If the app is frustrating, you'll just be sacrificing your patience for whiter teeth in photos. Instead, look for an intuitive interface that makes it super easy to zhuzh up your teeth in snaps. For example, some apps use a little toothbrush icon to indicate the teeth-whitening tool, which makes it easy to spot.

You'll want the app to show exactly what you did, so you can tell what exactly changed — and if you like it. Side-by-side images of the original and the altered photos make it easy to compare, which also makes it easy to determine if you approve of the changes. Read the reviews closely to see if this feature is offered.

Obviously fake, blindingly white teeth might be more embarrassing than just kinda-yellow teeth. Avoid the white-bar-across-the-mouth look by looking for an app with a nuanced teeth whitening effect. An app that whitens both teeth and the whites of the eyes automatically will look more natural. For additional control, look for an app that lets you choose the shade of white from a gradient.

Check out apps with other features. Apps that let you remove scars or moles, add "makeup", eliminate red eyes, and retouch skin with airbrushing tools will make it quick and easy to perk up your pictures without a lot of fuss. Look for apps that are developed with the input of seasoned photographers and/or makeup professionals.

Look for an app with easy-to-use filters or pre-sets. It's a simple way to get automatic, one-touch editing for brightness, contrast, saturation and color temperature. Certain filters are great for whitening teeth in photos, too, because a tool like this should auto-fix things like off-kilter white balance, which can be to blame for teeth photographing yellow in the first place.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.