If you’re considering getting your teeth whitened, you may be wondering: how white is too white? Here are some tips for teeth whitening to help ensure you don’t go a step too far.
We’ve all seen it. Whether it’s someone you know, or perhaps a celebrity at a big event or on TV, some people just get a little carried away when they whiten their teeth.
It can get to the point that the teeth are so white that they begin to look unnatural or artificial, and when the person smiles, it’s kind of like looking into the sun… it feels like you might be blinded if you look straight at those super bright, glaringly white teeth.
If you’re thinking about whitening your teeth, it’s important to keep in mind that it's easy to go a little (or a lot!) too far. You want your teeth to be lighter and healthier looking, but you still want them to look like natural teeth.
And in addition to appearance-related problems, there are some serious oral health issues that can come about from bleaching your teeth too much. You can actually damage your enamel, increasing the likelihood of decay, and giving your teeth a translucent, blue or grey appearance.
When to Stop
The ideal shade for your teeth is one that is similar to the whites of your eyes. Use that shade as a measure; Once you’ve reached it, you can stop, and focus on maintenance. We guarantee your teeth will be plenty white enough at that point.
Be sure to consult with your dentist about whitening, in particular if you are using over-the-counter whitening products. You’re more likely to go too far if you’re going it alone.
Don’t compare your teeth to those you see in the mouths of celebrities. While this level of whiteness may in fact work for people whose job involves constantly being in front of a camera, it just won’t look right on most people in person.
And remember, teeth are not actually supposed to be stark, bright white. They have a natural pale yellow undertone, and that’s fine!