What are the different shades of teeth whitening?
Teeth don't just go from yellow to white overnight. There's actually a whole shade scale behind it. Think of it like paint swatches for your smile. Dentists often use the VITA shade guide, which ranges from natural yellows and browns to bright Hollywood-style whites. The most common groups are A (reddish-brown), B (reddish-yellow), C (greyish), and D (reddish-grey). B1 is often the goal for those looking for a 'clean and natural white'. Know this: Even B1 isn't the lightest. Some whitening treatments push beyond that to what's called 'bleach shades'. These are brighter than natural teeth ever come in!
How many levels can you jump?
Two to eight shades, depending on the method.
Zoom whitening or in-office bleaching can get you there fast, while at-home kits take time and usually lighten fewer shades. Also, the final result depends on the starting colour of your teeth.
Bottom line: Not all white smiles are the same. The trick is choosing the shade that fits your face and still looks real. Think glow, not glare!
What color makes your teeth look the whitest?
The answer isn't about your teeth themselves, for example it's about what you put around them. The color you wear, especially near your face, can seriously change how white your teeth look. Sounds like magic, but it's pure color science. Simple as that.
Blue-based shades like navy, cobalt, berry, or a true red lipstick with blue undertones? All perfect for your teeth. They create a contrast that neutralizes the yellowish hues in your teeth. Think of it like whitening strips, but with clothes or makeup!
What makes teeth look more yellow?
Warm colors like orange, coral, olive, or beige.
It's like framing a white photo in a yellow frame. It just looks duller. But swap it for a crisp blue frame? The whole thing brightens up.
Picture this: you wear a deep plum top or a bold blue-red lip. You smile changes! Suddenly, your teeth look brighter, cleaner, more polished. Even if you skipped your whitening session. That's the kind of visual trick you'll want to use again and again!
Bottom line? Choose the right colors, and your smile will do the rest.
What are A1 and B1 tooth shades?
Let's break this down simply. Because no one needs a science lecture when choosing a tooth colour. A1 and B1 are part of the VITA shade guide, which dentists use to match or whiten teeth. Think of it like a paint chart, but for smiles.
So, what's the difference?
B1 is whiter. A1 is natural.
A1 is a soft, light ivory. It's white, but with a gentle warmth, kind of like sunlight through a window. B1 is brighter and cooler. It's often the shade people point to when they say, 'I want a clean, white smile.'
If you want a natural look, A1 might be your match. But if you want that just-bleached, camera-ready grin, B1 starts the show! Think of A1 as 'nice dinner party' white, and B1 as 'red carpet spotlight' white.
Both look good. It's just about what fits you.
A1 vs B1 tooth color
We already touched on this earlier, but let's be honest. This is one of the most asked questions when it comes to tooth shades. People love comparing A1 and B1 because they're both light, both popular, and both beautiful in different ways. So to make things clearer and easier for you, here's a quick side-by-side comparison in a tidy little table. You'll see exactly how they differ in tone, feel, and how they look in real life.
|
Feature |
A1 tooth shade |
B1 tooth shade |
|
Overall look |
Soft white |
Bright white |
|
Base tone |
Slightly warm |
Cool, clean |
|
Natural appearance |
Very natural |
Less natural |
|
Whitening result match |
Moderate bleaching |
Advanced bleaching |
|
Used in veneers? |
Often |
Very often |
|
Common in real teeth? |
Yes |
Rarely |
|
Celeb smile vibe |
Subtle elegance |
Flashy and striking |
|
Pairs with skin tones |
Warm to neutral |
Neutral to cool |
|
First impression |
Healthy & calm |
Dazzling and polished |
What are Hollywood white teeth shades?
'Hollywood white' refers to the brightest, whitest tooth shades you can get. These aren't your everyday natural whites like A1 or B1. Nope. This is a few steps brighter; think BL1, BL2, or even custom ultra-white shades that look perfect on camera.
These shades are mostly used in veneers or advanced whitening treatments. They're designed to pop under lights and in photos, like the kind of smile you see on actors, models, and influencers. It's not just white; it's glowingly white!
Is it too much? For some, yes. But if you love that polished, magazine-cover look, this is what you're after. Just remember: it's about balance. With the right face, skin tone, and confidence, you can totally pull it off.
It's not just a colour; it's a statement.
What is OM1 tooth shade?
OM1 is one of the brightest, whitest tooth shades you can choose. It's even whiter than B1 or BL1. This shade isn't found in natural teeth. It's used for veneers or cosmetic makeovers to create that ultra-clean, Hollywood-style smile.
