What Color Braces Should You Get?

May 4, 2026

The power of choice. You get to choose the clothes you wear. You get to choose what you eat. You get to choose who you’re friends with. You get to choose what your hobbies are. 


The world is filled with choices and when it comes to colors for braces, it’s no different! The braces color wheel is made up of all of the colors of the rainbow, and more.


So then the question becomes, what are the best colors for braces?

Well, in some ways, that’s up to you and your personal preference, but there are certainly plenty of factors that can help inform your decision. So without further ado, here’s what patients most commonly want to know most.

What Do the Colors on the Braces Color Wheel Mean?

When your orthodontist gives you a braces color chart, what you’re really choosing is the color of the small elastic bands that hold your wire to the bracket. In theory, could these braces band colors just be a neutral color? Sure. But where’s the fun in that? Color bands for braces provide an easy way to add customization and personalization to your braces experience.

The braces color wheel has colors ranging from neutrals like silver, clear, and white, to pastels, to more bold primary colors, all the way to neon colors, with plenty of variations in between. Some practices will have 20 color options, while others might have 50. Regardless, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

Now you could just go with your favorite color and call it a day, but what not everyone thinks about is how the different color braces look in the context of the other colors around them: the enamel of your teeth, the metal of the brackets, your skin tone, etc. 


Which leads us to our next question that everyone wants to know.


What Color Braces Make Your Teeth Look Whiter?

The secret to making your teeth look whiter is contrast. Simply put, dark color braces create the most contrast against enamel, and because of that your teeth appear brighter and whiter than they actually are. Navy blue, dark purple, forest green, and deep burgundy are a few good colors for braces that can create a really clean and sharp looking smile if white teeth is your main goal.

Now, does that mean that if you’re leaning more pastel, that your teeth are going to look bad? Certainly not. It’s simply that if white teeth is your main goal, then darker colored bands for braces is an easy trick to make your teeth look whiter.

The band colors for braces that you should avoid if you want to maximize whiteness are yellow, pale gold, off-white, and clear. White bands are the biggest trap, because while they look like a nice color for braces when you’re taking a look at the braces color chart, they are not the most resistant to the wear and tear of everyday life. For example, they can stain easily from coffee, tea, and other foods.


Braces Colors by Vibe and Personality


A lot of people search for stuff like what are the best braces colors for girls or what are the best braces colors for boys, but at the end of the day, you should really just choose whatever braces color you like and feel comfortable with. There really isn’t a true best color for braces. 


For example, if you want something bold like neon, then go neon. If you want something that’s more understated and low-key, then navy, dark green, or charcoal could be good options. You could even choose braces colors that complement an outfit if you have a big event coming up. 


Some offices will allow you to choose two or more colors. In this case, you may want to choose complementary colors that look good together. Some of our most popular combinations among girls are pink and blue or pink and purple, in all of their various shades. Your favorite sports team colors are also always a great choice. Green and red are very popular around the Christmas season, while orange and black are a common choice around Halloween.

And the great thing about choosing your braces colors? Nothing’s permanent! There’s a good chance that you’ll try out all kinds of color options during your treatment. After all, you’ll get band replacements every 4 to 8 weeks. 


There aren’t any rules here, just preferences, so have some fun with it, and choose braces band colors that feel right for you.



Conclusion


When people search for what is the best color for braces, they’re often hoping for a clear cut answer. However, if the answer was cut and dry, then there wouldn’t be a braces color wheel with 20+ color options. When it comes down to it, the best colors for braces are the ones that help you feel good when you smile in the mirror.

Whether you go bold with colors that pop or more subtle with neutral colors, there’s no wrong answer. 


At Cardall Orthodontics, we know that choosing a color can be difficult, which is why we are there during your consultation to talk things through, and help you pick a nice color for braces that suits you and allows you to feel confident during treatment. We maintain a very large selection of color choices so you’ll always be able to find something you’ll love.

If you’re looking for the best quality orthodontist in Bakersfield, CA then feel free to reach out and we’ll help get you on the path to a brighter and healthier smile.

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