Whiten Up

From inexpensive at-home bleaching remedies to professional cosmetic dentistry procedures, today there are more ways to brighten up your smile than ever before. Before trying out any of these procedures, make sure to schedule a cleaning with your dentist to achieve maximum results. And be on the look out for products that include peroxide, an agent that works wonders when it comes to whitening. Below, a quick primer on tooth bleaching to help you find the option best suited to your taste:

Teeth Whitening Strips
Sold over the counter, this comparatively inexpensive method is easy to use and really does work (although it may take a little longer to see results depending on how much peroxide your product contains).

In-Office Bleaching
Easily the most expensive procedure but also the one that consistently shows the best results, in-office bleaching is the most time efficient (you and your new smile will be in and out of the dentist's office in a little over an hour).

Teeth Whitening Toothpastes
While these products don't exactly "bleach" your teeth, they do contain mild abrasives that succeed in removing surface stains (and products like Rembrandt's Deeply White + Peroxide Toothpaste, the only tooth paste available with peroxide, actually work on and below the enamel surface).

Teeth Whitening Trays
Less expensive than in-office bleaching but quite time-consuming, these trays are worn a couple of hours a day or overnight, and it might take several weeks before results are noticed. You can get these trays from your dentist or over the counter, and product quality varies wildly.

Whitening Rinses
These rinses, which contain hydrogen peroxide, are one of the newest products on the market. While these products have all the benefits of regular mouthwashes, manufacturers warn that it may take up to 12 weeks to see results.

Home Remedies
There are many of these lurking around the internet, but one tip that is truly effective (and inexpensive) is brushing your teeth with baking soda, which can help reduce surface stains. However, to reach stains found in the dentin (the live bone beneath the enamel), you'll need a paste or kit more specifically designed for whitening. Use this method sparingly so the acid doesn't cause damage to your mouth.