Do you want a whiter smile but aren’t sure where to start? There are tons of options out there, from whitening toothpastes to special brushes to mouthwashes. You can even get over-the-counter whitening trays to help brighten your smile. But in the end, none of these can help you achieve your dream smile like what a visit to the dentist can provide.
Kör Whitening is one of the best whitening options on the market. It’s a specially designed tray and gel formula that provide longer-lasting whitening than anything you’ll find at the drugstore. Other great whitening options include veneers, composite bonding, and the Opalescence whitening system. It’s also helpful to understand what’s causing the stains on your teeth to help treat them at the source.
The Best Tool for Whiter Teeth
Here at My Family Dentistry, we believe in providing you with the best treatment and the tools you need to have the smile you deserve. That’s why we’re proud to be one of Kör Whitening’s Premier Providers. This designation goes to offices that consistently provide outstanding whitening results and the highest level of patient care using the Kör Whitening system.
What is Kör Whitening?
Developed by a dentist, the Kör Whitening system is widely regarded as one of the most effective bleaching systems available. What sets Kör Whitening apart from other whitening methods is predictability. If you’ve tried other whitening methods with less than stellar results, then this system is for you.
Most teeth bleaching systems use hydrogen peroxide as the essential mechanism for whitening teeth, regardless of whether they’re intended for in-office or at-home use. They work by the hydrogen peroxide breaking down into:
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- Water
- Oxygen
- Bleaching factors
It’s these “bleaching factors” that do the primary work of whitening your teeth. The problem is that you need to whiten your teeth under near-perfect conditions to get the ideal result with these products. The culprit here is saliva and other fluids that naturally exist in your mouth. They contaminate the gel, making it much less effective than promised.
Kör Whitening is different from these systems because it actually removes many of the factors that make peroxide-based whiteners less effective. This is thanks to the combination of their special trays and gel which protect your teeth from fluids. The final result is a whitening process that’s effective for six to 10 hours compared to the 25 to 30 minutes of other whitening systems.
Why do I have stained teeth?
Stained teeth can occur for a variety of reasons. Most people have some level of staining, so it’s good to have an idea of why they occur. This can also help you cut back on certain habits that may contribute to your stained teeth.
Common causes for tooth stains include:
- What you eat
- What you drink
- Tobacco use
- Poor oral hygiene
- Disease or injury
- Medical treatments
Food and Drink
What you eat and drink are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to stained teeth. Drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas can discolor your teeth over the years. Even some vegetables and fruits can cause stains.
Tobacco Use
It should come as no surprise that tobacco use can cause your teeth to become dull and discolored. Whether you smoke or use smokeless tobacco, it’s a habit that can wreak havoc on your teeth as well as your overall health.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is your first line of defense in protecting your smile. However, poor oral health habits can leave you open to teeth that are not only discolored but prone to decay and gum disease, as well.
Disease or Injury
In children, some diseases or trauma can discolor enamel even while in the womb. Discolored teeth due to these factors remain a possibility until their teeth have fully developed around eight years old. Adults with fully developed teeth may experience discoloration due to trauma.
Medical Treatments
Some medical treatments can actually cause teeth stains. Life-saving procedures such as radiation and chemotherapy discolor teeth, as well as medications for high blood pressure and antihistamines.
There are a lot of teeth whitening options out there, but some are much more effective than others. We’re big fans of the Kör Whitening system, but veneers, composite bonding, and the Opalescence whitening system are also great options.
Other Teeth Whitening Options
Are you curious about other whitening methods? No problem! We offer multiple whitening options to fit your unique needs and help you achieve the smile you have always wanted.
Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that fit over your original teeth. What makes veneers such a wonderful whitening option is their versatility. For instance, say that you only want to whiten your front teeth rather than all of them. With veneers, you can get the amount you need for a brighter smile.
Veneers are a wonderful example of how cosmetic dentistry can restore your smile. Not only are they great for whitening, but they’re the perfect option for teeth that have become chipped, broken, or cracked over the years. Veneers will not only improve the original shade of your teeth — they’ll improve their overall look.
Composite Bonding
Like veneers, composite bonding is a type of cosmetic dentistry intended to improve the appearance of your teeth. We shape and mold a special composite resin that gives the appearance of teeth that are both whiter and straighter.
Composite bonding is ideal for teeth that:
- Are stained
- Have gaps
- Are broken in some way
One of the most appealing benefits of composite bonding has to do with time. Veneers can often require more than two visits to complete the entire application process. Composite bonding, on the other hand, can be completed in one appointment.
Opalescence
At-home whitening systems often fall short due to saliva and other fluids breaking down the peroxide before it’s had the chance to do its job. What’s more, they may be a bit harsh for some people and not suited for those with more sensitive teeth and gums. We don’t usually recommend at-home whitening due to it being less effective and the potential to do more harm than good.
That’s not the case with Opalescence. Like Kör Whitening, Opalescence uses a superior gel that stays in place better than those in over-the-counter whitening strips and trays. This allows oxygen molecules to actually enter your teeth and continue whitening even when the entire tooth isn’t covered. You can purchase Opalescence directly from our office.
Do you want a brighter smile but aren’t sure where to start? Contact us today and let us help you achieve the smile that you’ve been dreaming of!
We believe everyone deserves to have a smile they can be proud of, and we provide that to our patients using the latest techniques in comfortable dentistry. My Family Dentistry is open Monday through Thursday and every other Friday. Give us a call at (865) 947-6453 or you can schedule an appointment online.