Are Colored Braces More Expensive?

Are Colored Braces More Expensive? Here’s the Truth Behind the Price and Colours You Pick

You finally decided to get braces – but then your dentist asks, “What colour would you like?” Suddenly, you’re wondering… Do I have to pay more for that?

At Chin Lim Dental Surgery in Penang, patients often ask if choosing colored braces increases their overall treatment cost. It’s a valid question – especially when you’re already budgeting for something as major as orthodontic treatment.

Here’s the thing: the price of braces doesn’t go up just because you choose hot pink or navy blue bands. But there are a few exceptions and misconceptions we need to clear up.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• Whether coloured braces cost more in Malaysia
• How colour choices affect your smile (and confidence)
• Whether Damon or invisible braces give you colour options
• And what colours make your teeth look naturally whiter

Let’s dig in.

What Are Colored Braces, and Why Do People Love Them?

Braces have come a long way from the days when they were just cold, grey metal on your teeth. Today, coloured braces are one of the easiest ways to make your orthodontic journey a little more fun and a lot more personal.

Braces Aren’t Just Boring Anymore

Traditional braces still use metal brackets and wires, but now they come with coloured elastic bands, also known as ligatures. These little rubber bands are what hold the archwire in place and are replaced at each adjustment visit.

Here’s the good part: these colours are customisable.

You can choose new colours every time you come in for a tightening. Some patients match their favourite football team, others go for festive combos during holidays, and many just pick what makes them feel good when they smile.

Colours Give You a Way to Personalise Your Look

Braces aren’t just about straightening your teeth – they’re a part of your face for 1–2 years. Having the ability to choose your own colours lets you express your personality, whether you’re bold, minimal, or somewhere in between.

Think of it like choosing the colour of your sneakers or phone case – it doesn’t change what it does, but it makes it feel more you.

And here’s the best part (spoiler alert): you don’t pay extra for most of these colours. We’ll dive into that next.

Read more: How Long Do Braces Take

So, Are Colored Braces More Expensive in Malaysia?

Let’s settle this once and for all – choosing a colour for your braces does not make them more expensive.

We know it sounds like it should. After all, when you customise something – whether it’s your car paint, phone case, or even your coffee – you often pay more. But with braces, colour is just a small aesthetic touch, and in most cases, it’s already included in your treatment plan.

Understanding What You’re Actually Paying For

When you’re quoted a price for braces in Malaysia, that fee covers:

• The type of braces (metal, ceramic, self-ligating, etc.)
• Regular adjustment visits
• Orthodontist consultation and monitoring
• Retainers after treatment (in some packages)

The coloured ligatures – those tiny rubber bands you pick during your adjustment appointments – are part of the package. They’re routinely replaced anyway as part of your progress check, so colour choices don’t create additional work or materials for your orthodontist.

TL;DR: Coloured braces don’t cost more. Whether you choose black, pink, rainbow, or stick to plain grey – your treatment fee stays the same.

The Truth About Color Bands and Cost

There’s a myth floating around that certain colours are “premium” or “designer” – but at Chin Lim Dental Surgery, we can confirm: there’s no price difference between colours.

In fact, colour options can often be an incentive. Clinics use them to make the experience more positive for kids, teens, and even adults who may be nervous about orthodontic treatment.

“But what about pastel pink or neon green – are those more expensive?” Nope. Still the same price.

Unless you’re adding extras like tooth gems or opting for ceramic brackets for aesthetic reasons, colour won’t change your bill.

Do Damon Braces Come With Colours?

Now here’s where it gets interesting.

Damon braces are a type of self-ligating system, which means they don’t use elastic bands at all. Instead, they use a sliding clip mechanism to hold the wire in place. So, no elastic bands = no colours.

If you want the flexibility to change colours every few weeks, Damon braces may not be the best choice for you. But if you’re looking for something low-maintenance and subtle, they’re still a solid option.

Colour Psychology – What Shade Should You Pick?

Choosing the colour of your braces isn’t just about aesthetics – it can actually change how your teeth look. Some colours can make your teeth appear whiter and brighter, while others may unintentionally highlight stains or yellow tones.

So, how do you choose the right shade for your smile?

What Colour Braces Make Teeth Look White?

If your main goal is to make your teeth look whiter, here’s a simple rule: go dark.

Darker-coloured bands create contrast, which makes the whites of your teeth pop. Some of the best colour choices for this include:

• Navy Blue – subtle and flattering on most skin tones
• Deep Purple – adds vibrancy without clashing
• Dark Green – bold but surprisingly teeth-friendly
• Maroon or Burgundy – rich tones that balance well with natural enamel

Stay away from yellow, white or clear bands. These tend to highlight any discolouration or food staining and can make your teeth appear more yellow – even if they’re clean.

