The value of a sparkling, bright smile is immeasurable. It can help you feel more confident, look younger, and make a better first impression on others. Retail products tend to be minimally effective, if at all. Patients seeking the best results want to find an experienced cosmetic dentist for A teeth whitening treatment. Triad Dentistry is located in Greensboro, NC, conveniently near Eden, Durham, Winston-Salem, Mebane, Reidsville, Raleigh, Charlotte, and other local communities. We offer KöR deep bleaching, which is one of the most advanced teeth whitening systems currently available.

What is teeth whitening?

Although tooth enamel appears smooth and hard, it is actually porous. It can absorb bits of color from food, nicotine, and other sources. Even when you brush your teeth diligently, a little of the discoloration lingers. Gradually, once-white enamel becomes dark, yellowish, brownish, or otherwise discolored.

Dental teeth whitening, also called teeth bleaching, uses a peroxide-based gel to permeate enamel and erase deep stains. The type and strength of peroxide varies, depending on the whitening system. The gel is placed in a tray or applied directly to teeth, and allowed time to soak in. It is then removed.

When performed properly, teeth whitening is generally very safe and effective. However, if the gel remains on teeth for too long, or if it is performed too often, enamel can become dehydrated. Additionally, the whitening gel should not contact gums or other soft tissues. For these and other reasons, you should see an experienced dentist for in-office whitening and follow directions exactly for at-home whitening.

KöR – the gold standard for white teeth

The benefits of KöR whitening in Greensboro, NC

There are many professional whitening systems on the market. In keeping with our dedication to excellence, Triad Dentistry has chosen to offer KöR, which is often called the most effective whitening system in the world. With a specially formulated gel and two-phase procedure, it is exceptionally effective in removing deep stains and discoloration. However, it does more than remove acquired stains. KöR is truly unique in its ability to act on tetracycline stains, which are dark inclusions in the tooth enamel.

KöR truly is not just another teeth whitening treatment. It was developed and refined through extensive scientific research and testing, with the goal of addressing common whitening related problems.

The benefits of KöR whitening include:

  • Consistent quality – If you’ve tried other whitening systems, you might have noticed a difference in results. One time it worked a little, next time it was better, and the next time it didn’t seem to work at all… Often, this inconsistency is due to deterioration of the active bleaching ingredient. Even if the product is fresh, it might have been exposed to high temperatures during shipping or storage. That won’t happen with KöR whitening products, because they are constantly refrigerated from the day they are manufactured.
  • Fight tooth sensitivity – One of the most common complaints about professional whitening is post-treatment sensitivity. It is caused by pressure changes in tiny canals within teeth, called tubules. Although generally temporary, it can cause significant pain and discomfort, detracting from the joy of a newly brightened smile. KöR combats that problem by including a desensitizer in the formula. It is not a numbing ingredient to soothe sensitivity. Instead, it is a blocker that plugs dentinal tubules, actually preventing sensitivity.
  • Restore youthful brightness – With age, tooth enamel loses some of its permeability, which can lessen the effects of whitening. KöR is designed to break down pigment and large stain particles, restoring the ability of enamel to absorb whiteners. The result is a stunningly white smile, which can be maintained permanently with periodic touch-ups.
  • Comprehensive whitening system – KöR is more than an excellent product. It is a complete system, with very specific steps designed to maximize effectiveness every single time. The first phase of treatment is performed here in our office, with a high-powered initial whitening treatment. The second phase includes routine at-home sessions, which you will perform with products and instructions that we provide.
  • No lights needed – You’ve probably heard the hype about laser or light activated teeth whitening. If you’ve ever tried it, you probably noticed that the ultra-white appearance of teeth was short lived. The reason is simple. This treatment dehydrates tooth enamel, making it more opaque, and seemingly whiter. As the enamel rehydrates, its natural appearance returns. KöR is designed to achieve genuine, long term whitening, while preserving and protecting the health of teeth.

About our teeth whitening process

We will begin with an examination and consultation. While most patients are good candidates for KöR whitening, there are exceptions. Most notably, serious decay or oral disease may need to be addressed before beginning cosmetic enhancement. Additionally, if you have old, dark colored dental work, we may recommend updating it, because bleaching gel will not lighten restorative materials. Once you and our doctors decide that KöR is right for you, we will arrange an appointment for your initial whitening.

The in-office whitening procedure begins with preparation. We apply a protective barrier, which prevents the product from contacting soft tissue in your mouth. Once that is in place, an even layer of gel is applied across all tooth surfaces. It is allowed to soak in for a predetermined length of time, and then the teeth are cleaned.

