Toggle navigation
533 Michigan Avenue Holland, MI 49423(616) 392-4198
  • blog
  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Request an Appointment

  • Home
  • Staff
  • Our Location
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Patient Education

My Blog

Posts for: August, 2016

Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening

By David Van Appledorn, DDS, PC
August 23, 2016
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: celebrity smiles   teeth whitening  
KathyBatesPlaysItSmartWithProfessionalTeethWhitening

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.”


0 Comment(s) Permalink

Winning the War on Gum Disease Requires Post-Treatment Vigilance

By David Van Appledorn, DDS, PC
August 08, 2016
Category: Oral Health
Tags: oral hygiene   gum disease   periodontal disease  
WinningtheWaronGumDiseaseRequiresPost-TreatmentVigilance

After several treatment sessions your periodontal (gum) disease is under control. But, while we may have won this battle, the war rages on. To keep an infection from re-occurring we'll have to remain on guard.

Gum disease begins and thrives on a thin film of bacteria and food particles on tooth surfaces called plaque. The infection usually begins as gingivitis, which causes the gums to become red and swollen (inflamed). Untreated it can develop into periodontitis, a more advanced form that progresses deeper into the gum tissues resulting in bone loss.

To treat the disease, we must remove all the plaque and calculus (hardened plaque deposits) we can find no matter how deeply they've penetrated below the gum line. Since the deeper it extends the more likely surgical techniques may be necessary to consider, it's better to catch the disease in its earliest stages when plaque can be removed with hand instruments or ultrasonic equipment.

The appropriate treatment technique can effectively stop and even reverse gum disease's effects — but it won't change your susceptibility. Constant vigilance is the best way to significantly reduce your risk of another episode. In this case, our prevention goal is the same as in treatment: remove plaque.

It begins with you learning and applying effective brushing and flossing techniques, and being consistent with these habits every day. As your dentist, we play a role too: we may need to see you as often as every few weeks or quarter to perform meticulous cleaning above and below the gum line. We may also perform procedures on your gums to make it easier to maintain them and your teeth, including correcting root surface irregularities that can accumulate plaque.

Our aim is to reduce the chances of another infection as much as possible. "Fighting the good fight" calls for attention, diligence and effort — but the reward is continuing good health for your teeth and gums.

If you would like more information on continuing dental care after gum disease, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Periodontal Cleanings.”


0 Comment(s) Permalink


September (2) July (2)
Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Archive:

  • 2019
      • February (2)
        • A Bonded Retainer Might be a Better Choice After Braces
        • National Children's Dental Health Month Highlights Importance of Baby Teeth
      • January (3)
        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
        • Your Regular Dental Visits Might Change if You've had Gum Disease
        • Stay Hydrated in Winter for Better Year-Round Oral Hygiene
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Less-Invasive Pulp Capping Could Save Your Tooth
        • Bobby Bones Dances His Way to Dental Damage
        • Orthodontists Anticipate Future Facial Growth When Treating Poor Bites
      • November (3)
        • TMD and Fibromyalgia Could Share Links in Chronic Pain
        • Don't Let GERD Ruin Your Teeth's Health
        • Steely Dan Founder's Death Highlights Importance of Early Cancer Detection
      • October (3)
        • How to Maximize Your Child's Dental Health Potential
        • Understanding the Aging Process Leads to More Effective Orthodontics
        • 4 Signs Your Child May Have a Poor Bite
      • September (3)
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
        • A Bonded Retainer Might Work for You after Orthodontic Treatment
        • Why Smoking and Dental Implants Don't Mix
      • August (3)
        • 'Tooth in One Day' Procedures Require Special Attention for Success
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
        • How to Treat the Problem of Teeth that Never Developed
      • July (3)
        • How to Reduce Tooth White Spots While Wearing Braces
        • Teenagers with Missing Teeth Usually Need a Temporary Restoration
        • A Royal Fix
      • June (3)
        • That Odd Looking Sore in Your Mouth is No Cause for Alarm
        • Gum Disease is Still a Threat to Your Dental Implants
        • The Right Treatment for Your Child's Injured Tooth Increases its Survival
      • May (4)
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
        • Root Canal Awareness Week: A Time to Learn How Teeth Are Saved
        • See How Well You're Removing Daily Plaque with a Plaque Disclosing Agent
        • Your Child Isn't in Danger from X-Rays Thanks to the ALARA Principle
      • April (2)
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
        • 3 Situations for Seeing a Periodontist
      • March (3)
        • 3 Tips for Helping Your Kids Develop Great Tooth-Friendly Habits
        • A "No-Prep" Veneer Could Eliminate the Need to Remove Tooth Enamel
        • Skater Adam Rippon's World-Class Smile
      • February (2)
        • Cracked Mouth Corners can be Irritating - Here's How to Treat Them
        • Why a Bonded Retainer Might be a Better Choice After Braces
      • January (2)
        • Root Decay in Your Later Years Could Endanger Your Teeth
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Have a Loose Tooth? You'll Need This Two-Phase Treatment to Save It
        • Certain People may Benefit from Antibiotics Before Implant Surgery
      • November (2)
        • Your Age Won't Necessarily Decide Against Straightening Your Smile
        • Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
      • October (2)
        • Increase Bone Mass for Dental Implants through Grafting
        • These 3 Tasks Show How Saliva is Amazing
      • September (2)
        • Take Proactive Steps to Protect Your Oral Health During Cancer Treatment
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
      • August (3)
        • The 3 Top Causes for Tooth Sensitivity
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
        • A 4-Step Process for Achieving Your Highest Oral Health Possible
      • July (2)
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
        • Professional Whitening Offers an Effective Way to Restore Your Smile's Luster
      • June (2)
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
        • Braces Take Advantage of Teeth's Natural Ability to Move
      • May (2)
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
        • Children with Chronic Health Conditions may Need Extra Dental Care
      • April (2)
        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
        • Facial Nerve Pain can be Managed with Effective Treatment
      • March (2)
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • Safety is a Priority When Imaging Children's Teeth with X-Rays
      • February (3)
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
        • A Partial Denture Can Restore a Smile Marred by a Few Missing Teeth
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
      • January (2)
        • A Retainer Helps You Keep Your New Smile After Braces
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
  • 2016
      • December (2)
        • Simplify Your Toothpaste Purchase by Looking for These Ingredients
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
      • November (3)
        • Extracting Certain Teeth can Boost Orthodontic Effectiveness
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
        • Answering Your Questions about Your Upcoming Teeth Whitening
      • October (2)
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
        • Treating Gum Disease Important to Saving the Underlying Bone
      • September (2)
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
        • Grafting can Help Regenerate Gum Tissue Lost Through Recession
      • August (2)
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
        • Winning the War on Gum Disease Requires Post-Treatment Vigilance
      • July (3)
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
        • Don't Forget Hidden Fluoride Sources Your Family Could be Ingesting
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
      • June (2)
        • Antibiotic Resistance Requires Action - and a Change of Attitude
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
      • May (2)
        • Your Case of Gingivitis Could Develop into Something More Harmful
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
      • April (2)
        • There's a Good Reason for Adults to Consider Orthodontics - Better Oral Health
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
      • March (2)
        • A Retainer-Like Device can Preserve the Space Left by a Lost Primary Tooth
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
      • February (1)
        • While Usually Benign, Lichen Planus Lesions Should Still be Examined
      • January (3)
        • The Laser Revolution is Changing the Dental Healthcare
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
        • Anchorage Devices Provide More Accuracy, Less Treatment Time for Braces
  • 2015
      • December (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
        • There may be more to that Toothache that Suddenly Stops Aching
      • November (2)
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
        • Crown Differences Could Ultimately Affect Your Cost
      • October (2)
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • Don't Panic! Take Methodical Approach to Help Your Child Stop Thumb Sucking
      • September (2)
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
        • Know the Risks and Benefits for Same-Day Tooth Replacement
      • August (2)
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
        • Some Birth Control Drugs Could Increase Risk of Gum Disease
      • July (3)
        • A Toothless Tiger?
        • Crown Lengthening Opens up New Teeth Restoration Possibilities
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
      • June (2)
        • An Early Orthodontic Evaluation May Alert to Developing Bite Problems
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
      • May (2)
        • Setting the Record Straight on Root Canal Treatments
        • Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
      • April (2)
        • Irritating Cold Sore Outbreaks can be Controlled Through Medication
        • Hilary Duff's Chipped Front Teeth Repaired with Veneers
      • March (2)
        • Work With Your Child's School to Encourage Healthy Snack Foods
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
      • February (3)
        • Customized Temporary Crowns let you 'Rehearse' Your Future Smile
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
        • Welcome to Our Blog

