Wearing braces used to be all about function — straighten the teeth, align the bite, and get through the treatment as quickly as possible. But now? Braces can be functional and fun. If you’re going with metal braces, there’s a great opportunity to personalize your look with colours and style.
At Dream Orthodontics, your local orthodontist in Surrey, we believe orthodontic treatment should be a positive, even exciting experience. That’s why we offer options for you or your child to customize your braces and express a little personality along the way.
In this guide, we’ll explore how you can personalize your metal braces — from choosing elastics to matching your favourite outfits or sports teams — and what to consider when selecting your colours.
What Can You Customize with Metal Braces?
While the brackets and wires used in traditional braces are mostly standardized for function, there are still plenty of ways to add personal flair, especially with the elastic bands (ligatures) that are changed at each appointment.
Here’s what you can personalize:
1. Ligature Colours
These are the small elastic bands that hold the archwire in place on each bracket. They’re available in a full spectrum of colours, including:
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Brights (red, blue, green)
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Pastels (mint, lavender, baby pink)
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Neutrals (grey, silver, white)
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Unique shades (glow-in-the-dark, metallic)
At each adjustment, you get to pick new colours — so your style can change as often as you like.
2. Power Chains
These are connected elastics that help close gaps between teeth. They also come in a variety of colours and can be coordinated with your ligatures for a matching or contrasting look.
3. Colored Wires and Brackets (Less Common)
While standard brackets are metal, some patients choose gold-plated brackets or colored archwires. These are not available in every case, but can be discussed during your consultation at Dream Orthodontics.
Fun Ideas for Bracelet Colours
Choosing colours can be a fun way to reflect your personality, interests, or even the season. Here are some ideas to inspire your next appointment:
Match Your Mood or Style
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Bold and bright: Red, orange, neon green
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Cool and calm: Sky blue, teal, navy
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Minimalist: Clear, silver, or white for a subtle look
Celebrate Seasons and Holidays
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Red and green for December
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Pink and white for Valentine’s Day
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Orange and black for Halloween
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Pastels for spring
Show Team Spirit or School Pride
Choose colours to match your sports team, school, or favourite local club — a great conversation starter and a fun way to show support.
Coordinate with Outfits
If you love fashion, you can plan bracelet colours that match your wardrobe, favourite accessories, or makeup tones.
Best Colour Choices Based on Teeth
Not all colours will complement your smile equally. Here are a few tips to help you choose shades that look great on you:
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Make teeth look whiter: Darker colours like navy blue, dark green, or maroon can create contrast and make your teeth appear brighter.
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Avoid staining: Light colours like white or yellow can make teeth look duller or stain over time from food and drinks.
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Clear bands: While nearly invisible at first, they may stain more easily from foods like curry, tomato sauce, or coffee.
If you’re not sure which colour suits you best, we’re always happy to help you decide during your visit.
Can Adults Personalize Their Braces Too?
Absolutely. Many adults in orthodontics in Surrey still choose traditional braces for their effectiveness, especially in complex cases. You can opt for neutral tones like grey or silver if you want a more professional appearance, or go bold if you’re not afraid to show a little flair.
How Often Can You Change Colours?
Each time you come in for an adjustment (typically every 4–8 weeks), you’ll have the chance to change your elastics. That means you’re never locked into one colour, and can update your look as often as you’d like.
Many patients enjoy trying new combinations or switching things up to mark milestones in their treatment.
Braces Are Functional — But They Can Also Be Fun
Personalizing your braces isn’t just about looks — it can make the treatment experience more engaging and positive, especially for teens and kids. When patients feel excited about their treatment, they’re more likely to follow care instructions and keep up with oral hygiene.
At Dream Orthodontics, we want every patient — no matter their age — to feel confident and comfortable throughout their journey.
A Few Tips for Braces Style Success
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Bring inspiration: If you saw a colour combination online or at school that you liked, bring a photo to your appointment.
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Ask questions: Some colours may fade or stain more easily than others — our team will let you know what to expect.
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Coordinate: You can match your braces with glasses, makeup, nails, or outfits. Have fun with it!
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Be flexible: If a colour doesn’t work as well as you hoped, you can switch it up next time.
Ready to Start Your Braces Journey?
Whether you’re a teen, a child, or an adult looking to straighten your smile, metal braces remain one of the most effective treatments in orthodontics. And now, with fun personalization options, your braces can reflect your personality as much as your progress.
At Dream Orthodontics, your trusted orthodontist in Surrey, we help patients every day transform their smiles with confidence — and a little colour along the way.