Are you tired of trying store-bought gels and toothpaste to no avail? Try professional teeth whitening with KöR. KöR teeth whitening is a practical, modern solution that uses both in-office and take-home treatments. This cosmetic dental treatment brightens the enamel and can create a seamless look for patients with multiple discolored teeth. Dr. Rita Tempel and her team offer KöR teeth whitening as a highly effective whitening treatment for patients in Gettysburg, PA.
Why Do I Have Discolored Teeth?
There are many common causes of stained, yellowed, or discolored teeth. Some of these causes can include:
- Foods and Drinks: Some foods or beverages can stain teeth over time. Tomato sauce, berries, wine, coffee, and tea contain chromogens or pigments affecting tooth enamel. Consuming these foods and drinks can essentially dye and darken the tooth enamel.
- Tobacco Use: Patients who smoke cigarettes, vape, or use tobacco products often experience yellow tooth stains. The nicotine contained in tobacco easily yellows teeth.
- Genetics: Some patients are more likely to develop tooth discoloration than others because of genetics. Dentinogenesis imperfecta can make teeth appear grey. Amelogenesis imperfecta is a rare disorder that creates abnormal enamel formations.
- Dental Injuries: Tooth erosion and breaks or chips in the enamel expose dentin, an underlayer beneath the tooth enamel. Dentin is darker than the outer tooth enamel, so it can make teeth appear discolored.
If patients have intrinsic stains or stains caused within the tooth, we may recommend dental veneers or teeth bonding over whitening. Patients with discoloration due to genetics or dental injuries benefit from these treatments.
Why Teeth Whitening Matters
According to an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry survey:
- Virtually all adults (99.7%) believe a smile is an important social asset. 96% of adults believe an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to members of the opposite sex.
- Three-quarters (74%) of adults feel an unattractive smile can hurt a person’s chances for career success.
- And when respondents were asked, “What would you like to improve most about your smile?” The most common response was: whiter and brighter teeth. If you are unhappy with your smile, teeth whitening may be a good option.
We Offer KöR Teeth Whitening Treatment in Gettysburg, PA
Deep bleaching KöR whitening uses take-home and in-office treatments. Sealed whitening trays set KöR apart from other treatments. The tightly sealed trays keep saliva from interacting with the whitening gel. Saliva can decrease the effectiveness of the active ingredients in the whitening gels, including hydrogen peroxide.
We begin whitening treatment with take-home care. For take-home treatments, we provide patients with custom whitening trays and gel. After at-home treatment, patients can visit our office for an extensive follow-up treatment. You can learn more about the KöR teeth whitening process here.
Professional Teeth Whitening Vs. Over-the-Counter
With so many teeth whitening options on the market, knowing which one to choose can be hard. Over-the-counter (OTC) products like whitening strips, toothpastes, and trays are easy to find at stores. But while they seem convenient, they may not give the results you want. Professional teeth whitening offers many benefits that OTC products can’t match.
Stronger and Faster Results
One of the biggest benefits of professional teeth whitening is how quickly it works. Dentists use stronger whitening agents than you can buy in stores. These gels contain more powerful ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. This means your teeth can become several shades whiter in just one visit. In contrast, OTC products take weeks or even months to show a small change.
Safer for Your Teeth and Gums
Professional whitening is safer because a trained dental team does it. Your dentist protects your gums, lips, and other soft tissues before applying the whitening gel. This lowers the risk of irritation or damage. Many people who use OTC products report gum sensitivity or burning. When you whiten your teeth under a dentist’s care, you’re less likely to experience these problems.
Customized Treatment
Everyone’s teeth are different. Some people have stains from coffee or tea, while others have discoloration due to aging or medications. A dentist can examine your teeth and create a treatment plan for you. They know which products and methods will work best for your smile. OTC products are one-size-fits-all, so they may not give you the results you expect.
Long-Lasting Effects
Professional teeth whitening tends to last longer than OTC treatments. Because the whitening agents are stronger and the application is more precise, the effects stay noticeable for months. Your dentist may also give you tips or touch-up kits to help maintain your new smile. On the other hand, OTC products often wear off quickly and require constant re-use.
Less Risk of Uneven Whitening
Whitening strips and store-bought trays may not fit your teeth perfectly. This can lead to uneven results, with some areas looking whiter than others. A dentist uses custom trays or carefully applies the gel to ensure your teeth whiten evenly. This helps you avoid splotchy or streaky results.
Better for Deep Stains
Some stains sit deep within the tooth’s surface and won’t respond well to mild OTC products. Professional whitening can reach these deep stains and brighten your smile in ways store products can’t.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental treatment. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
How long do teeth whitening results last?
There are many factors that can impact how long teeth whitening lasts. Genetics play a part. Some people just respond to treatment better than others. It also depends on your lifestyle habits. If you drink coffee and use tobacco products, your whitening results won’t last as long as those that don’t have these habits. Whitening results can last anywhere from a few months to a year.
Does teeth whitening cause sensitivity?
Yes, that’s one of the most common side effects of teeth whitening. One of the benefits of professional teeth whitening is that our products reduce sensitivity. You may experience tooth sensitivity for a few days after whitening treatment. If it lasts longer or the pain gets more severe, contact our office.
When will I see the results of whitening treatment?
You’ll start to see the results of treatment right after your appointment. The results continue to strengthen for a week or so after your appointment, so your smile will continue to get whiter. If you use take-home whitening, the process is more gradual. You’ll notice that your teeth slowly whiten as you continue treatment.
Does teeth whitening damage my teeth?
No, it doesn’t damage your tooth enamel. Enamel is one of the strongest substances in the body. Whitening works by going through the pores in the teeth, treating the dentin layer inside the tooth. It doesn’t damage any part of the tooth in the process.
Should I get a teeth cleaning before or after whitening treatment?
We always recommend you get a dental cleaning before whitening treatment. You want to ensure that there’s no plaque or tartar buildup on the teeth when you get them whitened, because those spots won’t whiten the same as the rest of your smile. You’ll have discolored patches where the buildup remains. You can schedule a cleaning right before your whitening appointment.
Am I a good candidate for teeth whitening?
Many patients are good candidates for teeth whitening. However, we won’t whiten teeth for patients that are under 18 and whose teeth are still developing. If you have oral health concerns, we also want to treat those before we move forward with any cosmetic treatment.
Brighten Your Smile Today
Do you want to eliminate stains from your smile? Request a dental appointment with Dr. Tempel on our website. You can also contact Gettysburg Smiles today by calling (717) 853-1552. Do you have any more questions for our dental team? Please let us know at your next dental visit; they will gladly help.