Is your smile lacking sparkle or are your teeth more off-white than pearly? It might be time to consider using an at-home teeth whitening product. Factors like genetics, tobacco use, and daily coffee consumption can lead to stains and discoloration on our teeth over time, often catching us by surprise when we notice them in the mirror. While professional whitening services from dentists can be effective, they can also be costly and require multiple office visits. On the other hand, over-the-counter whitening products are readily available, affordable, and easy to use. But do they really work?
For the best results with at-home whitening products, it’s important to use them regularly and follow the instructions carefully. These products, such as strips, gels, and trays, contain bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide in lower concentrations compared to those used in dental offices. They are designed to gradually lighten teeth and are particularly effective for mild to moderate stains.
In this guide, we have selected nine of the top whitening products in various categories, including strips, toothpastes, LED-activated treatments, and more. Here are some of our recommendations:
– Best overall tooth whitening kit: Auraglow Complete LED Teeth Whitening Kit
– Best budget tooth whitening product: Plus White Speed Whitening Gel
– Best tooth whitening strips: Crest 3D Whitestrips Classic Vivid
– Best teeth whitening pen: Moon Teeth Whitening Pen
– Best charcoal teeth whitening toothpaste: Hello Activated Charcoal Toothpaste
– Best teeth whitening toothpaste: Colgate Optic White Pro Series Toothpaste
– Best customizable teeth whitening product: Smile Brilliant
– Best LED teeth whitening kit: Snow Diamond Teeth Whitening Kit
– Best teeth whitening rinse: TheraBreath Whitening Mouthwash
Each product has its own unique features and benefits, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Whether you’re looking for fast results, affordability, or allergy-safe options, there is a teeth whitening product out there for you.
For just under $15, this whitening kit includes a mouth tray and hydrogen peroxide gel that whitens teeth in just five minutes. It is gentle on sensitive teeth and gums due to the non-abrasive, enamel-friendly gel. The only drawback is that the product needs to be used twice daily, which is more frequent than other gel whiteners on the market.
One satisfied user shared, “Get this stuff! I’ve been using it for years! I’m 55 and I drink coffee and tea, and I constantly receive compliments on my white teeth. Even my dentist asked me where I got my teeth whitened.” This product is available for $10 on Amazon and is highly recommended.
Crest 3D Whitestrips Classic Vivid is another highly effective option for at-home teeth whitening. These strips use Carbamide Peroxide as their active ingredient and require 10 sessions for optimal results. Crest guarantees whitening up to six shades, or your money back, after just ten applications. These strips are convenient to use on the go and are favored for their sticking power on teeth.
Moon Teeth Whitening Pen is a gentle whitening formula in a prefilled pen format. It features urea peroxide and essential oils for a sensitive-teeth-friendly option that also enhances the smile’s appearance with light-reflecting particles. This eco-friendly product is vegan and cruelty-free, and users appreciate its vanilla mint flavor for freshening breath. The pen is easy to use with a single click to wet the brush.
Hello Activated Charcoal Toothpaste is a charcoal-based toothpaste that gently lifts stains over time with activated charcoal as a mild abrasive. This vegan toothpaste is free from peroxide, artificial sweeteners, flavors, dyes, and preservatives. Customers love the fresh and long-lasting minty taste, and many have noticed improvements in the cleanliness and brightness of their teeth since incorporating this toothpaste into their daily oral care routine.
One reviewer mentioned that the Colgate Optic White Pro Series Toothpaste is a top pick for teeth whitening. This toothpaste, priced at $16 on Amazon, is vegan with a long-lasting mint flavor. While it may not be suitable for users with sensitive teeth, it effectively whitens teeth and helps prevent future stains. Reviewers have attested to its efficacy, with one stating, “It’s like getting my smile back!” Another recommended product is the Smile Brilliant Teeth Whitening Trays, available for $8 at Target. This customizable kit allows you to control the amount of gel used and the duration of wearing the trays, catering to various teeth sensitivities. Customers have praised its effectiveness in whitening teeth and the custom fit of the trays. Lastly, the Snow Diamond Teeth Whitening Kit, priced at $169, is an LED whitening kit highly regarded for its comfortable fit and enamel-strengthening properties. This kit uses a pen to apply the whitening gel and includes an antimicrobial carrying case for hygiene. Users with sensitive teeth have also found this kit gentle yet effective. TheraBreath Whitening Mouthwash is another recommended product, offering natural whitening without harsh chemicals.
