Braces Colors: How to Choose + Ideas Teens Love

Choosing braces colors is one of the most fun parts of starting orthodontic treatment — especially for teens. Whether you want something bold, subtle, seasonal, or totally unique, your elastics (the small colored bands around the brackets) are a great way to express your personality.

At Connolly Orthodontics, we love helping patients pick colors they feel confident in. Here’s a helpful guide to choosing the perfect braces colors, plus popular ideas teens love.

How Braces Colors Work

Your braces have small elastic ties that hold the archwire onto each bracket. These elastics come in dozens of colors, and you can change them at every adjustment — usually every 6-8 weeks. That means you can match the season, a holiday, your school colors, or even your mood.

How to Choose a Braces Color You’ll Love

✔ Pick colors that match your personality

Do you love bright colors? Soft pastels? Dark neutrals? There’s a shade for everyone.

✔ Choose colors that make your teeth look whiter

Darker colors like navy, deep purple, forest green, and maroon make teeth appear brighter.

✔ Avoid colors that might stain

Light colors (especially clear, white, or pale yellow) can show food discoloration more easily.

✔ Consider your wardrobe

If you wear a lot of blues, pinks, neutrals, or earth tones, choose elastics that complement your style.

✔ Think about activities you're involved in

For athletes, theater students, cheer squads, or band members, matching your team or group colors is a fun option.

Popular Braces Color Ideas for Teens

Cool, Trendy Colors

• Teal
• Royal blue
• Ocean blue
• Hot pink
• Mint green
• Deep purple

These colors look great in photos and rarely stain.

Two-Tone Color Combos

• Blue & silver
• Light blue & navy
• Purple & teal
• Pink & red
• Green & yellow
• Black & red

Alternating colors is perfect for teens who want something bold.

Holiday & Seasonal Color Ideas

Winter:

• Ice blue & silver
• Dark green & gold

Spring:

• Lavender & mint green
• Pink & coral

Summer:

• Teal & neon green
• Sky blue & yellow

Fall:

• Maroon & gold
• Hunter green & orange

Switching colors throughout the year is part of the fun!

School Spirit Colors

Wearing your school colors on your braces is a simple way to show pride — especially during sports season.

Colors That Make Teeth Look Whiter

• Navy
• Dark purple
• Burgundy
• Forest green
• Black (only if you like a bold look)

These create contrast, giving a brightening effect.

Colors Teens Often Avoid

These can sometimes look like food stains or discoloration:

• White (can look yellowish over time)
• Clear (easily stains with sauces or drinks)
• Yellow (highlights natural tooth color)
• Light green (sometimes looks like food stuck on brackets)

Of course, if your teen loves these colors, that’s totally okay — elastics get changed often!

Tips for Keeping Colors Looking Great

✔ Brush after meals
✔ Avoid foods that stain (tomato sauce, curry, dark sodas)
✔ Rinse after drinking anything sugary
✔ Keep regular cleaning appointments

The cleaner the teeth, the brighter the colors look.

Choosing Colors Should Be Fun — Let Us Help

Your braces colors are a small detail that can make a big difference in confidence. At Connolly Orthodontics, we make color choosing part of the fun — and we’re always here with recommendations if you’re unsure.

Ready to start your braces journey? Schedule a free consultation today.