One of the best parts about having braces is getting to choose the color. Since there are so many fun and exciting hues to select from, it helps to know how to narrow your options. The guide below explains what to consider. 

The Color Wheel 

Don’t worry about picking from every shade in the rainbow. Your orthodontist has a color wheel with the elastics that are available in their office. Study the wheel to find the color family you like best. Each option will look slightly lighter when they are on your teeth. If you need help getting started, popular choices include dark blue, turquoise, and hot pink. Some people like violet, gold, or red. 

Shades to Avoid 

Most patients avoid white elastics since they often become discolored and make teeth look more yellow. Sunflower and canary tones also tend to reveal yellowed enamel. Black and brown braces may look like food particles in your teeth, so you may want to steer clear of them, too. 

Picking Your Favorites 

If you need more help deciding, choose your favorite color. You can also alternate between a couple of shades. Experiment with your school colors, team colors, and those that match with the upcoming holiday.

Another strategy is to consider your appearance. People with darker hair colors and skin tones look great with braces in navy blue, turquoise, and violet. Those with lighter hair and skin are stunning in bronze, salmon, or bright red. 

Telling Your Orthodontist 

Once you make your choice, show the color wheel to your orthodontist. Tell them whether you’d like one shade or two different types. They’ll match your selection with the elastics in their supply kit and add them to your brackets. At your next appointment, you are free to pick another color. 

Switch out your elastics at your next visit or go with the same hue. It’s your choice! Hovda Kristo Orthodontics of Marathon and Lincoln County has a wide variety of colors for everyone from the conservative patient to the fashionista. They also provide their patients with the latest techniques, state-of-the-art equipment, and a friendly atmosphere, so teeth straightening is a fun and rewarding experience from start to finish. To make an appointment for braces, call their Merrill, WI, location at (715) 536-1339 or their Wausau, WI, office at (715) 842-5459. For information about Invisalign® for adults and teens, visit their website.