Having bright, white teeth is something many people desire. White teeth look healthy, youthful and can really boost your confidence. When it comes to tooth whitening, people often ask what the whitest tooth shade is. B1 is frequently cited as being the whitest natural tooth shade on dental shade guides. But is B1 really the absolute whitest tooth color you can achieve? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Tooth Shade B1?
Dentists use dental shade guides to evaluate and communicate tooth shades. The VITA Classical Shade Guide is one of the most commonly used dental shade guides. It arranges tooth colors into 5 shade groups from lightest to darkest:
- B (bright white)
- A (grayish white)
- B (reddish white)
- C (reddish gray)
- D (reddish brown)
Within each shade group there are numbered shades indicating variations in brightness. B1 is the lightest and brightest shade in the B (bright white) shade group. So B1 represents the lightest natural tooth shade on the VITA classical guide.
What Does B1 Look Like?
So what does B1 actually look like? B1 teeth are a very light whitish-blue color. They are bright and reflective but still look natural. B1 is lighter than the typical natural tooth shade of A2 or A3.
| Shade Guide Code | Description |
|---|---|
| B1 | Lightest natural tooth shade. Light whitish-blue color. |
| A2 | Typical natural tooth shade. Slight yellowish-gray tint. |
| A3 | Slightly darker than A2. Warm light yellow-gray. |
How White Can Teeth Get?
There are a few factors that determine how white teeth can really get:
Tooth Structure
The natural color of the tooth structure underneath the enamel limits how white teeth can become. Yellow dentin underneath translucent enamel causes teeth to appear less white. Teeth with thicker enamel allow for whiter shades.
Surface Stains
Surface stains make teeth appear darker. Professional whitening can remove stains from the enamel and lighten teeth beyond their natural color.
Whitening Treatments
Whitening treatments like professional in-office whitening, custom trays, strips, and toothpaste temporarily make teeth appear whiter by removing stains and dehydrating the enamel.
Veneers and Bonding
Dental veneers and bonding are cosmetic treatments that cover the existing tooth color. The material used can make teeth appear whiter than the natural shade.
Beyond Natural Whiteness
While B1 is the lightest natural tooth shade, other factors can make teeth even whiter. Professional whitening treatments can typically lighten teeth up to two shades whiter than the natural color. So for someone with a natural shade of A3, whitening could potentially reach B1.
However, whitening results depend on the individual’s tooth structure and type of discoloration. Not everyone’s teeth can reach B1, even with maximum whitening. But many people can achieve shades beyond their natural whiteness, up to a bright white B1 appearance.
Is B1 the Whitest Shade?
On the VITA Classical Shade Guide, B1 is the whitest and brightest natural tooth shade. But is B1 the absolute whitest tooth color that can be achieved?
Some dental shade guides, like the VITA Bleachedguide 3D-Master, extend beyond natural shades to extremely white “bleached” shades like OM1:
| Shade Guide | Whitest Shade |
|---|---|
| VITA Classical | B1 |
| VITA Bleachedguide 3D-Master | OM1 |
OM1 is an “optimum” bleached shade that is whiter than the lightest natural B1 shade. However, there is no definitive scientific measurement for the “whitest white.” Different shade guides have different whitest shades.
Some ultra-bright tooth shades like OM1 may not be realistic or attainable for most people. Natural limitations and the desire for a natural looking smile mean B1 is likely the whitest shade for many.
Is B1 Too White?
A bright white B1 smile looks great, but is it ever too white? Here are some things to consider:
- Avoid an artificial look. Whiteness beyond your natural capability may look obviously fake.
- Think about your age. As you get older, a super white shade like B1 may not suit you.
- Consider your skin tone. Ultra-white teeth contrasting very dark skin can seem unnatural.
- Think about the setting. A dazzling Hollywood smile may be too much in everyday life.
The whitest shade is not necessarily the best choice. An overly white smile may not complement your complexion or age. A natural looking brightness is often best.
Maximizing Whiteness
While B1 is the whitest natural shade, here are some ways you may be able to go beyond that:
- Professional in-office whitening for maximum whitening power
- Use whitening toothpaste to maintain results
- Avoid stain-causing foods, drinks, and habits
- Consider dental veneers or bonding for added whiteness
However, consult your dentist to ensure whitening treatments are safe for your teeth and avoid over-whitening.
Conclusion
The lightest natural tooth shade is B1 on the VITA Classical Shade Guide. For many people, achieving a bright white B1 smile is seen as the ultimate whiteness. However, even whiter shades are possible with intensive whitening treatments and restorations.
But the whitest shade is not always the best choice. Seeking a color that complements your complexion and looks natural is key. If you want to maximize whiteness, consult your dentist to find the healthiest and most attractive white shade for your smile.