Quick answer
Purple braces score 65 out of 100 on our Tooth Brightness Index, so purple makes teeth look whiter. Stain risk is low, and purple ranks number 5 of 27 colours overall. Purple looks best paired with pink, teal and lavender.
Purple braces at a glance
A true violet reads as rich and playful on teeth. It is bolder than lavender and brighter than dark purple.
How purple 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 purple braces make teeth look whiter?
Purple makes teeth look whiter. It scores 65 out of 100 and ranks number 5 of 27 colours for whiteness. Dark, cool colours like purple 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) | 67 | -14 points |
| Natural (A1) | 65 | -16 points |
| Warm (A2) | 64 | -16 points |
| More yellow (A3) | 63 | -17 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 purple
Each picture alternates purple with a partner colour, tooth by tooth. Tap one to open it in the picker.
Who purple braces suit
Purple suits fair, medium and deep skin and flatters blue, green and hazel eyes. It is one of the most-picked colours for every age.
Worth knowing
There is little to avoid. For the strongest whitening, go one step darker to dark purple.
Similar colours to compare
| Colour | Brightness | Stain risk | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purple | 65 | Low | This page |
| Dark Purple | 79 | Low | Dark Purple braces |
| Lavender | 38 | Low | Lavender braces |
| Black | 74 | Low | Black braces |
| Navy Blue | 80 | Low | Navy Blue braces |
| Teal | 36 | Low | Teal 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 purple braces a good color?
Yes. Purple is the best of the bright colours for whiter-looking teeth on our scale, it hides stains and it flatters almost every skin tone.
Do purple braces make your teeth look whiter?
Purple scores 65 out of 100 on our Tooth Brightness Index, number 5 of 27 colours, so it makes teeth look whiter. On very white teeth it scores 67, and on more yellow teeth 63.
Do purple braces stain?
Purple 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 purple braces?
Purple pairs well with pink, teal and lavender. Alternate the two colours tooth by tooth, or put one on the top teeth and the other on the bottom.
