# Changing Your Brace Elastic Colours: A Guide to Customising Your Fixed Braces Publisher: Virtual Consultant Online Author: Virtual Consultant Online Published: 2026-08-27 Updated: 0001-01-01 Canonical URL: https://virtualconsultant.online/blog/brace-elastic-colours-guide Citation metadata: https://virtualconsultant.online/citation.json?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvirtualconsultant.online%2Fblog%2Fbrace-elastic-colours-guide One of the most frequently asked questions by patients with fixed braces — particularly teenagers — is about brace elastic colours. The small elastic ligatures that hold your archwire to each bracket come in a huge range of colours, and changing them at each appointment is one of the few ways you can customise the look of your fixed braces. This guide explains everything you need to know: how the colours work, how to choose them, which ones to avoid, and what actually happens when you change them. Key takeaway Brace elastic colours are changed at every routine adjustment appointment (typically every 6–8 weeks). The colours are purely cosmetic — they do not affect how well your braces work. Darker colours like navy, royal blue, purple, and deep red tend to be the most popular because they do not stain as visibly as lighter shades. ## What Are Brace Elastics? Fixed braces consist of brackets bonded to each tooth and an archwire that runs through them. The elastics — sometimes called ligature ties or O-rings — are tiny rubber bands that hold the archwire into the slot on each bracket. They come pre-packaged in a wide range of colours and are replaced at each adjustment appointment. Note: not all fixed braces use coloured elastics. Self-ligating braces (such as Damon brackets) use a sliding mechanism rather than ligature ties, so they do not offer the colour customisation option. If you specifically want coloured elastics, check that your chosen bracket system includes them when you explore treatment types . ## How Often Can You Change Your Brace Colours? Elastics are changed at every routine adjustment appointment, which typically takes place every 6–8 weeks. This means you get a fresh opportunity to choose new colours multiple times throughout your treatment. Over an 18-month treatment, that is roughly 10–12 colour changes — so there is plenty of scope to experiment. The elastics do stretch and can fade between appointments, which is why they need replacing regularly rather than just when they break. Broken or missing elastics can be replaced at an emergency appointment if needed, though this is rarely urgent. 6–8w Typical gap between adjustment appointments when colours are changed 30+ Colours typically available from most orthodontic suppliers 0 Effect on treatment speed — colours are purely cosmetic ## Popular Colour Choices and What to Avoid The most consistently popular brace colours tend to be mid-to-dark shades. Here is a general guide: Good choices: Navy blue: One of the most popular choices. Pairs well with both light and dark teeth and does not stain badly. Royal blue or teal: Bright and visible but not as prone to staining as lighter options. Purple or violet: A perennial favourite, especially among teenage patients. Dark red or burgundy: A subtle, mature-looking option that blends reasonably well at a distance. Forest green or hunter green: Less common but striking, and resists staining well. Black: Makes the brackets and elastics recede visually. Gives a subtle, minimal appearance but can look like food debris at close range. Colours to approach with caution: White or clear: These stain noticeably from food and drink, particularly coffee, tea, curry, and red wine. They can make teeth look yellower by contrast and need very diligent hygiene to stay looking clean. Yellow or orange: Can make teeth look more yellow. Best avoided if whiteness of smile is a priority during treatment. Brown: Unfortunately resembles food staining. Not a flattering choice for most skin tones. Light pink or pale yellow: Stain quickly and can look unhygienic within a week of placement, despite the patient's hygiene being perfectly good. Important Your orthodontic practice may not stock every colour available. At your next appointment, ask what colours they have available before your appointment if you want to plan ahead. Some practices let patients see colour charts in advance. ## Mixing Colours: Single-Colour vs Multi-Colour Looks You do not have to choose just one colour — many patients choose a mix. Common approaches include: Alternating two colours across the arch (e.g. blue and purple, red and orange) Gradient from one colour to another across the arch Seasonal themes (red and green in December, school colours for sports days) Flag colours for national events The orthodontic nurse placing your elastics will be experienced at quickly and accurately placing a pattern you specify. It adds minimal time to the appointment — usually less than a minute. Exploring fixed braces as a treatment option? Find out which treatment type suits your teeth best with a free online assessment. Get your free assessment → ## Do Elastics Affect How Braces Work? The coloured ligature elastics that hold the wire in do not affect treatment speed or outcome. This is a common misconception — the colour is purely cosmetic. The force that moves your teeth comes from the shape and spring properties of the archwire, not the elastics holding it in place. Note that some patients are prescribed separate, thicker elastics (called inter-arch elastics or rubber bands) that are worn between upper and lower teeth to correct bite problems. These are not the same as the ligature ties described in this article — they are functional, not decorative, and must be worn as instructed. ## What to Tell the Nurse at Your Appointment At each adjustment appointment, you will typically