don’t Forget Your Eyes: We don’t only smile with our mouth; our eyes are an incredibly important part of a smile. With that in mind, it’s important that you choose a colour that compliments or matches your eyes. That means blues with blue, dark colours with browns and green with hazel.
- Show Your Passion: Australian’s love their sport and coloured braces give you the opportunity to show your loyalty every time you smile. No matter what code you follow, you can find the colours you want – brown and gold for the Hawks fanatics, blue and white for the Victory and purple and black for the Storm. This is a great way to get the kids more comfortable with the idea of braces.
- Get Festive: Festoon your teeth with a bit of red and green to get into the Christmas spirit, or perhaps red to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
- Something Fun for the Kids: These days, you can even get glow-in-the-dark braces. These are completely clear during the day, but watch your child’s joy when his or her smile lights up a dark room at night.
- Grillz: If you don’t know what Grillz are jump online and type it in. If you do, you’ll be pleased to know that you can re-create the look by using gold and silver elastics. Grillz are no longer the sole domain of hip-hop artist, everyone from Madonna to Miley Cyrus has been blinging up their smile – why not give it a go for something a little more outrageous?
BRACES COLOURS TO AVOID
While picking out your braces colors can be fun and express your personality, there are a few shades to avoid for a brighter, more confident smile. Here’s a rundown of colors to skip and why:
- Dark Colors (Black, Brown): These colors, despite being bold, can make your teeth look stained or discolored. Even if your teeth are pearly white, dark braces can create an unwanted contrast.
- White, Yellow, and Clear: These colors might seem like a safe bet, but they can actually stain easily. Especially with clear or white, colored beverages like coffee, tea, or wine can leave a tint on the bands, making them look dingy and potentially emphasizing any yellowing on your teeth. You might as well get clear aligners if you want your braces to be discreet and unnoticed.
MATERIAL OPTIONS FOR COLOURED BRACES
When it comes to braces, there are a number of different options available, including:
Ceramic
If you want to keep your braces as invisible as possible, you can go with the ceramic option. Ceramic braces are exactly the same as metal braces except they use clear or tooth-coloured wire that match the colour of your teeth. These braces function in exactly the same way, but they are more expensive than traditional wire braces. They also stain easily; especially if your dental health regime is less than perfect.
Invisalign
Invsalign braces are a popular option for those people who want a less-noticeable option. Invisalign is made out of clear plastic, which makes it nearly invisible.
Steel
Typical steel braces have silver-coloured brackets. These brackets are a far more affordable option than ceramic braces. You also get to add a visual element to your braces by using coloured elastics. The elastics are changed every four to six weeks, meaning you can change your colour or colour combination every month or so. There are plenty of colours to choose from and you can even choose a different colour for each individual tooth.
Braces don’t have to be horrible. Modern braces are far less intrusive then they used to be, and if you are prepared to have a bit of fun with colour they will grow on you. For some people, braces are an absolute necessity, so embrace them and colour your smile.
For more information on choosing the right braces or colours for your braces please contact the friendly dentist in Camberwell today.
Dr. Anna Chau, BDSc (Hons) from the University of Melbourne, is a skilled dentist in Camberwell with 18 years of experience in both private and public practices. She has specialized training in cosmetic, implant, and laser dentistry and has taught at her alma mater. Dr. Anna Chau is committed to advancing dental care and promoting healthy habits among children through local volunteer work.