KöR Teeth Whitening in Murfreesboro: What to Know Before Brightening Your Smile

Maybe your teeth have picked up more yellow or gray over the years, or coffee and tea are showing up more than they used to. Perhaps whitening strips helped a little, but you never quite got the brighter shade you were hoping for. Professional whitening gives us more options, especially when the staining is deeper or has been there for a long time.

At Salem Creek Family Dental in Murfreesboro, TN, Dr. Ashley Costello and Dr. Alaina Skidmore offer KöR teeth whitening for patients who want to brighten their natural teeth. KöR combines professional peroxide whitening gels with custom trays made specifically for your teeth, and different KöR systems are available for everyday discoloration as well as harder-to-whiten stains. The gel, trays, wear schedule, and sometimes an in-office whitening visit all work together as part of the treatment.

What Makes KöR Whitening Different?

KöR is not built around one strong whitening appointment and then sending you home. Instead, many KöR treatments use professional whitening gel at home over a period of time, often followed by an in-office treatment depending on the system selected. That gives the whitening ingredients more opportunities to work on discoloration rather than relying on one short session.

The custom trays are a big part of that process. KöR trays are made to fit closely around your teeth and limit the amount of saliva that reaches the whitening gel. So, while you wear them, the gel stays in closer contact with the teeth instead of quickly becoming diluted in a loose-fitting tray.

Then, there is the whitening gel itself. KöR uses peroxide-based whitening materials, but the formulation depends on when and how you are whitening. For example, KöR-Night currently uses 16% carbamide peroxide, while KöR-Day uses 9% hydrogen peroxide. Some treatment plans also use stronger, professionally applied peroxide gel during an in-office whitening visit.

What Does the Whitening Gel Actually Do?

The peroxide in whitening gel breaks down and releases reactive oxygen compounds. Those compounds move into the tooth and break apart stain molecules that make the teeth look darker. So, whitening is doing more than polishing coffee stain off the outside of the enamel.

That is also why professional whitening can change tooth color when whitening toothpaste has not done much. Toothpaste mainly works on surface stain, while peroxide gel can reach discoloration within the tooth structure. Depending on how deep that discoloration is, the process may take several days or several weeks.

KöR uses carbamide peroxide for its nighttime home whitening because it breaks down more gradually. Its daytime system uses hydrogen peroxide, which works more quickly and is worn for shorter periods. Then, some KöR plans add a higher-concentration in-office peroxide gel when more whitening is needed.

Why KöR Keeps Its Whitening Gel Cold

Peroxide whitening gels gradually lose strength as they break down, and heat speeds up that process. KöR refrigerates its whitening gels from manufacturing through delivery to the dental practice to slow that breakdown. So, when the gel reaches Salem Creek Family Dental, it has been stored differently from whitening products that may spend months moving through ordinary warehouses and shipping trucks.

For you, there is not much extra work involved in that part of the system. We will explain how your whitening gel should be stored once you take it home. Then, you simply use the amount we recommend in your trays and keep the remaining gel stored as directed.

The refrigeration, peroxide formulation, and close-fitting trays are all parts of the same KöR system. Rather than putting all the emphasis on how strong the gel is, KöR also pays attention to how that gel is stored and how long it stays in contact with the teeth.

Start With a Dental Exam

Before you begin whitening, Dr. Costello or Dr. Skidmore will look at your teeth, gums, fillings, crowns, and any areas that have been bothering you. If you have a cavity, exposed root, cracked tooth, or irritated gums, whitening gel can make an already sensitive area much less comfortable. So, we may want to take care of that first.

We will also look at the discoloration you want to change. Maybe most of your teeth have gradually become more yellow, or perhaps there is one darker area that stands out when you smile. If one tooth has changed color on its own, Dr. Costello or Dr. Skidmore may examine that tooth more closely before whitening begins.

Also, let us know if your teeth already react to cold or whitening products. Plenty of patients with sensitive teeth can still whiten, but we want to know about it from the beginning. Then, we can talk about the KöR option and schedule that may be more comfortable for you.

KöR Uses Custom Whitening Trays

Much of KöR whitening happens at home with trays made specifically for your teeth. Depending on the KöR treatment selected, you may wear them overnight or for shorter periods during the day. Some plans also include whitening here at Salem Creek Family Dental.

Because the trays closely follow the shape of your teeth, they sit differently from a generic tray you mold yourself at home. We will show you how they should fit, how much whitening gel to place inside, and how to seat them comfortably. Then, you will know exactly what to do when you start whitening at home.

A very small amount of gel is usually all that is needed. Loading up the trays will not speed up the whitening process, and the extra gel is more likely to squeeze onto your gums. So, use the amount we show you rather than filling the tray.

