Quick answer
Black braces score 74 out of 100 on our Tooth Brightness Index, so black makes teeth look whiter. Stain risk is low, and black ranks number 3 of 27 colours overall. Black looks best paired with silver, red and hot pink.
Black braces at a glance
On a real smile black bands read as a crisp outline around each bracket. They look bold up close and neat in photos, and they never show food stains.
How black braces look on a real smile
All four pictures are the same real smile. Only the bands, the pattern or the tooth shade change.
Do black braces make teeth look whiter?
Black makes teeth look whiter. It scores 74 out of 100 and ranks number 3 of 27 colours for whiteness. Dark, cool colours like black are darker than enamel and sit opposite its natural yellow, so teeth look brighter beside them. Here is how the score changes with your natural tooth shade:
| Tooth shade | Score | Compared with navy |
|---|---|---|
| Very white (B1) | 75 | -6 points |
| Natural (A1) | 75 | -6 points |
| Warm (A2) | 74 | -6 points |
| More yellow (A3) | 74 | -6 points |
Scores come from each colour's measured lightness and hue against four real tooth shades. How the Tooth Brightness Index works.
Best colours to pair with black
Each picture alternates black with a partner colour, tooth by tooth. Tap one to open it in the picker.
Who black braces suit
Anyone who wants a confident, no-fuss look, including adults and people who prefer neutral colours. Black works with every skin tone and every outfit.
Worth knowing
From a distance some people think black bands look like gaps or food. If that worries you, navy gives almost the same whitening effect with a hint of blue.
Similar colours to compare
| Colour | Brightness | Stain risk | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 74 | Low | This page |
| Navy Blue | 80 | Low | Navy Blue braces |
| Teal | 36 | Low | Teal braces |
| Pink | 25 | Low | Pink braces |
| Blue | 52 | Low | Blue braces |
| Red | 26 | Low | Red braces |
See all 27 colours in the braces colors guide, the ranked list, or let the quiz pick for you.
Try it on your own smile
Spin the wheel, mix two colours and see the Tooth Brightness score live.
Common questions
Are black braces a good idea?
Yes for most people. Black is one of the three most flattering colours for whiter-looking teeth and it hides stains completely. The only downside is personal taste: some people feel it looks like food from far away.
Do black braces make your teeth look whiter?
Black scores 74 out of 100 on our Tooth Brightness Index, number 3 of 27 colours, so it makes teeth look whiter. On very white teeth it scores 75, and on more yellow teeth 74.
Do black braces stain?
Black has a low stain risk (0 out of 100). Dark and strongly coloured bands hide pigments from coffee, tea, curry and cola. Bands are replaced at every adjustment, usually every 4 to 8 weeks.
What colors go with black braces?
Black pairs well with silver, red and hot pink. Alternate the two colours tooth by tooth, or put one on the top teeth and the other on the bottom.
