There are now numerous options to fix, nip or tuck anything you might be dissatisfied with.  Cosmetic alterations and cosmetic surgery are one of the fastest growing fields today.  Americans are spending more and more money on fixing their appearance. And one of the areas they are spending the most money on is bleaching their teeth. The tooth whitening industry has seen a sharp rise in popularity and demand which has lasted through the past several years.  This has brought what was once a fairly minor branch of the cosmetic enhancement market into the spotlight all at once. This is a good thing for those who are interested in having their teeth whitened.  The technology and methods have advanced a great deal in recent years due to the increase in popular demand.  There are many techniques available for bleaching teeth.  They range all the way from expensive laser treatments administered in the dental chair to custom made trays and whitening strips that can be bought off a shelf at the local grocery teeth.  While everyone seems to want a brighter smile any consumer would be wise to study the pros and cons of teeth bleaching before making a final decision.  Here are a few-

Pros-

    It goes without saying that a whiter smile helps to improve appearance.  Beautiful white teeth seem to be an indication of beauty and signal a healthier lifestyle.
    People with a brighter smile seem to have more self confidence. They tend to smile more and create a great first impression.
    A whiter smile tends to minimize the appearance of aging, making facial wrinkles less noticeable.  This gives the user a more energetic look and youthful appearance.
    Many studies report that people judge those with a bright smile as being friendlier.  They tend to get more attention which can be extremely helpful in situations like applying for a job.
    Compared to other dental procedures (veneers, crowns etc.) teeth bleaching and whitening is relatively inexpensive.
    In-office treatment is a fairly simple procedure that does not take a great deal of time or other commitment by the patient.
    Teeth whitening can be maintained fairly easily by using regular and consistent dental hygiene in conjunction with maintenance teeth whitening products.

Cons-

    There can be short term side effects to teeth bleaching.  This can be pain in the gums or teeth or increased sensitivity to cold.  This usually disappears when the treatment is discontinued.  The potential user should be evaluated for bleach sensitivity.
    While research does indicate that bleaching is highly effective it is not 100% effective for everyone.  Some studies put the success rate of bleaching at about 78% of users.  Bleaching may not be the best choice for those with serious teeth discoloration. Veneers or crowns should be considered for those with extreme problems of discoloration.
    Some people experience pain and discomfort if they choose the bleaching method which involves a mouth tray.  This too is usually a short-term problem.  The bleaching trays can be adjusted to the fit of the user's mouth.  This should help minimize or eliminate the problem of uncomfortable trays all together.
    Teeth whitening can be expensive for the average consumer.  The standard fee can be about $500 for teeth whitening and teeth bleaching procedures.  Laser whitening can easily run over $1000 dollars.  This may vary depending upon the area of the country you live in and the type of whitening treatment that you choose to do. Dental insurance does not usually cover the cost of any teeth whitening procedures.

Any consumer considering any teeth whitening or bleaching procedure would be wise to do their own research and consult a dental professional before making a final decision.