A bright smile is on the wishlist for 2010.

According to a recent survey of 2,227 adults by Harris Interactive, more than half (54 per cent) of all US adults hope to have teeth whitening treatments next year.

The poll of 2,227 Americans revealed that if money was not an issue, at least half would choose to have cosmetic surgery to improve their appearance, with teeth whitening one of the highest ranked wishes.

Tom Seery, president of RealSelf.com – the firm that commissioned the study – said: “While cost is a major factor, cosmetic surgery requires a much deeper set of considerations around safety and knowledge of what to expect.”

Elsewhere, beauty and technology expert Zara Rabinowicz recently noted teeth whitening is likely to become a popular treatment next year, as products get more advanced and the treatment more straightforward and affordable.

She also noted television shows like the X Factor have helped promote the pearly smile as a must-have beauty treatment.