Professional teeth whitening is one of the fastest, most affordable ways to transform your smile. At Andover Family Dentistry in Andover, KS, Dr. Howell offers two premium whitening systems: KoR and Opalescence, which deliver dramatic, long-lasting results you can’t get from over-the-counter products.
Whether you choose in-office whitening for immediate results or take-home trays for gradual brightening, we’ll help you achieve the white, confident smile you’ve been looking for.
KoR® Vs. Opalescence®: Choosing Your System
Both KoR and Opalescence are trusted professional whitening systems, but they work differently and are suited for different needs.
- KoR whitening is designed for the most stubborn stains, including those caused by aging, medications like tetracycline, and deep discoloration. KoR uses a unique refrigerated formula and deep-bleaching technology to deliver exceptional results. It’s ideal for patients who want maximum whitening and have severe or resistant staining.
- Opalescence whitening offers flexibility with both in-office and take-home options. In-office Opalescence delivers noticeable whitening in a single appointment. Take-home trays allow you to whiten gradually at your own pace with professional-strength gel. Opalescence is ideal for most patients and works well for surface stains and moderate discoloration.
Dr. Howell will evaluate your teeth and discuss your goals to help you choose the system that’s right for you.
In-Office Vs. Take-Home Whitening
In-office whitening delivers fast, dramatic results. Dr. Howell applies a high-concentration whitening gel to your teeth and may use a special light to activate it. In just one visit, you can achieve several shades of whitening. This option is perfect if you have an event coming up or want immediate results.
Take-home whitening offers convenience and control. We create custom trays that fit your teeth perfectly and provide you with professional-strength whitening gel. You wear the trays for a specified time each day. Most patients achieve their desired results within one to two weeks.
Managing Sensitivity
Some patients experience tooth sensitivity during whitening, but professional systems like KoR and Opalescence include desensitizing agents to minimize discomfort.
If you have sensitive teeth, we can adjust the concentration of the whitening gel, recommend shorter wear times, or suggest products to use before and after treatment to reduce sensitivity. Most sensitivity is temporary and resolves within a few days.
Even & Natural-Looking Results
Professional whitening systems are formulated to whiten teeth evenly without creating a patchy or artificial appearance. Dr. Howell will help you choose a shade that looks natural and complements your skin tone and features.
Crowns, veneers, and fillings don’t whiten like natural teeth, so if you have visible restorations, you may need to replace them after whitening to match your new shade.
Keeping Your Smile Bright
Professional whitening can last for months or even years with proper care.
To maintain your results:
- Avoid or limit staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine
- Rinse your mouth with water after consuming staining substances
- Use a whitening toothpaste occasionally
- Touch up with take-home trays as needed, typically once or twice a year
We’ll provide additional whitening gel for periodic touch-ups so you can maintain your results long-term.
Is Professional Whitening Right For You?
Professional whitening works best for patients with healthy teeth and gums who want to brighten surface stains or age-related discoloration.
You may not be a candidate if you have untreated cavities, gum disease, extremely sensitive teeth, or certain types of intrinsic staining. Dr. Howell will evaluate your teeth and discuss whether whitening is appropriate or if other cosmetic options would be more effective.
Get The Bright Smile You Deserve
At Andover Family Dentistry, professional teeth whitening with KoR and Opalescence delivers safe, effective, dramatic results. Dr. Howell and our team are here to help you choose the right system and achieve the bright, confident smile you’ve been looking for.
Call our Andover, KS office or book online to schedule your whitening consultation. We’ll create a plan that fits your goals and gets you the results you want.