The KöR Tooth Whitening System

KöR Tooth Whitening can make lackluster teeth look awesome.

Stains, like tetracycline, are almost impossible to remove. The new KöR Tooth Whitening System safely and effectively removes impossible stains.

Tetracycline is an antibiotic used to treat a number of infections and is a first-line therapy for a number of serious illnesses. However, tetracycline can stain the teeth. When tetracycline is taken by an expectant mother during the third trimester or by a child during tooth formation, tetracycline is deposited in the tooth buds, causing significant discoloration. (1, 2) It can also be deposited in teeth during early adult years, if taken on a long-term basis, especially if taken during growth periods, or after trauma to the teeth. The result of this deposit is a distinctive and persistent discoloration. (3,4)

In the past, the ‘conservative’ treatment option for tetracycline-stained teeth usually involved placement of veneers or crowns to cover the darkened teeth. (5,6) This approach was costly, invasive, and time consuming.

The KöR Tooth Whitening System achieves permanent whitening for every patient with little or no sensitivity. It works by restoring the teeth’s ability to absorb oxygen. Stain molecules dissolve as the KöR Whitening gel is absorbed deeply into the teeth.
KöR lightens teeth with dramatic results up to 16 shades or more.

How KöR Tooth Whitening works:

Digital impressions of the teeth are made using our TRIOS® digital scanner. The scans are transmitted over the Internet to the KöR lab, who fabricates custom whitening trays. These securely fitting trays are comfortable and easy to wear. Some patients forget that they have them in.

KöR trays are worn at home throughout the night. Treatment include a few short whitening visits in our office.

Case Report:

Our patient developed extreme tetracycline staining during childhood. Over the years, he attempted other tooth whitening systems with minimal success. Dr. Wolfinger and the patient agreed that the KöR Whitening System was a good option. In February, the patient’s upper and lower teeth were scanned using the Trios® digital scanner. The case was then sent to the KOR lab, along with a bite registration. The lab fabricates the bleaching trays and they were delivered to our office just ten days later. During the next visit, a twenty-minute conditioning treatment using the patient’s new bleach trays was applied. For six weeks, the patient used the night-time bleach trays at home. He then returned to the office for a second in-office conditioning treatment. Our patient was very pleased with the results. He will continue bleaching at home for three more months.
Dr. Glenn Wolfinger states, “I first saw a dramatic before and after result of whitening tetracycline stained teeth in a dental magazine advertisement. At first, I was very skeptical, but did my research. I even went as far to call the dentist from Florida to question him about the case he treated. He advised me that it was a 5 month process involving a compliant and dedicated patient who was diligent in using the trays and material daily. A few in-office procedures were required as well. I am pleasantly surprised to see the significant results after only two months of treatment. Our patient plans to continue the daily process for the next few months to further the results.”
“If these deep intrinsic stains can be whitened, I see no limitations in teeth whitening anymore.”

If you have questions about the KöR Tooth Whitening System or would like to schedule an office visit to begin the process of whitening your teeth, you are welcome to give us a call or click here.

Footnotes

(1) Moffitt JM, Cooley RO, Olsen NH, et al. Prediction of tetracycline-induced tooth discoloration. J Am Dent Assoc. 1974;88:547-552.
(2) Mull M. The tetracyclines and the teeth. Dent Abstr. 1967;12:346-350.
(3) Parkins FM, Furnish G, Bernstein M. Minocycline use discolors teeth. J Am Dent Assoc. 1992;123:87-89.
(4) Poliak SC, DiGiovanna JJ, Gross EG, et al. Minocycline-associated tooth discoloration in young adults. JAMA. 1985;254:2930-2932.
(5) Capehart K. Treating tetracycline staining in the adult dentition: a case report. Gen Dent. 2008;56:286-289.
(6) Chu FC, Sham AS, Luk HW, et al. Threshold contrast ratio and masking ability of porcelain veneers with high-density alumina cores. Int J Prosthodont. 2004;17:24-28.