Tooth Whitening / Bleaching
What are the leading causes of tooth discolouration?
- Stained and tarnished old Mercury metal fillings
- Certain medications like Tetracycline
- Dental trauma
- Root canal therapy
- Smoking
- Excessive Flouride (Flouridosis)
- Food and Drink including coffee, tea, blueberries and red wine.
How does tooth whitening typically work?
Intrinsic tooth color is a result of large natural pigment and stain molecules trapped within the microstructure of the tooth. These color molecules have bonds between atoms called “chromopores” which are what reflect the color stains. The larger these molecules are, the more chromopores they contain, the darker they appear.
ALL bleaching solutions work by forming hydrogen peroxide as their end product which then breaks down into: water, oxygen, hydrogen and hydroxyl radicals – these are the peroxide by-products called “bleaching factors” which lighten teeth by cleaving the chromopore bonds. In order for these bleaching factors to be successful the peroxide products must b fully potent, chemically influenced to produce a high percentage of hydroxyl radicals, and allowed extended time for bleaching factors to be diffused into teeth.
Nearly all peroxide based bleaching solutions on the market today have the following limitations;
- The way the bleaching material is manufactured, transported and stored the gel is often of low potency due to temperature degradation.
- The peroxide bleaching solutions do not contain adequate chemical stabilizers so the materials are constantly breaking down.
- Research has shown that lights and lasers result in no additional lightening of the tooth and may in fact contribute to excessive bleaching sensitivity via heat and dehydration of the dentinal tubules. The preferred method of tooth bleaching is the take home trays.
- These peroxide solutions are manufactured to be acidic in order to help slow down the degradation of the peroxide but the more acidic the solution the greater the tendency of the reaction is to produce more water and oxygen and less hydroxyl radicals and therefore a less effective tooth whitening process.
- Conventional at home trays do not effectively seal the peroxide gels with the trays and so the gel is diluted and lost over time to the ingress of damaging saliva and other sulcular fluids which contain high levels of peroxidase which break down peroxide into mostly water and oxygen.
In our office Dr. Willoughby uses a new tooth whitening system called the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching System
Here are some examples of the results you can expect with KöR Whitening
Common Questions
Exactly how does the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System work?
First, a dental professional will make molds of your teeth so you can have your own unique, ultra-comfortable KöR Whitening Trays. Then, you’ll have a simple visit in the dental office, followed by wearing KöR Whitening Trays for two weeks at home while you sleep. The KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching System is completed with a final in-office bleaching visit at the dental office.
How is the KöR system different from ALL the other Bleaching systems?
- The KöR system uses a specially developed in-office quick acting solution of 34% hydremide peroxide which must be activated by mixing prior to use. This solution has been refrigerated; contains chemical stabilizers and has a higher pH all to prevent degradation of the bleaching factors.
- The KöR system uses a specially developed take home extended use solution of 16% carbamide peroxide which must also be activated by mixing prior to use. This solution has been refrigerated; contains chemical stabilizers and has a higher pH all to prevent degradation of the bleaching factors.
- The KöR system uses a specially developed tray which forms a seal around the cervical 1-1.25mm of the teeth, locking in the gels and extending the useful time of the bleaching factors.
How long does KöR Whitening last?
Unlike other whitening methods, with easy periodic home maintenance, the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System is entirely permanent.
Is it safe?
Whitening products have been clinically studied and safely used on millions of patients without harm to teeth or gums. Whitening is considered entirely safe.
Is there pain or discomfort with the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System?
With the introduction of the new KöR whitening gel that produces little to no sensitivity. As a result, most patients have no discomfort from whitening when using this technique. Testing has shown that patients who do feel some sensitivity using the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching System typically feel no more than 10% of the sensitivity they’d feel from other whitening gels.
Does it matter how old I am?
The ideal age to whiten teeth is about 14. The younger teeth are, the more brilliantly they whiten. However, the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System rejuvenates even older teeth back to their youthful ability to whiten incredibly well, even if you’re 90 years old.
How white will my teeth get?
The KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System whitens teeth dramatically, often lightening them 16 shades or more. Although everyone is different, with the proper KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching system, all teeth will have stunning results. It even whitens tetracycline-stained teeth, previously thought to be impossible!
Will the whitening trays be uncomfortable, difficult to sleep with or will the bleach leak out of the trays?
No. KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ trays are very different. They’re comfortable; because they’re thin and form-fitting, you’ll forget they’re even in your mouth. They’re convenient; by wearing these only while you sleep, it doesn’t interfere with your busy day. Also, unlike regular trays, the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ Trays seal the bleach inside the tray, preventing the gel from quickly leaking into your mouth.