After each brushing session, TheraBreath mouthwash can easily be incorporated into your routine, especially if you already use mouthwash. Known for its effectiveness in fighting bad breath odors, it now includes a new whitening element. One satisfied reviewer shared, “I was initially hesitant, but after trying it out, my teeth were noticeably whiter. I now use it regularly, and my friends and family often compliment my fresh, white smile.”
Pros:
– Easy addition to dental care routine
– Breath freshening
Cons:
– Taste may not suit every user
Available for $18 on Amazon.
Our selection process for the best teeth whitening products involved interviewing dentists and dental professionals to understand the benefits of each treatment. We also tested numerous products with the help of family and friends, considering progress, results, and satisfaction. Reviews from average users were also examined to gauge overall product quality. Products were evaluated based on recommended usage duration.
Types of teeth whitening products:
– Toothpaste: Removes surface stains through abrasion and chemical reactions
– Rinse: Used post-brushing to aid in teeth whitening, can be used with whitening toothpaste
– Whitening strips: Applied to teeth for a specified time
– At-home whitening kits: Include trays with whitening agents to fit over teeth
– LED: Uses LED light to activate whitening agents
– Pens: Whitening agents applied using a pre-filled pen
Consider the following when selecting teeth whitening products, as advised by Dr. Sep Pouresa:
– Active Ingredients: Effective whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide
– ADA Seal of Acceptance: Indicates products evaluated for safety and efficacy
– Type of product: Preference for strips, gels, trays, or toothpaste
– Sensitivity: Formulations for sensitive teeth
– Duration and instructions: Follow recommended usage for optimal results
– Reviews and recommendations: User feedback and consultation with dentist for safe and effective options
FAQs:
– Timeframe for results: Varies based on product and individual factors. Users may see some improvement within the first week, with optimal results typically achieved in one to three weeks.
– Whitening strips and pens: Results within three to seven days of daily use
– Whitening gels with trays: Results in one to two weeks depending on concentration
– Whitening toothpaste: Longer timeframe for results, requires consistent use.
LED whitening kits can offer noticeable results in just a few sessions, typically within one to two weeks, compared to traditional teeth-whitening products that require consistent use over several weeks to see significant changes. These kits work by applying a bleaching agent to the teeth, triggering a chemical reaction that whitens them. It is crucial to use the product correctly to achieve optimal results.
According to Dr. Pouresa, various teeth-whitening products such as strips, gels, and trays can lighten teeth by a few shades when used consistently over time. The effectiveness depends on factors like the concentration of the whitening agent, duration of use, and the initial shade of your teeth. While many users are satisfied with the results, some may not achieve the desired level of whitening, and sensitivity may occur. For more substantial changes, professional treatments may be more effective, so consulting with a dentist before starting any whitening regimen is recommended.
Dr. Signh explains that the longevity of teeth whitening treatments depends on the type of treatment chosen and post-treatment care. Professional treatments can keep teeth bright for over a year with proper maintenance, whereas the effects of at-home kits may fade after a few months. To prolong the results, it is advised to avoid staining foods and beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine, and maintain a routine of brushing twice daily with whitening toothpaste.
Dentists suggest brushing before using whitening strips to remove debris, prevent gum irritation, eliminate surface stains, and enhance product adhesion. To ensure safety, opt for products with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal, indicating they have been evaluated for safety and efficacy. When in doubt, seek advice from your dentist.
Meet our experts:
– Trudy Hogg, RDH, BSDH, dental hygienist in Grants Pass, OR
– Dr. Sep Pouresa, cosmetic dentist in Beverly Hills, CA
– Dr. Jasveen Singh, pediatric dentist in Tewksbury, MA
