Quick answer
For a low-key look, guys most often choose navy, black, dark blue, dark green or gray; navy, black and dark blue also make teeth look whiter. For a bold look, royal blue, teal and red work well, and team colours like navy and gold are easy to match. Girls most often pick purple, pink, lavender, teal and navy, and anyone can wear any colour.
Low-key braces colours
If you want braces to look neat rather than loud, these are the most common choices. The first three also help teeth look whiter.
Gray and silver are the quietest of all on metal brackets. Navy is a good middle ground: it reads as a colour, but a calm one.
Bold braces colours
Royal blue is the best bold choice for whiter-looking teeth. Red and bright green are fun, but they do less for whiteness, and bright green can look like food from far away. More on colours to avoid.
Team and school colours
Alternate two colours to match a team. These six pairs cover the most common combinations.
Popular picks for girls
Purple, pink, lavender, teal and navy are the colours chosen most often. Purple is the strongest of the fun colours for whiter teeth. Light pink and lavender are softer but stain a little faster, so they work best alternated with a darker shade.
There are no rules. Pick by style, not by who you are. See every option in the ranked list or let the quiz choose.
Try it on your own smile
Spin the wheel, mix two colours and see the Tooth Brightness score live.
Common questions
What color braces are best for guys?
Navy, black, dark blue, dark green and gray are the most common low-key picks, and navy, black and dark blue also make teeth look whiter. Team colours, such as navy and gold or red and black, are the other favourite.
What are the best braces colors for girls?
Purple, pink, lavender, teal and navy are the most chosen. Pairing a pastel with a darker shade, like pink with purple or light blue with navy, keeps a soft look while helping teeth look white.
Can guys wear pink or purple braces?
Of course. Colour has no rules, and hot pink, purple and teal are popular with everyone. Purple also helps teeth look a little whiter, scoring 65 on our Tooth Brightness Index.
What braces colors are least noticeable?
Silver and gray on metal brackets. Navy is the next step up: noticeable as a colour but quiet, and it makes teeth look whiter.
What braces colors work for sports teams?
Most team colours can be matched by alternating two bands, such as navy and gold, red and black, dark green and gold, or royal blue and silver. Bright yellow and gold are better alternated with a dark shade.
