Medically reviewed by Dr. Beyza Torun
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What is a teeth colour chart?
A teeth colour chart is something we use to check the colour of your teeth. It has small tooth-shaped samples in different shades, from creamy white to very bright white.
We hold these samples next to your teeth to see which colour is best for your teeth. Each shade has a name or number, usually named as A1, B1 or BL1.
We use this chart while we are choosing the colour for dental veneers, crowns or fillings. This chart also helps us see how much whiter your teeth could look after whitening.
At our Antalya Dental ART clinic in Antalya, Turkey, you can explore various veneer and crown options tailored to your natural tooth colour and aesthetic expectations.
What do the letters and numbers on a teeth shade chart mean?
You'll see letters like A, B, C and D on a tooth shade chart. Each one tells us something about the colour of your teeth.
- A: A little reddish-brown
- B: More yellow tones
- C: A bit grey
- D: Grey with some red
And what about the numbers? They tell us how light or dark the colour is. For example, A1 is lighter than A3. The same goes for B1 and B3.
You might also see BL1 or 0M1 on some charts. These are very white shades, often used for veneers or a Hollywood smile. They belong to different shade charts, though, so we can't compare their numbers directly.
VITA Classical A1–D4 tooth shades
The VITA Classical A1–D4 is one of the shades charts we use to match tooth colours. It has 16 shades, from lighter colours to darker ones.
The shades come in four groups:
- A1–A4: Reddish-brown tones
- B1–B4: Reddish-yellow tones
- C1–C4: Grey tones
- D2–D4: Reddish-grey tones
B1 is one of the lightest shades on this chart. A1 is also quite light, but it has a warmer look.
We often use this chart when making crowns, veneers or fillings in Antalya. We hold the samples next to your teeth and pick the shade that looks closest to your own colour.
What is a natural tooth colour?
Natural teeth aren't pure white. Most people have teeth that look a little creamy, off-white or slightly yellow. Some teeth even have a greyish tone. That's completely normal.
Your tooth colour comes from two things. The enamel on the outside and the dentin underneath it. Enamel is a little see-through, so the yellowish dentin can show through.
And everyone's teeth are different. Your genes, age and even the thickness of your enamel are important factor affecting your teeth colour.
No matter if your teeth aren't bright white. This does not mean they're unhealthy. Even your healthy teeth can have a yellowish shade!
How do dentists match your tooth shade in Turkey?
First, we take a look at your teeth in good light. We do this before your teeth get dry. As dry teeth can look whiter than they really are.
Next, we use a tooth shade chart. I hold a few tooth-shaped samples next to your teeth and see which colour looks closest. Sometimes, we try several shades before finding a good match.
We also check the colour near your gums and the edges of your teeth. They don't always have the same shade.
If you're getting a crown or porcelain veneer in Turkey, we take photos for the dental lab. Some clinics also use a digital scanner to help check the colour.
And of course, we'll ask what you want. Are you happy with your natural colour, or would you like a whiter smile? Finally, we'll look at the options together before picking the shade.
How to choose the right shade for veneers and crowns?
Think about how white you want your smile to be. Do you want your new teeth to look like your own teeth, or would you prefer a much brighter white?
If you're getting just one crown or veneer, we'll usually match it to the teeth next to it. But if you're having several teeth done, you've got more colours to choose from. We can try a few shades and see what looks good on you.
Natural vs. Hollywood white shades
Natural white shades look more like real teeth. They're usually a little creamy or warm. A1 and B1 are good examples.
Hollywood white is much brighter. Shades like BL1 and BL2 give you that very white smile you often see in photos.
Some people love that bright white look. Others prefer something softer. It really comes down to what you like and what looks good with your face.
B1 vs. BL1: What is the difference?
B1 is one of the whitest shades in the natural tooth colour chart. It's bright, and it looks quite close to natural teeth.
BL1 is much whiter. It's one of the extra-white shades we use for veneers and crowns.
If you want white teeth without going too bright, B1 might be a good choice. But if you're after that really white Hollywood smile, you'll probably like BL1 more.
Why can the same tooth shade look different on each person?
You might choose B1 because it looks great on someone else. But when you try it, the colour may look quite different. Why does that happen?
Your skin tone is important factor. A bright white shade may stand out more against darker skin. On lighter skin, the same shade can look softer.
Your lips and gums also make a difference. Interesting but, colour of your teeth next to your new dental crown or veneer can also change how white it looks.
Then there's the light. Your teeth may look very white under the clinic lights but a little different outside in daylight. Photos and phone screens can change how you see the colour as well.
We also look at the shape, size and surface of your teeth. Smooth, shiny teeth reflect light differently from teeth with a more natural texture.
And there's something else. Two crowns can have the same shade name but may look different. The material, its thickness and the colour of the tooth underneath can all affect the final look.
FAQ
What is the healthiest tooth colour?
There's no single tooth colour that's the healthiest. Your teeth can be white, creamy or slightly yellow and still be perfectly healthy.
A little yellow is normal because of the dentin under your enamel. And very white teeth aren't always healthier. What matters more is having healthy gums, strong teeth and no decay.
How can I find my natural tooth shade?
Ask your dentist to check your teeth with a colour chart. You can have a look in daylight too, but it's not easy to tell the exact colour yourself. Your dentist can show you a few shades and help you find the closest one.
What is the most natural-looking shade for veneers?
A1 and B1 often look natural, but the best shade is the one that matches your other teeth and suits your smile.
Can you choose how white your veneers will be?
Yes, you can choose how white you want your veneers to look. We'll show you a few shades, from natural white to bright Hollywood white, and help you pick the one you like.
Tooth shade selection at Antalya Dental ART in Antalya, Turkey
Not sure which tooth shade to choose? That's something we can help you with at Antalya Dental ART.
First, we'll talk about the smile you want. Do you like a natural white, or are you thinking about a brighter Hollywood smile?
We'll check your own teeth and show you different shades on a tooth colour chart. You can tell us what you like and what you don't. We'll also look at how the colour goes with your skin tone and the rest of your smile.
Have a photo of a smile you love? Show us! It'll help us understand what you're looking for.
If you're planning to get veneers or crowns in Antalya, feel free to contact Antalya Dental ART. Send us a message and tell us what you'd like to change about your smile. We'll be happy to talk you through your options.