Quick answer
Red braces score 26 out of 100 on our Tooth Brightness Index, so red has a neutral effect on how white teeth look. Stain risk is low, and red ranks number 14 of 27 colours overall. Red looks best paired with black, dark green and royal blue.
Red braces at a glance
On a real smile red is eye-catching and energetic. It pops in photos and works brilliantly for Valentine's Day, Christmas and red sports teams.
How red 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 red braces make teeth look whiter?
Red has a neutral effect on how white teeth look. It scores 26 out of 100 and ranks number 15 of 27 colours for whiteness. Mid-tone colours like red 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) | 29 | -52 points |
| Natural (A1) | 27 | -54 points |
| Warm (A2) | 26 | -54 points |
| More yellow (A3) | 24 | -56 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 red
Each picture alternates red with a partner colour, tooth by tooth. Tap one to open it in the picker.
Who red braces suit
People who want a statement look. Red alternated with black, royal blue or dark green covers most team and holiday colours.
Worth knowing
Red can make gums around the brackets look redder and teeth look slightly warmer. Burgundy is a darker red that still helps teeth look whiter.
Similar colours to compare
| Colour | Brightness | Stain risk | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | 26 | Low | This page |
| Burgundy | 58 | Low | Burgundy 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
Do red braces make your teeth look yellow?
Red is a warm colour, so it can make enamel look a little warmer than cool colours do. It is not as strong as yellow or orange. Burgundy, a deep red, gives a red look while helping teeth look whiter.
Do red braces make your teeth look whiter?
Red scores 26 out of 100 on our Tooth Brightness Index, number 15 of 27 colours, so it has a neutral effect on how white teeth look. On very white teeth it scores 29, and on more yellow teeth 24.
Do red braces stain?
Red 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 red braces?
Red pairs well with black, dark green and royal blue. Alternate the two colours tooth by tooth, or put one on the top teeth and the other on the bottom.
