Teeth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments at Sherwood Park Dental, following similar patterns UK-wide. Whether it’s for a special occasion, a confidence boost, or to reverse the effects of ageing and staining, more people are turning to professional whitening to brighten their smile.
But before starting treatment, it’s important to understand one key detail — tooth shade. How white can your teeth go? What’s realistic? And what shade will suit your smile best?
In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about teeth whitening shades, including how dentists measure tooth colour, what affects your final result, and how to choose the right level of whiteness for you.
What Are Teeth Whitening Shades?
When we talk about teeth whitening shades, we’re referring to the range of colours that natural teeth can be — from darker yellows and browns through to light creams and pale whites.
Dentists use a shade guide to compare your current tooth colour to a standardised scale. The most commonly used guide is the VITA shade scale, which includes a range of natural-looking tooth shades grouped by colour family and brightness.
Shade guides help your dentist:
- Assess your starting tooth colour
- Plan your whitening treatment
- Set realistic expectations for your results
Track your progress
What’s the Lightest Tooth Shade?
On the VITA shade guide, B1 is often considered the lightest natural tooth shade. It’s a bright, clean white that still looks realistic. Many patients undergoing professional teeth whitening aim to reach B1, as it provides noticeable whitening without looking overly artificial.
However, newer shade systems go even lighter than B1, especially for cosmetic treatments involving veneers or crowns. But for natural teeth, B1 is usually the benchmark for a very white smile.
Is Whiter Always Better?
It’s tempting to think that the whiter your teeth, the better they’ll look — but that’s not always the case. The best tooth shade is one that suits your skin tone, looks natural, and enhances your smile without being distracting.
Going too white can make your teeth look fake or draw attention to imperfections. A subtle, even improvement is often more flattering and longer-lasting.
Your dentist will help you choose a target shade based on your:
- Original tooth colour
- Lifestyle and habits
- Skin and gum tone
- Oral health
- Desired outcome
Factors That Affect Teeth Whitening Results
Not everyone achieves the same whitening results, and your final shade depends on a few important factors:
Natural Tooth Colour
Everyone’s teeth have a base shade that’s determined by the dentine beneath the enamel. Some people naturally have more yellow, grey, or cream tones. Whitening treatments work best on yellow-toned teeth, while grey or brown shades can be harder to lighten.
Age
As we age, our enamel wears down and more of the darker dentine shows through. This makes whitening a little less effective for older patients, although good results are still achievable with professional treatment.
Staining
Surface stains from coffee, tea, red wine, smoking and certain foods can make teeth look darker. These extrinsic stains respond well to whitening. However, deeper intrinsic stains, such as those from medication or trauma, may need more advanced solutions like internal whitening or veneers.
Type of Whitening Treatment
Over-the-counter kits and whitening toothpastes may only remove minor stains or lighten teeth by one or two shades. In contrast, professional teeth whitening at your dental clinic can brighten teeth by several shades and deliver more consistent results.
Your dentist may offer:
- In-practice whitening (faster, often using a whitening lamp)
- At-home whitening kits (custom trays with dentist-approved gels)
How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?
Your new shade won’t last forever, but with the right care, results from professional whitening can last from several months up to two years. Regular brushing, reducing stain-causing foods, and avoiding smoking can help maintain a whiter smile for longer.
Your dentist may also offer top-up treatments or at-home kits to refresh your shade when needed.
How to Choose the Right Shade for You
Choosing your ideal tooth shade is a personal decision. While your dentist will guide you based on your starting point and natural limits, you should also consider your appearance, goals and lifestyle.
Here are a few tips:
- Aim for a natural look. Whitening too far beyond your natural range can look artificial.
- Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone’s teeth whiten differently.
- Look at your skin tone. Warmer skin tones may suit creamier white shades, while cooler skin tones often work well with brighter whites.
- Start with subtle changes. You can always go whiter later with additional treatment.
Why a Consultation is Key
Before starting any whitening treatment, it’s essential to have a consultation with your dentist. This isn’t just about picking a shade — it’s about making sure your teeth and gums are healthy, identifying the best method for you, and setting realistic expectations.
Your dentist will:
- Check for any signs of decay or gum disease
- Take shade measurements and photographs
- Discuss the treatment options and likely results
- Advise on aftercare and top-ups
Trying to whiten teeth without professional advice can lead to uneven results, sensitivity, or even damage, especially with unregulated online kits.
Is It Safe to Go Very White?
Professional whitening treatments used under dentist’s supervision are completely safe when applied correctly. However, attempting to push your teeth to extremely white shades with repeated or unregulated use can wear down enamel and increase sensitivity.
Always follow your dentist’s recommendations and avoid DIY solutions that aren’t approved for dental use in the UK.
Final Thoughts
Understanding teeth whitening shades before starting treatment is just as important as choosing the right dentist or product. From knowing your natural tooth colour to setting realistic expectations, being informed helps you get the results you want — safely, comfortably and confidently.
If you’re considering teeth whitening, speak to your dentist about the best treatment for your needs. With expert advice and a clear plan, you can achieve a brighter, healthier smile that suits you perfectly.