Most patients notice an immediate and dramatic improvement in color

Risks and drawbacks of do-it-yourself teeth whitening options

Virtually everyone wants a brighter smile. Therefore, it is not surprising that countless retail products and beauty blogs are dedicated to this goal. Some are more effective than others. Even more concerning, some can be harmful.

Here is what you should know:

  • Never use household bleach – White linens, like tooth enamel, become dingy and stained over time. Like teeth, it can be bleached. Unfortunately, this has led a number of people to try whitening their teeth with laundry bleach. However, it is not a medical grade product. Household bleach is poisonous, it can harm soft tissues, and it can even damage tooth enamel.
  • Be cautious with whitening toothpastes – Most of these products are not designed to bleach away deep stains. Instead, they contain fine abrasives that remove dark biofilm and scrape away superficial stains. An abrasive-based whitening product may brighten teeth a little, but it will never yield results similar to deep bleaching. Additionally, the abrasives can damage teeth if the product is too harsh, your enamel is naturally soft, or you have damaged areas. It is best to check with your dentist before switching to a whitening toothpaste.
  • Mouth rinses are questionable – Many of these formulas contain genuine whitening ingredients. However, the concentration is much lower than that of professional bleaching products. Additionally, most people swish a mouth rinse for less than a minute, so the mild whiteners have little time to act. Therefore, many of these formulas tend to produce disappointing (if any) results.
  • White strips may be mildly effective – This method allows whitening ingredients more contact with tooth enamel. The pre-treated strips are applied to teeth and remain for a specified length of time. They are probably the most effective of retail whitening products, but they have serious limitations. First, they only treat the part of teeth that they contact, whereas whitening trays include all surfaces of all teeth. Additionally, they are much less powerful than professional whitening treatment. High strength whitening products must be applied or supervised by a dental professional. Therefore, all retail products are limited in potency.
  • Always seek professional guidance –Even products or techniques that are generally safe may not be appropriate for every person. For example, decayed or fractured teeth may have exposed nerves, causing whitening products to be damaging or painful. Additionally, porcelain and dental resin do not respond to whiteners, so patients with dental restorations may see unexpected results. The American Dental Association advises consultation with a dentist before beginning any kind of whitening program.

Causes and prevention of stained teeth

To some extent, the gradual darkening of teeth is unavoidable. However, you can take steps to slow the process, and avoid some types of stains.

  • Tobacco – One of the most common causes of yellowed teeth is entirely avoidable, and that is tobacco. Whether you smoke or chew, it can quickly discolor tooth enamel, as well as increasing your risk of gum disease and many other health problems. Unfortunately, not all stains are so easily avoidable.
  • Food and drink – Dark-colored foods and beverages, such as berries, red wine, and black coffee, are most likely to stain teeth. You can lessen the effects by drinking plenty of water and rinsing your mouth promptly after consuming. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not always best to brush immediately after a meal, because acidic foods and drinks can soften enamel, making it susceptible to damage from aggressive brushing.
  • Intrinsic staining – These dark areas are not acquired externally but are inside the tooth. One of the most common causes is tetracycline, a type of antibiotic. Tetracycline stains are resistant to home hygiene practices and most professional whitening, except for KöR.

Real Patients real Results

Teeth Whitening Before & After Results - Triad Dentistry More Results
Dr. Steven Hatcher

Dr. Steven Hatcher

Dr. Chad Merrell

Dr. Chad Merrell

Dr. Sona Isharani

Dr. Sona Isharani

Dr. Victoria Santiago-Coiro

Dr. Victoria Santiago-Coiro

Dr. Chavala M. Harris in Greensboro, NC

Dr. Chavala M. Harris

Dr. Steven Hatcher, Dr. Chad Merrell, Dr. Sona Isharani, Dr. Victoria Santiago-Coiro, and Dr. Chavala M. Harris comprise the team of qualified and experienced doctors at Triad Dentistry. They are passionate and driven professionals who strive to preserve and enhance the natural beauty in every dental treatment. Together with the other members of the team, they focus on developing an individualist approach when it comes to treating patients to ensure patient care is a tailor-made experience for the comfort of each client.

Are you ready for a brighter smile?

You don’t have to live with the embarrassment of dark, discolored teeth. Our premier KöR whitening system can treat even tough stains, and help you maintain a brilliant smile for life. Just give us a call at (336) 383-1482 to get started.