Several years ago, I chipped a tooth and my dentist very nicely patched it with a composite filling matching the color of my teeth.

Fast-forward. The patch is the same color, but my teeth are more yellow. I didn’t really notice it until my dental hygienist handed me a sample of tooth-whitening toothpaste. Now, the patch seems to stand out like crazy.

I’ve never smoked, I don’t drink sodas, coffee or tea and I don’t drink much in the way of alcoholic beverages. I take good care of my teeth by brushing and flossing twice daily, so I’m perplexed that the color of my teeth has changed so much in such a short time.

Now, even I, the penny-pinchingest person I know, am considering having my teeth whitened.

I researched the Sapphire Teeth Whitening System. Some seem to love it, but after reading reviews that talk about how much it cost (over $1,000) and how much it hurt, I’m not completely sold.

From what I can figure, the process consists of applying a gel to the teeth that’s so strong, it causes blisters if it comes in contact with skin, a rather unpleasant idea.

While the gel is on your teeth, the technician shines a plasma arc light on the gel to “propel the stain removal process.” The light is supposed to give an extra two to five shades of whitening, but independent studies show the lights don’t do anything.

After the treatment, many people experience pain ranging from “it’s not that bad” to “this hurts like hell” for 12 to 18 hours.

Treatment may include an at-home kit for additional whitening. One woman said using the tray instantly caused excruciating pain.

So, I guess I’ll stick to that most useful of adages: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.