Braces are perhaps the most tried-and-true of all dental treatments, having assisted countless generations of patients with all sorts of orthodontic issues. But when most of us think about braces, images of the infamous metal brackets and wires come to mind—however, there are other important components to the treatment as well, such as the colored elastic bands that fit around the brackets. Continue reading to learn more about how these bands are used in the orthodontic process and which colors are best for accentuating the whiteness of your teeth!

Why Do I Need to Wear Elastic Bands?

The elastic bands worn with braces aren’t anything fancy or high-tech; made from medical-grade latex, they’re used to apply steady pressure to your teeth to help them move as intended. During your regular orthodontic checkups, they’re often swapped for new ones to ensure their integrity.

Not only do they assist with treatment, but they also add a bit of flare to your orthodontic journey since they come in pretty much every color under the sun. Many patients find that picking a new color for their braces is an exciting, silver-lining moment during each checkup.

Which Braces Color Is Best for My Teeth?

The color of your braces is an important aesthetic choice, granted that you’d probably like your teeth to look as white as possible during your orthodontic journey! That said, here are a few rubber band colors you should consider if you’re hoping to accentuate the whiteness of your teeth during treatment:

• Darker shades like royal blue, navy blue, indigo, violet, and other similar blues and purples can all create a nice level of contrast and make your teeth seem whiter. Black can also achieve this effect.
• Clear or silver elastics are also ideal, especially if your teeth are already slightly tinted yellow.

Are There Any Colors I Should Avoid?

Even though you have virtually every color to choose from, there are a few that you should avoid if you’re concerned about how they’ll impact your smile’s appearance. Be mindful of the following elastic colors:

• White, since these bands can easily become stained and make your teeth appear more stained than they actually are. Avoid yellow and gold for the same reason.
• Darker shades of green or brown might resemble food debris stuck in your braces.

Whether it’s your first checkup since receiving braces or your final one, you should want your smile to look its best during every stage of treatment—and believe it or not, the color of your elastics can play a large role in this! Fortunately, that also makes it relatively easy to boost your smile’s radiance, and in turn, your self-esteem throughout your braces journey.

About the Practice

Our talented team here at Simply Orthodontics Framingham is excited to provide an elite level of care to patients and families in Framingham and the surrounding area. Under the leadership of Dr. Anna Simon and Dr. Sam Alkhoury, we’re pleased to offer a wide range of orthodontic services that are certain to help you and your loved ones achieve healthier, straighter smiles that’ll send your confidence soaring! If you have any questions about the blog or if you’d like to schedule a visit, feel free to contact us online or by phone for additional information. Telephone: (508) 250-0170.