There Are Different KöR Whitening Options

Not everyone comes in with the same amount or type of discoloration. Because of that, KöR has several treatment systems rather than one whitening schedule for everyone. KöR Home offers daytime or nighttime home whitening, while KöR MAX combines home whitening with an in-office treatment.

There are also longer KöR protocols for more difficult staining. KöR ULTRA is designed for stubborn discoloration such as fluorosis and darker age-related staining, while KöR ULTRA-T was developed for difficult tetracycline staining. Those plans involve more time because deeper staining generally takes longer to change.

Dr. Costello or Dr. Skidmore can look at your starting shade and what has caused the discoloration before recommending a KöR option. Someone trying to freshen up ordinary coffee and tea staining may not need the same schedule as someone with deep tetracycline discoloration. So, your whitening plan starts with the teeth you actually have rather than a standard number of treatments.

Some Stains Need More Time

Coffee, tea, tobacco, darker foods, and normal aging can gradually change tooth color. You may notice it first in photographs or when comparing your current smile with an older one. In many cases, professional whitening can brighten this kind of discoloration noticeably.

However, stains that formed while the tooth was developing can be harder to whiten. Tetracycline staining is a good example because the discoloration can extend deeper into the tooth. In those cases, KöR treatment may continue for several weeks rather than the shorter schedule used for everyday staining.

A single dark tooth may need something different. Teeth can darken after an injury, root canal treatment, or changes inside the tooth, so Dr. Costello or Dr. Skidmore will want to know if one tooth has changed while the others have not. Once we know why it looks different, we can talk about the best way to improve its color.

Crowns, Veneers, and Fillings Will Stay the Same Color

Whitening gel works on natural tooth structure, but it does not change the color of porcelain crowns, veneers, bonding, or tooth-colored fillings. So, if you have visible dental work, we will look at its shade before you start whitening.

For example, a front crown may blend nicely with your teeth right now. After the surrounding natural teeth become lighter, that crown may look a little darker by comparison. We can point that out beforehand so you know what you may see once whitening is finished.

This is also helpful if you are planning a new crown, veneer, or bonding. In many cases, we can whiten the natural teeth first and then choose the shade for the new restoration afterward. Once your brighter color has settled, the new dental work can be matched more closely.

What About Tooth Sensitivity?

Whitening can temporarily make teeth more sensitive, especially if yours already react to cold. Some patients barely notice it, while others get a few quick zings during treatment. So, tell us if whitening strips or other products have made your teeth uncomfortable in the past.

KöR has desensitizing products that can be used along with whitening. Also, if sensitivity starts increasing, Dr. Costello or Dr. Skidmore can review how often you are whitening, how much gel you are using, and how the trays fit. Sometimes adjusting the schedule can make the process more comfortable.

If one tooth suddenly becomes much more sensitive than the others, though, let us know. We may want to check that tooth rather than simply assuming the whitening gel is responsible. A cavity, crack, exposed root, or another dental problem can sometimes show up at the same time.

You Will Do Part of the Whitening at Home

KöR is not always finished in one dental appointment. Home tray wear is a central part of many KöR treatments, so you will be doing some of the whitening between visits. Depending on your treatment, that may mean nighttime wear or shorter daytime sessions.

Consistency helps here. Use the trays for the amount of time Dr. Costello or Dr. Skidmore recommends, and use the whitening gel as directed. Missing an occasional session can happen, but adding extra gel or doubling the wear time is not a good way to catch up.

Once you have done it a few times, the routine is pretty simple. If you are using nighttime trays, for example, you may put them in after brushing and flossing and then head to bed. After a while, there is not much thought involved beyond remembering the trays.

Your Teeth May Look Uneven While You Are Whitening

Some teeth may brighten faster than others. An area with deeper staining can take longer, while another tooth may respond fairly quickly. So, halfway through treatment, your smile may not look exactly like it will once you are finished.

White spots that were already in the enamel can also become more noticeable for a while as the surrounding color changes. As whitening continues, those differences may become less obvious. Still, if one area is bothering you, show us rather than changing the whitening routine yourself.

Dr. Costello or Dr. Skidmore can compare your progress with where you started. If one area simply needs more time, we can tell you that. If something else is going on with the tooth, we can take a closer look.

Coffee, Tea, and Everyday Staining

Coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and darker foods can gradually add new stain. If coffee is part of your morning routine, though, whitening does not require a complete overhaul of your day. During active treatment, just follow the food and drink instructions we give you.

