Can I change my colours?

Yes. Patients with traditional braces can usually change their colours at adjustment visits. The colours are the small elastic ties that hold the wire into the braces. They do not change how well the braces work, but they make treatment more fun and personalized.

Many children and teens enjoy choosing colours for holidays, birthdays, school spirit, sports teams, or personal style. Adults may choose more subtle colours, such as silver, grey, navy, or clear, depending on the look they prefer.

Popular choices include blue, teal, purple, pink, black, silver, red and green for the holidays, orange and black for Halloween, or team colours. Some patients choose alternating colours for a more playful look.

Some colours stain more easily than others. Clear, white, or very light-coloured elastics may show staining from foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, curry, tomato sauce, or strongly coloured spices. Darker colours often stay looking cleaner between visits.

Not every orthodontic appliance uses colours. Invisalign does not use coloured ties because the aligners are removable clear trays. Some types of braces also use different systems that may not require coloured elastics in the same way.

At Orthodontics on Queen in The Beaches, Toronto, choosing colours can be part of making the braces experience more positive, especially for younger patients. It gives patients a simple way to express themselves and feel involved in their treatment.

Braces are a clinical tool, but they can still be fun. Colour changes are one of the small things that can make orthodontic appointments more enjoyable.