Too white for some?
Yes. But it's perfect if you want a bold, glowing look.
Think of OM1 as the 'diamond white' of teeth. Clear, icy, and attention-grabbing.
How to choose the right shade of white for your teeth?
Choosing the perfect tooth shade isn't just about going as white as possible. It's about what suits you. And trust me, the right shade can make your whole face look fresher.
So where do you start?
Start with your skin tone.
If you have warm or olive skin, go for softer whites like A1. Cooler or fair skin? You can pull off brighter shades like B1 or even BL1. The goal isn't 'blinding white'. It's natural and balanced.
Also, look at your eyes and hair. Strong contrast (like dark hair, light skin)? You might suit a brighter shade. And don't forget your age! Super-white shades can sometimes look too fake on mature faces.
Still unsure? Ask your dentist to try in a few sample shades. Seeing them in your mouth under natural light helps a lot.
Brightest = best?
Not always. Best = what fits you.
FAQ
Are teeth naturally white?
No, not pure white.
Natural teeth usually have a slightly yellow or off-white tone. That's because the inner layer called dentin is naturally yellowish, and it shows through the outer enamel. So even if you've got healthy teeth, they don't not look paper-white. And that's totally normal.
The 'Hollywood white' look? That's not something we're born with. It's usually the result of whitening treatments or veneers. So if your teeth aren't bright white, don't stress. That doesn't mean they're dirty or unhealthy. It just means they're real.
What is the whitest shade of teeth?
The whitest shade of teeth is OM1. It's even brighter than B1 or BL1, and you won't find it in natural teeth. OM1 is often used in veneers or smile makeovers to create that super-clean, Hollywood smile. It looks bold and icy and stands out, especially under lights.
Is A1 tooth shade good?
Yes, A1 is a really good shade, especially if you want your teeth to look white but still natural. It's soft, clean, and not too flashy. Kind of like a fresh cotton shirt, not too bright, but still crisp.
For many people, A1 hits that perfect middle.
It suits most faces, blends well with real teeth, and doesn't scream 'I had work done.' So, if you're after a natural glow instead of a movie-star glare, A1 is a smart pick.
Is B1 tooth shade too white?
No, B1 isn't too white, but it's definitely on the brighter side. It's one of the lightest natural-looking shades. Think of it as 'photo-ready white', not blinding like OM1, but still super fresh.
It gives that clean, healthy smile without looking fake. So if you want white teeth that still feel real, B1 is a solid choice. Like wearing a crisp white shirt, not flashy, just sharp.
Is OM2 the same as BL2?
No, OM2 and BL2 aren't the same though they're pretty close. Both are very bright white shades, used mostly in veneers or cosmetic work. But OM2 comes from the OM (Optimized White) scale, while BL2 is part of the Bleach shade guide.
So, what's the difference?
BL2 is usually a bit brighter and cooler than OM2.
Think of OM2 as 'naturally enhanced' white. BL2 leans more toward that glowing, Hollywood-style brightness. Both look clean and polished. It just depends how bold you want to go.
What shade are celebrity teeth?
Most celebrity teeth you see on screen or in magazines are usually BL1, BL2, or OM1. These are ultra-white, bleach shades way whiter than what natural teeth usually look like.
Real or fake?
Often, it's veneers or professional teeth whitening.
These shades are picked to pop under bright lights and HD cameras. So, while they look amazing in photos, they're a few steps brighter than everyday smiles. If you're going for that red carpet look, these shades are the go-to. Think clean, bright, and camera-ready.
Can teeth be whitened beyond their natural shade?
The whitest tooth shade is unique to each individual. Even if you whiten your whitest tooth shade as much as you want, the result will not change. When choosing teeth whitening, you should know that your teeth will whiten up to 2-3 tones, but you will not be able to achieve Hollywood Smile whiteness. If you aim for your teeth to reach the whitest and most striking tooth tone, you can choose veneers, of course, by taking the opinion of your dentist.
Why choose Lisa Smile Studio?
Because Lisa Smile Studio is giving you a smile you actually love. We listen, explain things clearly, and never rush. You feel like you're in safe hands from the first hello to the final check.
We use top-notch materials, follow the latest tech, and actually care about how you feel. Whether it’s whitening, veneers, or a full makeover, we focus on what suits your face, not just a trend.
Want to feel the difference?
Book your appointment now and start smiling with confidence.