Have you ever wondered why you need rubber bands on each tooth when you wear braces? Some may think it’s just so you can have those fun colors, but actually, they are very important during brace treatment. Those rubber bands, which are very brightly colored most of the time, are needed around each bracket to hold the wire inside the bracket. It is critical to keep the wire inside the bracket because the wire controls tooth movement in most orthodontic cases. The wire would not be held in place without the rubber band.
At York Orthodontics, there are a variety of options for colored braces that you will definitely love at least one of them.
Where Does the Color of the Braces Come In?
Conventional braces consist of several components. The arch wires that run from tooth to tooth are held in place by strong metal bands that encircle your back molars. Rubber bands (or elastic ligatures) help to attach the upper and lower archwires to the front of each tooth. Rubber bands are available in different colors, so they can make things colorful.
Since most orthodontic treatment cases are kids between 8 and 14 years old, the majority of color choices are oriented toward kids. However, for a particular occasion, some adults might choose a fanciful, transient splash of color.
How many different colors of braces are available?
There are so many. Many orthodontists provide their patients with a color wheel that displays the entire color spectrum. These are typically like an artist’s palette. Because you’ll be wearing these elastics until your next appointment, most orthodontists don’t mind giving you a few minutes to pick a color.
How Frequently Can I Change the Color of My Braces?
How often your orthodontist will adjust your braces depends on how fast your teeth move. However, most people need to have an adjustment once every 6 to 8 weeks. You will have a chance to select a new colored band every time your orthodontist tightens your braces.
How Can I Choose the Best-Colored Braces?
While opting for the best color, some tips need to be kept in mind.
Consider your skin tone.
If you want to stand out in the crowd, consider a rubber band color that matches your skin tone.
Here are some tips:
- For darker skin, bold jewel tones like magenta, green, gold, turquoise, and dark blue are great choices, but brighter colors like orange or violet can make you stand out.
- For olive skin tones, colors like berries or purples can make you pop up.
- For medium skin tones, try warm colors like green, blue, and pink.
- If you have fairer skin, we suggest choosing colors like bronze, dark purple, or shades of light pink, blue, or red.
Consider the color of eyes and hair
A brace’s color can emphasize the color of your eyes. Here are some tips that are worth remembering:
- If you have blue eyes, it’s better to choose shades of blue, light purple, or pink.
- If you have green eyes, try to choose a deep emerald or orange.
- If you have brown eyes, colors like varying shades of green can make you pop.
When it comes to hair, try focusing on contrasting shades to make your face stand out.
Choose colors that matches the color of your teeth.
Some colors can brighten your smile. For this purpose, focus on richer or deeper colors like:
- dark green braces
- dark purple braces
- burgundy braces
- deep orange braces
Draw attention to your favorite color.
If you like a specific color, choose it. Your braces can be a fun area to show off your favorite shades. Your teeth may move, but you are still uniquely you.
Embracing seasons
You have the option to change your braces’ color based on seasons.
For instance, Neons are a favorite summertime color because they are reminiscent of ocean and sand color combos.
In spring, petal pink or mint green are perfect.
In autumn, school colors can be cool, unless you want to wear all black due to the end of the summer holidays.
Also, you can match your ligature color to a particular event, but keep in mind the time of the upcoming appointment. You probably won’t want black and orange Halloween bands until the middle of November if the time of your next appointment is in the middle of the month.
Metallicize
Although matte lip colors are still popular, you can still glitter in other places. Your smile can sparkle with colors shades in metallic, silver, and gold glitter, which are particularly suitable for special occasions.
Brace Colors That Are Better to Avoid.
When selecting a brace color, keep in mind that some colors may cause your teeth to appear yellowish or be mistaken for something else (such as food).
Here are some colors that are better to avoid choosing:
- Brighter or more vivid greens (that resemble food)
- White or lucid (may cause teeth to appear yellow)
- Yellow (intensifies the yellow color of teeth)
- Black (gives a false impression that your teeth are rotting)
- Brown (resembles food)
Best Braces’ Colors for Adults
Fortunately, braces are accessible for all ages and are considered an effective treatment option. While many adults are unabashed accessory fans, braces are unlikely to be a place for self-expression. Luckily, there are still other options that may be suitable for you.
Consider an elastic color that matches your brackets to keep it subtle. If you’re wearing metal brackets, they’re most likely pale grey or silver. White ceramic braces are also available. Clear elastics may appear to be the least visible option, but they can be stained by coffee, tea, red wine, or soft drinks in the time between appointments.
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing the Color of Your Braces?
Choosing the right color for your braces can be a fun experience, but there are a few things to consider.
Braces’ Color may change.
According to a trusted source study, all brands of elastic ligatures become stained after a month. The original ligature color changes depending on:
- The rubber band’s brand
- brushing habits
- The pigments in the consumed foods and drinks were bacteria that had become embedded in the elastic itself.
While some discoloration is to be expected, clear and light-colored bands may be more susceptible to color change. Fortunately, you will be able to change the colors or have them replaced during your next visit.
Dental habits
It is critical to maintain your dental hygiene while wearing braces by brushing and flossing every day.
This not only keeps your teeth strong and healthy, but it can also keep the color of your braces in good shape to help avoid discoloration.
Diet
Getting braces does not mean changing your diet, but there are a few things to consider.
First, your teeth may be sensitive after visiting the orthodontist, so stick to soft foods for the first few days.
Second, food may become stuck in your braces, which can affect the color. So, after eating anything green, brown, or a vibrant color, keep an eye on your teeth.
Tooth color
The color of your teeth may affect how your brace appears, but there are ways to work around this.
Sticking to darker colors (except for brown or black) will allow you to contrast the color of your teeth against the braces, making your smile appear brighter.
Also, avoid using bright colors or whites.
How to Take Care of Your Braces?
When you first get braces, you may be tempted to obsess over keeping them clean. Nobody wants to look in the mirror and see food particles clinging to their brackets. However, how you look is the least important reason to be diligent about brushing and flossing. Because there are so many new places for bacteria to hide in your mouth once you have braces, practicing good oral hygiene is especially important to avoid plaque, cavities, gingivitis, and long-term tooth discoloration.
Your orthodontist will show you proper brushing and flossing techniques. You should practice once or twice before leaving the office. You may also want to invest in special cleaning tools, such as floss threaders or a Waterpik, to make it easier to keep them clean.
The Takeaway
Braces are an important step toward achieving a healthy, attractive smile.
Adding colorful elastics to your braces can make the process of getting that new smile more enjoyable. Consider your own skin, hair, and eye color, as well as any special events on your calendar, when selecting brace colors.
Moreover, you should avoid pure white and colors that stain easily.
Changing the colors of your rubber bands is a fun way to express your personal style, celebrate holidays, and add a new twist to your orthodontic experience.
Come to York Orthodontics and check out all the color options we have; we have so many choices, and you’ll definitely find one you love.
