Let’s be honest. No one loves wearing braces, but we are willing to endure it because of the promise of a healthier, more beautiful smile. But did you know that you don’t have to be resigned to just plain metal braces during your orthodontic treatment. Teens in high school and college especially will love the chance to make their braces unique. Adding fun colors to your braces can make you feel more comfortable wearing them and boost your confidence. And if you have an artistic soul think about how creative you can get with your braces.
Can you really add color to your braces?
If you are still confused about how color can be added, it is really quite simple. It is the tiny elastics that go around each bracket of your braces that can come in different colors. You can choose just one color for all the elastics or choose a color pattern. Most orthodontists will offer you almost 30 different color options so you can have a multicolor smile if you desire.
The good news is that your elastics generally need to be changed either every month or so, which means if your color choices don’t work out like you thought they would, you won’t have to live with them very long. Definitely less risky than that tattoo you have been secretly wanting.
Here are 9 tips for picking the right color for your braces:
- Come prepared to your first orthodontist with an idea of what colors look best of you and what colors complement each other. If you just try to make an impromptu decision on the spot, you might get overwhelmed by all the choices and not think things through as much as you probably should.
- Also find out if your orthodontist has a color wheel you can choose from. If they have a wheel that is interactive, you can play around with the different colors before you even go in for your appointment.
- Take into consideration what you normally like to wear, what the typical color scheme of your wardrobe is.
- Avoid choosing black or brown bands that look too much like pieces of food stuck in your teeth. That look doesn’t look good on anybody, right?
- Don’t be afraid to get creative and pick your school colors or the colors of your favorite sports team or even band.
- Pick colors that complement your skin tone and eye color. The rule of thumb is that warmer colors like red, peach, coral and olive green complement darker skin tones while cooler colors like bright blue, pink and turquoise are best for lighter skin tones. If you have blue eyes, blue bands will make your eyes pop more. If you have brown or hazel eyes, instead go for deep blues or purples.
- Check out the online tool, Braces Color Picker, to help you play around with colors and patterns.
- Unless you have very bright white teeth, avoid white, gold and yellow elastics because they may make yellow teeth appear even more yellow.
If you prefer to have less noticeable braces when you smile, you might want to consider Invisalign aligners which are clear plastic removable aligners or ceramic braces which are tooth-colored.
Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners are not permanently adhered to your teeth. You can remove them when you eat and drink and when you brush and floss. Also because they are made of a clear plastic, most people will not even know you are wearing them, and they will not irritate your mouth or gums like the metal wires can.
Another benefit is that you can eat and drink anything you want while with metal braces you have to avoid hard and sticky foods. The great thing about Invisalign treatment is that they are more comfortable and convenient than traditional metal braces. Invisalign braces however were designed with the wearer’s comfort in mind.
Because Invisalign braces don’t include any metal or wires that could cause damage to the inside your mouth. The clear braces are designed with a smooth finish so that they are no sharp edges that can cause you discomfort. Also metal braces have been known to accelerate teeth decay because of the enormous amount of pressure put on the teeth. With Invisalign, you still get the desired results but in a way that is gentler on your teeth. Taking care of Invisalign clear braces is also very easy. All you will have to do is brush their aligners and rinse them with warm water to clean them. Invisalign cleaning kits are also available.
Another option if having braces that are pretty much invisible to other people is important to you, is ceramic braces. Brackets made of tooth-colored ceramic blends in more easily that the metal brackets. Ask your orthodontist also about lingual braces. With this type of treatment, the braces are attached to the backs of your teeth instead of the fronts, making them practically invisible. Not every orthodontist though is skilled in this approach and there are certain bite or alignment issues that these braces won’t work for.
Whichever way you decide to go, the skill and approach of the orthodontist is crucial to a good experience. It is important to find an orthodontist who has the education and experience in not only treating different alignment issues, but also using different types of treatment.
Make sure you schedule several consultations with orthodontists so you can find the perfect one to fit your needs. Look for one who can offer you individualized attention, an experienced and caring staff and the most up-to-date equipment and technology.
When you step into their office, you also want to find a staff that is very compassionate and friendly and who gives off a sense of comfort and peace of mind to all their patients.
Consider Drs. Pale, Gemmi and Middleberg at Orthodontics Limited, P.C., for your orthodontic treatment. They know how important a straight smile is to your health and your overall sense of self and they want to help you achieve that smile you have always wanted. Contact them today.
