A bright, white smile can transform your appearance and boost your confidence in both personal and professional settings. At our Southern Pines dental practice, Dr. Conor Gessell offers professional teeth whitening treatments that deliver dramatic, long-lasting results far beyond what over-the-counter products can achieve. Whether you’re preparing for a special event or simply want to refresh your smile, our customized whitening options can help you achieve the luminous results you desire.

Understanding Tooth Discoloration

Tooth discoloration happens naturally over time because of many factors. Daily consumption of staining substances like coffee, tea, red wine, and certain foods gradually darkens teeth. Tobacco use significantly accelerates discoloration, often resulting in yellowish or brownish stains. The natural aging process contributes to discoloration as enamel thins over time, allowing the yellowish dentin beneath to show through more prominently. Some medications, particularly tetracycline antibiotics taken during childhood, can cause intrinsic staining that affects the internal structure of teeth.

Even with excellent oral hygiene, some degree of discoloration is inevitable for most people. Professional teeth whitening offers a safe, effective solution to reverse these effects and restore your smile’s natural brightness.

Professional Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Products

Many patients try drugstore whitening strips, toothpastes, or kits before seeking professional treatment. While these products can produce modest improvements for mild staining, they have significant limitations compared to professional options. Over-the-counter products contain lower concentrations of whitening agents, resulting in less dramatic results that take longer to achieve. These generic products aren’t customized to your mouth, which can lead to uneven whitening, gum irritation, or increased tooth sensitivity.

Dr. Gessell’s professional whitening treatments use higher-concentration whitening agents that penetrate tooth enamel more effectively to break up stain molecules. Our treatments are precisely tailored to your specific needs, taking into account your current tooth shade, sensitivity level, and whitening goals. Additionally, Dr. Gessell evaluates your oral health before treatment to ensure whitening is appropriate and won’t exacerbate existing issues.

Our Whitening Options

At our Southern Pines dental practice, Dr. Gessell offers both in-office and take-home professional whitening systems to accommodate your preferences and lifestyle.

Our in-office whitening treatment delivers the fastest, most dramatic results. Treatment often brightens teeth by several shades in just one appointment. During this procedure, Dr. Gessell applies a professional-strength whitening gel to your teeth after protecting your gums and soft tissues. The whitening agent is activated and enhanced using a special light, accelerating the process. Throughout the procedure, which typically takes 60-90 minutes, Dr. Gessell carefully monitors your comfort and results. Many patients appreciate this option for its immediate impact, making it ideal before weddings, job interviews, or other important events.

For those who prefer the convenience of whitening at home on their own schedule, Dr. Gessell provides custom take-home whitening kits. These professional systems include custom-fitted trays created from impressions of your teeth, ensuring the whitening gel contacts all tooth surfaces evenly while minimizing exposure to sensitive gum tissue. The professional-grade whitening gel is stronger than over-the-counter options but gentler than in-office treatments. Dr. Gessell provides detailed instructions for use, typically recommending daily application for one to two weeks. While results develop more gradually than with in-office treatment, many patients achieve comparable whitening with this approach.

Some patients choose a combined approach, beginning with an in-office treatment for immediate results and using take-home trays for maintenance or additional whitening. Dr. Gessell can recommend the best approach based on your specific goals, schedule, and budget.

What to Expect During the Whitening Process

Before any whitening treatment, Dr. Gessell performs a thorough dental examination to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. Existing cavities, gum disease, or exposed roots should be addressed before whitening to prevent sensitivity or complications. Dr. Gessell also assesses whether your discoloration will respond well to whitening, as some types of stains may need alternative cosmetic treatments like bonding or veneers.

For in-office whitening, Dr. Gessell begins by documenting your starting tooth shade for comparison. He then applies a protective barrier to your gums and soft tissues before carefully applying the whitening gel to your teeth. The gel remains in place for several intervals, often activated by a special light, with Dr. Gessell checking progress throughout the session. After the final application, he removes the gel and evaluates your results, providing aftercare instructions to maximize comfort and longevity.

For take-home whitening, Dr. Gessell takes impressions of your teeth to create custom-fitted trays. When your trays are ready, you’ll receive them along with the appropriate whitening gel and detailed instructions for use. Dr. Gessell typically recommends wearing the trays for a specific duration daily, usually between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the concentration of the whitening agent and your sensitivity level.

Maintaining Your Whiter Smile

After achieving your desired shade, proper maintenance extends the longevity of your results. Dr. Gessell recommends limiting consumption of staining substances like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries, particularly in the days immediately following whitening when teeth are more susceptible to staining. When you do consume these items, rinsing with water afterward helps minimize their impact. Drinking staining beverages through a straw can reduce contact with your front teeth.

Excellent oral hygiene plays a crucial role in maintaining whitening results. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings remove surface stains before they penetrate the enamel. Using a whitening toothpaste occasionally (not continuously) can help control new staining without causing sensitivity.

For most patients, whitening results last between six months and two years, depending on lifestyle factors and oral hygiene habits. Periodic touch-up treatments, either in-office or with your take-home trays, can quickly refresh your smile when you notice slight darkening. Dr. Gessell can recommend an appropriate maintenance schedule based on your individual needs.

Schedule Your Whitening Consultation

If you’re interested in getting a brighter smile, call our Southern Pines dental office at 910-390-1259​ today or request a dental exam online. During this appointment, Dr. Gessell will evaluate your current tooth shade, discuss your whitening goals, and recommend the most appropriate treatment option for your specific needs. With professional teeth whitening, a radiant smile may be closer than you think.