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I had decided ages ago that I never wanted to have colored ligatures on my braces, wanting to draw as little attention to them as possible. However, after seeing all the options, I may give some colors a try when I know I have no where really important to go. (Don't want red and pink to go to a wedding or anything...)
Exactly, no one else really cares what colors are on my teeth.
I originally planned on getting clear brackets on top and staying discreet, but after doing some research before getting braced I totally changed my mind. So many cute girls proud of their braces got me thinking I would regret not having some fun with them while I have them. So I went all metal and have been excited about choosing my colors at each adjustment! Even my friend who had clear braces a couple years ago says she wishes she had done what I'm doing, no hassle of trying to prevent stains on clear ligs, showing confidence and just having fun in general!
update: sometimes people do notice - after my last adjustment I did get compliments on the teal, several people said they "brought out my eyes"! On separate occasions, even! My friends are the best, nothing but support
All Metal Uppers and Lowers - brackets placed with OrthoCAD
Braces on 2/1/2007, Removed 2/13/2008, now in Essix retainers.
I like my colors..they are much more fun than the plain clear ones!! I don't mind my braces, i'm having fun picking out my colors!! That's about the only reason i look forward to my adjustments, so i can change colors again!!! Why hide 'em........what's that saying..... "if you got it, flaunt it"!! Although probably not talking about braces but hey...whatever floats your boat!!!!!!!!
I think on my next adjustment b/c it's right before the 4th of July i'm going blue on top with red on bottom!! Can't wait!!!
I have clear ceramic on top and metal on bottom...when i first got them on my ortho was suprised that i wanted colored ligs on the top but i told him that i plan on having fun with my braces!!!
By the way does anyone know where you can go online to order your own lig colors? I want to see if i can find some cool colors to take to my ortho and use!!!
tipstar how did you get sparkle ligs? does your ortho have them or did you order them off line? Does anyone know where to order ligs off line from? I'd like to get some sparkle ones!!!
My ortho has a couple sparkle options, one of them being a nice indigo color, which I think I'll do next time! Don't know about ordering them online, maybe ask your ortho before your next appointment if they can special order some?
All Metal Uppers and Lowers - brackets placed with OrthoCAD
Braces on 2/1/2007, Removed 2/13/2008, now in Essix retainers.
I'm having fun with my colors. I started out light blue, changed to light pink, and now I'm back to light blue (I'm going to a reunion on Saturday and want to match my outfit -- heehee).
Both the pink and the blue seemed to fade out rather quickly, within 2 weeks, to a barely noticeable color at all. My ortho assistant recommended the silver/light gray ligs, but how boring is that. I can't hide all this metal, so I may as well flaunt it!
My son has had bright blue, green, and red over the years, and his colors seem to stay true, but for me, age 43, I'm not ready to go that dramatic yet. I promised my daughter I'd eventually try the bright/electric pink. Maybe next visit.
Palate expander: 10/10/2006 through 03/27/2007
Spacers and brackets: 03/27/2007
Archwire: 04/05/2007
First adjustment: 06/05/2007