our services

Professional Whitening

Professional teeth whitening at Smile Story uses clinically proven Zoom® and KöR® systems to safely lift stains and brighten your smile — with results customized to your goals, sensitivity level, and lifestyle. Both in-office and take-home options available.

What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?

Professional whitening uses prescription-strength bleaching agents — hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide — to break apart the molecular bonds in stain compounds that accumulate in tooth enamel over time. Unlike over-the-counter strips or trays, professional systems are stronger, faster, and supervised by a dentist, which means better results with fewer risks and a result tailored to your specific smile.

At Smile Story, we offer two systems: Zoom Whitening® for patients who want fast, same-day results, and KöR Whitening® for deeper, longer-lasting brightness with superior sensitivity management.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Most patients with healthy teeth and gums are candidates for whitening. It works best on:

  • Yellow or brown staining from coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco
  • Age-related discoloration as enamel thins and becomes more porous over time
  • General dullness from years of dietary staining

Whitening does not affect dental restorations — crowns, veneers, and fillings will not change color. It also may not fully resolve intrinsic staining from certain medications, trauma, or fluorosis. If whitening isn't the right fit for your situation, we'll tell you and walk through alternatives.

Zoom vs. KöR: What's the Difference?

Zoom Whitening® is an in-office treatment completed in approximately 60–90 minutes. A light-activated gel is applied in multiple short intervals, progressively lifting surface and subsurface stains in a single visit. It's ideal for patients preparing for an event, wanting immediate results, or looking for a fast confidence boost before cosmetic work.

KöR Whitening® combines custom at-home bleaching trays worn overnight with a final in-office appointment. The system uses refrigerated, high-potency gel and includes a built-in desensitizing agent — making it the preferred option for patients with naturally sensitive teeth, deep or long-standing staining, or those who want the most natural-looking, lasting result. KöR also offers better long-term color stability than most whitening systems.

What to Expect

Your process starts with a brief exam to confirm your teeth and gums are healthy and that whitening is appropriate for your goals.

  • Zoom: One appointment, 60–90 minutes in-office. Results are visible same day.
  • KöR: Custom trays fabricated at your first appointment. Worn at home for 2–3 weeks, followed by a final in-office session to enhance and lock in results.

Some temporary sensitivity after treatment is normal. We always plan ahead for it and take additional precautions for patients with a history of sensitivity.

How Long Do Results Last?

Zoom results typically last 6 months to 2 years depending on diet and lifestyle. KöR results last longer and can be maintained at home with periodic touch-up trays. Coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco are the primary culprits in stain recurrence — limiting or rinsing after consumption extends results significantly.

Professional Whitening — Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better — Zoom or KöR?

It depends on your goals and sensitivity. Zoom is ideal for patients who want fast, same-day results with minimal appointments. KöR is better for deeper staining, patients with sensitive teeth, or those who want a more gradual, customizable process with longer-lasting color stability. We'll help you choose based on your timeline, sensitivity history, and what you're hoping to achieve.

Will whitening make my teeth sensitive?

Some temporary sensitivity in the 24–48 hours following treatment is common. Zoom uses short application intervals to minimize discomfort during the procedure itself, while KöR includes a built-in desensitizing protocol that makes it one of the most comfortable whitening systems available. If you have a history of sensitivity, let us know beforehand — we'll take extra steps throughout.

How long do results last?

Zoom results typically last anywhere from several months to a couple of years depending on diet, oral hygiene, and habits like smoking or coffee consumption. KöR results tend to last longer and can be maintained with periodic at-home touch-ups using your custom trays. Limiting staining foods and rinsing with water after consuming them is the most effective way to extend your results.

What if I want to whiten before getting veneers or clear aligners?

Whitening first is actually the recommended sequence. If you're planning cosmetic work or clear aligner therapy, whitening your natural teeth beforehand allows us to match everything to your ideal shade from the start — so any new restorations are created to reflect the brighter version of your smile.

Is professional whitening safe?

Yes, when done under dental supervision. The bleaching agents used in professional systems have been clinically studied for decades. The key is confirming that your teeth and gums are healthy before starting — which is why we always do a brief exam first. Over-the-counter products carry more risk of misuse and typically deliver weaker, less predictable results.

How do I maintain my results?

Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and limit staining foods and beverages. Rinsing with water after coffee or wine helps significantly. KöR patients can use their custom trays periodically for maintenance touch-ups, and we'll send you home with personalized recommendations regardless of which system you choose.

Does whitening work on crowns, veneers, or fillings?

No — whitening agents only affect natural tooth enamel. Existing restorations will not change shade. If you have crowns or veneers in visible areas, we'll factor that into shade selection so your natural teeth don't end up noticeably lighter than your restorations. If matching becomes a concern, we'll discuss your options honestly.

Can whitening look too bright or fake?

Not when it's done correctly. We carefully select the shade and translucency that works with your skin tone, existing dental work, and esthetic goals. The aim isn't the whitest possible result — it's a result that looks fresh, healthy, and natural on you specifically.

Related Services

every smile has a story

Reach out today to start your journey towards better dental health.

every smile has a story

Reach out today to start your journey towards better dental health.

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