CarolinasDentist Blog

Home vs. Professional Teeth Whitening

blonde woman with white teeth, holding hand up next to face, smiling, standing outside building

If you want whiter teeth, you’re not alone. Most people want brighter smiles, but the question is how will you go about doing it?

There are many different types of teeth whitening options, and they tend to fall into two categories: at-home whitening (which you can do yourself) and in-office professional whitening (which takes place in the dentist’s office). We go over both types so you can decide which is right for you.

Teeth Whitening at Home

There are many different types of at-home teeth whitening you can pick up from your local store, and they include whitening gel strips, whitening pens, and whitening trays. While these whitening trays work similar to professional teeth whitening trays, they won’t be perfectly fitted to your mouth the way they would be at a dentist’s office. The whitening solution is also not as strong as it would be in a dentist’s office.

There are two big benefits to whitening your teeth at home: 1) you can do it on your own schedule, and 2) it’s less expensive than professional dental whitening. If those things appeal to you, then at-home teeth whitening might be the perfect choice for you.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening also encompasses different types of procedures, but one of the most common is custom-fitted whitening trays. These are similar to at-home trays, but when you get them from a dentist’s office, your dentist can make sure they are perfectly calibrated for your needs and designed for your mouth specifically for a more comfortable fit. Your dentist will also provide you with a stronger bleaching solution than you would be able to get from the store, which makes professional teeth whitening a more effective choice.

Another professional whitening procedure is in-office whitening, which consists of applying a special bleaching compound and then use a special light to break down the stains faster. One of the biggest advantages of this option is that all it takes is one trip to the dentist to get a noticeably brighter smile.

As we can see, there are many different ways to whiten your teeth! If you have questions about teeth whitening, contact us and we’d be happy to help you find the one that best fits your lifestyle and budget.

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Andrew Callender

Andrew Callender

Regional Director of Operations

Andrew Callender was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and serves as one of our Regional Directors of Operations at CarolinasDentist, focusing on our Western NC and Charlotte regions. He joined the leadership team in 2025 and earned his degree from Western Colorado University. Andrew brings over 12 years of experience in dentistry, including more than 10 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations and three years serving as a Regional Director of Operations. He relocated to North Carolina in 2023 and has quickly made an impact across the region.

Andrew is passionate about delivering outstanding patient care through operational excellence. He is committed to fostering an environment that aligns with CarolinasDentist’s values and culture while leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences to support team success and growth. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He’s an avid golfer and also enjoys walking his lab, Harper—making the most of his time outdoors with family and fresh air.

Nate Bunyak

Nate Bunyak

Regional Director of Operations

Nate Bunyak brings a little bit of Pittsburgh grit and a whole lot of energy to everything he does. He is one of the Regional Director of Operations at CarolinasDentist focusing on our Triangle region, joining the team in 2026. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Nate graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in Marketing and Management—and has been putting both to work ever since. Three years ago, he traded in steel city winters for North Carolina sunshine—and hasn’t looked back.

When he’s not working, Nate is all about family life with his wife, Melissa, and their three kids—Bryce, Molly, and Connor. Whether cheering on their activities, exploring the outdoors, or simply embracing the joyful chaos of a busy household, he makes the most of every moment with his family.

An avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Nate loves adventures that combine fresh air, beautiful views, and lasting memories. That same adventurous, positive spirit carries into his work—he’s driven, all-in, and always ready to take on what’s next.

Jenna Holland

Jenna Holland

Regional Hygiene Director

Jenna Holland is a Fayetteville native and serves as Regional Hygiene Director, joining the leadership team in 2026. She began her career with CarolinasDentist in June 2016 as a dental hygienist in the Fayetteville office after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Over the years, she has grown within the organization, building strong relationships with both patients and team members while staying rooted in her passion for patient care.

Jenna is deeply committed to promoting overall well-being through oral health and believes in the powerful connection between a healthy smile and a healthy body. In her leadership role, she especially loves mentoring and coaching hygienists, helping them grow in confidence, strengthen their clinical skills, and develop into exceptional providers. She takes pride in supporting her team and fostering an environment of continuous learning and encouragement.

Her best advice for patients is simple: stay consistent with routine check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal health. Outside of the office, Jenna enjoys traveling—especially to warm, tropical destinations—and is engaged to her high school sweetheart, adding a personal touch to her passion for caring for others.

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