Braces are the go to option for both children and adults if they want to deal with any misalignment, crooked teeth, odd gaps or jaw positioning related issues. While this method is very effective in straightening teeth and putting them in the desired order, you may be required to wear these for as long as two years in case of the more severe issues. This can dampen the self esteem of many teenagers and adults, who may not feel as confident about themselves with these small metal contraptions on the front of their teeth.
This, however, should be a limiting factor for your smile. If you are a child or teenager, you can make a statement with the type of braces that you choose to go with. You can choose from the many different brightly-colored bands available at your dentist or orthodontist in order to personalize the overall look of your braces and bring them more in line with your personal aesthetic.
If you are an adult who doesn’t want any bright colors on his or her teeth, there are a number of alternatives available for you as well. Some of these popular options are briefly discussed below.
Types of Braces
Both, children and adults, can choose between some of the most popular types of braces in the market. This decision cannot simply be made on the basis of the color you like, you will also need to consider the unique selling point of each, and how that suits your individual needs.
Metal Braces
The first type to be discussed here are metal braces. Also the cheapest option available, metal braces are made up of silver-looking metal brackets and wires. The brackets go directly on to the patient’s teeth and the wire is threaded through the small slots on the brackets. To hold the entire system in place, you will be required to use tiny rubber bands. Depending on the kind of bands you use, the color of your braces can also seem different. This will be discussed in more detail later.
Ceramic Braces
If you don’t want anything that stands out too much, you can opt for ceramic braces. As these are made of ceramic material, they tend to camouflage themselves in the background of your teeth. The wire may still be visible but this is a step up from regular metal braces.
Lingual Braces
The most expensive option out of all these is lingual braces. These braces are customized according to each patient and fitted at the back of the teeth, facing the tongue. This is a significant difference from metal or ceramic braces as no one can tell that you even have braces.
Invisalign
The last option is for people who want to align their teeth in a particular manner without the more noticeable look of braces. Invisalign is a type of clear aligner that can be used to fix the less severe misalignment issues. As it is clear and removable, it works well for people who don’t want their orthodontic appliances to be easily visible.
How to Pick the Best Color for Regular Braces?
The other options mentioned above don’t give you the freedom to pick the color that you want on your teeth. However, with regular braces, you have that choice. If you are looking to express yourself more freely through this medium and want to pick the right kind of color for your braces, there are no major rules to play by. You can choose the color that you feel suits your skin tone, or a color that is able to express your personality in the best way possible.
There are, however, some tips and tricks that you should keep in mind when you are picking these colors. These are mentioned below, along with a few ideas that could help in making your time with braces more enjoyable.
Colors That Make Teeth Look Whiter
Many people are conscious about their teeth being a little on the yellowish side. If you are worried about this and want to make your teeth look whiter than they are, choosing the right color of bands can help give your teeth a brighter look. Instead of choosing yellows and oranges that can give a yellowish hue to the teeth, opt for darker colors. Some good options are black, navy blue, deep purples and so on. If you prefer something brighter, you can try reds and light blue. Not only will it add color to your braces, they can also make your teeth look brighter.
Colors for Special Events
As these bands can be changed every month or two, you can also opt for more seasonal colors or colors for special occasions and events. For example, you can pick your school colors for your braces, or festive colors like red and green for Christmas and orange and black for Halloween. If you are going for seasonal colors, try white and blue for the summer months and something a little darker for the winter. Some orthodontists may also be able to give you the option of glow-in-the-dark bands if you are looking for something different, yet fun.
Other Color Ideas for Braces
If the above options don’t strike your fancy, there are some other great ideas to consider. For example, you could pick your favorite colors and have them on your braces. Another option is checking your closet for the most prevalent color and then matching your braces to that color to take your style game to the next level. You could also opt for the colors of your favorite sports team or simply a color that goes well with your eyes!
Wrap-Up
While there are tons of options when it comes to braces, it is important that you maintain good oral hygiene at all times. Try to avoid beverages like coffee, tea or dark sodas that can leave odd stains on your teeth. These can also end up changing the color of the bands that you choose. Finally, one color will not last the entire duration of your braces. If you don’t like it, get another one the next time!
