KöR Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Option

Have you ever been to a party with friends and suddenly your attention zeroes in on that person with a beautiful, dazzling white smile? Your new best friend is clear across the room, but you can’t seem to take your eyes away from him.

Your first inclination may be to step into the same space and introduce yourself. But then you pass a mirror, check your look, and notice that your own smile is meager. Now what? Don’t panic, says Ginger Rome, DDS, Maurina Brooks, DDS, and the team at The Dentists at North Cypress in Houston, Texas; you too can capture a bright, irresistible smile with teeth whitening.

The mechanics of teeth whitening

Let’s first discuss the mechanics of teeth whitening in the context of the anatomy of teeth. Teeth are made up of four dental tissues. The one most of us know about is the hard outside layer, called enamel. The largest layer, called dentin, is also hard tissue that is naturally deep yellow or brown.

Like dentin, cementum, which covers the tooth root and attaches to the periodontal ligament, is also hard tissue. The fourth and final dental tissue, called pulp, is composed of soft tissue. This center section of a tooth contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.

With bright teeth, enamel and dentin are the key players. The enamel layer gives teeth that pearly white appearance. Its hard characteristic protects the inside parts of your teeth. Factors like poor hygiene, certain foods, or drinks can stain tooth enamel despite the protective shield.

Although there are many teeth whitening options on the market, they all work using the same principle. By using a whitening bleach or agent, stains break into smaller components, diluting the color and brightening the appearance of your teeth.

Over-the-counter products vs. professional whitening

Once you decide to whiten your teeth, the next dilemma is how to do it. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments. If that surprises you, check your local drugstore or grocery store and see how much space the teeth whitening products, such as toothpastes, gels, strips, and DIY whitening trays, take up in the oral care aisle.

And over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products represent only a fraction of the whitening options.

For many people, the decision on how to whiten your teeth comes down to your whitening goal, how badly your teeth are stained, and whether you want to go the DIY or the dental provider route. 

Keep in mind that OTC whitening products are less potent than dentist-directed services or products, which impacts how long it takes to reach your whitening goal. A good first step is to meet with your dental provider to discuss your whitening goals and options.

KöR® Whitening system

At The Dentists at North Cypress in Houston, Texas, we offer our patients the best of both worlds with KöR Whitening, a dentist-directed in-office custom whitening tray process, with an at-home whitening kit for maintaining your bright smile.

KöR Whitening offers a proprietary solution designed to support your teeth while boosting your enamel’s ability to absorb more oxygen, activating the stain-fighting power of the gel. 

The KöR Whitening process also includes a shade guide to select the optimum color before beginning the whitening process. This matching process ensures that your new bright smile blends in with your natural tooth enamel; you can say goodbye to a fake-looking, super white smile.    

The in-office treatment begins when Dr. Rome covers your gums and tongue with a protective sheet. Next, she applies the KöR Whitening gel and repeats the process until you reach your whitening goals.

Dr. Rome then sends you home with your at-home whitening kit and specific instructions to maintain your new gorgeous smile. Remarkably, KöR Whitening can brighten your smile up to 16 shades*.

Are you ready to capture an irresistible, bright smile? Contact The Dentists at North Cypress to learn if KöR Whitening is right for you. Call the office or use our online booking feature today to schedule an appointment and let us help you achieve your best smile.

*Individual results may vary