Quick answer
Orange braces score 8 out of 100 on our Tooth Brightness Index, so orange can make teeth look more yellow. Stain risk is low, and orange ranks number 17 of 27 colours overall. Orange looks best paired with black, dark blue and teal.
Orange braces at a glance
Orange looks energetic and playful on teeth, especially alternated with black for Halloween.
How orange 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 orange braces make teeth look whiter?
Orange can make teeth look more yellow. It scores 8 out of 100 and ranks number 20 of 27 colours for whiteness. Light or warm colours like orange are close to the colour of enamel or add to its yellow tint. Here is how the score changes with your natural tooth shade:
| Tooth shade | Score | Compared with navy |
|---|---|---|
| Very white (B1) | 11 | -70 points |
| Natural (A1) | 9 | -72 points |
| Warm (A2) | 7 | -73 points |
| More yellow (A3) | 5 | -75 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 orange
Each picture alternates orange with a partner colour, tooth by tooth. Tap one to open it in the picker.
Who orange braces suit
Themed looks for a few weeks, and orange teams.
Worth knowing
Orange scores low for whiteness. Alternating it with black or dark blue balances the warmth.
Similar colours to compare
| Colour | Brightness | Stain risk | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange | 8 | Low | This page |
| Red | 26 | Low | Red braces |
| Burgundy | 58 | Low | Burgundy braces |
| Yellow | 0 | Low | Yellow 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 orange braces a good idea?
For a themed look, yes. For everyday wear, orange makes teeth look warmer, so alternate it with a dark cool shade such as black or dark blue.
Do orange braces make your teeth look whiter?
Orange scores 8 out of 100 on our Tooth Brightness Index, number 20 of 27 colours, so it can make teeth look more yellow. On very white teeth it scores 11, and on more yellow teeth 5.
Do orange braces stain?
Orange 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 orange braces?
Orange pairs well with black, dark blue and teal. Alternate the two colours tooth by tooth, or put one on the top teeth and the other on the bottom.
