
Academy Award-winning actress Kathy Bates knows how important it is to present your best face to the world — and one of the most important features of that face is a beaming smile. But there came a point when she noticed something was a little off. “I've always had good teeth, but it seemed to me as I was getting older that they weren't looking as good,” Kathy explained in a recent interview with Dear Doctor magazine.
That's when she decided it was time to take action. Kathy had orthodontic treatment when she was in her fifties, and she keeps her smile bright with tooth whitening treatments. She uses a kit provided by her dentist with a safe, effective whitening solution.
Of course, a bright, healthy smile looks great anywhere — whether you're on the red carpet or “off the grid.” And you don't have to be a Hollywood star to have professional whitening treatments. In fact, teeth whitening is one of the most popular and affordable cosmetic treatments modern dentistry offers.
The basic options for professional teeth whitening include in-office bleaching or take-home kits. Both types of dentist-supervised treatments offer a safe and effective means of getting a brighter smile; the main difference is how long they take to produce results. A single one-hour treatment in the office can make your teeth up to ten shades lighter — a big difference! To get that same lightening with at-home trays, it would take several days. On the plus side, the take-home kit is less expensive, and can achieve the same results in a bit more time.
It's important to note that not all teeth can be whitened with these treatments. Some teeth have intrinsic (internal) stains that aren't affected by external agents like bleaches. Also, teeth that have been restored (with bonding or veneers, for example) generally won't change color. And you can't necessarily whiten your teeth to any degree: Every tooth has a maximum whiteness, and adding more bleach won't lighten it beyond that level. Most people, however, find that teeth whitening treatments produce noticeable and pleasing results.
What about those off-the-shelf kits or in-the-mall kiosks? They might work… or they might not. But one thing's for sure: Without a dentist's supervision, you're on your own. That's the main reason why you should go with a pro if you're considering teeth whitening. We not only ensure that your treatment is safe — we can also give you a realistic idea of what results to expect, and we will make sure that other dental problems aren't keeping you from having a great-looking smile.
How often does Kathy Bates see her dentist for a checkup and cleaning? “I go about every four months,” she noted. “I'm pretty careful about it.” And if you've seen her smile, you can tell that it pays off. If you would like more information about teeth whitening, please contact us or schedule an appointment. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Important Teeth Whitening Questions Answered” and “Teeth Whitening.”
Comments:

Pasadena Dental Implants
Pasadena, CA 91101

Patient Education
Archive:
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- May (6)
- Are You at Risk for Oral Cancer?
- Helping Residents of Pasadena Understand Oral Surgery
- Braces: A Rite of Passage Even for Hollywood Kids
- Dental Implants for Pasadena, CA Residents: The Best Restorative Option for Missing Teeth
- The Periodontal and Systemic Connection: Keep Your Teeth Healthy and Your Heart will Thank You
- Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
- 2013
Tags
- Welcome (1)
- celebrity smiles (51)
- root canal (2)
- cosmetic dentistry (11)
- teeth whitening (5)
- chipped tooth (2)
- periodontal disease (9)
- gum disease (13)
- porcelain veneers (2)
- dental injury (3)
- dental emergency (2)
- mouthguard (2)
- dental implants (26)
- dentures (2)
- Periodontal Health (2)
- braces (4)
- oral cancer (1)
- oral health (16)
- pediatric dentistry (2)
- teething (1)
- bridgework (1)
- nutrition (5)
- medication (1)
- aspirin (1)
- dental implant (2)
- dental insurance (1)
- bonding (2)
- bacteria (2)
- diabetes (1)
- sealants (1)
- TMD (2)
- toothache (1)
- tooth decay (4)
- oral hygiene (10)
- Gum Grafting (1)
- tmj (1)
- wisdom teeth (3)
- Loose Teeth (1)
- dental exam (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- chipped teeth (1)
- Corrective Jaw Surgery (2)
- crowns (4)
- orthodontics (2)
- dental care (1)
- Periodontist (2)
- blood pressure medications (1)
- medicine (1)
- dental injuries (2)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- Scaling and Root Planing (1)
- smile makeover (1)
- smoking (1)
- oral surgery (8)
- restorative dentistry (4)
- pediatric care (1)
- gummy smiles (1)
- mouthguards (1)
- sleep apnea (1)
- snoring (1)
- x-rays (1)
- orthodontic treatment (1)
- retainers (1)
- dry mouth (1)
- anesthesia (1)
- bad breath (1)
- fillings (1)
- thumb sucking (1)
- bone grafting (1)
- teeth grinding (1)
- missing teeth (1)
- veneers (1)
- sugar (1)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- saliva (1)
- halloween (1)
- tooth extraction (2)
- seniors (1)
- burning mouth syndrome (1)
- periodontal dentistry (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- tooth pain (1)