WHEN you smile does the world smile with you or go "ugh" at the state of your teeth?

It is probably only the Hollywood A-list who have teeth that really dazzle. And it is not always down to good genes. More like a good dentist.

Because, you see, teeth can be whitened. With bleach.

And it really works.

I had always thought my teeth to be okay. Not brilliant white I admit but I've looked after them with regular flossing, brushing and check-ups at my dentist.

So when I heard about a new professional teeth whitening system I didn't think I would need much work on what I considered to be my pearly whites.

However dentist Melvyn Rosenthal had a shock in store for me when I went for my consultation.

"Your teeth are quite grey," he said as he peered into my mouth.

"In fact, they're quite a way down on the whiteness scale."

My love of red wine and strong black coffee had taken its toll. I was a prime candidate for Brite Smile, a new professional teeth whitening system from, yes you've guessed, America.

Following my initial consultation I was given the go-ahead for my treatment and, as the accompanying literature told me Johnny Depp, Leonardo Di Caprio and Heather Locklear had been "bleached", I felt I was in stirling company.

Eligibility for treatment is determined through the consultation and once Melvyn had given me the all clear an appointment was made for a couple of weeks time.

I arrived at Melvyn's practice on Chorley New Road, Bolton feeling slightly apprehensive but I was soon put at ease.

Then I was prepared for my whitening treatment worth £600.

Firstly, a brace was placed inside my mouth which "pinned" back my lips. Then a barrier cream was applied to my gums which quickly set before another barrier cream was applied to my lips.

A thin film of gauze was then placed over the remaining exposed areas around my mouth and, finally, a plastic "bit" was put in between my top and bottom teeth.

Melvyn then applied the hydrogen-peroxide whitening gel to my teeth and the transformation from Karen Stephen to Hannibal Lector was complete. I was now ready for the Brite Smile treatment.

A device containing gas plasma light was then positioned over my teeth to activate the gel and I was "switched" on for 20 minutes. This process was repeated three times -- an hour in all.

I had been slightly concerned about the comfort factor of having all this in my mouth at once, but I can honestly say it really was not that bad.

The most discomfort I felt was at the back of my head at the end of the hour because I'd been lying completely still. But the personal CD player provided by Melvyn helped pass the time.

However, once my 60 minutes was up and the paraphernalia removed I was absolutely delighted with the result.

I couldn't tear myself away from the mirror -- my teeth were so white. It was amazing to think they had changed colour in just one hour.

Melvyn explained that the treatment had worked very well and my teeth had lightened nine shades. The treatment was quick and painless (apart from a couple of "zingers" that zapped my teeth later that evening) and stress free.

Because everyone's teeth have a protective layer called the acquired pellicle, which contains the surface dental stains and is removed during the whitening process, I was advised not to consume any coloured food or drink for the next 24 hours when the barrier will develop again.

So it was clear liquids and white food for me. "Don't have anything that would stain a white shirt," said Melvyn.

And with that I was off. Off to dazzle my friends and family with my wonderful pearly whites.

FACT FILE:

Brite Smile uses gas plasma light technology integrated with a wavelength-specific bleaching gel

The primary ingredient is hydrogen peroxide which has been safely used in teeth whitening for more than 100 years

This system, proven safe in clinical studies conducted by independent university researchers, has been able to achieve an average of nine shades whiter

Results may vary depending on darkness of teeth and whitening will last up to two years, depending on dental hygiene and exposure to staining foods and drinks

It can only be applied by licensed dentists