,Professional teeth whitening is a popular treatment and an integral part of many cosmetic treatment plans. However, the dreaded side-effect of sensitivity can discourage patients from finishing their treatment course and discourage dentists from recommending the service., ,Many professional bleaching systems promise dramatic results with minimal sensitivity, but they fail to deliver as promised., ,Dentists need a proven and reliable system in order to prescribe teeth whitening with confidence. The ideal teeth whitening system should aim to prevent sensitivity before it starts, not simply soothe symptoms after each bleaching session. When a dentist can offer teeth whitening treatment that is both comfortable and effective, more patients will be satisfied with their care and develop greater trust in the provider and the practice., ,How can dentists recognize a whitening system that delivers such impressive outcomes?, ,Let’s first consider the explanation of Dr. Rod Kurthy, CEO and founder of KöR Whitening, as to why teeth whitening causes sensitivity. According to the Hydrodynamic Mechanism theory of tooth sensitivity, the movement of fluid within the dentinal tubules can activate nerves at the edge of the pulp chamber, resulting in a sensation of pain. Dentinal tubules are covered by natural smear plugs that normally prevent disruption of the fluid inside., ,There are several ways teeth whitening affects the smear plugs and dentinal tubules:, ,The oxygenation process during whitening displaces the smear plugs, exposing the openings of the dentinal tubules, ,• Most whitening gels are acidic to keep the solutions stable, but the added acids also dislodge smear plugs, ,• Decomposition of peroxide in the whitening solution releases hydrogen ions that increase acidity in the oral environment during the whitening process, which also contributes to the breakdown of the smear plugs, ,• The whitening gel itself creates an osmotic gradient between the solution and the fluid inside the exposed dentinal tubules, and this gradient pulls on the fluid, triggering pain in the tooth pulp, ,• Many professional whitening methods today include the post-treatment application of agents like potassium nitrate, fluoride, or amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) to minimize sensitivity., ,Why do these systems often disappoint?, ,Put simply, these ingredients merely address the symptoms of sensitivity and don’t target it at its source. Research indicates that fluoride (and possibly ACP) can be helpful, but only after considerable exposure time to allow for the development of enough mineral precipitate to plug the dentinal tubules. Thus, these ingredients cannot deliver the rapid relief patients need., ,Potassium nitrate works chemically by preventing the pulpal nerves from sending pain signals. But this process does not work consistently for all patients., ,What about whitening formulas that claim to deliver desensitizing ingredients during the bleaching process?, ,The aggressive chemistry and oxygenation that occurs during teeth bleaching only further hampers the delivery of desensitizing agents. For example, potassium nitrate needs to flow into the dentinal tubules to have any effect on the pulpal nerves, but this is difficult when the osmotic gradient created by the whitening gel is causing the fluid to pull outwards., ,It is an unfortunate fact that most whitening systems ultimately have to address the sensitivity issue by compromising on the potency of their gel formulas. This leaves many dentists and patients alike disappointed with the results of treatment., ,Decades ago, Dr. Kurthy took on the challenge of developing an effective teeth whitening system that addresses the issue of sensitivity, and he has discovered a method that works. After years of research and development, he produced the KöR Whitening System, a whitening regimen that prevents sensitivity in two key ways:, ,1. Constant refrigeration. KöR Whitening solutions are 100% aqueous for minimal osmolality. This reduces tension on tubular fluid and avoids disturbing the smear plugs. Constant refrigeration also keeps the solution stable with no need for anhydrous gels or acidic stabilizers., ,2. KöR Desensitizers. Specially developed desensitizers instantly plug and re-plug dentinal tubules to prevent pulpal irritation from occurring in the first place. KöR Complete Desensitizer forms calcium oxalate mineral crystals that bond (chelate) to the highly mineralized peritubular dentin lining the dentinal tubules. This reaction provides maximum effectiveness instantly., ,The KöR Whitening System developed by Dr. Kurthy aims to prevent sensitivity right at the start, creating a more positive treatment experience for both patient and provider. This first-of-its-kind method relies on constant refrigeration and carefully formulated solutions to reduce sensitivity while ensuring optimum whitening outcomes.
