CarolinasDentist Blog

Take-Home vs. In-Office Teeth Whitening

woman smiling to show off her professional teeth whitening results

If you’re like many, you want a brighter smile. You may also want it quickly, safely, and effectively, which is what led you to your local dentist. Fortunately, at CarolinasDentist, serving various regions of North Carolina, we offer both take-home and in-office teeth whitening kits for your convenience and satisfaction.

Potency of Whitening Agent

Both the potency of a professional whitening kit and an in-office whitening is greater than the whitening kits you find in your local drug store. However, in-office whitening agents are the strongest. Both in-office and take-home whitening agents use the same ingredients – either peroxide or a substance that breaks down into peroxide.

Whiteness

While you’ll need multiple whitening sessions with either, your teeth will get whiter when you opt for in-office whitening. You’ll even notice this after your first session. In fact, our in-office whitening can lighten your teeth by up to eight shades in just the first visit. With an at-home kit, you tend to notice results within the first week.

Time

The at-home kits can be more time consuming. When you choose in-office whitening, it generally lasts between 30 to 90 minutes. On the other hand, you’ll need to wear two trays per day with an at-home kit. Each time, you’ll need to wear the tray between 30 minutes to two hours, depending on how drastic of a change you want and your dentist’s recommendations.

Process

A take-home kit consists of you placing the tray on your teeth and holding it there for the designated time. If you choose an in-office kit, your dentist will apply the whitening gel to your teeth. Your dentist may use a UV or blue light or a laser to cure the whitening solution to optimize your results.

Convenience

An at-home kit ranks as the most convenient option. You only need to visit the dentist to get fitted for your customizable tray and receive your kit. With in-office whitening, you might need multiple visits to get your teeth as white as you’d like. Plus, with an at-home kit, you whiten your teeth while you take a bath, read, or watch TV, and you can do it in your pajamas.

Customization

With either option, you receive a customized tray that fits in your mouth. Additionally, with both options, you get a plan based on how white you want your teeth.

Cost

A take-home kit is more cost efficient. Teeth whitening can make you feel more confident and smile brighter. Both take-home and in-office teeth whitening have their share of benefits, but you may find one that suits your needs better.

Schedule a consultation with CarolinasDentist, serving multiple cities and surrounding areas of North Carolina, to determine which teeth whitening is best for you by calling us or using our online scheduling tool.

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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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