Quick answer
The coloured "rubber bands" on braces are elastic ligatures, tiny rings around each bracket that hold the wire in place. They come in 20 to 30 colours and are changed at every adjustment, usually every 4 to 8 weeks. Navy, dark purple and black make teeth look whitest; white, clear and yellow make them look more yellow.
The three kinds of braces bands
If someone says "rubber bands" about braces, they could mean any of these. Only the first two are the coloured ones you choose.
| Band | What it does | Who changes it | Colours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ligature (O-tie) | Holds the archwire in each bracket | Orthodontist, every visit | 20 to 30 shades |
| Power chain | Joined rings that pull teeth together to close gaps | Orthodontist, every visit | Same shades as ligatures |
| Interarch elastic | Hooks from top to bottom teeth to correct the bite | You, often several times a day | Mostly clear or neutral |
The smile in these pictures also shows a clear interarch elastic on the left, stretched from the upper teeth to the lower teeth. More about chains on the power chain colours page.
Every rubber band colour you can get
These are the 27 shades most orthodontists stock, sorted from most to least flattering for whiter-looking teeth.
Every colour with its stain risk and best use is in the full colour table. To compare them on a real smile, open the braces color picker.
What the bands are made of
Ligatures and power chains are made of medical-grade elastomer, usually polyurethane, which does not contain latex. Interarch elastics are made in both latex and latex-free versions, and many brands name their sizes after animals, so you may hear about "fox" or "rabbit" elastics. If you have a latex allergy, tell your orthodontist before treatment starts.
Some orthodontists use thin steel ties instead of elastic ligatures on certain teeth. Those stay silver, so they do not carry a colour. The real smile in our pictures uses steel ties, and our coloured rings show how elastic ligatures would look on the same brackets.
How often each band changes
- Ligatures: replaced at every adjustment, usually every 4 to 8 weeks. That is when you choose a new colour.
- Power chains: also replaced at adjustments, sometimes more often while gaps are closing.
- Interarch elastics: swapped by you, often after meals and before bed, because they lose stretch quickly.
Planning a colour around a holiday or event? Use the seasonal colour calendar.
Looking after coloured bands
- Brush around each bracket after meals so food does not sit against the bands.
- Rinse with water after coffee, tea, curry or cola. These stain light bands fastest.
- If a ligature breaks or falls off, call your orthodontist. A missing ligature can let the wire slip.
- Pick darker colours if you eat strongly coloured food often. See clear and silver bands for how stains build up.
Try it on your own smile
Spin the wheel, mix two colours and see the Tooth Brightness score live.
Common questions
What are the rubber bands on braces called?
The small coloured rings around each bracket are called ligatures, elastic ligatures or O-ties. Joined rings are called a power chain. The bigger bands that hook from the top teeth to the bottom teeth are called interarch elastics, and those are the ones you change yourself.
What are the best color rubber bands for braces?
Navy, dark purple, black and dark blue make teeth look whitest and hide stains best. Navy scores 80 out of 100 on our Tooth Brightness Index. For a brighter look, purple and royal blue are the best of the bold colours.
What color bands should I not get for braces?
White, clear, yellow, gold and lime are the ones most people regret. White and clear stain quickly, and yellow, gold and lime blend with the natural yellow in enamel. See our braces colors to avoid page for a better alternative to each.
Are braces rubber bands latex free?
Ligatures and power chains are usually made from medical-grade polyurethane, which contains no latex. Interarch elastics come in both latex and latex-free versions. Tell your orthodontist if you have a latex allergy.
How often are braces rubber bands changed?
Ligatures and power chains are replaced by your orthodontist at every adjustment, usually every 4 to 8 weeks. Interarch elastics are changed by you, often several times a day, as your orthodontist instructs.
