Quick answer
Teal braces score 36 out of 100 on our Tooth Brightness Index, so teal has a neutral effect on how white teeth look. Stain risk is low, and teal ranks number 12 of 27 colours overall. Teal looks best paired with hot pink, purple and gold.
Teal braces at a glance
On a real smile teal looks fresh and confident. It photographs as a clear jewel tone and stands out more than navy without feeling neon.
How teal 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 teal braces make teeth look whiter?
Teal has a neutral effect on how white teeth look. It scores 36 out of 100 and ranks number 13 of 27 colours for whiteness. Mid-tone colours like teal 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) | 39 | -42 points |
| Natural (A1) | 37 | -44 points |
| Warm (A2) | 36 | -44 points |
| More yellow (A3) | 34 | -46 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 teal
Each picture alternates teal with a partner colour, tooth by tooth. Tap one to open it in the picker.
Who teal braces suit
Teal is especially flattering on medium, tan and deep skin, and it pairs well with brown and hazel eyes. It is a favourite with people who want colour but not pink or purple.
Worth knowing
Teal does little for whitening on its own. If whiter teeth matter, alternate it with navy or dark purple. Turquoise is the lighter, brighter cousin.
Similar colours to compare
| Colour | Brightness | Stain risk | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teal | 36 | Low | This page |
| Green | 14 | Low | Green braces |
| Black | 74 | Low | Black braces |
| Navy Blue | 80 | Low | Navy Blue braces |
| Pink | 25 | Low | Pink braces |
| Blue | 52 | Low | 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
Is teal a good color for braces?
Yes. Teal is bold, unusual and flattering on many skin tones, and it hides stains well. It is neutral for whiteness, scoring in the middle of our scale.
Do teal braces make your teeth look whiter?
Teal scores 36 out of 100 on our Tooth Brightness Index, number 13 of 27 colours, so it has a neutral effect on how white teeth look. On very white teeth it scores 39, and on more yellow teeth 34.
Do teal braces stain?
Teal has a low stain risk (4 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 teal braces?
Teal pairs well with hot pink, purple and gold. Alternate the two colours tooth by tooth, or put one on the top teeth and the other on the bottom.
