Choosing braces is an exciting step, and one of the most common questions we’re asked at Ortho Co is :
What are the best braces colours to get?
Whether you’re a child, teen, or adult, the colour of your braces can be a fun way to express your personality, complement your skin tone, or even make your teeth look whiter.
With so many braces colour ideas available today, it can feel overwhelming to decide which braces colour looks best for you.
As specialist orthodontists, Dr Doreen and the Ortho Co team have helped thousands of patients choose braces colours they feel confident wearing, at school, at work, and everywhere in between.
This guide will help you understand :
- What braces colours look good on different skin tones
- The most attractive and popular braces colours
- Which braces colours to avoid
- How to choose the best braces colour for you
Why Braces Colour Choice Matters
Braces elastics (also called braces bands or rubber bands and technical terms include modules or o-rings) sit around the brackets on most metal braces or ceramic braces.
While they don’t change how your braces work, they absolutely affect how your smile looks during treatment.
The best braces colours can :
- Make teeth appear whiter
- Complement your skin tone or eye colour
- Match school colours, seasons, or personal style
- Help kids and teens feel more confident wearing braces
And the best part?
Braces colours are not permanent, you can change them at each adjustment appointment.
Best Braces Colours for Kids and Teens
Kids and teens often enjoy experimenting with colour, and braces can be a fun part of self-expression.
Popular braces colours for kids and teens include :
- Blue braces (always a favourite)
- Pink braces
- Purple
- Teal
- Rainbow combinations
- Favourite sport team combinations
Cute braces colours such as pastel blues and pinks are especially popular with younger patients, and changing colours can be a great motivator for good brushing and appointment attendance.
At Ortho Co, our kids orthodontist can help guide your child in choosing colours that are fun while keeping their braces treatment on track. Additionally, we have our own signature colour called Cotton Flower which is super popular (this is a pastel bluey purple colour).
Best Braces Colours for Adults
Adults often ask, “what colour braces should I get if I want them to look subtle?”
Top braces colours for adults include :
- Silver braces (blend in with metal brackets)
- Navy
- Grey
- Clear or pearl elastics (for ceramic braces)
If you prefer minimal visibility, you may also want to explore lingual braces, which are placed behind the teeth and are hidden from view.
Braces Colours That Make Teeth Look Whiter
One of the most common questions we are asked :
“Which braces colour looks best to make teeth look whiter?”
The best braces colours for a whiter smile are :
- Dark blue
- Navy
- Deep purple
- Black braces
- Dark green
These colours create contrast with the natural shade of teeth, making them appear brighter.
Braces Colours to Avoid
Some colours can unintentionally highlight stains or discolouration.
Braces colours to avoid include :
- White (can look yellow next to teeth)
- Yellow (can exaggerate tooth colour)
- Brown (may resemble food)
- Clear rubber bands (stain easily)
If you enjoy coffee, tea, curry, or red wine, darker colours are usually more forgiving.
Best Braces Colours for School and Work
If you’re wondering what braces colours are the best for school or professional settings, consider :
- Silver
- Navy
- Grey
- Dark purple
- Clear on ceramic braces
These colours look polished and low-key while still allowing personality.
For patients in Sydney considering braces, learn more about treatment options here :
Braces Sydney
Popular Braces Colour Combinations
Some of the most popular braces colour combinations include :
- Pastel pink and blue
- Lavender and teal
- Pink and purple
- Black and red
- School colours
- Seasonal themes (red & green, pastel tones, or summer brights)
A best braces colour combination is one that feels personal and fun, there’s no “wrong” choice.
How Often Can You Change Braces Colours?
You can change your braces colours :
- At every adjustment appointment
- Usually every 6–8 weeks
This means you can try bold colours now and go subtle later, or change colours for special events.
Tips for Choosing the Right Braces Colour
If you’re still unsure how to choose braces colours, ask yourself :
- Do I want bold or subtle?
- Do I want my teeth to look whiter?
- Does this suit my skin tone?
- Will this fit my school or work environment?
Our orthodontic team is always happy to guide you, we see braces colours every day and know what works best long-term.
Final Thoughts from Dr Doreen
There is no single “best braces colour”, the best braces colours are the ones that make you feel confident, comfortable, and excited about your smile journey.
At Ortho Co, we believe orthodontic treatment should be effective, personalised, and enjoyable, right down to choosing your braces colour.
If you’re considering braces or already in treatment, we’d love to help guide you through every step.
Learn more about visiting our local practices :
Parramatta Orthodontist – Ortho Co
Canterbury Orthodontist – Ortho Co
