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Although all teeth are beautiful, theres nothing like a pearly white smile when youre meeting someone for the first time. That said, taking multiple trips to the dentist for teeth whitening sessions isnt always doable or affordableenter teeth whitening kits. Teeth whitening kits are often cheaper and require less effort while producing satisfactory results.
People are always looking to improve their smile and look their best, says Gary Liu, DMD, board-certified pediatric dentist at Kind Smiles in Irvine, California. Teeth whitening kits are great options to whiten yellowing teeth from natural aging and stains from drinking coffee or tea.
In addition to Dr. Liu, I tapped Lauren Becker, DDS, New York City-based general and cosmetic dentist, and Alice Hoang, DMD, FAGD, FICOI, a general dentist at Brooklyn Mint Dental to find the best teeth whitening kits on the market keeping ingredients, duration, frequency, and type in mind.
If you want to purchase a teeth whitening kit without breaking the bank, the Crest 3D White Brilliance 2-Step Kit is a solid option. When I first started using teeth whitening products, this was the first one I tried. I particularly liked this kit because it wasnt time-consuming and I didnt have to change up my normal brush routine to use it as I had already been brushing at least two times per day. All I had to do was add an extra toothpaste which didnt require much effort. It is important to note that this toothpaste does not contain hydrogen peroxide.
For less than $15, this two-step toothpaste-based whitening kit is a solid option for those seeking to whiten their teeth on a budget.
Get it here: Crest 3D White Brilliance 2-Step Kit
Best teeth whitening pen
buy on AuraGlow
amazon
$19.99
As far as the best teeth-whitening pens go, the Auraglow Teeth Whitening Pen is a great pick for its simple, intuitive design and short treatments. Although this whitening pen is intended for daily use, it only takes one minute (or less). If any residual gel happens to be on your teeth after the 60-second application, it will dissolve on its own.
Although this teeth whitening pen is only advised to be used for a minute or two each day, it quickly produces results.
Get it here: Auraglow Teeth Whitening Pen
If youre looking for teeth whitening strips made with naturally derived ingredients, Dr. Hoang recommends Luminex Teeth Whitening Strips. With active ingredients including coconut, sage oil, lemon peel, and dead sea salt, you can rest assured that your teeth will be treated with healthy ingredients while enhancing their color. All it takes is using these strips for 30 minutes per day for four consecutive days and then one or two days each week after the initial round of treatment. Although I think youll enjoy using these whitening strips, Lumineux offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
These whitening strips are suitable for those looking to enhance the color of their teeth with plant-based ingredients.
Get it here: Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips
Best wireless LED teeth whitening kit
Walmart
$60.00
$48.00
amazon
$59.99
$48.00
buy on Target
For an LED teeth whitening kit that doesnt require any wires (once its LED accelerator light is charged, that is) consider the Auraglow Teeth Whitening Kit. For less than $50, this tray-based teeth whitening kit contains enough carbamide peroxide gel for twenty 30-minute treatments. And, it includes a storage case for when its not in use.
With enough carbamide gel to last for 20 treatments, this teeth whitening kit is a solid pick for those seeking longer-term at-home teeth whitening options.
Get it here: Auraglow Teeth Whitening Kit
Best one-step teeth whitening kit
walmart
$30.16
amazon
$14.99
If youre looking for a teeth whitening kit thats simple enough for most people can use, Dr. Becker recommends the Crest Pro-Health Advanced Antibacterial Protection Toothpaste. Although this is less of a teeth-whitening kit and more of an individual product, it still works to whiten teeth and prevent stains as it contains fluoride. Brush with it twice a day or as advised by a dental professional.
This toothpaste made with fluoride can be used by most people looking to incorporate healthy daily habits into their hygiene routine to whiten their teeth.
Get it here: Crest Pro-Health Advanced Antibacterial Protection Toothpaste
Most convenient teeth whitening kit
amazon
$83.98
$78.00
Dr. Liu recommends the Opalescence Go Prefilled Teeth Whitening Trays as an alternative to dentist-prescribed whitening trays. When you use these trays, your teeth will be treated with hydrogen peroxide, fluoride, and potassium nitrate. Although these trays dont require users to make impressions prior, they typically fit well and offer full coverage from molar to molar. Furthermore, these trays work without the use of LED lights which can be particularly helpful for those who may be looking for teeth whitening trays they can easily take on the go.
These teeth whitening trays can whiten most peoples teeth even without an LED light thanks to their smart design and use of hydrogen peroxide, fluoride, and potassium nitrate.
