How to Get a Younger-Looking Smile

By Hallie Levine Sklar
November 16, 2012
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Tooth enamel wears away over time, exposing yellow beneath and making your smile gummy and more prone to stains. Here are a few simple ways to restore it to Julia Roberts-style wattage.
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Whitening toothpastes and strips

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These use peroxide to break up stains (look for products that have the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance) in two to four weeks.

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Whitening trays

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Over-the-counter versions ($45 to $75 for a two-week supply) lighten teeth only a shade or two; home-whitening trays custom-fit by your dentist ($300 to $800) give more dramatic results.

You can also get whitening done in-office for $500 to $1,000; it's no better than using custom trays, but takes under two hours.

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Crowns

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These cover or "cap" a cracked, worn-down, or otherwise damaged tooth. Cost: $1,000 to $1,600. Like these other treatments, they may not be covered by dental insurance.

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Bonding

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This procedure affixes either porcelain or a type of plastic called composite resin to a chipped tooth, filling it back out. Cost: about $1,000 per tooth.

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Veneers

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These thin shells ($1,200 to $2,000 each) cover the front of teeth, masking stains, chips, or slight crookedness.

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Implants

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If you're missing a tooth, titanium implants can be placed right in the tooth's pocket.

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