Teeth Whitening Options: From DIY Kits to Professional Treatments
That first cup of coffee might be non-negotiable, but the stains it leaves behind don’t have to be permanent. At Starbody Dental, we meet so many patients who admit they hesitate to smile—or dodge the camera—because their teeth aren’t as white as they’d like.
With the explosion of whitening kits and toothpaste on store shelves, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or skeptical: Is professional whitening at the dentist really worth it? Or will that $40 kit do the trick? Here’s what you need to know about what’s safe, what works, and what makes the most sense for your smile and budget.
Not all stains are created equal. Just like a favorite shirt, teeth gradually pick up colors and marks from life—age, genetics, or daily habits like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. These cause extrinsic stains, which sit on the enamel surface and can be lifted with good hygiene or whitening.
But some changes, called intrinsic stains, involve the deeper layer (dentin) and often result from childhood medications, trauma, or even certain medical conditions. These stubborn stains are why some patients who religiously brush and avoid coffee still find it hard to get their teeth truly bright.
At Starbody Dental, we always begin whitening conversations by figuring out which kind of discoloration you have and what’s driving it. That guides whether a whitening toothpaste, custom take-home trays, or another cosmetic option (such as veneers) might actually be the best solution.
It’s no surprise that home whitening gets so much attention. The lower price and convenience appeal to many, but at-home results often depend on the unique shape and needs of your teeth.
Whitening toothpastes give a gentle polish, using mild abrasives or chemicals to scrub away surface stains. They help maintain results, especially for coffee or tea lovers, but don’t change the natural tooth color.
Whitening strips, on the other hand, use a low dose of peroxide, sticking directly to the teeth for about 30 minutes a day over one-to-two weeks. These strips can lift mild stains but often miss edges and hard-to-reach spots, causing uneven results, especially for patients with crowded or rotated teeth.
Pharmacy trays are one-size-fits-none. Think of borrowing someone else’s shoes for a marathon. The result is often patchy whitening and gel leaking onto gums, which raises your risk for sensitivity or irritation. The peroxide in pharmacy gels is much weaker than what your dentist can safely use, so “at-home miracles” advertised on the box usually fall short.
Charcoal toothpastes, baking soda, and oil pulling have gone viral on social media. But research and the American Dental Association are clear: abrasives can wear down enamel, and many DIY methods simply don’t deliver safe, long-term whitening.
When you’re ready for dramatic, predictable results—and want the experience to be as safe and comfortable as possible—professional whitening makes all the difference.
Before we start, you’ll get a personalized exam. Dr. Kaitlyn or Dr. Michael will check your teeth, gums, and any dental work to make sure whitening is the right move.
At Starbody Dental, gums and lips are protected, then a professional-grade whitening gel is carefully applied so only your teeth are exposed. Instead of “power lights” or lasers, we use proven peroxide systems in a controlled, comfortable setting—no hype, just results.
Sessions usually take around an hour, and most patients notice a difference of several shades in a single visit. For those with deep stains or looking for the brightest possible smile, we may recommend a quick follow-up session or at-home touch-ups.
For patients who want the flexibility of whitening at home but the results and comfort of professional care, our custom whitening trays are a favorite.
We take digital impressions and create trays that fit like they were tailored just for you, offering targeted, even whitening without drips or irritation.
You’ll get a professional-strength gel that works faster (and more gently) than store-bought kits. Many of our patients combine in-office whitening with take-home custom trays to lock in their results and keep their smiles bright between visits.
Dental whitening is safest—and most effective—when supervised by caring professionals. Tooth sensitivity is the most common side effect, and Dr. Kaitlyn and Dr. Michael are proactive, offering desensitizing toothpaste before or after treatment, adjusting gel strength, or spacing out sessions.
Patients with exposed roots, active decay, or thin enamel may need a gentler approach, which we’ll always discuss with you in advance.
For patients with dental crowns, veneers, or bonded teeth, whitening agents won’t change the shade of these restorations. We’ll talk through your options to make sure your smile looks balanced and beautiful.
Worried about sensitivity or reactions? We invite you to mention any concerns during your next preventive visit or call our team—no embarrassment, ever.
Professional whitening delivers more noticeable results that can lighten your smile by several shades—often in just one visit. For most patients, these results last 6–12 months, depending on coffee, tea, red wine, and other lifestyle habits.
At-home kits work slowly and usually provide subtle improvements (one to two shades), lasting three to six months before fading.
Touch-ups with our custom trays (done every few months at home) and professional cleanings every six months help you maintain your results. For best longevity, our team recommends pairing whitening with a strong hygiene routine and regular visits.
At Starbody Dental, we believe honest conversations about cost are part of building trust. In-office whitening typically ranges from $300–$600, depending on your personalization and number of sessions. Custom take-home trays start at a lower fee and can be used for maintenance down the road.
Because whitening is considered a cosmetic treatment, insurance doesn’t cover the cost. However, our team will file out-of-network claims to help you maximize any additional dental benefits, and we offer a popular in-office membership plan.
Many patients combine whitening with comprehensive care or cosmetic treatments, and we’re happy to walk you through flexible payment options, including CareCredit and Proceed Finance. You’ll always get a transparent estimate up front—surprises don’t belong in your dental bill.
Every smile—and every stain—is unique. At Starbody Dental, our philosophy is simple: start with a no-pressure conversation, answer your questions with honesty, and help you choose what’s safest, most effective, and right for your goals.
If your teeth are generally healthy but bothered by surface stains, our take-home trays could be a fantastic fit for your lifestyle. If you want to see dramatic results for a wedding, big event, or just because you’re ready to feel new confidence, in-office whitening may be your quickest path to a standout smile.
And if you’re not sure what’s possible—or have concerns about sensitivity, existing dental work, or enamel erosion—we’ll offer treatment options tailored entirely for you, including gentle alternatives like veneers or even a thorough professional cleaning to brighten things up naturally.
We never rush, never judge, and always treat you like family.
If you’re ready to explore whitening, the best first step is a warm, judgment-free conversation with our team. We’ll help you understand your options without pressure and guide you to the safest and most satisfying results.
Bring your questions, your concerns, and your hopes for your dream smile; we absolutely love helping Murfreesboro families smile brighter.
See real outcomes and transformations in our smile gallery, or meet our husband-and-wife dentist team who know first-hand how much a sparkling smile can change a life. Whenever you’re ready, our new patient page has what you need to get started, or just give us a call—we’re always here for your family’s brightest smiles.
Call 615-896-1330 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
