- KöR Whitening is an at-home professional teeth whitening system said to brighten teeth permanently and consistently while reducing sensitivity.
- The whitening gels are refrigerated, then cold-packed for transport to maintain the stability and integrity of active ingredients.
- Those who have tried this system report very positive results—even on tough stains.
Aging, genetics, diet, and illness have a hand in the appearance of your teeth. Favorite beverages—coffee, tea, soda, red wine—and such indulgences as tobacco and sweets can cause your ivories to fade to a less-than-desirable hue over time. It’s no wonder teeth whitening (or bleaching) procedures are some of the most popular in the cosmetic realm. Many people are unhappy with their smiles.
There is a plethora of teeth whitening systems on the market (see our review of Zoom teeth whitening, and our recent article on HiSmile), each with their own distinct advantages and disadvantages.
But one proven whitening treatment may end your search for a long-term pearly-white smile—the KöR Whitening System. Its unique process claims to deliver permanent, stunning results without causing tooth sensitivity or breaking the bank.
What Is KöR Whitening?
The KöR Whitening system was developed by teeth whitening pioneer Dr. Rod Kurthy, who spent the majority of his career researching various dental and cosmetic procedures. Dr. Kurthy contributed to a multitude of teeth whitening research studies long before these procedures were commonplace. This research naturally led him to develop his own unique whitening system.
According to KöR’s official website, the treatment is “widely recognized as the world’s most effective teeth whitening system.” It promises a brighter smile through refrigerated, high-potency gels administered at your dental office or at home.
Although the KöR Whitening system is similar to traditional teeth whitening methods—it requires the use of peroxide whitening gels and whitening agents administered in special trays—it is the materials and process that enable the KöR method to take credit for delivering optimal results.
According to the manufacturers, whitening gels are, by nature, chemically unstable—rendering them less effective when exposed to certain environmental factors.
Continuous refrigeration ensures KöR’s active ingredients do not degrade due to temperature fluctuations during storage and transport. Only once opened does the gel quickly releases oxygen, oxygen ions and radicals for maximum effectiveness.
KöR’s gels also contain desensitizers that inhibit teeth’s ability to respond to sensitivity triggers, like cold drinks. The deep bleaching process floods the stain molecules and completely eradicates them, permanently—if guidelines for periodic home maintenance are followed. This includes wearing whitening trays at night and using a desensitizer throughout treatment.
Breaking it Down
The KöR Whitening system comprises four lines of treatment designed to address individual needs.
- KöR Home – two weeks
- KöR-Night™ – nighttime use for the most effective results, with KöR-Night 16% carbamide peroxide and periodic at-home maintenance
- KöR-Day™ – best for those unable to, or prefer not to whiten at night, with KöR-Day 9% hydrogen peroxide and periodic at-home maintenance
- KöR Max – two weeks
- Combines at-home whitening with KöR-Night 16% carbamide peroxide and one in-depth in-office KöR Whitening session using KöR 34% Dual-Activated, Tri-Barrel Hydremide Peroxide gel, plus periodic at-home maintenance
- Best seller of this product line and provides optimal whitening results
- KöR Ultra – three to four weeks
- Blends at-home nighttime whitening with multiple in-office visits using KöR 13% Dual-Activated, Tri-Barrel Hydremide Peroxide gel, plus an in-office whitening visit utilizing KöR 34% Dual-Activated, Tri-Barrel Hydremide Peroxide gel, and periodic at-home maintenance
- Recommended for difficult cases, notably those people who are “long in the tooth”—with particularly stubborn stains, including fluorosis and dark, geriatric staining
- KöR Ultra-T – six to eight weeks
- Involves in-office conditioning visit utilizing KöR 13% Dual-Activated, Tri-Barrel Hydremide Peroxide gel and at-home whitening, plus 34% Dual-Activated, Tri-Barrel Hydremide Peroxide gel, and periodic home maintenance
- Specifically targets tetracycline-stained teeth—an antibiotic that causes stains to develop under the gum line while teeth are still developing.
How Is KöR Different?
KöR typically requires the use of custom-molded mouth trays that adhere closely to teeth and ensure the whitening agents properly surround enamel.
Unlike other whitening systems, these trays seal in whitening gel while sealing out saliva. Interestingly, saliva is able to destroy peroxide quite rapidly—in fact at a rate of 29 mg of peroxide per minute, greatly reducing the effectiveness of the whitening gel. And it takes very little contamination of the whitening gel in the trays to destroy the gel on contact.
Researchers have discovered that whitening gels in conventional trays are at their most effective for 25-35 minutes. In contrast, the KöR system gels, in their unique trays, can work for up to six hours.
While other mouth trays can be troublesome to keep in place, users report that KöR’s are so comfortable that they wake up in the morning having forgotten they are even in their mouths.
The general consensus is that patients experience good results with proper adherence to the KöR Whitening guidelines. In one consumer product review, all eight evaluators rated KöR Whitening above other treatments.
How Much Does it Cost?
KöR’s different tiers of treatments have varying costs. Prices range from $550 for at-home treatments to $1,200 for more in-depth procedures that include in-office follow-ups. The actual cost of treatment therefore depends on several factors, such as age and tooth condition.
For most people, the middle-ground treatment (around $800) is sufficient to transform yellow or stained teeth. This is the most recommended option for people who have typical staining.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits: Top Pick
While KöR is a great at-home teeth whitening treatment, it can be a bit too expensive for many. Snow offers a more affordable at-home teeth whitening system that is highly rated.
Snow Teeth Whitening Kit
Am I a Good Candidate?
KöR does not recommend treatment for patients under 14 years of age. Before then, adult teeth aren’t fully developed. Those who have aged or stained teeth are more likely to get to the ideal shade with KöR in-office treatments.
The KöR system (or any teeth whitening procedure) is not recommended for people who have porcelain crowns, veneers, false teeth or fillings on their front teeth. These materials are not porous and so will resist treatment. And to make matters worse, the surrounding teeth will whiten, creating a greater contrast in color. Visit your dentist to discuss possible options.
For those with cracks and visible imperfections on their teeth, or who have health issues, avoid any whitening method. Instead, visit a professional to discuss alternate procedures to improve your teeth.
Should I Try KöR?
KöR Whitening is considered a safe and relatively simple way to whiten teeth. Studies show that the results are consistently positive and permanent, so you can look at it as an investment if you often feel self-conscious about your discolored teeth.
On the other hand, KöR is costlier than at-home treatments and can be time-consuming, depending on which system you choose. The American Dental Association recommends you consult with your dentist before trying any whitening product.
Whatever you decide, consider all your options and have faith that there are many ways you can make an improvement. After all, don’t you deserve a beautiful smile?
