Sometimes, you want to make teeth white using Photoshop to tweak the appearance of your photo with a brighter, more confident-looking smile and make it more attractive.
In this article, we’ll show how you can do this with step-by-step instructions that any casual user or beginner in graphics designing can understand.
Table of Contents
Methods to Make Teeth White Using Photoshop
In Photoshop, you can use three different methods to whiten the teeth in your pictures. Each one has its own advantages and limitations.
Method 1: Hue/Saturation Adjustment
The Hue/Saturation Adjustment is a simple technique for adjusting the exposure of the teeth to your desired whiteness level. The catch is that it affects the other parts of the image as well and makes them too bright to be natural.
Method 2: Curves Adjustment Layer
With the Curves Adjustment Layer method, you can change the brightness and contrast to remove the yellow pigment from the teeth while preserving the rest of the image. However, this technique requires you to have a complete understanding of how the curves and color balance work.
Method 3: Brush Tool
The Brush Tool in Photoshop can quickly apply the white color to the teeth in your photo. The downside? You have to keep your hand steady when using the brush to avoid a patchy look.
Method 4: Dodge Tool
The Dodge Tool can brighten specific areas of the teeth to make them look white. But if you overuse this tool, you are bound to get an unnatural result.
Step to Edit Teeth In Photoshop
The Hue/Saturation Adjustment is the best way to whiten teeth in Photoshop with these step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Upload the Image File
First, click the Open in the top left corner of the Photoshop interface, select your photo with yellow teeth on your PC, and click Open again to import it.
Right-click the image in the Layer panel, choose Duplicate Layer, and rename it to Editing Layer. Alternatively, press Ctrl+J or Command+J.
Now, right-click the Editing Layer and select Convert to Smart Object.
Step 2: Use the Lasso Tool
Zoom in on the image, click the Lasso Tool in the left menu panel and make a rough selection around the teeth.
Step 3: Add Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer
Go to the Adjustments tab in the right menu panel and select the Hue/Saturation option.
Change Master to Yellows channel from the drop-down menu.
Drag the slider under Saturation to reduce the yellow pigment on the teeth, increase the Lightness level a little bit, and that’s it!
Step 4: Export Your Photo
Finally, click File in the top right corner of the screen, choose Export, and select Export As.
Choose the image format, set the size, and click Export to save the picture with white teeth in the desired location on your computer.
Tips and Tricks
Soften the Edges of the Selection
Always increase the Feather value (in the Properties panel) of the Hue/Saturation adjustment mask. This will help you smooth out the sharp and unnatural edges around the teeth.
Maintain Natural Look
Compare the teeth color with your or the subject’s skin tone and aim for natural, healthy whites. Otherwise, they will look too bright and unreal.
Create a Duplicate Layer Over the Photo
Before applying the adjustment layer, duplicate the original image layer and convert it into a smart object for non-destructive editing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do Not Make a Selection on Skin
Avoid making a selection on the skin while using the Lasso Tool. Doing so will remove the yellow pigment on the skin instead of the teeth and reduce the details in the image.
Adding Too Much Lightness
Do not increase the lightness value too much; otherwise, your teeth will again look overly bright with a freakish appearance.
Over Desaturation
Increasing the saturation level can make the teeth grayish. Reduce it just enough to achieve the white color.
FAQs
Can I Automatically Whiten Teeth for Multiple Photos in Photoshop?
You can record the teeth whitening steps to create a Photoshop action and then run it on a batch of pictures to save time.
Why Do the Teeth Look Different When I Zoom Out?
While zooming in on the image, you magnify the pixels. So, when you apply the Hue/Saturation adjustment layer to make the teeth white, you see noticeable changes in the color. However, after zooming out, the white color blends with the surrounding shades, making the teeth look different.
What Should You Do With the Teeth That Have Braces When Applying the Hue/Saturation Layer?
Carefully make a selection using the Lasso Tool around the teeth to avoid the braces. To achieve the best outcome, you may have to apply multiple adjustment layers to different parts of the teeth.
Conclusion
As we conclude, you’ve learned the easy-to-follow steps for how to make teeth white using Photoshop with the Hue/Saturation adjustment layer method.
Remember, you may have to try a few times to get the desired result, and only then can you show off a smile to others that is truly picture-perfect.