Pro Tip: Ask your orthodontist to hold a colour sample near your teeth during your next visit. You’ll see instantly which colours work best with your natural enamel.

Colours That Might Stain or Discolour Easily

Certain colours, while fun at first, may not age well between adjustment visits. This includes:

• White or clear – These can absorb food pigments (like curry or coffee) and turn off-white or yellowish.
• Light yellow – Often mistaken for plaque or staining.
• Bright green or orange – Might look like food is stuck in your teeth (yikes).

If you eat a lot of colourful or spicy foods, skip the lighter shades and go for mid-to-dark tones.

What Is the Best Colour for Braces?

The best colour? It’s the one that makes you feel confident. But here are some crowd favourites that consistently rank high among our patients at Chin Lim Dental Surgery:

• Dark blue or teal – Matches most outfits, suits all skin tones
• Red or hot pink – Bold, energetic, and fun
• Black – Sleek and edgy, though it can sometimes resemble food particles
• Pastel purple – Soft, elegant, and great for all ages

And if you’re unsure? Try a dual colour combo – alternating colours on each bracket or choosing different shades for top and bottom rows.

Do Colours Impact Orthodontic Treatment Results?

This is a common concern: “If I keep changing colours, will it slow down my treatment?”

Let’s bust that myth once and for all – colours don’t impact the effectiveness or speed of your orthodontic treatment. They’re just cosmetic and don’t interfere with the way your braces work.

Read more: How to Prevent Swollen Gums with Braces

Aesthetic vs Functional Performance

Coloured bands are simply tiny elastics that hold the archwire in place. Whether they’re pink, green, black or glow-in-the-dark, they do the same job. The real work is being done by the archwire and brackets, not the ligatures.

So, whether you stick to one shade or change it up every month, your teeth will still move as planned — as long as you follow your orthodontist’s instructions and attend your check-ups.

Will Changing Colours Delay My Progress?

Nope. Changing colours is part of your regular adjustment appointments. In fact, your orthodontist has to replace those bands every visit to maintain hygiene and tension.

So if you’re the type who loves trying new looks, feel free to explore:

• Festive colours for holidays
• Team colours for football season
• Matching your braces with outfits or nail polish (yes, people do this)

You’re not “slowing down” your braces by having fun with them.

Are Some Colours Better for Long-Term Wear?

If you prefer a low-maintenance look or can’t visit the clinic often, stick with:

• Dark blue
• Forest green
• Maroon

These colours don’t stain easily and tend to look fresh even after a few weeks. On the flip side, white and clear bands can start looking dull or dirty in half the time – especially if you love coffee or spicy food (and let’s be honest, who in Malaysia doesn’t?).

What Patients Should Know Before Picking a Colour

Choosing a braces colour may feel like a small decision, but if you’re going to wear it for 3–5 weeks at a time, it’s worth thinking through. Your choice can reflect your style, mood, or even your teeth’s appearance – all without affecting your treatment progress.

Here’s what to consider before you pick.

Lifestyle, Skin Tone, and Personal Style

The best colour for your braces isn’t just your favourite colour – it’s the one that works well with your daily life, skin tone, and fashion choices.

• If you wear a lot of neutral or pastel colours, lavender or silver bands can blend in nicely.
• Warm skin tones often pair beautifully with dark green, gold, or maroon.
• Cooler skin tones look great with navy blue, turquoise, or deep purple.

And if you’re working a professional job or prefer something subtle? You can always go with grey, navy, or smoke-coloured bands that look sleek but understated.

Read more: How to Tell if You Have a Cavity with Braces

What Your Colour Might Say About You (Fun Section)

This part’s just for fun, but you’d be surprised how many patients pick a colour based on personality or mood:

• Red: Confident, bold, maybe a little dramatic (in a good way)
• Pink: Fun, flirty, energetic
• Blue: Calm, reliable, down-to-earth
• Green: Adventurous, sporty, fun-loving
• Black: Mysterious, edgy, or just “it goes with everything”
• White/Clear: Minimalist… or hoping no one notices your braces at all

We’ve even had patients pick colours based on their horoscope signs. No judgment here – if it makes you feel good, go for it.

How Often Can You Change Your Braces Colour?

Here’s the good news – you’re not locked in for the full year.

Most patients visit the orthodontist every 4–6 weeks for adjustments. That means you get to pick a new colour at each visit. So if you don’t like the one you picked last month, no worries – you’ll get a fresh start soon.

And yes, you can even request different colours for top and bottom teeth if you want to switch things up.

Pro tip: Some clinics have a colour wheel or chart you can preview before you decide. Ask to see it – it’ll help!