To have or not to have... White teeth, that is. There are a lucky few people walking around with perfectly pearly whites, while the rest of us may feel compelled to look for help in that area. If you're wondering what the best teeth whitening options are, there are a few factors to consider while making your decision: The existing color of your teeth, how sensitive your teeth are, what previous dental work you have had, what type of procedure you would prefer and how much money you're willing to spend.

You should be prepared for varying degrees of effectiveness based on the color of your teeth. If your teeth are yellow, its most likely that they'll whiten well and will respond to whatever treatment you decide. If your teeth are brownish, they may not whiten as well as yellower teeth. Grayish teeth may be affected by the treatment you choose even less than brownish teeth. Also, remember that any dental fixtures, like fillings or bonding, will stand out from your new white color. You may either opt for other dental procedures like veneers if the fixtures are in the front of your mouth, or you may ask the technician whitening your teeth to match the color of your dental work and take the chance (more on that later).

If your teeth are very sensitive, you may try starting out with teeth whitening gum products and a teeth whitening toothpaste to see if you feel any sensitivity or discomfort. If you can't handle a whitening toothpaste, then you may need to forego any stronger teeth whitening treatments and stick to a whitening toothpaste and mouth rinse with fluoride, made for sensitive teeth and gums. You can also opt for laser teeth whitening, a recommended procedure for sensitive gums and teeth.

If the toothpaste test feels neutral to you, then you have the option of choosing an at-home or in-office bleaching. At-home bleaching options have greatly improved in recent years. There are several kinds of whitening strips and gels available over the counter. Crest Whitestrips, for example, come in a variety of strengths and types of whitening for your convenience. The strips have a pre-coated gel, which adheres to your teeth, and typically must be left on for 5-20 minutes once or twice a day for 7-14 days, depending on the strength. Whitening strips temporarily whiten your teeth with non-harmful amounts of hydrogen peroxide that lightly penetrate the tooth enamel. These strips typically start at $15-20.

You may also purchase a gel and mouth guard combination for longer-lasting effects, either at the pharmacy or from your dentist or teeth-whitening technician. The gels contain a low percentage of carbamide peroxide in 10%, 16% or 22%, which literally bleach your tooth enamel. Any irritation or sensitivity is best avoided by obtaining a custom-fitted mouth guard from a whitening technician or dentist, so that the gel doesn't come into contact with soft tissues. These types of peroxide-bleaching treatments usually are meant to be applied for several hours daily for a few weeks up to a few months. When obtained from a dentist or technician, these systems can cost anywhere from $150-$300 per "arch," or, set of upper or lower teeth.

Lastly, you can opt for a laser teeth whitening treatment, which can vary in price from $300-$2,000 per treatment. Costs vary greatly depending upon the area you live in and how much competition there is, and how many shades of white you'd like to go. The process involves a protective gel being applied to your gums and a peroxide gel applied to your teeth. A laser is then directed at your teeth for 30 minutes to an hour. The benefits of laser teeth whitening are that you'll see the effects of the laser in one hour instead of having to wait several weeks or months. Also, as I mentioned before, this is a great treatment for those with sensitive teeth, though expensive.

Whichever route you choose to get whiter, brighter teeth, it's always important to be realistic about your choices and what you're able to afford. Thankfully, teeth whitening treatments are increasing in variety but decreasing in cost over time, as so many of us seek a gorgeous smile but refuse to pay exorbitant prices for one. So smile on, Reader- the perfect teeth-whitening option is out there just for you.