Tags

  • celebrity smiles (45)
  • tooth grinding (1)
  • crown (1)
  • orthodontics (8)
  • braces (7)
  • nutrition (2)
  • oral health (11)
  • veneers (2)
  • porcelain veneers (3)
  • cold sore (1)
  • oral hygiene (12)
  • pediatric care (1)
  • root canal (3)
  • wisdom teeth (3)
  • crown lengthening (1)
  • dental implants (9)
  • crowns (4)
  • gum disease (7)
  • birth control (1)
  • chipped teeth (1)
  • cosmetic dentistry (3)
  • thumb sucking (1)
  • pediatric dentistry (7)
  • athletic mouthguards (1)
  • tooth pain (1)
  • tooth decay (2)
  • orthodontic treatment (8)
  • anchorage devices (1)
  • laser dentistry (1)
  • lichen planus (1)
  • oral cancer (2)
  • abscessed tooth (1)
  • space maintainer (1)
  • periodontal disease (2)
  • antibiotics (2)
  • fluoride (1)
  • teeth whitening (4)
  • gum recession (1)
  • periodontal (gum) disease (1)
  • teeth wear (1)
  • tooth extraction (1)
  • toothpaste (1)
  • retainers (2)
  • partial denture (1)
  • dental emergency (1)
  • dental injury (5)
  • x-rays (1)
  • teeth grinding (1)
  • facial pain (1)
  • trigeminal neuralgia (1)
  • chipped tooth (3)
  • mouthguards (2)
  • bad breath (1)
  • sensitive teeth (1)
  • saliva (1)
  • bone grafting (1)
  • adult braces (1)
  • loose tooth (1)
  • retainer (2)
  • periodontist (1)
  • x-ray (1)
  • root canal treatment (2)
  • mouth sores (1)
  • bonding (1)
  • missing teeth (1)
  • smoking (1)
  • GERD (1)
  • tmj disorders (1)
  • pulp capping (1)
  • baby teeth (1)
  • bonded retainer (1)

Categories:

  • None (1)
  • Oral Health (45)
  • Dental Procedures (67)

Our Location

533 Michigan Avenue
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 392-4198

Map & directions

Office Hours
Monday: 08:30 AM - 1:00 PM
02:00 PM -  05:00 PM
Tuesday: 08:30 AM - 1:00 PM
02:00 PM -  05:00 PM
Wednesday: 08:30 AM - 1:00 PM
02:00 PM -  05:00 PM
Thursday: 08:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Friday: 08:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
  • Home
  • Staff
  • Our Location
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Education
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Dental Web Design Officite © 2016
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map