What should you consider when choosing colors for your braces?

1. Colors that compliment your skin tone
2. Colors that match your eye color
3. Colors that make your teeth appear whiter
4. Avoid colors that can be mistaken for food
5. Avoid colors that can easily be stained
6. Understand colors and their symbolism
7. Colors and related events

Aligning your teeth is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Aside from the aesthetic purpose, it will also allow you to speak and chew properly. For patients with severe cases, it might also treat pain. If you’re scheduled for a brace treatment at the best dental clinic in Taguig, one of the things you might be thinking about is choosing the band color. After all, it would be seen when you smile, eat, and take photos! To help you, here are some of the best color ideas for braces. Read on!

Colors That Complement Your Skin Tone

If you’re wearing braces for the first time, it is a good idea to consider your skin tone.  For women, it’s just like wearing lipstick that matches their complexion. For example, if you have a yellow or golden hue to your skin, it might be a good idea to go for warm shades—such as fiery reds and gold!

If you have cool-toned skin—with pink or blue hues—go for purple or blue-undertone colors such as cherry reds! For neutral skin types, because you have a mix of both undertones, you can go for a wide variety of colors.

Colors That Match Your Eye Color

While most Filipinos have dark brown eyes, some people also wear colored contact lenses daily to correct their vision. That’s why it is also a good idea to choose your brace colors depending on your eye color!

If you have brown eyes, you can go for earthy colors such as greens and blues. For blue eyes, the hues pink, blue, and lilac are great options. Those with green eyes will match a smile with purple, orange, green, and red bands.

Colors That Make Your Teeth Appear Whiter

Only babies’ teeth are naturally white. As you grow older, it is replaced with a light gray or light yellow color. This is because the enamel on the surface of your teeth gradually becomes thinner, which shows the underlying dentin—which is darker and more yellow.

If you have yellow-colored teeth, it may be wise to steer away from warm-colored bands because they can highlight this color. If you want to make your smile appear whiter, it is a good idea to go for darker hues. Dark purple and navy blue are good options.

Avoid Colors That Can Be Mistaken as Food

While wearing braces should be seen as an opportunity to show your personality, there are also a few colors that you should avoid. Because colored bands can be seen from afar, you would want to choose colors that won’t be mistaken as food.

This means that it is a good idea to avoid dark green, brown, and black. The first two can easily be mistaken as food stuck in your mouth while the latter is similar to rotting teeth.

Avoid Colors That Can Be Easily Stained

Speaking of colors that can be mistaken for food, you wouldn’t want bands that can also be stained—except if you take care of them properly. This is why clear elastics may not be the option for you especially if you consume dark foods such as curry and coffee. If you still want subtle-looking braces that are low-maintenance, opt for silver or gray.

If you want to prevent your clear bands from staining, the general rule is to keep up with your oral hygiene—which you should also be doing when wearing other colors. Rinse with water after snacks, brush your teeth after meals, and use floss and mouthwash. It is also a good idea not to smoke because nicotine can stain both your teeth and braces.

Understand Colors and Their Symbolism

Now that you have a good idea of the recommendations when choosing colors, knowing the symbolism associated with different hues will also be more meaningful for you. It can signify different emotions and feelings:

• White is usually associated with purity and innocence.
• Black can convey power and strength.
• Red is connected with passion and courage.
• Blue symbolizes intelligence and calmness.
• Yellow is linked with happiness and a jolly disposition.
• Purple represents royalty and wealth.
• Green is associated with growth just like in plants.
• Orange is connected with being creative.

Colors and Related Events

Once in a while, there might be an event that you may be passionate about. May it be National Women’s Month, Cancer Prevention Day, or Christmas—your brace color choice can also reflect that! This way, your smile could be more meaningful.

For example, a red and green color will fit in during the December holidays. During Halloween, wearing glow-in-the-dark bands could be a fun alternative to wearing a full costume. You could also ask your orthodontist to combine two colors!

Key Takeaway

If you’re a new brace wearer, you might not have an idea what color fits you. On the other hand, those who have had their braces for more than a year might be looking for ideas instead of their usual choices. Whatever the reason is, remember to have fun when exploring braces color ideas. After all, you can request a new hue each time your dentist adjusts your braces—which can happen between a few weeks or months.

If you’re still stumped on what color to choose, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist at Elevate Dental, a top dental clinic service organization in the Philippines for a recommendation. We will provide color wheels and tips that can narrow down your choice.