Imagine you've just spotted a hot guy: flawless skin, a striking jaw line, bright hazel eyes, and a chiseled physique, complemented by equally tasteful clothes. Your palms are sweating with anticipation as he approaches you. Excited? Definitely. So imagine your dismay when this strikingly, handsome man greets you with a less than stellar smile of discolored, yellow-stained teeth. This is what happened to a colleague of mine. How could, she asked, a man so handsome, so impeccably dressed, neglect his teeth when teeth whiteners are now so readily available?

However, teeth whiteners (or teeth bleaching) are not just for those trying to attract the opposite sex, but for anyone desiring a better smile. There are four types of teeth whiteners:

Whitening toothpastes

Whitening toothpastes are probably the cheapest and most readily available whitening system available because it can be purchased for a few dollars over-the-counter. According to WebMd, these toothpastes contain mild chemical agents that can remove up to one shade of discoloration on the surface of the tooth. This change may take several weeks to several months.

Over-the-counter strips and gels

Other easily obtainable teeth whiteners are over-the-counter strips and gels, priced between $15-65. Unlike whitening toothpastes, these contain about 3-10% hydrogen or carbamide peroxide (bleaching substances). The strips or gel are typically placed on the teeth twice a day for about two weeks. For additional whitening, the product can be used for up to four months.

Tray-based whitening system

The tray-based whitening system is considered the next tier of teeth whitening. While this system can be purchased over-the-counter, your dentist can customize the tray to fit your teeth by taking an impression of your teeth. The impression is then used to make a clear molded, tray of your teeth, similar to that of a mouth guard. The tray is then filled with the bleaching solution and placed inside the mouth to be worn anywhere from an hour or two a day to overnight for a period of four weeks or longer. This system can cost between $100-300.

In-office treatment

Don't have a lot of time? Then an in-office, 1-hour treatment may work best for you. With this procedure, your dentist will first prop your mouth open with a rubber dam, leaving only your teeth exposed. He or she will then apply a 15% to 35%-concentrated bleaching substance directly to your teeth. A light or laser will be used to shine directly on the teeth to accelerate the process. Cost is between $400-1,000 for the entire mouth.

As you can see, there are options to fit every budget. However, one must be careful when choosing a whitening product. Teeth whitening is not recommended for: teens, those who are pregnant, lactating, have receding gums, defective fillings, cavities, worn tooth enamel, darkly-stained teeth, or those who have sensitive teeth or gums. It should also be noted that crowns, veneers, dentures and bridges will not whiten during a teeth whitening treatment. Results can last from one month to one year, depending how well you take care of your teeth (excessive coffee and smoking can stain the teeth).

While it may seem like there are a lot of contraindications, the American Dental Association says there may be an additional benefit to teeth whitening on the way. Scientists are working on an over-the-counter bleaching product that will help heal the teeth with remineralization agents.