How White Should Your Teeth Be? When Whitening Is Enough

If you're getting ready to whiten your teeth, you're probably wondering how white to go. Dr. Vicki Tatum, who founded Tatum Dentistry in 1990, asks the question the way a patient would: "When is it enough? When do you say when?" Her answer is a simple rule based on the whites of your eyes. Below you'll find how that rule works for teeth whitening in Charleston, SC, which stains whitening can help with, why whitening usually comes before veneers or crowns, and what to know before you start.

How do you know when to stop whitening your teeth?

A good place to stop is when your teeth are close to the whites of your eyes, and no whiter. That's the guide Dr. Tatum uses. In her words, "you can still look very natural as long as you do not go whiter than the whites of your eyes." She calls it "a good rule of thumb."

Dr. Tatum is also honest that the answer is personal. As she puts it, "it's very subjective." Your own eyes give you a starting point that belongs to you, so the shade you land on fits your face.

What shade of white looks natural?

The shade that looks most natural is one that blends with the whites of your eyes. Our team bases how white to go on the color of your eyes, and that keeps your smile looking like your own.

Dr. Tatum says people often tell her they want white teeth, and then say they want them to look natural. Using your eyes as the guide lets you have both.

Everyone's eyes are different. Some people's eyes are very white. When yours are softer, Dr. Tatum explains that you don't want your teeth to be the whitest feature on your face, because that doesn't look natural.

Can yellow teeth be whitened?

Often, yes. Yellow tones usually respond well to whitening, while brown tones may not respond as well and gray tones may not respond at all, according to the ADA's MouthHealthy guide to teeth whitening.

Teeth can darken over time from everyday habits like coffee, tea and tobacco, and from aging. Some discoloration comes from other causes, such as an injury or certain medications, and whitening may not change it. If you're not sure what's behind the color of your teeth, that's a good question to bring to your visit.

Does teeth whitening work on veneers and crowns?

No. Whitening lightens your natural teeth, and it won't change the color of crowns, veneers or tooth-colored fillings, according to MouthHealthy. That dental work keeps its shade while the teeth around it get brighter.

That's why we write about why whitening should come first. If you're thinking about veneers or crowns on your front teeth, reaching the shade you like on your natural teeth first helps everything match. Dr. Tatum uses the same whites-of-your-eyes rule when she decides how white to go for veneers or crowns.

Veneers are a bigger step than whitening. A small amount of enamel is usually removed to place them, so the change generally can't be undone, according to the ADA's MouthHealthy guide to veneers.

Is professional whitening different from store-bought whitening?

Yes. Our whitening is professional strength, and it goes beyond what you'd get from an over-the-counter product. As we say on our site, it's "done by people who know your enamel." You can read more on our professional teeth whitening page.

The ADA recommends talking with your dentist before you start whitening. Some people notice tooth sensitivity during whitening, and it's usually temporary. If your teeth are already sensitive, let us know before you begin.

Why do Charleston patients choose Tatum Dentistry for teeth whitening?

At Tatum Dentistry, Dr. Vicki Tatum gives you a clear, personal way to choose your shade: the whites of your own eyes. She likes to frame whitening around one friendly question, when is it enough, and she keeps that conversation positive. The goal is a brighter smile that still looks like you.

Dr. Tatum knows these choices from the patient's side too, because she has porcelain veneers of her own. On our site, we describe Dr. Tatum and Dr. Granger as "the kind of dentists who remember what was happening at your last visit."

Ready to find your shade, or wondering whether your whitening has gone far enough? Call us at 843-577-6453 or contact us to schedule a visit at our Charleston dental office. We're open Saturdays from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, too.

Published by Tatum Dentistry.