BL1 vs BL2 Veneers: Your Complete Guide

Why “Super White” Isn’t Always Better

Ever notice how celebrities have gorgeous white smiles that somehow don’t look fake? Here’s their secret: they’re not picking the brightest white possible—they’re picking the right white for their face.

This is where BL1 and BL2 shades come in. And here’s where people often go wrong.

If you search “BL2 veneers too white,” you’ll find tons of people who got BL2 thinking they wanted the whitest smile ever, only to regret it later. They feel like their teeth are too distracting or look artificial instead of beautiful.

Good news? Once you understand the difference between BL1 and BL2, you’ll see why your skin tone and lifestyle matter way more than just picking the “whitest” option.

What Are BL Shades?

BL stands for “Bleach” shades. They’re part of the IVOCLAR Vitapan shade guide that dentists use worldwide. There are four BL shades, from whitest to darkest:

Here’s the thing: Nobody has naturally BL1 or BL2 teeth. The only way to get these ultra-white shades is through professional whitening plus porcelain veneers.

BL1 vs BL2: Can You Even Tell the Difference?

Honestly? The difference is tiny.

Put them side by side in normal lighting, and most people can’t tell them apart. Even dentists sometimes need to look closely. We’re talking about a 2-5% difference in whiteness—basically nothing to the average person.

So why does it matter?

Because even though the color difference is small, the psychological impact is huge. When people pick BL2 without thinking about their skin tone and features, they can end up with teeth that feel too bright for their whole look.

Why BL1 Can Look “Flat”

Here’s something interesting: ultra-white shades like BL1 can sometimes look flat—almost like refrigerator white instead of tooth white. This happens because of how the porcelain reflects light. Some ultra-white veneers don’t let enough light through, which makes them scream “fake veneers” instead of “beautiful smile.”

BL2, on the other hand, usually has a bit more translucency, giving it more shine and dimension. This subtle difference actually makes BL2 look more natural in many cases, even though it’s technically slightly less white.

Bottom line: Whiteness alone doesn’t make teeth look good. You need the right balance of light, translucency, and shade.

How BL2 Compares to Other Popular Shades

Here’s how BL2 stacks up against your other options:

Quick note: BL2 and OM2 are basically the same whiteness from different manufacturers. OM shades (VITA 3D system) are newer and sometimes have slightly better translucency.

When BL2 Becomes “Too White”

The “BL2 veneers too white” search trend is real. Here’s who runs into this problem:

Dark Skin Tones

Dark skin + BL2 = major contrast. The veneers can reflect light so much that people notice your teeth before they notice your face. Several patients say it defeats the whole purpose of getting veneers.

Older Patients

Natural teeth get warmer and slightly yellow with age. A 55-year-old with BL2 veneers can look like they’re trying too hard, while a 25-year-old with the same shade looks fresh and modern.

Partial Veneers

Getting only 4-6 veneers when your natural teeth are shade A2 or A3? BL2 will create an obvious line. Everyone will know you had work done. You need at least 8 teeth per arch for bright shades to look intentional.

Real story: A Beverly Hills dentist had a lawyer patient who chose BL1, regretted it after 2 years, and paid thousands to replace them with A2 (closer to her original shade). She said her teeth overshadowed her whole face and made her self-conscious about something that was supposed to boost her confidence.

Picking the Right Shade for Your Skin Tone

Your skin tone is one of the biggest factors in choosing between BL1, BL2, and other shades:

Light Skin

• Best choices: BL2, BL1, OM2
• Why: Less contrast with bright whites, so they blend naturally
• Watch out: Even with light skin, BL1 can be overwhelming if you’re shy or work in conservative fields

Medium/Olive Skin

• Best choices: BL2, BL3, OM2, OM3
• Why: This is the sweet spot for shade selection. BL2 works great here
• Consider: If you have warm undertones (golden, olive), you might prefer BL3 for a softer look

Dark Skin

• Best choices: BL3, BL4, or even B1 if you want subtle
• Why: Dark skin + ultra-white creates maximum contrast, which can look unnatural
• Real feedback: Patients with dark skin who got BL2 say it looks “too bright” or “fake,” while those who got BL3 or BL4 feel confident and natural

Age and Lifestyle Matter Too

Age Guidelines

Under 35: BL2, BL1, or OM2 work well. Your natural teeth still have brightness and translucency, so bright veneers match your age.

35-55: BL2 or BL3 are safer. A little warmth in your smile looks more natural and age-appropriate.

55+: BL3, B1, or natural shades are usually better. Ultra-bright white can look artificial on mature faces.

Your Daily Habits

This gets overlooked, but it matters:

• Coffee, tea, wine drinkers: Bright shades like BL2 show stains more on your natural teeth underneath or around the edges
• Smokers: Veneers don’t stain, but if natural teeth show around the edges, BL2 will highlight any discoloration. Consider BL3 or covering more teeth
• Your job: Finance, law, conservative fields? BL3 might be better. Entertainment, social media, sales? BL2 or BL1 fits the norm

Questions to Ask Your Dentist Before Choosing BL2

1. How many teeth should I get done?

• For BL2, you need at least 8 visible teeth per arch. Less than that looks awkward.

