Teeth whitening can brighten a smile and make people look more attractive, according to one expert.

Dr Marty Marcus of University Associates in Dentistry told Today’s Chicago Woman the procedure will brighten the appearance of teeth and disguise stains.

He explained more people have their teeth cosmetically enhanced during warmer months and suggested social occasions are the reason why.

“Whitening is … a way to make yourself as attractive as possible. It just augments the rest of your beauty, whereas if you didn’t have it done, it might detract from it,” the dental specialist said.

Individuals can still have their teeth enhanced if they have crowns or caps, although these may need to be altered to match the newly lightened originals, Dr Marcus commented.

Dr Susan Mathison of Catalyst Medical Centre in Fargo recently explained that an increasing number of over 40s were having their teeth professionally brightened in the hope of competing with younger jobseekers, the Grand Forks Herald reported.