KöR® Whitening

KöR® Whitening is a professional tooth whitening system that uses specially formulated peroxide gels and custom-fitted trays to remove deep, intrinsic stains from tooth enamel. The system is designed for sustained peroxide contact and often employs refrigerated gels to preserve potency until use. Unlike some clinic systems, KöR® does not rely on light or laser activation and instead focuses on prolonged, controlled exposure to the whitening agent for predictable improvement.

KöR® protocols are available in both in-office and at-home formats, and they are frequently combined for patients with more stubborn discoloration. The approach emphasizes professional oversight, custom tray fabrication, and tailored wear times to address a wide range of staining causes. This design helps clinicians manage expectations and achieve measurable shade changes while monitoring oral health throughout treatment.

The KöR® system works by delivering concentrated, oxygen-based bleaching agents into the enamel and dentin where discoloration resides. Custom trays hold the gel against the teeth for extended periods, allowing the active ingredients to penetrate layered stains and break down chromogens that cause discoloration. The refrigeration and formulation of KöR® gels help maintain stability and efficacy until application.

Protocols vary by case, but many regimens include an initial at-home phase with overnight wear followed by a single in-office visit to accelerate results or manage sensitivity. Throughout treatment, clinicians monitor progress and may adjust tray wear time or desensitizing measures to balance whitening effectiveness with comfort. The extended-contact strategy is particularly useful for intrinsic stains such as those from tetracycline or long-term discoloration.

Good candidates for KöR® Whitening are adults with natural tooth discoloration that has not responded to over-the-counter products, especially those with intrinsic staining like tetracycline discoloration, fluorosis, or age-related darkening. Candidates should have generally healthy teeth and gums, with any active decay or periodontal issues treated before whitening begins. A dental exam helps identify whether stains are intrinsic (within the tooth) or extrinsic (on the surface), which influences likely outcomes.

KöR® is not recommended for patients whose primary concerns are restoration color because crowns, veneers, and fillings do not bleach and may require replacement to match a newly whitened smile. Pregnant or nursing patients are typically advised to defer elective whitening until after pregnancy and lactation, and a consultation will clarify any medical or dental contraindications. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and cosmetic goals to determine if KöR® is an appropriate option.

The timeline for KöR® Whitening depends on the protocol used and the nature of the staining, but many patients notice visible improvement within a few weeks of starting treatment. At-home protocols commonly require nightly or extended wear over several weeks, while in-office procedures can produce more rapid lightening when combined with the home phase. The total duration is individualized based on how teeth respond and the target shade discussed during consultation.

Intrinsic stains often require longer contact times and may take several weeks to achieve the desired result, while extrinsic staining from food or tobacco can respond more quickly. After the active whitening phase, results are typically assessed and, if necessary, further adjustments to the protocol can be made. Regular follow-up appointments allow your dentist to monitor progress and recommend maintenance strategies to preserve results.

Tooth sensitivity is a common concern with whitening, and KöR® formulations are engineered to minimize sensitivity for many patients through controlled delivery and desensitizing components. Some patients still experience transient sensitivity during or after treatment, which usually resolves within days to weeks after completing therapy. The practice can recommend techniques such as shortened wear times, desensitizing toothpaste, or fluoride treatments to reduce discomfort while continuing whitening.

Prior dental conditions such as gum recession, erosion, or exposed dentin can increase the likelihood of sensitivity, so a pre-treatment exam is important to identify and address risk factors. Your dentist will tailor the KöR® protocol to balance whitening effectiveness with comfort, adjusting application frequency or providing adjunctive therapies as needed. In all cases, professional supervision helps manage sensitivity and protect oral tissues throughout the process.

KöR® is effective at bleaching natural tooth structure but does not change the color of dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, bridges, or composite fillings. If restorations are present in the visible smile zone, they may need to be replaced or color-matched after whitening to achieve a uniform appearance. Additionally, extremely deep or calcified stains may require more time or adjunctive cosmetic procedures to reach the desired outcome.

Underlying dental issues like untreated decay or active gum disease should be resolved before whitening to ensure safety and accurate results. Lifestyle factors such as tobacco use and frequent consumption of staining foods and beverages can limit the longevity of whitening outcomes, so patients are advised on habit modifications and maintenance options. A thorough examination and honest pre-treatment discussion help establish realistic expectations and identify any limitations up front.

During a KöR® Whitening consultation at M. Kurt Berky, DDS, PC you will receive a comprehensive oral exam that includes a review of your dental history, photographs, and a shade assessment to document current tooth color. The clinician will discuss the causes of your discoloration, explain KöR® protocols that fit your needs, and outline any preparatory care such as treating decay or gum disease. This appointment provides an opportunity to ask questions about sensitivity management, expected timelines, and the difference between in-office and at-home options.

If KöR® is recommended, impressions are typically taken to fabricate custom trays and specific instructions are provided for gel storage and wear. The team will schedule follow-up visits to monitor progress and adjust the regimen when necessary, ensuring treatment is both safe and effective. The consultation is focused on personalized planning so the whitening program aligns with your oral health and cosmetic goals.

Maintaining KöR® Whitening results begins with consistent oral hygiene, including twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and regular professional cleanings to remove surface stains and plaque. Limiting or moderating consumption of staining foods and beverages such as coffee, red wine, and dark sauces helps preserve whiteness, as does avoiding tobacco products. Your dentist may recommend a whitening toothpaste or an occasional at-home touch-up regimen to sustain shade over time.

M. Kurt Berky, DDS, PC can provide custom touch-up trays and guidance on the frequency of top-ups based on your staining risk and lifestyle. Periodic reassessment during routine dental visits allows the team to address early discoloration and recommend appropriate maintenance care. By combining preventive habits with professional monitoring, most patients can extend the benefits of their whitening treatment for months or years.

When used under professional supervision, KöR® Whitening is considered safe for tooth enamel; studies and clinical experience indicate that controlled peroxide exposure does not permanently damage enamel when protocols are followed. The system’s emphasis on custom trays and monitored contact times helps protect enamel and soft tissues during treatment. Your dentist will evaluate enamel health and any preexisting conditions to ensure the chosen protocol is appropriate.

Dental restorations, however, do not respond to bleaching and will not change color during KöR® treatment, so restorations may require replacement or shade-matching after whitening for a consistent smile. The consultation process includes an assessment of existing restorative work and a plan for any necessary cosmetic adjustments. Professional oversight ensures both safety and predictable cosmetic outcomes.

In-office KöR® treatments typically use higher-concentration products applied by the clinical team for shorter, controlled sessions and may be combined with an at-home phase to reinforce results. At-home KöR® protocols rely on custom-fitted trays and refrigerated gels that patients wear for extended periods, often overnight, to provide prolonged peroxide contact. Each approach has advantages: in-office visits offer clinician-managed acceleration while at-home regimens provide convenient, sustained whitening at the patient’s schedule.

Many patients benefit from a combined protocol in which an initial at-home phase is followed by an in-office visit to boost color change and manage sensitivity. The choice between in-office, at-home, or combination therapy depends on the type and severity of staining, patient preferences, and clinical judgment. Your dentist will recommend the approach that best balances effectiveness, comfort, and practicality for your situation.