2. Does this shade work with my skin tone?

• Your dentist should talk about your skin tone and eye color, not just what you want. If they don’t bring this up, find another dentist.

3. Should I whiten my natural teeth first?

• Pre-whitening helps everything blend. BL2 veneers over yellow natural teeth will show obvious transitions.

4. How translucent are these veneers?

• Ask if the veneers will have depth and natural translucency, or if they’ll look flat. High-quality labs create layered translucency; cheap labs make flat-looking results.

5. Can I try a temporary shade first?

• The best dentists make temporary veneers in your chosen shade so you can see how it looks for 1-2 weeks in real lighting—not just office lighting.

6. What if I hate them after they’re bonded?

• Some dentists allow adjustments within a certain timeframe. Know the policy upfront. If they say “too bad, they’re permanent,” find someone else.

Why BL2 Is Usually Smarter Than BL1

Expert cosmetic dentists recommend BL2 way more often than BL1, even though BL1 is “whiter.”

Why? Because BL2 gives you results you’ll love long-term, while BL1 often gives you regrets.

The numbers:

• One expert dentist reported only doing 2 BL1 cases out of 13,000+ veneers
• Most popular shade for happy patients? BL2 or OM2
• Shade with the highest regret rate? BL1

BL2 gives you 95% of the whiteness without the regret. It’s bright enough to transform your smile but natural enough to look like it belongs on your face.

Already Got BL2 and They Feel Too White?

If you committed to BL2 and they arrived feeling too bright, here are your options:

Before Bonding (best time to fix this):

1. Request adjustment – The lab can darken them slightly before bonding. This is your last chance
2. Ask for a trial period – Some dentists will bond them temporarily so you can test them for a few days
3. Negotiate replacement – If they’re not what you expected, push back before permanent bonding

After Bonding (limited options):

1. Internal staining – Your dentist can sometimes add color from inside to warm or darken the shade ($100-500 per tooth)
2. Replacement – Expensive and requires more tooth prep, but possible if you’re really unhappy
3. Whiten surrounding teeth – Won’t change veneers but can help them blend by brightening nearby teeth
4. Give it time – Some patients find BL2 looks less bright after 2-3 weeks as their eyes adjust

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Picking your shade only in office lighting

• Fluorescent lights make teeth look brighter than they are. Always check in natural daylight and in your car.

Mistake #2: Ignoring the whites of your eyes

• Your teeth shouldn’t be whiter than the whites of your eyes. If they are, they’ll look fake. BL2 usually respects this; BL1 often doesn’t.

Mistake #3: Getting veneers while your natural teeth are yellow

• If you’re getting 6 veneers and your natural teeth are A3 or darker, the contrast will be obvious. Whiten your natural teeth first.

Mistake #4: Not caring about translucency quality

• Cheap veneers look flat. Premium veneers have layered translucency that mimics real teeth. BL2 in premium quality looks natural; BL2 in budget quality looks like plastic.

Mistake #5: Not discussing your lifestyle

• Daily coffee? BL2 might show stains on adjacent natural teeth more than BL3. Talk about this upfront.

The Final Answer: BL1 vs BL2

BL1 is the absolute whitest. It’s stunning on the right person—confident, outgoing, light skin, ready to stand out. But statistically, it has the highest regret rate.

BL2 is the most popular choice for a reason. It’s bright enough to transform your smile but natural enough to look like it belongs on your face. It works across more skin tones and lifestyles.

The truth: Neither is “better” objectively. BL2 is better for most people because it balances brightness with natural appearance. But for you specifically, it depends on your skin tone, age, personality, and whether you’re doing full or partial veneers.

What you should do: Get an in-person consultation with a cosmetic dentist who asks about your skin tone, lifestyle, and facial harmony. Make sure they create a mock-up you can live with for a few days. Don’t let them rush you into bonding until you’re 100% sure.

Your smile is permanent. The shade decision should be too—made with confidence, not regret.

Common Questions About BL2 Veneers

Can I whiten BL2 veneers later if I want them brighter? No. Veneers can’t be whitened with regular bleaching products. Whatever shade you pick is permanent.

Is OM2 the same as BL2? OM2 and BL2 are about equal in whiteness (95%) but from different brands. OM shades are newer and sometimes have slightly better translucency. Both are great choices.

Will BL2 look different in sunlight vs. office lighting? Yes. They’ll look brighter under fluorescent office lights and more subtle in natural daylight. Always check your shade in natural light before bonding.

I have dark skin and want BL2. Can I get it? Yes, it’s your choice. Just know it will create more contrast and may look very bright. Many dark-skinned patients are happier with BL3 or BL4. Ask your dentist for a mock-up.

How many teeth do I need for BL2 to look natural? At least 8 visible teeth per arch. Less than that, and the color difference with your natural teeth becomes obvious.

Will my BL2 veneers stain over time? The veneer material won’t stain (it’s non-porous). But if your natural teeth show around the edges, they can discolor. Your dentist can address this through proper placement.

Do celebrities have BL2 veneers? Most celebrities with obvious veneers have BL1 or OM1 (super bright white smiles). But many use BL2 or OM2—you just don’t notice because it looks natural and harmonious with their face.