Pearly Whites: How White Can You Go?

While some people are blessed with bright, white teeth, most people aren't that lucky.

Teeth-whitening products have become increasingly popular, and depending on the condition of your teeth and your budget, there are several options available if you'd like to go a few shades brighter.

Most dental offices now offer professional teeth whitening.

Gentling Dental Care in Rochester, N.Y., sells professional strength Crest Whitestrips that are made with 15 percent peroxide compared to the 6.5 percent peroxide strips that can be bought over-the-counter.

Dental assistant Melissa Herrera said Gentling also offers an option where impressions of the teeth are taken and patients are fitted for a tray that can be filled with a carbamide peroxide solution.

"It's non-soluable and is active longer and penetrates deeper into the teeth than other products," Herrera said.

Herrera said teeth-whitening toothpastes probably are the least affective because they only polish away surface stains.

She said the in-office whitening lasts about six months and patients can take eight fills of the solution home with them. She said heavy smokers and coffee drinkers would need to have the procedure done more often.

The cost of the service is $225, but Herrera said the dentist offers specials during the Christmas season.

Herrera said side effects from teeth whitening can include sensitivity to cold, so she recommends people rinse with a fluoride treatment for sensitive teeth.

According to the American Dental Association, not all people are good candidates for teeth whitening. Bleaching might not enhance your smile if you have had bonding or tooth-colored fillings placed on your front teeth. You may need to find an alternative to teeth whitening, such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding.