A brighter smile can transform the way you look and feel. If your teeth have lost their sparkle due to aging, coffee, wine, or tobacco use, teeth whitening might be just what you need. At Hardy Family Dentistry, we provide safe and effective whitening treatments that are designed to restore your natural brilliance—quickly and comfortably.
You may be a good candidate for professional teeth whitening if:
We recommend a consultation first to assess your dental health and determine whether teeth whitening is right for you.
Teeth whitening is a non-invasive cosmetic dental procedure that lightens and removes stains from the tooth enamel. It involves the use of peroxide-based whitening agents that penetrate the enamel to break down discoloration caused by food, drinks, tobacco, aging, or medications.
At Hardy Family Dentistry, we use professional-grade whitening systems that are stronger and safer than store-bought kits. Whether you’re looking for an in-office treatment with instant results or a custom take-home kit for gradual whitening, our solutions are tailored to fit your lifestyle and smile goals.
Unlike abrasive whitening toothpaste or over-the-counter strips, professional whitening provides even coverage, longer-lasting results, and significantly reduced sensitivity when administered under expert supervision.
A brighter smile does more than enhance your appearance—it can positively impact your confidence, social interactions, and even your oral hygiene habits. Here are the top benefits of choosing professional teeth whitening at Hardy Family Dentistry:
Before beginning your whitening treatment, we perform a comprehensive oral exam to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. We check for cavities, gum disease, or restorations that may affect results. This is also an opportunity to discuss your goals, review your dental history, and assess your current tooth shade. If you’re a good candidate, we’ll recommend either in-office whitening or custom take-home trays tailored to your needs and sensitivity levels.
We use a standardized tooth shade guide to record the current color of your teeth. This enables us to accurately assess your current situation and establish realistic expectations for the outcome. You’ll also have the opportunity to choose how white you’d like your teeth to be. This customized approach ensures you’re satisfied with your results and avoids overly white or unnatural-looking teeth, which can occur with unsupervised whitening methods.
To protect your gums, lips, and other soft tissues from the whitening agent, we apply a protective barrier gel or rubber dam. This ensures that the powerful peroxide-based gel used during treatment stays confined to your teeth. Gum protection is a crucial step in professional whitening, as it helps minimize irritation and post-treatment sensitivity. The entire process is handled with great care and precision to prioritize your comfort and safety.
A high-concentration whitening gel is carefully applied to the visible surfaces of your teeth. This gel contains hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, which works by breaking down stains and oxidizing discoloration within the enamel. Unlike over-the-counter products, our professional gel is more effective and penetrates deeper without damaging your teeth. We monitor the gel’s activity in real-time to ensure optimal results while minimizing sensitivity.
For enhanced whitening, we use a specialized LED or dental laser light to activate the whitening gel. This light speeds up the chemical reaction, allowing the gel to work more effectively and deliver faster results. This activation step is particularly beneficial for patients seeking to achieve a brighter smile in a single appointment. The process is safe, painless, and enhances the depth of whitening compared to gel alone.
Depending on your desired results and the degree of staining, the whitening process may be repeated 2 to 3 times during your visit. Each round lasts about 15–20 minutes. After each cycle, the gel is removed, and your teeth are evaluated before reapplication. This ensures that your enamel is responding well and that you’re on track to achieve a significantly brighter, yet natural-looking, smile by the end of the session.
Once the whitening process is complete, we thoroughly rinse your mouth to remove any remaining gel and protective barriers. You’ll be shown your before-and-after shade comparison, allowing you to see the results immediately. Most patients notice an improvement of 3 to 8 shades lighter in just one visit. Before you leave, we will provide you with post-whitening care instructions to help maintain your results and prevent new stains.
To help you maintain your newly brightened smile, we may offer a custom take-home whitening kit. This includes fitted trays and a professional-grade whitening gel that can be used periodically. These kits are ideal for touch-ups, especially if you consume foods or drinks that can cause stains. Since the trays are custom-made, they ensure even coverage and minimize leakage, offering a safe and convenient way to extend your whitening results at home.
After teeth whitening, your enamel becomes slightly more porous for up to 48 hours, making it more vulnerable to staining. During this time, it’s crucial to avoid certain foods and beverages that can compromise your results. Here are the most common culprits:
With over 40 years of experience, Dr. James G. Hardy is a trusted name in family and cosmetic dentistry across Louisburg and surrounding North Carolina communities. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Hardy was recognized for excellence in endodontics and began his practice in 1981 with a mission to make quality dental care accessible and personal.
Known for his gentle, compassionate approach, Dr. Hardy has grown Hardy Family Dentistry into a state-of-the-art facility serving patients from Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and beyond. He is a proud member of the North Carolina Dental Society. He continues to give back through service at the Wake County Detention Center, where he and his daughter, Dr. Alecia Hardy, provide essential dental care each week.
From his early days in rural North Carolina to his role as a beloved local provider, Dr. Hardy remains dedicated to improving oral health through modern techniques, patient education, and genuine, respectful care.
We believe everyone deserves a bright, confident smile—and we’re committed to making professional teeth whitening both affordable and accessible for all our patients.
At Hardy Family Dentistry, the cost of teeth whitening depends on the type of treatment you choose:
We will provide a clear, personalized quote after your initial consultation, ensuring there are no surprises.
Our office is in-network with all major insurance providers. Please bring your insurance card to each appointment so we can make sure your information is as up-to-date as possible. If you do not find your insurance provider here; please call at (919) 726-9825 for clarity.
Don’t wait to love your smile. Schedule your professional teeth whitening consultation with Hardy Family Dentistry today. Let us help you rediscover your most confident smile—whiter, brighter, and more beautiful than ever. Schedule your consultation today! Visit Us at: Hardy Smiles 122 Jolly Street Louisburg, NC 27549 Or Call Us at (919)-726-9825
Most patients experience little to no discomfort. Some may feel temporary sensitivity, which usually fades within 24–48 hours.
Whitening results typically last from 6 months to 2 years, depending on your diet and oral care habits.
No. Teeth whitening only affects natural enamel. Dr. [Name] can suggest alternatives for enhancing restorations.
Yes. We offer professional take-home kits with custom trays and dentist-approved gel for safe and gradual whitening.
Most patients see results that are 3–8 shades lighter, depending on the original tooth color and type of stains.
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