What’s a Shade Guide in Professional Teeth Whitening?

If you’ve ever had your teeth professionally whitened—or even considered it—you’ve probably seen your dentist hold up a shade guide with small tooth-colored tabs arranged by brightness. It may look simple, but this little tool plays a big role in your whitening treatment.

Let’s break down what it does—and why it matters.

What Exactly is a Shade Guide?

A shade guide is used to match the current color of your teeth before whitening begins. Each tab represents a slightly different natural tooth color, ranging from deeper tones to very light shades. Your dentist will hold the tabs next to your teeth to find your starting shade and help set a realistic goal for your results.

After your whitening treatment, the same guide is used to measure how many shades brighter your smile has become. It gives you a clear before-and-after reference—so you’re not just relying on memory or lighting to see the difference.

How a Shade Guide Helps You Get Better Results

Everyone’s teeth respond differently to whitening. The shade guide helps your dentist recommend the right strength and method based on your unique enamel and goals. It also helps avoid going too white, which can look unnatural depending on your skin tone and other teeth.

And most importantly, it’s a way to personalize your treatment—not just guess and hope for the best. Whether you’re removing coffee stains or freshening up before an event, the shade guide helps ensure your results look natural and consistent.

Professional Teeth Whitening at Seastone Dental in Summerville, SC

At Seastone Dental, Dr. Kate Palmateer, Dr. Josh Palmateer, and Dr. Cody Cutler use shade guides to track your whitening progress and tailor your treatment. We believe a brighter smile should still feel like your smile—just refreshed. If you’re ready to explore whitening options or want to see where your smile falls on the shade guide, we’d love to help. Call or book your visit today. Let’s find your best shade—together.

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Categorised in: Teeth Whitening