be asked what colour elastics you want. If you are not sure, it helps to have thought about it beforehand rather than making a rushed decision in the chair. Some patients keep a note of what they chose last time so they can decide whether to repeat it or change. You can ask the nurse for their recommendation — they see hundreds of patients and have a good sense of what works. If you have an important event coming up (a prom, a wedding, a job interview), mention it and they may be able to suggest something appropriate. For more on how fixed braces work , typical costs , and ongoing support during treatment , explore our guides. Thinking About Starting Fixed Brace Treatment? Find out which treatment type suits your needs best with a free virtual assessment from a specialist orthodontist. Start Free Assessment → ## FAQs ### How often can I change my brace elastic colours? Elastic colours are changed at every routine adjustment appointment, which typically takes place every 6–8 weeks. This means you get approximately 10–12 colour changes throughout an 18-month treatment. ### Do brace elastic colours affect how well the braces work? No — the coloured ligature elastics are purely cosmetic. They hold the archwire in the bracket slot but the forces that move teeth come from the properties of the archwire itself. Colour choice has no effect on treatment speed or outcome. ### Which brace elastic colours look best and last longest? Darker colours like navy blue, royal blue, purple, and dark red tend to resist staining best and look the most polished over the 6–8 weeks between appointments. White and clear elastics stain quickly from food and drink and are best avoided. ### Can I mix different elastic colours on my braces? Yes — alternating colours across the arch is very popular. Common choices include two alternating colours, gradient patterns, and seasonal or themed combinations. Tell the orthodontic nurse your preference at the start of your adjustment appointment. ### Do all fixed braces have coloured elastics? No — self-ligating braces (such as Damon brackets) use a sliding door mechanism rather than elastic ligature ties, so they do not offer the colour customisation option. If coloured elastics are important to you, check which bracket system is being used before treatment begins. ### What should I say when asked about my elastic colour at an appointment? You can request any colour or combination available at your practice. It helps to think about it before your appointment rather than deciding under pressure. Asking the orthodontic nurse for their recommendation is perfectly fine — they have lots of experience suggesting options. ### Do coloured elastics stain easily? It depends on the colour. Lighter shades (white, clear, yellow, pale pink) stain noticeably from tea, coffee, curry, and red wine. Darker shades resist staining much better. Good oral hygiene also helps keep elastics looking fresh between appointments. ### How often can I change my brace elastic colours? Elastic colours are changed at every routine adjustment appointment, which typically takes place every 6–8 weeks. This means you get approximately 10–12 colour changes throughout an 18-month treatment. ### Do brace elastic colours affect how well the braces work? No — the coloured ligature elastics are purely cosmetic. They hold the archwire in the bracket slot but the forces that move teeth come from the properties of the archwire itself. Colour choice has no effect on treatment speed or outcome. ### Which brace elastic colours look best and last longest? Darker colours like navy blue, royal blue, purple, and dark red tend to resist staining best and look the most polished over the 6–8 weeks between appointments. White and clear elastics stain quickly from food and drink and are best avoided. ### Can I mix different elastic colours on my braces? Yes — alternating colours across the arch is very popular. Common choices include two alternating colours, gradient patterns, and seasonal or themed combinations. Tell the orthodontic nurse your preference at the start of your adjustment appointment. ### Do all fixed braces have coloured elastics? No — self-ligating braces (such as Damon brackets) use a sliding door mechanism rather than elastic ligature ties, so they do not offer the colour customisation option. If coloured elastics are important to you, check which bracket system is being used before treatment begins. ### What should I say when asked about my elastic colour at an appointment? You can request any colour or combination available at your practice. It helps to think about it before your appointment rather than deciding under pressure. Asking the orthodontic nurse for their recommendation is perfectly fine — they have lots of experience suggesting options. ### Do coloured elastics stain easily? It depends on the colour. Lighter shades (white, clear, yellow, pale pink) stain noticeably from tea, coffee, curry, and red wine. Darker shades resist staining much better. Good oral hygiene also helps keep elastics looking fresh between appointments. ## References - British Orthodontic Society (https://www.bos.org.uk/Patients-Parents/Wearing-a-Brace/Fixed-Braces) - BOS patient guidance on fixed braces, including maintenance, appointments, and what to expect during treatment. - NHS (https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/teeth-straightening/) - NHS overview of brace types and what to expect from orthodontic treatment. - British Orthodontic Society (https://www.bos.org.uk/Patients-Parents/Wearing-a-Brace/Fixed-Braces) - BOS patient guidance on fixed braces, including maintenance, appointments, and what to expect during treatment. - NHS (https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/teeth-straightening/) - NHS overview of brace types and what to expect from orthodontic treatment.