Many people enjoy having fun with the color of their rubber bands while wearing traditional braces. Some people like to dress their brackets in seasonal colors such as orange and black for Halloween or green and red around Christmas. Some may even opt for the colors of their favorite sports team. However, some people just want rubber bands that make their teeth appear to be as white as possible. Here’s a brief overview of how you can dress your braces so that they make your smile seem brighter.
What Color Is Right for My Braces?
Your rubber bands will be removed and replaced at each of your regular orthodontic visits, so there’s no need to commit to just one color and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to experiment. It’s important to remember that the same color can appear different based on the colors it is contrasted against, so certain hues of rubber bands can make your teeth look whiter than others. A few tips include:
- Darker colors such as navy blue, deep purple, or black can contrast with the whiteness of your teeth, making them appear even brighter.
- While you might think that white rubber bands are the best way to make your teeth look whiter, the truth is that they can overpower the whiteness of your teeth and make them appear more yellowish.
- Earthy colors like dark green and brown can appear to be unsightly food debris.
- While yellow or gold may seem like bright and sunny colors for your smile, they can give the appearance of plaque buildup.
Are There Any Other Ways to Help My Teeth Look Whiter While Wearing Braces?
Luckily, you don’t have to rely on rubber bands to keep your smile looking great. A proper oral hygiene routine that includes brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash can keep the plaque, food debris, and harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay and dental discoloration at bay. Just remember to follow your orthodontist’s hygiene recommendations precisely to ensure that you clean under and around your braces properly. You should also avoid dark-colored foods and beverages that can cause stains such as coffee, tea, colas, red wine, and berries.
Orthodontic treatment can be an excellent and effective step towards a healthier and more beautiful smile. With a little color sense and a firm command of your oral hygiene, your smile can look great as it is straightened out.
About the Author
Dr. Alison Fitzgerald earned her dental degree at the Creighton School of Dentistry and furthers her education through advanced coursework from the Kois Center, Progressive Orthodontics, and the American Orthodontic Society. She loves helping her patients to achieve better health and more beautiful smiles. Her office in Tucson, AZ, offers preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as orthodontic services. To schedule an orthodontic consultation, contact her office online or dial (520) 338-2980.