Think you’re “too old” to achieve the smile of your dreams? Think again! Whether you’re interested in straightening your teeth or brightening your smile, your age shouldn’t stop you from visiting your cosmetic dentist. In fact, there are several smile-enhancing treatments that are ideal whether you’re 35, 55, or 75. To learn what they are, read on!

You might be surprised to learn that teeth whitening has been around for thousands of years. After all, people today tend to associate it with Hollywood stars, models, and anyone else seeking a photogenic smile. It’s enough to think that earlier ages would’ve been too focused on survival to care about the issue.

Still, the pursuit of a gleaming smile is as old as humanity. To prove it, here’s a brief history of teeth whitening that spans the practice’s origins up to its present techniques.