Quick answer
Dark Blue braces score 74 out of 100 on our Tooth Brightness Index, so dark blue makes teeth look whiter. Stain risk is low, and dark blue ranks number 4 of 27 colours overall. Dark Blue looks best paired with light blue, silver and orange.
Dark Blue braces at a glance
Dark blue looks rich and clean on teeth and shows up as blue in photos rather than as a dark outline.
How dark 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 dark blue braces make teeth look whiter?
Dark Blue makes teeth look whiter. It scores 74 out of 100 and ranks number 4 of 27 colours for whiteness. Dark, cool colours like dark blue 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) | 76 | -5 points |
| Natural (A1) | 75 | -6 points |
| Warm (A2) | 74 | -6 points |
| More yellow (A3) | 73 | -7 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 dark blue
Each picture alternates dark blue with a partner colour, tooth by tooth. Tap one to open it in the picker.
Who dark blue braces suit
Every skin tone. It is especially good for people who want whiter-looking teeth but a little more colour than navy.
Worth knowing
Nothing major. Pair it with light blue for a two-tone blue look.
Similar colours to compare
| Colour | Brightness | Stain risk | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Blue | 74 | Low | This page |
| Navy Blue | 80 | Low | Navy Blue braces |
| Blue | 52 | Low | 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
Is dark blue or navy better for braces?
They are very close. Navy scores slightly higher for whiteness, while dark blue reads more clearly as blue. Both hide stains completely.
Do dark blue braces make your teeth look whiter?
Dark Blue scores 74 out of 100 on our Tooth Brightness Index, number 4 of 27 colours, so it makes teeth look whiter. On very white teeth it scores 76, and on more yellow teeth 73.
Do dark blue braces stain?
Dark 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 dark blue braces?
Dark Blue pairs well with light blue, silver and orange. Alternate the two colours tooth by tooth, or put one on the top teeth and the other on the bottom.
