How to Cover Up Metal Braces

Gone are the days when straightening your teeth only meant a mouth full of metal. There are now a variety of orthodontic products to improve your smile. If you choose to go with metal braces, you can still jazz them up from boring gray to just about any color you want. You simply cover the metal braces that are bonded to the teeth with tiny colored elastics called ligatures or o'ties that hold the archwire in place in the bracket. You can have your orthodontist change the colors for you at each appointment.

Instructions

• 1

  Visit your orthodontist at your scheduled appointment. These adjustment appointments are usually spaced every one to two months. A receptionist will likely set up your next appointment at the end of your current one.

• 2

  Ask him if he can change the colors of your ligatures. During a routine visit, your orthodontist will check the progress of your teeth straightening. She will also removed the old ligatures and archwire, have you brush your teeth, then replace the wire and o-ties.

• 3

  Request the colors that correspond with the holiday or event closest to your appointment. O-ties come in a variety of colors, many of which coincide with those traditionally associated with special occasions such as Valentine's Day, Halloween and the Fourth of July. You can ask for a single hue or any combination of colors you like.

• 4

  Think about which colors you want to experiment with next time to cover your metal braces. You can even try a different color on each tooth to produce your personal rainbow smile. You are limited only by your imagination.