Not All White Is the Same: How to Choose the Right Shade for a Natural, Beautiful Smile

If you’re on a quest for whiter teeth, you’re not alone. The American Dental Association estimates that up to 19% of Americans have had their teeth whitened, though we wouldn’t be surprised if that figure were higher. It just so happens that when we share our smile with others, we want to flash pearly whites, not yellowed or discolored teeth.

What many people don’t realize, however, is that there is a bit of an art to getting white teeth. The shade that’s right for someone you know might not be the right shade of white for you. When your teeth are too white, it looks unnatural. And if your teeth aren’t white enough, it might feel a bit disappointing. 

So, how do you choose the right shade of white for your smile? We’ve got some answers.

Why “Whiter” Isn’t Always Better 

When we talk to patients about cosmetic dentistry options, including ways to achieve a brighter smile, they often tell us they want their teeth “as white as possible.” And we get it. White teeth look amazing. 

But too white isn’t so good. Think back to that episode of Friends when Ross had his teeth whitened. Sure, he was trying to impress his date, but he took things too far. Teeth that are extremely bright can sometimes stand out for the wrong reasons. A natural-looking smile usually has a little warmth and variation to it, which is why choosing the right shade matters just as much as whitening your teeth in the first place.

What Goes Into Choosing the Right Shade 

Just how much whiter your smile can get depends on a lot of things. But in most cases, professional tooth whitening can help you see an improvement of two to eight shades (sometimes more). The question, though, is how to determine the right shade for you.

Here are a few things we consider during your cosmetic dentistry consultation.

• Your skin tone and natural undertones.
• Your age and current tooth color.
• Your eye color and facial features.
• How bright you want your smile to appear.
• Whether you want subtle results or a more dramatic change.

Professional Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Products

Did you watch that clip we shared earlier about Ross and his whitening experience? In his situation, he fell asleep with whitening strips on his teeth. Though at-home tooth-whitening products can be effective when you follow the manufacturer’s instructions (which does not include leaving the gel on all night), they can easily lead to mistakes. 

With professional tooth whitening, you’re far less likely to be disappointed in your results. In fact, we’re pretty confident that if you choose to get whiter teeth at Dallas Cosmetic Dental, our approach will deliver the exact results you are hoping for. Why? Whether you opt for our in-office approach or our custom take-home trays, your treatment is designed precisely for you, and not someone else. 

How Dentists Customize Your Results 

This raises the question: Just how do we customize your tooth-whitening results? Well, as we shared earlier, we believe that your smile should look like it belongs to you, not like it was copied from someone else. Your smile should look natural and flattering, not overly bright or artificial. That’s why we take time to talk with you about the type of results you want before starting treatment. Some patients prefer a subtle change that freshens their appearance. Others want a whiter smile that stands out a bit more.

In many cases, gradual whitening creates the most natural finish. Brightening your teeth over a period of time can help your new smile look refreshed rather than overly white. We can also make adjustments during treatment based on your preferences and how your teeth respond to whitening. The goal is to help you love your results while still looking like yourself.

Maintaining Your Ideal Shade of White 

Once your teeth are the shade of white that you want, it’s important to maintain and protect your investment. With proper care, you’ll be able to enjoy the results of your treatment for anywhere from six months to three years (and some patients can maintain their results for much longer).

Here’s how to make it happen. 

• Brush and floss every day to help prevent new stains.
• Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams.
• Limit foods and drinks that can stain teeth, such as coffee, red wine, tea, and dark sauces.
• Rinse your mouth with water after consuming stain-causing foods or drinks.
• Use touch-up whitening treatments when recommended by your dentist.
• Avoid smoking or tobacco products that can discolor teeth quickly.

Get started on the path to a brighter, whiter, and happier smile.

If your teeth aren’t the color that you want, why not make a change? With professional tooth whitening from Dr. Alhadef and the team at Dallas Cosmetic Dental, you’ll be sure to get the smile you’ve been dreaming of. And getting white teeth all starts with a simple consultation. Schedule yours today.