Rinsing with water after darker drinks is also an easy habit. It does not require carrying a toothbrush everywhere you go or worrying about every sip of coffee. You are simply giving some of that color less time to sit on the teeth.

Later, occasional KöR maintenance may help refresh the shade as new staining builds. How often you need a touch-up will depend partly on your habits and how quickly your teeth darken again. KöR includes periodic home maintenance in its treatment approach.

How White Can Your Teeth Get?

Your starting tooth color has a lot to do with the final result. Age, natural enamel shade, the type of stain, and how deeply the discoloration sits can all affect how quickly the teeth brighten. So, we cannot pick an exact final shade before seeing how your teeth respond.

Some patients are also looking for a fairly subtle change. You may simply want less yellow in your smile rather than the brightest possible shade. Tell Dr. Costello or Dr. Skidmore what you have in mind when you come in.

As you move through treatment, we can see how your teeth are responding and compare the color with where you started. If you are happy with the shade before pushing any lighter, say so. Whitening is about getting to a color you like, not chasing a particular shade number.

Whitening Toothpaste Works Differently

Whitening toothpaste mainly removes some of the stain sitting on the outside of the teeth. Peroxide whitening gel works differently because it can change discoloration within the tooth structure. So, you may reach a point where whitening toothpaste keeps the teeth clean but does not make them look any lighter.

Also, brushing harder will not get you past that point. In fact, aggressive brushing with a more abrasive toothpaste can be uncomfortable if you already have gum recession or sensitive roots. If your current toothpaste seems to make sensitivity worse, mention it when you come in.

If you have tried strips, pens, powders, or other whitening products, let us know about those too. Tell us whether they worked at all and whether your teeth became sensitive. That gives Dr. Costello or Dr. Skidmore a little more information before choosing your KöR plan.

Take Care of Cavities and Gum Problems First

If you have a cavity, cracked tooth, or inflamed gums, we may recommend treating it before whitening. Gel reaching an already sensitive area can make for a very uncomfortable evening with your trays. So, we would rather deal with that tooth or gum problem before adding peroxide to the area.

A cleaning may come first as well, especially if plaque, tartar, or surface stain is covering part of the teeth. Once that buildup is removed, we can see your natural starting color more clearly. Then, the whitening gel can work on the tooth shade rather than stain sitting on top.

After any needed dental care is finished, you can still move ahead with KöR. We will let you know when the teeth and gums are ready to start. From there, we can get your trays and whitening schedule underway.

Plan Whitening Around New Dental Work

If you are getting a new crown, veneer, or bonding on a visible tooth, tell us that you are interested in whitening too. Since those materials will not change color later, we often want to brighten the natural teeth first. Then, the new dental work can be made to match.

After whitening, we may wait a little before choosing the final restoration shade. Your tooth color can settle somewhat once active whitening ends. Dr. Costello or Dr. Skidmore can tell you when it is time to select the shade for the new restoration.

If you already have visible crowns or bonding, we will look at them before you start. They may continue blending well enough that you are happy with them. If they look darker after whitening, you can decide later whether you want to change them.

Keeping Your Teeth Brighter

Once your main KöR treatment is finished, your custom trays can often be used later for maintenance. Coffee, tea, food, and normal aging continue after whitening, so some color will gradually come back. An occasional touch-up can help refresh the shade.

Keep your trays clean and store them somewhere they will not get bent, damaged, or accidentally tossed out. Also, bring them with you if you have dental work that changes the shape of a tooth. A new filling or crown can affect how the tray sits.

Regular dental cleanings can help with surface stain as well. Meanwhile, your KöR trays work on the tooth color itself when a whitening touch-up is appropriate. Between the two, maintaining the brighter shade can become a fairly simple part of your regular dental routine.

KöR Teeth Whitening at Salem Creek Family Dental in Murfreesboro, TN

If your teeth have picked up years of discoloration, whitening strips have only taken you so far, or you simply want your smile a little brighter, ask us about KöR teeth whitening. At Salem Creek Family Dental in Murfreesboro, TN, Dr. Ashley Costello and Dr. Alaina Skidmore can look at your tooth color, existing dental work, sensitivity, and the kind of staining you have. Then, we can talk about which KöR treatment fits your smile and what the process would look like at home and in our office.

KöR brings several pieces together: professional peroxide gels, custom trays, refrigerated gel storage, different treatment strengths, and longer options for difficult staining. For patients, though, the day-to-day process is still pretty simple once we show you how to use everything. Call Salem Creek Family Dental in Murfreesboro, TN, to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ashley Costello or Dr. Alaina Skidmore and ask about KöR teeth whitening!

Contact Us

Image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0

Categorised in: Teeth Whitening