We all want a bright white smile. It is just a matter of how much you are willing to spend and what you are willing to do to get one. Some things are better left to the professionals to take care of and others can be treated at home. I have struggled with yellow teeth because I love red wine and grape juice. We are going to examine the pros and cons of the various whitening treatments available to you to obtain those pearly whites.

In-office tooth whitening is performed by a professional - either a dentist or a dental hygienist. It is the most effective method because the color change is the most dramatic in a relatively short amount of time. Your teeth are covered in a high concentration of peroxide gel and the gums are protected with a paint-on rubber dam. The peroxide remains on the teeth for 15-20 minute intervals equaling up to an hour. If you have extremely stubborn stains, you may have to go back for a second visit or follow up with home treatments immediately after. This service is of course the most expensive. - I have seen it for as little as $399 to about $650. The risks are gum irritation and sensitivity to temperature, pressure and touch especially if you have a receding gum line or cracks.

You can also get a professionally made take home kit that contains a lower concentration of gel which stays on teeth for an hour or more (sometimes overnight). These custom made trays look like mouth guards and they cost any where between $100 and $400. Over the counter strips, trays, or pens/brushes are the least expensive and most time consuming option. I have tried one particular brand of these and I had trouble with the bottom strip - it wouldn't stick to the bottom of my teeth. I actually called the company and told them I was having technical difficulties and they gave me some suggestions such as making sure my teeth were completely dry. They also sent me a complimentary package for my troubles. Honestly, I just don't have the patience to apply them and sit there and wait for them to do the job. Another problem with the strips is that they only whiten the front teeth as opposed to the trays that whiten all of the teeth.

I have also tried one brand of a brightening pen that you are suppose to brush on your teeth and not drink anything for a half an hour, but that didn't work. When I called the company, they told me that the purpose of the pens is to simply maintain your bright smile after getting a professional in office whitening treatment. Their company website did not imply that, nor did their online advertisements. To keep your white smile from turning yellow, try to drink darker colored beverages with a straw and practice proper oral hygiene.