It's a hang-up that most of us share - our smile. Far from the gleaming perfection of a Hollywood grin, many British teeth are stained, gappy and chipped.

But now there are a wide range of hi-tech cosmetic options to ensure a movie star smile like Julia Roberts or pop singer Kylie Minogue.

Cosmetic dentistry is definitely becoming more and more popular according to Dr Jacinta Yeo of the British Dental Association.

"Because tooth decay is on the decline, people don't have to worry about that so much. People are placing a greater importance on the appearance and cosmetic dentistry helps them in terms of personal confidence."

Yeo adds that there is now a huge variety in the treatments on offer - but they can be expensive and NHS availability is rare.

But there are some ways in which you can contribute to healthy teeth without expensive treatments. "It's a lifestyle change," says Yeo. "Make sure you don't smoke, drink a lot of strong coffee and tea or red wine, floss and brush effectively and beware of drinking colas which will stain your teeth."

OVER-THE-COUNTER PRODUCTS

There are a number of over-the- counter products of varying efficiency. The Boots Whitening Advanced Polishing system costs £12.99 and includes a battery operated toothbrush and a non-abrasive polish. Boots Whitening Advanced Stain Eraser costs £2.49 and the Advanced Whitening Toothpaste is £5.99.

TOOTH BLEACHING

Many products bought at pharmacies have limited value when it comes to tooth bleaching according to Yeo, but dentists have more resources. The colour of teeth can be lightened with a bleach containing Hydrogen Peroxide, used either on the outside or inside of the teeth.

Dentists use a special jelly bleach and the process can either be copied at home - with the use of a special tray which fits over the teeth - or in the surgery.

The technique is to paint the jelly on to the teeth, heat it with a light for a few minutes and then wash it off with water.

Prices start at £250 but can be more, depending on which dentist carries out the treatment.

VENEERS

A veneer is a thin layer of tooth-coloured material, put on to the front of the tooth, just like a false nail is attached.

It can change the shape, colour and size of a tooth and can close spaces in between teeth.

But some veneers require the dentist to file some of the natural tooth away so the treatment can be invasive and non-reversible. Added to that, it will not last a lifetime and the cost of replacing a veneer every ten years or so should be calculated.

BRACES

Orthodontic work is becoming more and more popular in this country as advances are made in teeth straightening.

For a child, the best method to straighten teeth is a brace. Most are made up of metal wires fixed to the teeth which pushes them into place.

Treatment can range from £1,800 to £4,000 for a course of treatment.

IMPLANTS

Implants are a way of replacing missing teeth. The tooth is implanted into the gum via a small 'post' which actually is planted in the jaw bone.

The implant is made of titanium, which is unique in that it melds itself chemically and physically to the bone, ensuring that the tooth is secure.

Unfortunately, implants are expensive with prices starting at £2,000 a tooth.