Meet Teresa of Smile Bright Studios: Making Confidence Shine in 30 Minutes or Less
Interview by Heather Anderson
If you’ve ever wondered what really happens at a teeth whitening appointment (and whether it’s worth it), Teresa at Smile Bright Studios in Pleasant Hill, CA makes the whole experience fast, fun, and surprisingly affordable. With 13 years in the business, she’s seen it all—from nervous clients who can’t stand the dentist chair to couples turning whitening into their own little “mini party.”
Her vibe? Think warm, friendly, and fun with instant results that leave people beaming—not just because their teeth are brighter, but because hanging out with Teresa feels like catching up with an old friend.
For someone who’s never done it, what actually happens at a teeth whitening appointment?
I start by measuring your stain level to see if you’ll need 15 or 30 minutes under the lamp. Then in goes the cheek retractor, the hydrogen peroxide gel goes on, and we let the light do its work. That’s it—it’s fast.
“Every day deserves a bright smile.”
Wait, so you’re saying the scary “dental chair” energy isn’t part of this at all?
Nope! It’s quick, it’s easy, and honestly, people usually end up laughing trying to talk with that cheek retractor in.
How long does it take, and how soon do people see results?
The whitening itself is 15–30 minutes, but plan about 45 minutes to an hour total. And yes—you see the difference immediately when you walk out.
Instant gratification. Moms everywhere just perked up.
Exactly! You don’t have to wait weeks.
Once you’ve had it done, how long does it last before coming back for a touch-up?
Most people start noticing stains creeping back after about three months. So I recommend touch-ups about every three months if you want to keep that fresh brightness.
So basically… add you to the calendar like brows or nails.
Yes! Same idea.
People always ask — does it hurt? Is it safe? What’s the real scoop?
It’s safe, and most of my clients don’t feel anything at all. About 7% experience a little sensitivity a few hours afterward, but no “zingers.” I use hydrogen peroxide gel, which works faster and gentler than the carbamide peroxide you’ll find in white strips or at some dentists.
So you’re telling me you cracked the code for whitening without torture?
That’s the goal! Bright smiles, no pain.
You’ve been doing this for 13 years in a field where a lot of studios come and go. What keeps you loving this work?
The smiles! Everyone leaves happy, and it makes me smile to see people walk out more confident. I often get hugs when people leave—which I always joke you don’t usually get at the dentist, for example!
Ha! Please put that on a billboard. “Whiter teeth, free hugs.”
Teeth whitening costs a little, but the hugs are free. New slogan—I’m writing this down!
And honestly, about 50% of my clients actually do hug me when they leave.
Wait… only 50%? What’s up with the other half?
Oh, you know—some people are shy, or they’re still half-distracted with work emails on their phones.
We’ve got to get your hug rate up to 75% minimum.
(laughs) I’ll make that my new goal. “Teeth whitening costs a little, but the hugs are free.”
What do you love most about working with clients?
I love the connection. People come in a little nervous, thinking it might feel clinical like a dentist appointment. But pretty quickly they’re laughing, comfortable, and surprised at how easy it all is.
So they come for the whitening and leave saying “wow, I loved hanging out with Teresa.”
That’s exactly what happens.
Who tends to book with you — big events or just everyday confidence?
Both. About 75% come just because they want to look in the mirror and feel good every day. The rest are prepping for weddings, vacations, family photos, or big events.
I love that. Daily confidence is the real win.
Yes! Every day deserves a bright smile.
I’ve heard you’ve had pairs come in together — couples, siblings, moms and daughters, friends. Do you secretly love duo appointments?
Absolutely. It’s like a mini party! I call it my “duo deal”—two people book together and save. We all hang out, laugh, and make it fun. At mobile appointments, I can even run two lamps at once.
Okay wait—tell me more about this mobile pop-up party idea.
Yes! I can bring everything to you in Contra Costa County. The minimum group size is five, so it’s perfect for birthdays, girls’ nights, bridal parties, friends or families.
Is there a maximum?
Well… no! Bring it on. Honestly, I’ll stay all weekend if that’s what it takes. We’ll make it a slumber party—pizza, white wine (remember no red wine for 24 hours), and endless smiles. I’ll bring my pillow. Let’s call it a whitening sleepover. (laughs)
A whitening slumber party? You’re making me want to invent an excuse just to book that.
Ha! Exactly. (Okay, the slumber party’s a joke—but really, there’s no maximum. I’ll make it work for however big your group is.)
You once joked, “I don’t care if you’re in your underwear — if you’re smiling, you’ll look good.” Is your studio always this fun?
Yes. I greet every client with a big smile because smiling is contagious—you’ll always get one back. That energy sets the tone. People say it feels more like visiting a friend than going to an appointment.
So basically: no lab coats, no drills, no scary dentist vibes—just pajamas and champagne.
Exactly. Black tank top, pajamas, bathing suit—whatever makes people more comfortable.
Do you have a favorite client story?
One that sticks with me was a woman who came in with her husband. She admitted she had dentist anxiety, so we were laughing and chatting while he was in the chair. But when it was her turn, she froze—because I was wearing a white lab coat! She said, “You look like a doctor.” I whipped it off, tossed it on the floor, and said, “Here I am!”
That is gold. Honestly, that story alone would make me book with you.
That was five years ago, and I never wore a lab coat again. No scary vibes here—just fun, laughter, and bright smiles.
You’ve said you’d love teeth whitening to be as normal as getting your brows or hair done. What do you wish more people knew?
That your smile is the first thing 85% of people notice. It deserves the same care as your hair or nails. Whitening doesn’t need to be a “special treat”—it can just be part of your routine self-care.
Okay, practical mom question — how much does it usually cost, and do you run specials or discounts?
A single whitening session averages $175 depending on stain level.
A duo session lets you and a friend, partner, or family member book together at a discount.
A maintenance 4-pack offers four sessions for $350 (like buying two and getting two free).
I also have touch-up options for returning clients.
So basically: one for me and one for my bestie, or maybe a four-pack to stash away for when coffee gets the best of me.
Exactly.
And finally, what’s the one thing you want people to take away from your story?
That everyone deserves to smile their perfect smile. Teeth whitening is simple, affordable, and instantly brightens not just your teeth but your confidence. In a world where we have access to everything, why not have a smile you love?
My favorite Marilyn Monroe quote: “A smile is the best makeup any girl can wear”.
Cheers to that—preferably with champagne.
Ready to brighten your smile?
Book your appointment at Smile Bright Studios
Email Teresa at [email protected]
You can also find Teresa on The M List, The Mamahood’s searchable database of mom-recommended resources, or connect and collaborate with Teresa inside The Club membership for women Founders.