Having cosmetic dentistry could help people to look younger than they are, according to one expert.

In an article for Marie Claire, Australian cosmetic dentist Dr Angelo Lazaris said it is surprising how much a person's smile can affect their perceived age.

"As we age our teeth darken, wear down and move out of alignment to become more crooked," he pointed out.

To prevent this, he recommended Invisalign braces, teeth whitening and, in more extreme cases, dental veneers.

Zoom whitening from an oral healthcare provider was suggested as one treatment people might like to try.

It may indeed be best to go to a professional in order to have teeth brightened up. Daily Mail writer Anna Maxted recently admitted she became addicted to DIY whitening kits and even used them to do the school run.

However, she has now damaged her tooth enamel and her gums permanently as a result of the strong chemicals contained within them.