Dr. Dennis provides the KöR Whitening® system to her patients because it offers some unique advantages over the take-home method or in-office Zoom whitening system.
What is the KöR Whitening System?
KöR Whitening is an in-office whitening method that works without the use of lights or lasers. It was developed by Dr. Rod Kurthy, a teeth whitening specialist, in response to the often inconsistent results and tooth sensitivity experienced by many patients with other in-office whitening methods. He noted that research by Clinical Research Associates (CRA) and other sources concluded that the professional whitening gels used in conventional whitening trays are usually only effective for about 30 minutes.
These professional teeth whitening systems use peroxide gels that form hydrogen peroxide and break down into water, oxygen, and free radicals, called bleaching agents, that oxidize pigment molecules in the dentin layer of the teeth. When saliva, which contains the antioxidant enzyme peroxidase, leaks into the trays, it can weaken the whitening gel.
Dr. Kurthy’s solution was to re-invent both the whitening gel and the trays. Beginning with the gel, he took note of the fact that these peroxide-based solutions were unstable chemicals. It’s why they break down so readily to produce bleaching byproducts. But this instability also means that, unless they are consistently refrigerated, they begin to degrade and weaken as soon as they are manufactured. And storage and shipping methods often introduce warm or even high temperatures that can further degrade the solutions. KöR-Seal™ trays, designed to seal out saliva, allow KöR whitening gel to provide the possibility of six to ten hours of strong oxidation activity.
By refrigerating KöR whitening gels from manufacture to dental office, KöR theorizes that it can consistently deliver high-potency gels that can lower the risk of tooth sensitivity. Part of the reason may be that one of the byproducts of degradation is hydrogen ions, which are acidic, and can cause sensitivity. And refrigeration eliminates the need for sensitivity-causing stabilization agents.
Before KöR whitening
After KöR whitening
KöR Whitening and Tetracycline Stains
If you have tetracycline stains on your teeth, you know first-hand how they can affect your self-confidence. These deep, dark stains are caused by the use of tetracycline antibiotics during childhood, while the permanent teeth were erupting. In the past, no whitening method was strong enough to reach them, so they have usually been treated by covering them with porcelain veneers. However, it appears that in some cases, KöR Whitening can whiten teeth stained by tetracycline. Dr. Dennis will help you decide which whitening method will work best for you.
If you would like to find out more about how KöR Whitening can help you, please don’t hesitate to call or request an appointment online. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and schedule you for a visit to our office. You can also click here to read about our take-home teeth whitening method and our Zoom whitening method.