How to Choose the Perfect Colours of Braces for Your Smile

You're sitting in the orthodontist chair, and suddenly you're faced with a colour wheel that looks like it belongs in an art studio. There are dozens of tiny coloured bands staring back at you, and the question hangs in the air: which one do you pick?

If that feels overwhelming, you're not alone. Many people do not realise braces can be customised until the fitting. The good news is choosing your braces colours is one of the most fun parts of treatment and they are not permanent. Whatever you pick today, you can change it at your next adjustment, usually in six to eight weeks.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about braces colours, from trending UK shades to clever colour tricks that can make your teeth look whiter.

How Do the Colours of Braces Work?

When people talk about the colours of braces, they're actually referring to the tiny elastic bands called ligatures that wrap around each bracket on your teeth. These small rubber bands hold the archwire in place, and they come in every colour you can think of.

You get these elastic ligatures replaced at every adjustment appointment, which typically happens every six to eight weeks. This means you're not committed to one colour for your entire treatment. You can switch things up regularly, experiment with different shades, and even plan your colours around upcoming events or seasons.

Popular Colours of Braces: What's Trending in 2026?

Both NHS and private orthodontic treatments in the UK offer colour options, though private clinics may have a slightly wider selection. Either way, you'll have plenty of choices to work with.

Classic Favourites That Never Go Out of Style

Some colours stay popular year after year because they suit almost everyone. Through years of working with patients, we’ve noticed that blue is a long-time favourite, with shades ranging from deep navy to brighter royal blue. It’s easy to wear, works with most outfits, and looks good on a wide range of skin tones.

Purple is another reliable choice for many. Dark violet feels bold, while lighter lavender is softer and more understated. It suits both younger patients and adults who want something noticeable but not too loud.

We’ve also noticed that pink is now very popular, especially since its recent return to fashion. Soft blush tones feel gentle and fun, while brighter pinks add a playful touch without feeling over the top.

Red is perfect if you want to look confident. Bold red or rich burgundy shades tend to attract extroverts and those who enjoy being noticed.

Colours That Are Having a Moment of Fame

Teal and turquoise have become increasingly popular for their fresh twist on the traditional blue palette. These shades feel modern and work beautifully across different seasons.

Burgundy and cranberry tones are very trendy among adults who want something sophisticated yet distinctive. These deeper reds feel elevated and professional while still adding personality.

Emerald green has also been gaining votes. It's a rich, jewel-toned option that symbolises growth according to colour psychology.

Colours of Braces That Make Your Teeth Look Whiter

Did you know that the right colour choice can actually create the illusion of whiter teeth? It all comes down to basic colour theory. Let’s see what we have:

How Does Colour Theory Work for Braces?

Think about complementary colours on a colour wheel. Colours that sit opposite each other, like red and green, create contrast, and when you place them next to each other, both appear more intense. So what’s yellow's opposite on the colour wheel? Purple and blue.

Since most teeth have some natural yellow undertones, choosing colours that contrast with yellow creates a visual effect where your teeth appear brighter and whiter by comparison. It's not magic, it's just how our eyes perceive colour.

Best Colours for a Whiter-Looking Smile and Which Ones You Should Avoid

• Darker blues like navy, sapphire, and cerulean are great if you want your teeth to look whiter. The strong contrast helps the natural white of your teeth stand out more.
• Deep purple shades work well for the same reason. Colours like violet and amethyst help reduce the look of yellow tones, which can make your smile appear brighter.
• Burgundy and cranberry are also good choices. These deeper reds soften yellow undertones while giving a polished, elegant look.
• Some greens can work too. Emerald and turquoise add contrast and interest.

What Colours of Braces to Avoid Not to Have Yellow-Looking Teeth

Now for the colours that probably won’t do you any favours in the teeth-whitening department.

• White and clear bands often seem like a safe choice, but they can have the opposite effect. They draw attention to any discolouration and stain easily from food and drinks, which can make teeth look darker over time.
• Yellow and gold bands tend to blend in with natural tooth colour, which makes yellow tones stand out more. Warm shades like brown and orange can have the same effect.
• Light greens can also make teeth look less bright, especially if they have yellow undertones. 
• Black bands can feel bold, but they sometimes resemble cavities or food caught in your braces, which usually isn’t the look people want.

How to Choose the Right Colour of Braces for You

Picking Colours of Braces isn't just about following trends. The best choice depends on several personal factors that make the colour look great, specifically on you.

Consider Your Skin Tone

Your skin tone plays a bigger role than you can expect in how certain colours will look.

If you have fair or lighter skin, cool tones will work beautifully. Think light blue, lavender, baby pink, silver, and sky blue. Soft reds and pinks can also look lovely against lighter complexions.

For medium or olive skin tones, we suggest bold colours like turquoise, coral, and dark purple. These create a beautiful contrast without overwhelming your features.

If you have darker skin, you've got some wonderful options. Orthodontists at Zental say gold, dark blue, violet, orange, green, and bright pink will all look particularly nice. Vibrant and metallic colours can also be very flattering.

