Cosmetic Dentistry for Every Budget

Thinking about upgrading your grin? Whether you're looking to perk up your tooth color or straighten without braces, there are more options now than ever before.

Problem: Stains, dullness
Procedure: Whitening
It's one of the easiest ways to improve your overall appearance, so it's no surprise that tooth-whitening procedures have increased by over 300 percent in the last five years.
The fastest way to brighten teeth is with power whitening. A dentist first applies a "bleaching" solution to your teeth, and then shines a high-intensity light on them for about an hour, enabling the solution to reach inside the enamel layer. One downside: increased tooth sensitivity. But fluoride products can help strengthen teeth, reducing sensitivity.

Cost: $500-$2,000 for uppers and lowers
There are also custom-fit mouth trays with whitening solution administered by dentists. Worn each night for a few weeks, they can lift color five shades.

Cost: $500-$1,000 for uppers and lowers
On a budget? Over-the-counter mouth-tray kits work well, too, although the maximum they can lighten teeth is three to four shades. Whitening toothpastes are also a good choice for reducing stains. Results are about the same as a dental-office cleaning, although an electric toothbrush can boost pastes' lightening power from one shade to two.