Teeth Whitening: You Have Options in Bellevue
Having a beautiful smile may be even easier than you think. Many people achieve the look they’ve been dreaming of with our simple “whitening” procedure.
It’s safe, quick, and inexpensive. Just let us know at any appointment if you would like to whiten your teeth. You can lighten only your upper teeth or both the upper and lower, depending on how much you show when you talk and smile.
Key Benefits of Teeth Whitening
- Corrects brown, yellow, and spotted tooth staining
- Works on people of any age
- Does not require surgery
- Is non-invasive
- Does not damage tooth enamel
- It is a near-permanent solution for a “dull” smile, restoring brightness and bringing it to life.
We offer two excellent teeth whitening options depending on your aesthetic goals, lifestyle, and budget. Each offers unique advantages, and both are safe for healthy teeth and gums.
The KOR Teeth Whitening System
The KOR Whitening System works by restoring your teeth’s ability to absorb oxygen. The oxygen from KOR Whitening gel is absorbed deeply into the tooth, dissolving stain molecules. Unlike other whitening methods, KOR Whitening offers easy, periodic home maintenance and is entirely permanent.
After several years of research, development, and clinical testing, KOR Whitening introduced a whitening gel that, in most cases, produces little to no sensitivity. As a result, most patients experience no discomfort during whitening with this system. Testing has shown that patients who do feel some sensitivity with KOR Whitening typically experience no more than 10% of the sensitivity they’d feel with other whitening gels.
Does it matter how old I am?
The ideal age to whiten teeth is about 14. The younger the teeth are, the more brilliantly they whiten. However, KOR Whitening rejuvenates even older teeth so that they will whiten incredibly well, even for patients 90 years old!
How White will my Teeth get with KOR?
KOR Whitening whitens teeth dramatically, often lightening them 16 shades or more. Although everyone is different, with the proper KOR Whitening System, everyone will achieve stunning results. It even whitens tetracycline-stained teeth significantly.
Will my teeth look too white and unnatural?
No. Real teeth can’t look unnatural; they look beautifully white. If you have seen people with ultra-white, fake-looking teeth, these were probably false teeth, teeth with porcelain crowns, or veneers that may have been made too white and too opaque. With KOR Whitening, you’ll get the ideal shade that’s right for you.
How does the KOR Whitening System Work?
Molds of your teeth will be made to fabricate your own unique, ultra-comfortable KÖR-Seal Whitening Trays. You and Dr. Sayyah will select the appropriate level of KOR Whitening for your aesthetic goals. You will normally wear your KÖR-Seal Trays at home for two weeks while you sleep. Depending on your selection, you may also have one or two simple whitening visits in our dental office.
For your comfort, KÖR-Seal Whitening Trays differ significantly from typical whitening trays.
- They’re comfortable: because they’re thin and ultra form-fitting, you’ll forget they’re even in your mouth.
- They’re convenient: by wearing these only while you sleep, they don’t interfere with your busy day.
- They’re secure: KÖR-Seal Whitening Trays seal the whitening gel inside the tray, preventing it from quickly leaking out and irritating gums or diminishing the whitening effect.
The Opalescence Teeth Whitening System
Opalescence take-home whitening is a professional whitening treatment so powerful and effective that it is only dispensed by dentists. Proven successful in providing dramatic, long-lasting results, it has received many awards in the dental world.
Opalescence take-home whitening is a whitening gel that you wear in custom-made trays. Dr. Sayyah will take impressions of your teeth to make trays perfectly tailored to your smile.
The length of time you need to wear Opalescence take-home whitening will vary depending on your unique circumstances. A typical treatment lasts one week to 10 days. You may need to wear the trays for 30 minutes a day, several hours a day, or overnight, depending on your aesthetic goals and Dr. Sayyah’s recommendation.
The Opalescence Difference
Over-the-counter whitening treatments, such as whitening strips, can lighten teeth. But for optimal results, you want to rely on a professional treatment. Opalescence was developed by dental professionals and not only whitens teeth but also contains ingredients (potassium nitrate and fluoride) that help reduce tooth sensitivity and strengthen dental enamel, improving your teeth’s overall health.
Other professional treatments also exist, but Opalescence take-home whitening has set many “firsts” in the industry and is the preferred choice of thousands of dentists and hygienists. One thing we often hear is, “It just works better!”
KOR vs. Opalescence Teeth Whitening
| Feature | KöR Take-Home Whitening | Opalescence Take-Home Whitening |
| Active Ingredients | Refrigerated peroxide gels (high potency) | Carbamide peroxide gels in multiple strengths |
| Concentrations Available | Specific KöR formulations only (not consumer-selectable) | 10%, 15%, 20%, 35%, 45% carbamide peroxide |
| Tray Type | Custom Kör-Seal trays designed to block saliva | Standard custom trays from the dentist |
| Wear Time | Typically 6–10 hours, often overnight | Varies by strength: 15–30 min (45%) to overnight (10%) |
| Sensitivity Management | Built-in desensitizer + neutral pH, low-osmolarity gel | Potassium nitrate + fluoride; high-water-content gel |
| Whitening Strength | Very strong; suitable for difficult stains | Strong but more variable depending on concentration |
| Maintenance | Occasional nighttime touch-ups | Touch-ups as needed with selected concentration |
| Cost Level | Generally higher | Moderate to higher, depending on the formula |
| Best For | Deep whitening and challenging discoloration | Flexible schedules, adjustable strengths, and everyday whitening |
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
Will my crowns, veneers, or fillings whiten too?
No, if you have any of these on your front teeth, you may need to replace some of them after whitening.
How will coffee, tea, smoking, and red wine affect my teeth after whitening?
With periodic home touch-ups, staining from foods and beverages will have little or no effect on your tooth color.
What causes tooth discoloration?
Many factors make teeth lose their luster. Genetics is one factor; some people have whiter teeth than others. Other factors include cigarettes, dark foods, and beverages (coffee, soda, tea, and red wine), age, medications (such as tetracycline), and tooth trauma.
How does teeth whitening work?
The active ingredient in most teeth whiteners is some form of peroxide. Oxygen molecules from the peroxide penetrate the tooth and break down discolored molecules. Because the oxygen molecules spread throughout the entire tooth, the whitening gel doesn’t need to touch every part of the tooth for the whole tooth to be whitened.
Is it Safe?
Whitening products have been clinically studied and safely used on millions of patients without harm to teeth or gums. Whitening is considered entirely safe.
Will whitening cause tooth sensitivity?
Some people experience sensitivity while whitening, but many do not. Sensitivity does not mean damage has been caused to your teeth. It is temporary and typically disappears within a few days.
Will whitening weaken my teeth?
No! Whitening will not weaken your teeth.
How long do whitening results last?
Whitening results typically last several years. If your teeth start to discolor again over time, you can repeat a whitening treatment.
Ready for a Whiter, Brighter Smile?
Call Exceptional Cosmetic & Family Dentistry at Exceptional Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Bellevue Phone Number (425) 688-0197 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sayyah and discover the ideal whitening plan for a smile you will love showing to others
