Quick answer
Burgundy braces score 58 out of 100 on our Tooth Brightness Index, so burgundy has a neutral effect on how white teeth look. Stain risk is low, and burgundy ranks number 7 of 27 colours overall. Burgundy looks best paired with gold, pink and silver.
Burgundy braces at a glance
Burgundy looks rich and grown-up on teeth. It is subtle in person and elegant in photos.
How burgundy 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 burgundy braces make teeth look whiter?
Burgundy has a neutral effect on how white teeth look. It scores 58 out of 100 and ranks number 7 of 27 colours for whiteness. Mid-tone colours like burgundy 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) | 59 | -22 points |
| Natural (A1) | 58 | -23 points |
| Warm (A2) | 57 | -23 points |
| More yellow (A3) | 56 | -24 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 burgundy
Each picture alternates burgundy with a partner colour, tooth by tooth. Tap one to open it in the picker.
Who burgundy braces suit
Adults, school photos and anyone who wants a warm colour without the yellowing effect of orange or gold. It flatters medium and olive skin especially.
Worth knowing
Very little. Pair it with gold for school colours or with silver for a classic look.
Similar colours to compare
| Colour | Brightness | Stain risk | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burgundy | 58 | Low | This page |
| Red | 26 | Low | Red braces |
| Yellow | 0 | Low | Yellow braces |
| Orange | 8 | Low | Orange braces |
| Black | 74 | Low | Black braces |
| Navy Blue | 80 | Low | Navy Blue 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 maroon and burgundy braces the same?
Mostly, yes. Maroon and burgundy are both deep red-brown shades. Ask your orthodontist which name their darkest red uses.
Do burgundy braces make your teeth look whiter?
Burgundy scores 58 out of 100 on our Tooth Brightness Index, number 7 of 27 colours, so it has a neutral effect on how white teeth look. On very white teeth it scores 59, and on more yellow teeth 56.
Do burgundy braces stain?
Burgundy 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 burgundy braces?
Burgundy pairs well with gold, pink and silver. Alternate the two colours tooth by tooth, or put one on the top teeth and the other on the bottom.