For those who wear braces, braces are part of their daily appearance. Braces are a style in itself, like clothes and shoes. That is why choosing a stirrup color can sometimes be difficult. If you are confused about choosing the color of your braces every time you go to the dentist, here are some considerations that can help you.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Choosing a Color
Step 1. Look at the color wheel
Ask your dentist or whoever puts your braces on if they have a color wheel. The color wheel shows the available colors for braces. Do this before you choose your stirrup color.
- Learn gradation on the color wheel. Remember that the color you choose will be lighter on your braces.
- If you have the opportunity, look for the color wheel on the internet. Type “color wheel for braces” in a search engine and find a page that contains an interactive color wheel. On that page, you can choose a color to place on the image of the mouth wearing braces. You can experiment with the colors you want to use. However, keep in mind that the colors you find online may not necessarily be available at your dentist.
Step 2. Choose a meaningful color
You can mix colors and make your braces a statement or something. You can consider color combinations, such as:
- The national color of your country. Red and white for Indonesia; red, white and blue for America, and so on.
- Your school colors.
- The color of your favorite sports team.
- Holiday colors. Red and green, like Christmas; black and orange for Halloween, and more.
- Rainbow colors (not always available).
- Your favorite color.
Step 3. Choose a color that matches your skin tone
Your skin type and hair color determine how braces look. Therefore, choose a suitable stirrup color and avoid colors that collide with your skin type and hair color.
- Gold, navy, turquoise, orange, fennel green, pastel blue, magenta, pink or purple tones will look great on dark skin and hair tones. Although the compatibility of these colors is different for each person.
- Lighter skin and hair tones will look great with shades like gray blue, bright red, metallic brown, caramel, salmon, khaki green, raspberry, bluish red, plum, turquoise and royal blue.
Step 4. Match the stirrup with the clothes you are wearing
A color that matches the color of the clothes you usually wear can be a stirrup color choice to consider. If most of the clothes you have are primary colors, then you can choose stirrups in a similar color. Meanwhile, if most of your clothes are in neon colors, neutral colors (eg clear) are a good color to choose. Think carefully!
Step 5. Get rid of the "ugly" colors
Colors that are not good, strange or colors that you don't like the most can be removed from your list of braces color choices. For example, black rubber stirrups can be mistaken for food residue stuck in the teeth. While white may seem like a good choice, white braces can make your teeth look yellower.
Step 6. Consider a dark color
Dark colors, such as dark purple and navy blue, make your teeth look whiter. So, dark colors are the right choice to balance the natural color of your teeth.
Step 7. Tell the dentist about your options
After the dentist has finished placing the braces, look at yourself in the mirror. No need to worry if you don't like the color of the stirrup right away. You can gradually like it. If not, you can change the color at your next dentist visit.
Step 8. Perform routine maintenance
The color of your stirrups will mean nothing if they are not kept clean. Keep your braces looking good by maintaining good oral hygiene. Oral hygiene means you take care of your mouth, gums and teeth.
- Brush your teeth after every meal. If you are at school, bring a small toothbrush that you can take with you, to brush your teeth after a snack or lunch. Be sure to brush all the teeth; You can install a timer to make sure you brush your teeth long enough.
- Use dental floss at least once a day. Using dental floss can make the gums healthier, because it can reach between the teeth that are not reachable when brushing your teeth. Using floss on braces is not an easy thing. Use floss between the gums first, then move to the area between the teeth.
- Use mouthwash at least once a day. Oral cleansers can kill harmful bacteria that live in the mouth and cause tooth decay. Gargling with mouthwash is quick, easy and can make fresh breath.
Step 9. Consider changing the color of the braces
Change the color of your braces each time the braces are tightened. Don't worry if you don't like the color of your choice. You can always change the color of the braces every time you meet to tighten the braces. Usually, these meetings take place every 6 to 8 weeks.
Method 2 of 2: Avoiding Braces that Are Too Prominent
Step 1. Ask about invisalign
Depending on the dental problem you want to fix, you may be able to use invisalign braces. This type of braces is shaped like a transparent container that fits your teeth. If you want to look like you're not wearing braces, these types of braces are an ideal choice.
Step 2. Choose aesthetic braces
Aesthetic braces work similarly to metal braces. However, this type of stirrup is made of aesthetically colored materials such as teeth and clear rubber so that it can blend naturally with the color of the teeth. If you can't use Invisalign braces, these are a good choice.
Step 3. Choose stirrup with clear color
To avoid making your braces stand out, you can choose a colorless or clear rubber brace at once, rather than trying another color.
Step 4. Avoid white
Just because your teeth are white doesn't mean white is a good choice. White braces not only make your teeth look yellower, but they also get dirty quickly. The white color can fade quickly, especially if you drink dark colored drinks, such as cola or coffee.
Step 5. Stay away from gold or yellow
Gold or yellow braces can enhance the natural color of your yellow teeth. So, avoid these colors unless your teeth are brilliant white.
Tips
- Choose a color that excites you and represents your style!
- You don't have to choose the color someone else pointed to. You are free to choose the color you like!
- Make sure you are happy with your choice. Don't choose something just because someone else wants you to choose that color.
- If you can't decide, try a light blue color. Everyone looks good in that color.
- Colors can fade quickly, so choose a shade darker than your preferred color.
- Choose glow-in-the-dark braces -- in normal light, they're clear, so you'll look like you're not wearing rubber braces.
- You can try clear braces, but they may cost more.
- Choose a color that can beautify your eyes!!