How to Get a Younger-Looking Smile

By Hallie Levine Sklar
Updated November 16, 2012
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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