Teeth Colour Shade Guide

Have you ever wondered why the colour of teeth varies so much from person to person? Or why aren’t your teeth as bright as you wish to be, even after regular brushing? This article goes into great detail about the interesting world of teeth colour shades, covering everything from what makes our teeth colour to how to safely and effectively get the shade we want.

What Determines Tooth Colour?

• Genetics: Some people naturally have yellower or grayer teeth than others. Genetics plays a huge role in the colour of our teeth, as well as the colour of our hair and eyes. 
• Diet & Lifestyle: What we eat and drink significantly affects the colour of our teeth. Coffee, tea, red wine, and certain foods can discolour teeth over time. Smoking is another major cause of yellowing teeth.
• Ageing: Our teeth enamel wears away with age, exposing the yellowish dentin beneath. This natural process can make teeth appear darker or yellower.

Shades Of Teeth: A Complete Guide 

Dentists use a shade guide to determine the exact colour of a patient’s teeth.  The most often used shade guide is the Vita Classical Shade Guide, which categorises dental colours into four primary groups:

A (Red-Brown)

B (Red-Yellow)

C (Grey)

D (Red-Grey)

Each category is further separated into specific shades, which range from light to dark. Understanding this information can assist you in determining your current teeth shade and selecting the best whitening treatment if necessary.

Shade Group A (Red/Brown)

Group A shades are often red-brown. These are common shades, which include:

A1: The lightest in this group, typically viewed as natural white.

A2: slightly darker than A1, but still rather light.

A3: A medium shade with significant brown undertones.

A4: The darkest in this group, having a distinct red-brown tone.

Shade Group B (Red/Yellow)

The reddish-yellow tint of group B shades makes them distinct. These less frequent shades include:

B1: The lightest in this group, frequently referred to as a very natural white.

B2 is slightly darker, with a warm undertone.

B3: A medium shade with more prominent yellow tones.

B4: The darkest in this category, with a distinct red-yellow tint.

Shade Group C (Grey).

Group C colours have a greyish tone. The colours are highly distinctive and include:

C1: The lightest in this category, with a faint grey tint.

C2: Slightly darker with more visible grey undertones.

C3: A medium tone with a distinct grey-tint.

C4: The darkest in this group, with a distinct grey tint.

Shade Group D (Red/Grey)

Red and grey hues are combined in Group D tints. These tints are distinctive and include:

D2: This is the lightest in the group, with a faint red-grey hue.

D3: This has a medium shade with more prominent red-grey undertones.

D4: This is the darkest in this category, having a distinct red-grey hue.

Maintaining Your Desired Teeth Shade

Maintaining your desired tooth shade requires frequent oral maintenance and lifestyle adjustments. Achieving your ideal tooth colour is only the beginning. Regular care and mindful habits will help you keep that shade.

• Regular Dental Check-ups: To preserve dental health and your desired tooth colour, schedule regular dental consultations. Regular brushing and flossing are important, but they may not remove tartar and plaque effectively. Professional cleanings can solve this issue and keep your teeth in good condition. 
• Good Dental Hygiene Practices: Brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and use mouthwash to help keep your teeth white.
• Healthy Diet Choices: Reduce the amount of food and drink that stains teeth to help keep their colour. Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples and carrots, to naturally clean your teeth.
• Avoiding tobacco products: Tobacco products are known to discolour teeth. Quitting smoking or using tobacco can dramatically improve and preserve the brightness of your teeth.

Conclusion

Understanding the elements that influence tooth colour and using our tool, such as the Teeth Whitening Shade Guide will assist you in achieving and maintaining your selected shade. To keep your teeth excellent, you should have regular dental check-ups, practice proper oral hygiene, eat a nutritious diet, and avoid smoking. Whether you choose professional whitening treatments or at-home options, maintaining a bright smile requires constant care. By following these steps, you can get a confident, shining smile that represents your dedication to oral health and attractiveness.