Colored Braces for Kids & Teens: Making Orthodontics Fun

Metal braces have come a long way. Today, kids and teens don’t just get straight teeth—they get to customize their smiles with fun, colorful elastics.

At Othman Orthodontics in Lombard and Orland Park, IL, metal braces with colored bands are still one of the most popular and effective options for growing smiles.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• How colored braces work
• Why they’re great for kids and teens
• Fun color ideas and combinations
• How to keep braces clean and bright

How Do Colored Braces Work?

Colored braces are basically traditional metal braces with a twist of fun.

They include:

• Metal brackets bonded to each tooth.
• Archwires that connect the brackets and guide tooth movement.
• Ligatures (elastic ties) that hold the wire in place on each bracket.

Those small ligatures—tiny rubber bands—are what come in different colors. At each adjustment visit, we:

• Change or adjust the wires.
• Replace the colored elastics.
• Let your child or teen pick new colors or combinations.

Why Kids & Teens Love Colored Braces

Turning braces into a way to express personality makes treatment more fun and engaging. Colored braces:

• Help kids feel more in control of their treatment.
• Give teens a chance to match school colors, sports teams or holidays.
• Make visits something to look forward to—“What colors should I pick next?”

This sense of ownership can actually improve cooperation with:

• Brushing and flossing.
• Wearing rubber bands (elastics), if needed.
• Following food guidelines to protect their braces.

Fun Color Ideas for Braces

Not sure what colors to choose? Here are some ideas kids and teens love:

School & Team Spirit

Match your school or sports team colors:

• Blue and white
• Red and black
• Green and gold

Holiday Themes

• Winter: Light blue and silver.
• Spring: Pastel pink and mint green.
• Summer: Bright teal and yellow.
• Fall: Orange and dark red.
• December holidays: Red and green, blue and white, or gold and silver.

Favorite Colors & Combos

• All one color—classic and simple.
• Alternating two colors (every other bracket).
• Top row one color, bottom row another color.

Subtle, Low-Key Options

Some teens prefer more subtle choices:

• Light gray or silver to blend with the brackets.
• Dark blue or navy, which doesn’t show stains easily.

Our team is always happy to suggest fun combos if your child isn’t sure what to pick.

Do Certain Colors Stain More Easily?

The elastics on braces can pick up stains from foods and drinks. Color choices that typically stay looking better longer include:

• Darker shades of blue, purple or green.
• Gray or silver (they blend with the metal and hide stains).

Colors that may show stains more:

• Very light or clear bands.
• Bright white (can make teeth look more yellow by comparison).
• Neon or very pale colors after certain foods or drinks.

That doesn’t mean kids can’t choose them—they just need to be mindful of colored foods and drinks.

Keeping Colored Braces Clean & Bright

To keep the braces and elastics looking great, we recommend:

• Brushing at least twice a day, and ideally after meals.
• Using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Cleaning around brackets and under wires with care.
• Flossing daily (with floss threaders or a water flosser).

To reduce staining:

• Limit highly pigmented foods and drinks (like soda, colored sports drinks, certain sauces).
• Rinse with water after eating or drinking anything that might stain.

Benefits of Metal Braces With Colors

Beyond the fun, colored metal braces:

• Are very effective for a wide range of orthodontic issues.
• Don’t rely on remembering to wear aligners—braces are always working.
• Are often a great choice for younger kids and teens who need more structure.

For teens who want a more low-key look, we also offer ceramic (clear) braces and Invisalign Teen.

Colored Braces for Kids & Teens in Lombard & Orland Park, IL

Lombard Office

Our Lombard office provides:

• Metal braces with colored elastics
• Orthodontics for children and teens
• Ceramic braces and Invisalign Teen for more discreet options

to families in Lombard, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Wheaton, Villa Park, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Hinsdale, Westmont, Lisle, Naperville.

Orland Park Office

Our Orland Park office offers the same colorful braces and teen-friendly treatment options to families in Orland Park, Tinley Park, Palos Heights, Palos Park, Homer Glen, Oak Forest, Mokena, Frankfort, New Lenox, Lockport.

Ready to Make Braces More Fun?

Braces don’t have to be boring. With colored elastics, kids and teens can show off their personalities while their smiles improve.

Schedule an orthodontic consultation in Lombard, IL or an orthodontic consultation in Orland Park, IL with Othman Orthodontics.

We’ll evaluate your child’s teeth and bite, explain all the options—from colored metal braces to clear braces and Invisalign Teen—and help you choose a treatment plan that’s effective, affordable and fun.