Yellow teeth can make you feel embarrassed to share your smile with the world. There are plenty of options when it comes to treating tooth discoloration, but many people hesitate to explore their options because they’re afraid their smile will look fake. Our team at Lake Baldwin Dental specializes in creating beautiful smiles that look completely natural, and helping you choose the right tooth color is a key part of how we do that.
This quick tooth shade guide explains how to understand a teeth color chart, factors we consider when helping you choose your new shade, and how to maintain your tooth color after cosmetic dentistry treatment. Let’s dive in!
Understanding a Tooth Shade Chart
A tooth shade chart, also called a dental shade guide, is a reference tool dentists use to identify the specific color of your teeth. We do this for several reasons, such as:
- Monitoring color changes in your natural enamel, such as before and after teeth whitening
- Choosing the right color for restorative material such as for fillings or dental bonding to ensure it blends in with the natural enamel
- Selecting a shade for indirect restorations like dental crowns, cosmetic veneers, and bridges to give them a natural appearance that matches your face and preferences
- Choosing teeth for dental prosthetics like dentures and dental implants
Several different tooth shade charts exist, and there is no standardized guide that’s used throughout the dental industry. However, Vita guides tend to be the most commonly used by dental offices and dental material manufacturers.
What do the letters and numbers on a tooth shade chart mean?
The shades on a tooth color chart are grouped by their hue (base color):
- A for reddish-brown colors
- B for reddish-yellow
- C for gray undertones
- D for reddish-gray
Within each letter group, the individual shades are numbered for their chroma (how intense the color is) and value (how light or dark the color is). 1 is the “whitest” in each group, with higher numbers having a darker, more saturated color. For example, A1 is brighter and whiter than A4.
These letter and number combinations mostly describe natural teeth colors, but modern dental materials include shades like OM1-OM3. These are ultra-bright whites that sit outside the natural range.
Digital dentistry for precision tooth color matching
While a standard tooth shade chart is still a reliable method for identifying your tooth color, modern tools like our Trios 3D scanner make it easier than ever to identify the shade of your tooth and create restorations that blend in perfectly with your natural smile.
What Is the Best Solution for Yellow Teeth?
The best treatment for yellow teeth depends on how dramatic you want the shade change to be and what type of discoloration you have. There are two main options for whiter teeth: teeth whitening or restorations.
1. Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a conservative, affordable option that can brighten your natural enamel without dental work. We offer in-office whitening that can deliver white teeth in a single visit as well as custom take-home whitening trays that give you more control over your final shade.
Best for:
- Mild to moderate discoloration
- Naturally yellow teeth
- Teeth that are generally healthy
- Even, uniform discoloration
Doesn’t work as well for:
- Uneven discoloration like striped or speckled enamel
- Dark gray teeth
- Discoloration after root canal therapy
If you have existing dental work like fillings or crowns that show when you smile, it’s important to know that whitening your teeth could make these restorations stand out even more. In addition, using products that are too harsh or abrasive (like charcoal toothpaste) can harm your gums and enamel. That’s why it’s always a good idea to check in with your dentist before whitening your teeth!
2. Restorations: Dental Crowns and Veneers
If you have very deep internal tooth stains, uneven discoloration, or discoloration that won’t respond to teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry restorations that cover your teeth may be the best way to improve your smile.
Best for:
- Discoloration that won’t respond to whitening
- Old dental work that has become discolored
- Very dark teeth
- Damaged teeth that need structural support
May not be the best option for:
- Young patients who are still growing
- People who may not be able to keep up with good home care habits
- Patients who are not ready to commit to a long-term solution
There are several different restorations that can treat tooth discoloration, and they each have their own pros and cons. Our team will help you choose the best solution for your needs, smile goals, and budget.
How to Choose the Best Shade for Your Smile
Once you decide on the best way to address your tooth discoloration, all that’s left is to decide what shade you want your smile to be. Many people think they want their teeth to be as white as possible, but shades that are too white look unnatural.
As part of your consultation for cosmetic dentistry in Baldwin Park, Dr. Dunn or Dr. Nestle will help you choose the best shade for your smile to ensure you get a beautiful smile that’s authentically yours.
When choosing a shade for your veneers or dental crowns, we’ll consider factors like:
- Your natural teeth color
- Your skin tone and complexion
- Your eye color (including the whites of your eyes)
- The color of your lips and gums
- Your preferences and smile goals
Getting a Natural-Looking Result
There is no single “best” shade for teeth because each smile is unique. The key to getting the most natural-looking result when treating tooth discoloration is finding the shade that’s right for you.
Choose a Color That’s Right for You
Your skin tone is one of the most important factors in choosing the right shade for your teeth. For example, if your skin has a cool undertone, warmer teeth colors may look best for you. While very bright shades may look unnaturally white for people with fair skin, it can look great on people with darker or olive skin.
Choose a Cosmetic Dentist Who Specializes in Natural Results
Choosing a skilled cosmetic dentist near you is critical. These restorations need to be created with technical precision, but artistry plays a major role as well.
Natural teeth aren’t one uniform color from top to bottom. For example, they’re usually more translucent at the biting edges. Even the whitest teeth may have slightly more color near the gums where the tooth is thicker.
Dr. Dunn and Dr. Nestle specialize in designing restorations with these variations in mind. We partner with an expert dental laboratory with a proven track record for creating beautifully natural veneers, crowns, and other dental restorations.
With our team, you’ll be able to enjoy a gorgeous, white smile you’ll be proud to share with the world. Get in touch with our team to schedule your consultation for whiter teeth today!