Whether you need a total smile makeover or just wish your teeth could be brightened by just a few shades of white, there are several cosmetic dentistry options available for a variety of goals and budgets. New technology and techniques has made teeth whitening more widely available and more effective than ever before.

There are many procedures available that can be performed in-home or even on a lunch break, improving your smile drastically with minimal time and financial investment. Here is a small sampling of some options available.

1. At Home Strip Whiteners

There are many over the counter whitening products available at drugstores that are fairly inexpensive. Many of these are made by popular dental product companies and can often successfully whiten teeth by a few shades.

They generally come in the form of dissolvable or disposable strips that affix with a whitening gel to the top and bottom of your teeth. The strips cover just the visible tooth area and can take anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour to fully dissolve.

It will generally take multiple treatments to see the results and often these are temporary, lasting a few months to a year. Regular use can result in a somewhat more dramatic improvement. A few people find the whitening agents to be too harsh on the tooth enamel, causing pain or excess sensitivity after use.

2. Bleaching

This form of cosmetic dentistry is performed in-office and requires special equipment. A bleaching gel is applied to the teeth and is then scanned with a laser or bright light that helps speed up the process, resulting in dramatic results quickly.

The whole process takes thirty minutes to one hour, depending on whiteness desired. The results can fade over time as teeth naturally acquire stains, but use of whitening toothpaste or over the counter strips can help prolong the effects. The price ranges from $300 to $1,000.

3. Professional Whitening Gels

This type of gel is more powerful than what is commercially available. A dentist will supply a plastic tray that fits your mouth. A small amount of gel is then added and the tray is worn for thirty minutes to an hour daily. It generally takes one to two months to see noticeable results. The gel only works on natural teeth, not veneers or crowns.

4. Toothpastes

These are available at most drugstores or grocery stores. The whitening agents are generally mild, but still might feel harsh on very sensitive teeth. These generally provide minimal visible whitening effects, but can help keep stains away and teeth whiter after professional cosmetic dentistry treatments have been performed. There are many new cosmetic dentistry options available, especially for teeth whitening. Consult with your dentist before using any new product or regime.