Teeth Whitening Q & A:
What is in-office teeth whitening?
In-office teeth whitening is the process of brightening the shade of your teeth with professional-grade products. Unlike over-the-counter (OTC) products and at-home trays, in-office whitening produces fast results that you can see right away.
There are two types of tooth stains: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are on the surface of your teeth, while intrinsic stains penetrate the deeper layers. Though many OTC whitening strips, toothpastes, and rinses can help break up extrinsic stains, only professional treatments can reach the deeper layers of your teeth to effectively remove intrinsic stains.
How does teeth whitening work?
KöR whitening uses a special process to ensure it produces dramatic results. Because whitening gels contain naturally unstable chemicals, they can degrade quickly once they reach room temperature and come in contact with saliva. That gradual degradation reduces their efficacy for less noticeable whitening than expected.
To counter degradation, KöR whitening gels are refrigerated for maximum potency. Once applied, the oxygen molecules inside the whitening gel bind to the stain molecules on your teeth to break them up.
How long does teeth whitening take?
KöR in-office whitening requires three 20-minute sessions. What makes KöR unique compared to other whitening systems is that the process continues working for hours after your treatment. While most whitening gels begin degrading after 25-35 minutes, KöR typically has 6-10 hours of whitening activity after treatment.
As a result, KöR can remove up to 16 shades from your teeth without causing damage or sensitivity.
How do I know if I need teeth whitening?
If your teeth are noticeably darker or yellower than they once were, you may be a good candidate for KöR whitening. There are many reasons why your teeth may be more dull and stained than they were when you were younger, including:
- Drinking coffee, tea, or red wine
- Consuming dark sauces (soy sauce, marinara, etc.)
- A high-sugar diet (sodas, candy, etc.)
- Age
- Certain medications, like antibiotics
- Chemotherapy or radiation
- Genetics
The color of your teeth is primarily the result of your enamel — the protective layer on the outside of your teeth. Thicker enamel keeps your teeth lighter in color, while thin enamel exposes the darker, yellower dentin underneath. Some individuals naturally have thicker enamel and whiter teeth. Your enamel also starts to wear with age, which directly impacts the color of your teeth.
To learn more about teeth whitening, call Belgrade Family Dental or schedule an appointment online today.
