Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile. At Hoover Family Dentistry, we use the KOR Whitening Deep Bleaching System because we have found that it has the highest quality products and gives our patients the longest lasting, most amazing whitening results.

Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth. We also never want to put whitening agent on active tooth decay, so a dental examination to confirm the health of your mouth is always the first step.

Reasons for teeth whitening:

Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).
Normal wear of outer tooth layer.
Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.).
Yellow, brown stained teeth.

What does teeth whitening involve?

This type of teeth whitening usually requires two to three visits. At the first appointment, impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear plastic trays. This appointment takes only 15 minutes and can easily be completed in conjunction with another dental appointment (like a cleaning or filling appointment). At your second appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit and be instructed by our team regarding how to properly treat your teeth in the comfort of your home for two weeks. This appointment is also only 15 minutes. Finally, you will return to our office for your in-office whitening experience. This treatment takes 90 minutes and you are welcome to bring a book, music, smart phone, etc. to pass the time while the whitening is working.

Frequently asked questions:

Why does KOR Whitening work so well?

The KOR Whitening Deep Bleaching System works by restoring your teeth's ability to absorb oxygen. The oxygen from its whitening gel is absorbed deeply into the tooth, dissolving stain molecules.

How long does KOR Whitening last?

Unlike some other whitening methods, with easy periodic home maintenance, this whitening system is entirely permanent. You will have everything that you need at home to maintain your new white smile indefinitely.

Is it safe?

Whitening products have been clinically studied and safely used on millions of patients without harm to teeth or gums. Whitening is entirely safe.

Is there pain or discomfort with KOR Whitening?

One of the many things that we like about KOR Whitening is that after several years of research, development, and clinical testing this system produces little to no sensitivity. As a result, most patients have no discomfort from whitening when using the technique. However, if your teeth are very sensitive to cold temperatures normally, then you may not be a good candidate for any type of professional whitening.

Does it matter how old I am?

The ideal age to whiten teeth is about 14 to 16. The younger teeth are, the more brilliantly they whiten. However, the KOR system whitens older teeth incredibly well, even if you're 90 years old.

How white will my teeth get?

KOR Whitening whitens teeth dramatically, often lightening them 8 shades or more. Although everyone is different, using our system correctly will give you stunning results. It even whitens difficult, tetracycline-stained teeth!

Will my teeth look too white or unnatural?

No. Real teeth can't look unnatural, they just look beautifully white. If you have seen people with ultra-white, fake-looking teeth, these were probably false teeth or teeth with crowns that have been made too white or too opaque. You will get an ideal shade that's right for you.

Will my crowns, veneers, or fillings whiten too?

No. If you have any of these on your front teeth, you may need to replace some of them after whitening if you want your dental restorations to match your new white teeth.