Teeth Whitening
Your smile is, quite often, the very first impression you leave with people. A big part of your smile is the condition of your teeth. When your teeth are anything but bright white, the appearance of your smile is greatly diminished. This can lead to self-consciousness and impact the impression that you leave on others. At Crossroads Family Dental, we can restore the appearance of your smile, giving you back your confidence, with teeth whitening.
Causes of Discoloration
The outer layer of your teeth, the enamel, is a hard, mineralized, bright white substance. Over time, microfractures can begin to form, making it easier for pigments, stains, and other debris to collect, dulling the color of your teeth. There are several factors that can contribute to discoloration:
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• The things you eat and drink. Certain foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, dark berries, or curries, are heavily pigmented. These pigments can collect in the microfractures, dulling the bright white color of your teeth.
• Smoking. The tar and nicotine found in cigarettes can lead to deep, set in stains.
• Medications. Certain medications, such as those for allergies, asthma, and high blood pressure, can stain teeth. Certain antibiotics, such as tetracycline and doxycycline, can stain your permanent teeth from the inside.
• Age. As you get older, your enamel naturally begins to wear away, exposing the darker dentin below.
Over the Counter Whitening
There are several over-the-counter whitening products available that you can pick up at just about any pharmacy or grocery store. These products consist of toothpaste, strips, gels, and pens. Whitening toothpastes contain abrasives that scrub away light stains. Whitening strips, gels, and pens all contain low levels of bleaching agents. While widely available, these products are often ineffective at helping you to achieve your desired results promptly.
KöR® Whitening
KöR® Whitening, developed by renowned cosmetic dentist and whitening science expert Dr. Rod Kurthy, is widely recognized as the most effective teeth whitening system available today. KöR’s unique scientific formulation rejuvenates teeth, providing amazingly whitening results with little to no sensitivity. And KöR is perfect for any age, any case.
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KöR® Whitening consists of a take-home overnight bleaching followed by a two hour in-office appointment afterwards. KöR Whitening works by restoring your teeth’s ability to absorb oxygen. Oxygen from KöR Whitening gel is absorbed deeply into the tooth, dissolving stain molecules. Decades of scientific research and millions of whitening cases have proven teeth whitening is entirely safe for teeth and gums.
The KöR® Difference
All KöR Whitening gels are continuously refrigerated, from the time they are manufactured until they arrive cold-packed at our office. That means we always use the freshest, most incredibly potent gels every time! And the difference in whitening results is amazing!
With KoR you will whiten, in total comfort, while you sleep. No need to find time to whiten during your busy day. And KöR-Seal Whitening Trays are so comfortable that many patients wake up in the morning having forgotten the trays are even in their mouths. With easy periodic at-home maintenance you can continue to drink red wine, coffee, tea, etc. and still enjoy a bright, naturally white smile for life. The KöR Whitening System is so effective it is the only teeth whitening system that can significantly whiten even tetracycline-stained teeth!
So what about sensitivity?
Whitening gels become more and more acidic as they break down, resulting in an ever increasing possibility of sensitivity and pain. KöR’s constant refrigeration virtually stops the breakdown of whitening gels thus reducing the possibility of pain and sensitivity. And constant refrigeration also eliminates the need for chemical stabilizers, further reducing the possibility of pain and sensitivity.
For more information on KöR® visit https://www.korwhitening.com/patient/.
Before and After Photos
Maintaining the Beauty of Your Smile
Whitening can give you back your beautiful smile, but it is not a permanent solution. There are, however, things you can do to extend the results:
• Avoiding, or at least limiting, foods and beverages that lead to stains.
• Follow meals with a glass of water (and drink plenty throughout the day).
• Drink through a straw.
• Quit smoking (or using any other type of tobacco products).
• Brush and floss regularly.
• Get regular dental cleanings and exams.
Don't let discolored teeth force you to hide your smile. With professional teeth whitening, we can help to give you back both your beautiful smile and your confidence. For more information, or to schedule your consultation, call Crossroads Family Dental today at (219) 865-4095.