Quick answer
Navy Blue braces score 80 out of 100 on our Tooth Brightness Index, so navy blue makes teeth look whiter. Stain risk is low, and navy blue ranks number 1 of 27 colours overall. Navy Blue looks best paired with silver, light blue and gold.
Navy Blue braces at a glance
Navy reads as a calm, deep blue on teeth. It is noticeable as a colour but never loud, which is why it is the safest pick for school photos, work and first-time braces.
How navy 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 navy blue braces make teeth look whiter?
Navy Blue makes teeth look whiter. It scores 80 out of 100 and ranks number 1 of 27 colours for whiteness. Dark, cool colours like navy 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) | 81 | Same as navy |
| Natural (A1) | 81 | Same as navy |
| Warm (A2) | 80 | Same as navy |
| More yellow (A3) | 80 | Same as navy |
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 navy blue
Each picture alternates navy blue with a partner colour, tooth by tooth. Tap one to open it in the picker.
Who navy blue braces suit
Every skin tone and every age. It is especially good if your teeth are naturally warm or slightly yellow, or if you drink coffee or tea every day.
Worth knowing
There is very little to watch out for. If you want more fun, alternate navy with light blue, silver or gold rather than giving it up.
Similar colours to compare
| Colour | Brightness | Stain risk | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navy Blue | 80 | Low | This page |
| Blue | 52 | Low | 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
Is navy the best color for braces?
On our scores, yes. Navy has the highest Tooth Brightness Index of all 27 colours and a stain risk of zero, so it ranks first overall for teeth that look whiter and bands that stay clean.
Do navy blue braces make your teeth look whiter?
Navy Blue scores 80 out of 100 on our Tooth Brightness Index, number 1 of 27 colours, so it makes teeth look whiter. On very white teeth it scores 81, and on more yellow teeth 80.
Do navy blue braces stain?
Navy 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 navy blue braces?
Navy Blue pairs well with silver, light blue and gold. Alternate the two colours tooth by tooth, or put one on the top teeth and the other on the bottom.
