People used to stay away from the dentist unless they needed remedial work or were screaming with pain. Today, they are just as likely to visit a dental surgery for a dazzling new smile as a mercury filling. Our obsession with physical perfection, driven by the cult of celebrity and TV makeover programmes, has nurtured a cosmetic dentistry market. The latest innovations include digital cameras that measure cavities, pain-free injections, drill-less dentistry and veneers no thicker than a contact lens.

Everybody loves a bright white smile, and there are a variety of products and procedures available to help you improve the look of yours.

Many people are satisfied with the sparkle they get from brushing twice daily with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, cleaning between their teeth once a day and the regular cleanings at your dentist’s office. If you decide you would like to go beyond this to make your smile look brighter, you should investigate all of your options.

    * In-office bleaching;
    * At-home bleaching;
    * Whitening toothpastes

The two side effects that occur most often are a temporary increase in tooth sensitivity and mild irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth, particularly the gums. Tooth sensitivity often occurs during early stages of the bleaching treatment. Tissue irritation most commonly results from an ill-fitting mouthpiece tray rather than the tooth-bleaching agent. Both of these conditions usually are temporary and disappear within 1 to 3 days of stopping or completing treatment.

Advances in tooth whitening procedures and the acceptance of said advances by dental professionals have caused a surge in this area of cosmetic dentistry. Bleaching procedures are less troublesome, messy, and time-consuming than ever before.

With these advances, it is easier and faster to have whiter teeth. The number of options for at home teeth whitening systems and treatments abound but choosing can be hard, since many of these products can be harmful to the teeth. Knowing the right criteria can be the best way for you to find the right and perfect teeth whitening option that guarantees whiter teeth and healthier teeth and gums. Those looking for less harsh treatments, those with sensitive teeth and gums, those looking to spend less, and those looking for more subtle whitening now have more options. Also, professional tooth whitening yields the benefit of a procedure done by someone with experience, someone who knows your dental history well.

There are many differences from professional teeth whitening to at home teeth whitening products, and the risks involved are real as well. Knowing what you are willing to sacrifice to get what you want is one way to have the right teeth whitening choice for you.

Flip open any magazine, turn on the television or head to the movies. You'll see them everywhere. Teeth are now preternaturally, blindingly white. Everyone, it seems, from actors on the big screen to the 19-year-old barista with the dazzling grin is fueling the $1 billion-plus-a-year whitening industry. The rule of thumb for whitening is that a person's teeth should be no brighter than the whites of their eyes. That way the focus stays on the eyes, not on the mouth.

It could give a person a complex. Calling it "bleachorexia," dentists say more and more people are coming in with unrealistic expectations for their teeth, wanting pearly whites that are several shades lighter than what's natural. In general, teeth bleaching is considered a safe procedure, but problems can arise when people stop following the directions and start thinking more is better. Over-whitening also makes it hard for dentists to match shades when doing fillings or crowns. Too much of a good thing is not always good. Although whiter teeth can give you much needed appeal, it is not everything about you.

After years of grinding, chomping, and chewing, your once-pearly whites may have seen better days. The gloss of lustrous white enamel has faded, exposing the natural yellow layer beneath. Nearly all cosmetic dentists offer teeth whitening treatments and the number of procedures they perform has jumped about 50 percent each year since 2005. More people are also turning to cosmetic enhancements beyond whitening, such as bonding and veneers, which can improve both the function and appearance of crooked, chipped, or worn-down teeth.

Whether applied at home or in a professional's office, reputable whitening products use peroxides, chemicals that release oxygen bubbles to lift out staining pigments and debris. Where whiteners differ is in their peroxide concentrations, the time they take to work, and, of course, cost.

Home teeth bleaching is becoming as popular as home hair color kits. People love the idea of brightening their smile in the privacy of their own home. People also like the affordability of home teeth whitening kits. While home teeth bleaching kits offer a brighter smile and affordability, there are a few caveats. Because they are not as strong as the bleaching kits used in a dentist's office, they take much longer to show results. You might have to use home teeth bleaching products for weeks or even months before you notice any results.