Many people are embarrassed by the shade of their teeth and would love to have a whiter smile. There are many options for achieving a brighter smile, with tooth whitening products and porcelain veneers being two of the most popular methods. Products used for teeth whitening include gels, sprays, and pastes. These products are usually inexpensive and tend to work well for people who love everything about their teeth accept their color. They work best on people that don’t have any fillings in their teeth. One disadvantage to teeth whitening products is that it is very difficult to apply the whitening solution evenly and the teeth often end up with some spots being whiter than others. Another disadvantage to using teeth whitening products is that they can actually harm the enamel on your teeth if the products are too harsh. These products may also harm the cheeks and gums if they are not used very carefully. Porcelain veneers work well for people who have teeth that are chipped or uneven as well as being discolored. The veneer is a very thin covering that makes the outside of each tooth look white and perfect. Porcelain is often used for making veneers because it is more stain resistant than veneers made of resin. One advantage to using porcelain veneers to make your teeth look whiter and more attractive is that they last for about fifteen years. They often change the entire look of a person’s smile, rather than simply making their teeth appear whiter. Some patients have trouble with the thought of having veneers put on their teeth because they are unnatural and may have a fake look. The most common reason that patients resist having veneers put on their teeth is the price. Veneers may cost anywhere between $500 and $1,000 per tooth on average. Most consumers simply have trouble justifying the expense for something that is cosmetic in nature. The best method for achieving a whiter smile depends on your individual situation. Many people can find a drugstore product that whitens their teeth enough that they are satisfied without having veneers put on, while other have cracked or chipped teeth and need veneers to get the perfect smile they’ve always wanted.