Teeth color is a meticulous and often-avoided topic for many. And even in the dental field, there is little talk about establishing a standard baseline for determining and classifying teeth color.

A commonly used reference for many dentists is a shade guide, which divides teeth colors into four distinct categories: namely, reddish brown, reddish yellow, gray, and reddish gray.

Each level corresponds to a different spectrum of shades, exclusive to each classification. This means that colors from the reddish brown category is not naturally possible to achieve for those who have reddish gray teeth, and vice versa.

This gives dentists and their clients a safe baseline to talk about current and desired teeth color.

To use the chart provided, simply match your current teeth color with one of the following shades. This is your reference point, and you can go further to the left of the chart to determine how much you want your teeth to be whitened.

Choosing your Tooth Color

Finding the right white depends on numerous factors: skin tone, eye color, hair color or even your personality.

Fairer skin tones should select the whitest shades available such as PW7 or PW4. These two shades make the teeth appear lighter and would not contrast the skin tone.

A1 and A2 works best to complement a pale skin with dark hair.

Not everyone goes well with the brightest shade of white. Dark skin tones need not to push for the lightest shade due to the contrast created by the dark skin tone.

A2 or A3 is recommended for a naturally bright smile.

Teeth Whitening

For those who seek a gradual change in teeth color, consider going one step higher than the previous one per session. For those who want sudden and drastic change, consider going two to three shades lighter.

Gradual change emulates the effects of brushing the teeth, while drastic changes are often identified as artificial during the initial days after the treatment.

It is important to note that one shade changes will not be immediately noticeable, as compared to two to three shade changes.

The majority of people who undergo teeth whitening choose to whiten their teeth between two to seven shades, and see moderate success with it. Some clients, though, prefer going nine shades higher, which is a huge change in color.

There may be stubborn stains which are difficult to get rid of, but certain procedures in the clinic may be recommended to take care of them. Talk to your dentist about what’s best for your teeth and your oral health.

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