Quick answer
Blue braces score 52 out of 100 on our Tooth Brightness Index, so blue has a neutral effect on how white teeth look. Stain risk is low, and blue ranks number 8 of 27 colours overall. Blue looks best paired with light blue, pink and silver.
Blue braces at a glance
Mid blue reads clearly as colour in photos without being loud. It sits between navy and light blue on our scale.
How blue 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 blue braces make teeth look whiter?
Blue has a neutral effect on how white teeth look. It scores 52 out of 100 and ranks number 8 of 27 colours for whiteness. Mid-tone colours like blue neither brighten nor dull teeth very much. Here is how the score changes with your natural tooth shade:
| Tooth shade | Score | Compared with navy |
|---|---|---|
| Very white (B1) | 54 | -27 points |
| Natural (A1) | 53 | -28 points |
| Warm (A2) | 51 | -29 points |
| More yellow (A3) | 49 | -31 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 blue
Each picture alternates blue with a partner colour, tooth by tooth. Tap one to open it in the picker.
Who blue braces suit
Almost everyone. Blue flatters fair, medium and deep skin and brings out brown eyes.
Worth knowing
If whiter teeth are your main goal, step down to navy or dark blue. If you want something brighter, royal blue is more saturated.
Similar colours to compare
| Colour | Brightness | Stain risk | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | 52 | Low | This page |
| Navy Blue | 80 | Low | Navy Blue braces |
| Dark Blue | 74 | Low | Dark Blue braces |
| Light Blue | 28 | Medium | Light Blue braces |
| Royal Blue | 64 | Low | Royal Blue braces |
| Black | 74 | Low | Black 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
Do blue braces make your teeth look whiter?
Yes, a little. Blue sits opposite yellow on the colour wheel, so it cancels some of the yellow in enamel. Darker blues such as navy and dark blue do this more strongly.
Do blue braces make your teeth look whiter?
Blue scores 52 out of 100 on our Tooth Brightness Index, number 8 of 27 colours, so it has a neutral effect on how white teeth look. On very white teeth it scores 54, and on more yellow teeth 49.
Do blue braces stain?
Blue 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 blue braces?
Blue pairs well with light blue, pink and silver. Alternate the two colours tooth by tooth, or put one on the top teeth and the other on the bottom.