Think About Your Hair and Eye Colour

If you have brown hair, gold, teal, and deep red shades tend to complement your colouring nicely.

Blonde hair pairs beautifully with baby blue and lavender for a fresh, coordinated look.

Here's a clever trick from Zental’s specialists: choosing a colour that matches your eye colour creates a sense of facial continuity and draws subtle attention to your eyes.

Age and Lifestyle Matter Too

Your age and daily routine can influence what colour braces feel right.

For Children (Ages 8-12)

Bright, fun colours work well at this age. Bold blues, purples, greens, or mixed colours can make braces feel more exciting. Letting children choose their own colours often helps them feel more positive about treatment.

For Teenagers

Teens often like colours that feel trendy, but still show some personality. Shades like aqua, blush pink, electric blue, or school and sports team colours are popular choices.

For Adults

If you're an adult, especially one in a professional environment, you will probably prefer more subtle options. Clear, silver, and tooth-coloured ligatures offer a low-key look. But you don't have to feel limited to neutrals. Navy, deep purple, and forest green all look elegant and polished and still add personality.

Express Your Personality

Colours communicate something about who you are, whether consciously or not, and different colours carry different psychological associations:

• Red feels confident and energetic.
• Blue gives a calm, reliable impression.
• Green feels fresh and balanced.
• Pink comes across as warm and friendly.
• Black looks bold and refined.
• Purple suggests creativity and individuality.
• Orange feels adventurous and outgoing.
• Yellow feels bright and cheerful.

Choose a colour that reflects how you want to feel during your orthodontic treatment. If you need a confidence boost, maybe red is your colour. If you want to project calm and reliability, blue might be the way to go.

Creative Ways to Mix and Match Colours of Braces

Who says you have to stick with just one colour? Getting creative with colour combinations can make your braces feel truly unique.

Two-Tone Combinations

Pairing two complementary colours creates a fun, multi-dimensional look. Some popular combinations we’ve noticed are:

• Navy and silver or light blue
• Teal and pink
• Lavender and silver
• Purple and turquoise

Rainbow Patterns

For those who want maximum impact, having a different colour on every tooth creates a genuine rainbow effect. It's bold, cheerful, and definitely makes a statement.

Alternating Patterns

Our orthodontists suggest trying alternating patterns, like one colour on your top arch and a different colour on the bottom. You could also alternate colours between teeth for a more subtle pattern effect.

How to Keep Your Braces Colours Looking Fresh

Some colours stay looking good longer than others, and a few simple habits can help your braces look their best between appointments.

Avoid Colours That Stain Easily

If you love your morning coffee or can't resist a curry, you might want to think twice about choosing white, clear, light pink, or pale yellow ligatures. These shades stain more easily and can start to look discoloured before your next appointment.

Choose Stain-Resistant Options Instead

Darker colours like navy, purple, and black are much more forgiving. At Zental, our specialists note that these shades don't show staining as obviously, which makes them practical choices for food lovers.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Colours Vibrant

A few habits will help your braces look their best:

• Brush after every meal. This prevents food particles from sitting against your ligatures and causing discolouration.
• Floss daily, using interdental brushes if needed to clean around brackets.
• Limit staining foods and drinks like berries, coffee, tea, and red wine when possible.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Keep up with your scheduled appointments every six weeks or so.
• Use a gentle whitening toothpaste that's approved by your dentist.

What If Coloured Braces Aren't for You?

Not everyone wants visible braces, and that's completely valid. If discretion is your priority, a few alternatives exist:

• Clear aligners like Invisalign are removable and virtually invisible. They're popular among adults and working professionals who want minimal visibility. At Zental, you can even combine clear aligner treatment with teeth whitening.
• Ceramic braces use tooth-coloured or clear brackets that blend with your teeth. Paired with clear or tooth-coloured ligatures, they're much more subtle than traditional metal braces.
• Lingual braces sit behind your teeth, making them invisible from the front entirely.

Each option has its own pros and cons when it comes to the cost of braces, treatment time, and suitability for different cases. If you're interested in less visible options, it's worth discussing them with your orthodontist.

Our team is here to guide you through every step, including helping you pick the perfect brace colours. You can book a consultation at your local Zental clinic to discuss your options and get personalised guidance.

FAQ

What if I hate the colour of my braces?

Don't worry. Unlike a bad haircut, this is temporary. You'll be swapping out those bands at your next appointment, so you're never stuck with a colour for long.

Do different colours affect how well my braces work?

Not at all. The colour of your ligatures is purely aesthetic. They all function identically in holding your archwire in place.

Can I whiten my teeth while wearing braces?

With traditional fixed braces, it's best to wait until they're removed. Whitening gel can't reach the tooth surface under brackets, which could result in uneven colouring. Clear aligners offer more flexibility since they're removable. It’s best to consult with your dentist before booking for the procedure to avoid any harm on your teeth.

Are some colours more expensive than others?

No. The coloured ligatures all cost the same, so you can choose based purely on preference.