The advantages of sporting a beautiful white smile are many:

• improve your appearance
• take years off your age - look younger
• increase your confidence
• gives the appearance of good oral hygiene, good health

While the benefits of whitening your teeth are mainly cosmetic, increasing your confidence and appearance can help you: attract a mate, nail that job interview, dazzle them at your class reunion, add to the "Cinderella" factor on your wedding day - well, you get the idea.

In this economic climate, not many of us can afford to go to a cosmetic dentist for a professional whitening treatment costing between $300-$800. Luckily, there are several affordable ways to get brighter whiter teeth at home.

White Strips

This method is certainly the easiest to use and the most convenient - simply peel and apply. The downside is that many using the product (myself included) have discovered that the strips aren't always long enough if you have uneven teeth and they don't stay in place well. White strips frequently cause sensitity and discomfort due to the harsh chemicals.

Light Activated Whitening Trays

This method is fairly easy to use as well.The Remedent Iwhite Kit comes with a mouth tray and foam whitening strips. Just place the whitening strip in the tray, place the tray over your teeth, activate the light button and wait 20 minutes. Follow this process for 5 consecutive days for best results. The downside to this method is the one-size-fits-all tray which doesn't allow for optimal coverage and won't fit everyone's mouth. For someone like me who has a very small mouth, the tray is bulky and uncomfortable. However, if you have an average-sized mouth, this method will probably work just fine for you.

Bleaching Tray Kits

The best method, in my opinion is the bleaching tray kit The one I personally prefer is the Maximum Teeth Whitening Kit sold by Trusted Health Products. The kit comes with 2 thermoforming mouth trays (one for each arch), carrying case, and professional-strength teeth whitening gel. The gel is very gentle and contains pure ingredients like natural orange oil which greatly reduces sensitivity. The trays are made to be custom fitted to your mouth. You'll heat the tray and bite into it, creating an impression of your teeth and then trim the tray to your gumline which reduces contact between the gel and your gums, further reducing sensitivity. After filling the custom trays with the whitening gel, they are positioned over your teeth and left in place for 15-20 minutes each day until you reach the desired whiteness level. Use for touch ups as needed. The cost is about $30 for 40 applications.

NOTE: I did a bit of research on Trusted Health Products as I had never heard of the company. I found many positive reviews for their products and their rating with the BBB is an A+. I've since ordered other products from this company and found the orders are always fultilled quickly and I've never had a problem with their products or service.

So, now you have beautiful sparkling white teeth and want to know how to keep them that way? A few suggestions:

Avoid drinks that stain your teeth

Coffee, tea and dark cola's are your worst enemies in keeping your teeth nice and bright. I couldn't give up my morning cup of coffee, but I did switch to drinking clear soda like Sprite or 7up. Whenever possible, brush your teeth immediately after drinking one of these beverages to prevent the stain from setting on your teeth. Colgate Wisp Disposable Toothbrushes are great when you're on the go - no water needed! Each brush is foil sealed and is complete and ready for brushing.

Throw out your manual toothbrush

Replace your manual toothbrush with an electric or battery operated model and you'll remove up to twice as much plaque, reducing the build up of yellow tartar. My personal favorite is the Oral-B CrossAction Power Battery-Powered Toothbrush which has 2 rotating heads and a soft grip handle. It'll leave your mouth feeling ultra clean and fresh.

Brush your teeth with essential oils instead of toothpaste

In addition to the Maximum Teeth Whitening kit, THP offiers a product called OraMD which gets your teeth ultra clean. Each bottle contains the essential oils of peppermint, spearmint and almond whose anti-microbial properties kill the bacteria that causes plaque on your teeth. A couple of drops on your toothbrush is all you need for a healthy, fresh clean mouth. I have to tell you that it tasted a bit "strong" initially, but the feeling in your mouth afterwards is incredible. Because the product is comprised of these minty oils, the fresh feeling and taste last for hours after brushing. I also use it as mouthwash after brushing (just a drop or 2 in a bit of water). The oils don't wash away and they get under your gumline and between your teeth and gums providing a protective layer against bacteria.