Braces effectively become an element of your appearance. It is a device that influences your "style" far more than a pair of shoes or a shirt. This is why it is so complicated to choose the color. Do you have difficulty deciding the color of your braces when you go to the orthodontist? If so, this article will suggest a number of factors to consider to help you make your choice.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Choosing the Color
Step 1. Look at the color wheel
Ask the orthodontist or dentist who manages your appliance to show you a sample of the available colors. Ask to be able to view it before ordering the appliance, so you don't have to choose immediately.
- Study the various shades on the color wheel. Remember that they will be slightly lighter on the appliance.
- If you can, search the internet for a color wheel. Type the words "color wheel for braces" into the search engine bar and find a site that offers an interactive one that allows you to see the colors on a brace placed in the mouth. Experiment with different shades and remember that the colors you find online may not be available at your orthodontist's office.
Step 2. Choose colors that have meaning
You can combine them, so you can decide to assign a meaning or convey a message. Here are some combinations to consider:
- The colors of your flag: green, white and red for Italy or yellow and red, if you have Spanish origins;
- The colors of your school;
- Those of your favorite team;
- Holiday-inspired shades: red and green for Christmas or black and orange for Halloween;
- The colors of the rainbow (although they are not always available);
- Your favorite color (even more than one).
Step 3. Choose colors that match well with your complexion
Evaluate those that go well with the natural tone of the skin or hair, these details play a very important role on the appearance of the orthodontic appliance. Decide for the shades that suit you and not the ones that clash with your complexion and hair color.
- People with dark skin and hair do best with gold, dark blue, turquoise, orange, anise green, pastel blue, fuchsia, pink or violet braces, although in general it depends a lot on the individual.
- People with light skin and hair should choose colors such as petrol blue, vermilion red, bronze, caramel, salmon, olive green, raspberry, bluish red, plum, blue-green, royal blue, but again a lot is left. to individual preferences.
Step 4. Match the appliance to your clothing style
Evaluate the colors that best match those of the clothes you wear most often. If your wardrobe is mainly made up of primary color items, then it is worth choosing a primary color luminaire. If, on the other hand, you use fluorescent and bright colors a lot, choose a luminaire with neutral colors (perhaps transparent). Don't be afraid to be provident!
Step 5. Exclude "ugly" colors
Don't consider the ones you don't like, the weird ones, or the ones you like least. The black brackets will look like pieces of food stuck between your teeth. You may think white is a good choice, but it will actually make your teeth look even more yellow.
Step 6. Evaluate the darker colors
These, like dark purple and navy blue, make your teeth appear whiter. They may therefore prove to be a wise choice to bring out the natural tone of your teeth.
Step 7. Inform the orthodontist of your choice
Wait for the doctor to finish applying the braces and admire the work in the mirror. Don't worry if you don't like the color scheme at first. With time you will get used to it and, if not, you can change it at the next appointment.
Step 8. Take proper care of the appliance
Its color won't be that important if you don't clean it. Make sure it is always at its best by practicing all the rules of oral hygiene. This involves taking care of your mouth, teeth and gums.
- Brush your teeth after each meal. If you are in school, bring a small toothbrush and brush your teeth after lunch or a snack. Don't neglect any teeth and use a timer to make sure you wash them long enough.
- Floss at least once a day. The wire reaches those spaces where the toothbrush cannot reach, thus improving gum health. Unfortunately, when wearing orthodontic braces, it can be a difficult and painful task. Use a floss needle to insert the floss between the gums and then use it to clean any interdental spaces.
- Use a mouthwash at least once a day. This product kills dangerous bacteria that live in the mouth and promote tooth decay. A rinse like this is a quick, easy way and gives you fresh breath.
Step 9. Consider changing colors
You can ask the orthodontist to change the color of the ties each time the appliance needs to be tightened. If you don't like the shade you've chosen, don't panic! You can always change it at the next check-up appointment when the appliance is strained. Most orthodontists schedule these types of visits every 6 to 8 weeks.
Part 2 of 2: Choosing an inconspicuous fixture
Step 1. Ask about Invisalign
Depending on the problem the appliance has to solve, you may be a suitable candidate for this type of device. It is a kind of transparent "mouthguard" that is applied over the teeth and which camouflages very well. If your goal is to minimize the appearance of the orthodontic appliance, then this could be the solution for you.
Step 2. Choose ceramic appliances
These perform the same function as the metal ones, but are designed to disguise themselves with the natural color of the teeth. The brackets are ceramic, in the same tone as the teeth, and the elastic bands are transparent. After Invisalign, this is the most discreet solution to keep a "low profile".
Step 3. Choose a transparent template
Metal braces can be used with clear rubber bands to make their appearance less noticeable. If you want your device to be seen as little as possible, avoid colorful models and creative and personalized combinations.
Step 4. Don't take a white appliance
It may seem like the more discreet choice, as the teeth are white. In truth, white braces not only make your teeth appear more yellow, but they also get dirty quickly. If you're used to drinking dark sodas like cola or coffee, then the stirrups will go from a nice white to an unattractive off-white in no time.
Step 5. Exclude gold or yellow
Both do nothing but intensify the natural yellowing of the teeth. For this reason you should avoid them, unless your teeth are a perfect bright white.
Advice
- Choose the color you like best and that reflects your style!
- Do not be influenced by the decisions of others! Choose the colors you prefer!
- Make sure you are comfortable with the colors you have selected. Don't get a certain shade of braces just because someone else wants you to.
- If you don't know which one to choose, try bright blue, it suits everyone.
- Colors fade over time, so choose a deeper shade than you'd like.
- Go for a glow-in-the-dark luminaire; in daylight it is transparent and you won't even feel like you're wearing it.
- You could opt for a clear orthodontic appliance, but it costs more.
- Choose a shade that matches your eye color!
- Don't get bright red, it will look like you have lipstick on your teeth!
- Ask your orthodontist for a clear appliance. While it is more expensive than traditional models, it certainly has many advantages. Other people are unlikely to notice that you are wearing braces. For example, you can evaluate a product like Invisalign, but be aware that this is not suitable for all patients.
