The fun part of braces
Metal braces come with tiny elastic bands around each bracket, and those come in every color. Pick one, pick two, do your school colors, go full rainbow. And you get to change them at every visit.
How braces colors work
Each bracket is held to the wire by a small elastic tie (an "o-ring" or ligature). Those ties are what you're choosing when you pick braces colors. They're swapped out at every adjustment visit, usually every 6 to 8 weeks, so you're never stuck with a choice for long. Halloween orange in October, red and green in December, school colors for playoffs, whatever you want.
Colored ties are for metal braces. Clear braces use clear or tooth-colored ties to stay low-key, and Invisalign has no ties at all.
Braces color picker
Colors shown are approximate. Ask to see the real swatch ring at your visit.
Which braces colors look best?
- Want teeth to look whiter? Darker colors like navy, royal blue, purple, and dark green make teeth look brighter by contrast.
- Want braces to blend in? Silver, light grey, or clear ties disappear against metal brackets. (Skip white; it can make teeth look yellow next to it.)
- Skin tone tips: jewel tones (deep blue, emerald, purple, ruby) flatter most people. Bright pinks and turquoise pop on darker skin. Cool blues and purples suit lighter skin.
- Colors that stain: clear and very light ties can pick up color from coffee, curry, and red sauce between visits. Darker colors hide it. We swap them out every visit anyway.
- Colors to think twice about: yellow and brown can look like food. Black is bold but can look like a missing tooth from a distance. Some kids love it anyway.
Popular combos in El Paso
- Blue and orange for Chapin, red and black for Americas, black and gold for Eastlake, green and white for Montwood, maroon and gold for Andress, purple and gold for Burges, orange and black for Eastwood (and yes, we know them all)
- Miner orange and blue
- Dallas Cowboys navy and silver, or whatever your house argues about on Sundays
- Alternating two colors on top and bottom, or one color on top and a different one on bottom
- Rainbow, because you're 12 and you can
What it costs
Nothing extra. Colored ties are part of regular braces treatment, and changing colors at each visit is included. Braces at Smile 4 Less start as low as $99 a month with a free first visit. See pricing.
Braces colors FAQ
How often can I change my braces colors?
At every adjustment visit, usually every 6 to 8 weeks. Some patients pick a color for the season; some pick a new one every time.
Do colored braces cost more?
No. Colored ties are included with metal braces at no extra charge.
Can adults get colored braces?
Of course. Most adults choose silver or clear ties to keep things low-key, but it's your call.
Can I do a different color on each tooth?
Yes. Rainbow, alternating, or your own pattern. Just tell the assistant what you want.
Do the colors fade?
Light colors can tint a little from food and drinks over 6 to 8 weeks. They're replaced at each visit, so it never lasts.
Ready for a smile that fits your budget?
Your first visit is free, exam and X-ray included. We'll show you the plan and the price, no pressure.
Find your closest office
Open until 7:30pm so treatment fits around school, work, and everything else.