Few Hollywood stars exude charm quite like Reese Witherspoon. But her previously discolored smile distracted from her natural beauty; now that it’s white and bright, it highlights her best features.
“With such natural beauty and an infectious smile, Reese only had to whiten her teeth and tone down her red lipstick to project a naturally beautiful smile,” says Beverly Hills, CA, cosmetic dentist Laurence Rifkin, DDS. “Her smile is a wonderful example of nature at its best with just a touch of freshening up.”
Whitening really is the easiest way to get instantly dramatic results. Many dentists recommend initial in-office whitening and maintenance with custom made at-home trays for the best results. With the combination, “you’re getting whitening from all different directions and levels,” says New York cosmetic dentist Steven E. Roth, DMD.
If you are looking to improve your look with whitening, here are the four main ways you can do so:
Light-Accelerated Bleaching
Results: Up to eight shades lighter
Effect: Instantly brighter teeth lasting from six months to two years
Professional Tray Bleaching
Results: From four to eight shades lighter
Effect: Whiter teeth after a week or two of use, lasting from six months to two years
Over-the-Counter Strips
Results: From one to three shades lighter
Effect: Whiter teeth over time, lasting from three to six months
Whitening Toothpaste
Results: Less than one shade lighter
Effect: Fewer surface stains with continued use
