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Key points
- On metal braces, small coloured bands hold the wire in place, and you can usually pick new colours at each adjustment.
- Mixing two colours that go well together, such as navy and silver or purple and teal, looks fun without being too much.
- Darker shades tend to make teeth look whiter; very pale colours can make them look more yellow.
- Some people choose colours for a season, a football team, a birthday or a school event.
- Clear bands can pick up stains from food and drinks, so they may not stay clear for long.
Summary
Choosing brace colours is one of the parts of treatment many children and teenagers look forward to most. In this short video Dr Sarah shares colour combinations that work well together, so you can decide before you sit in the chair.
Colours are changed at most adjustment appointments, so if you don’t love a combination you only have it for a few weeks. Our longer video on choosing brace colours has more tips.
Questions about this topic
How often can I change my brace colours?
Usually at each adjustment appointment, when the coloured bands are replaced.
Which brace colours make teeth look whiter?
Darker shades such as navy, purple or dark green often make teeth look whiter than pale yellow, white or clear.
Do coloured bands cost extra?
No, choosing colours is part of having metal braces.