Get it here: Opalescence Go Pre-Filled Teeth Whitening Trays
Best teeth whitening trays
buy on smile brilliant
Smart Brilliant offers dentist-level teeth whitening trays that can be used at home. Simply take your impressions (which can be done at home) and send them back to the lab to receive your custom-fitted trays. There are trays available for various levels of tooth stains whether light, medium, or heavy. Note that the whitening gel is made with 22% carbamide peroxide and that the recommended session time is between 45 minutes to an hour (or up to three hours) depending on your tolerance level and what your dentist recommends.
Those seeking a dentist-level teeth whitening kit at home will appreciate these trays designed to remove stains over time.
Get it here: Smile Brilliant Teeth Whitening Trays
Best teeth whitening kit for sensitive teeth
Walmart
$18.54
$5.77
amazon
$6.70
buy on Target
If a teeth whitening kit for sensitive teeth is what youre looking for, consider the Colgate Optic Advanced White Toothpaste. Since its only made with 2% hydrogen peroxide, its suitable for sensitive teethespecially since its intended to be used for six months. "It's one of the least abrasive on the market, making it gentler on tooth wear and less likely to exacerbate tooth recession and sensitivity, says Dr. Hoang. This toothpaste also offers a peppermint flavor which your tastebuds will appreciate.
This is one of the best teeth whitening toothpastes for people with sensitive teeth, as its made with only 2% hydrogen peroxide and it features a peppermint flavor.
Get it here: Colgate Optic White Toothpaste Advanced
Colgates Optic White ComfortFit Teeth Whitening Kit is powered simply by plugging it into a smartphone or tablet. "Colgate has proven whitening products and this offering by them is great for people wanting to try an LED-based product, says Dr. Liu. It has great peroxide ingredients and a convenient LED light that you can hook up to your smartphone!" It is made with two rows of LED lights which only take 10 minutes to treat teeth during each session (after the whitening gel pen is applied).
Made with LED lights that are powered by plugging it into a smartphone, this whitening kit is easy to use and can be taken on the go.
Get it here: Colgate Optic White ComfortFit Teeth Whitening Kit
Best over-the-counter teeth whitening kit
buy on walmart
buy on amazon
These Whitestrips from Crest are available online and at most supermarkets and pharmacy stores. Ive used these strips several times before and particularly like how easy they are to peel and useI never chipped my nails while removing them from the packaging. And, I could wear them while doing chores around the house or reading a book without feeling distracted or discomfort. Considering 44 strips are included, there are almost enough to last for an entire month which is impressive considering its $45 price tag.
If youre looking for whitening strips you can simply order or grab and go, these easy-to-use ones from Crest can be found online and in brick-and-mortar stores.
Get it here: Crest 3D White No Slip Whitestrips Dental Whitening Kit
Its important to know about the ingredients in teeth whitening kits to ensure you choose those that will do more good than harm when whitening your teeth. That said, Dr. Liu notes it often takes a combination of ingredients including hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to bleach or oxidize the colored particles found on teeth and make them appear whiter. When shopping for teeth whitening kits, youll notice most contain hydrogen or carbamide peroxide as they are the stronger bleaching agents. However, its important to note that higher percentages of hydrogen peroxide (35%) and carbamide peroxide (22%), are more likely to cause teeth sensitivity, adds Dr. Liu. In addition to hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, Dr. Becker and Dr. Liu add that potassium nitrate and fluoride are other common ingredients in many teeth whitening kits.
As far as ingredients to avoid when shopping for teeth whitening kits go, Dr. Liu advises avoiding phthalimido-peroxy-caproic acid (PAP) and instead opting for products containing PAP+. Furthermore, Dr. Becker notes charcoal is not an ingredient that should be applied to teeth for whitening purposes as it can erode enamel and weaken teeth. A best practice is to avoid products containing triethanolamine, sodium chloride, and urea peroxide, adds Dr. Hoang.
Not all teeth whitening kits are created equal. Some of the most common teeth whitening kits are toothpaste, gels, trays, pens, or LED-based. I recommend reading through the list of pros and cons of each (provided below) to better understand each kind.
Duration and frequency are essential to consider when reviewing the best teeth whitening kits as different kits are accompanied by different instructions. Toothpaste-based whitening kits typically require less time with each use or session. However, theyre often advised to be used daily as a result. On the other hand, teeth whitening trays and LED-based kits are often recommended to be used for longer periods but need fewer treatments and produce longer-lasting results, as they tend to be stronger.
I chose the best teeth whitening kits considering the insights and recommendations of full-time New York and California dentists. When interviewing dentists, I asked them what people should look for in a teeth whitening kit regarding type, frequency, duration, and ingredients. They also recommended teeth whitening kits of various kinds including trays, toothpastes, strips, and more.
Since the thought of adding a step to your dental hygiene routine may feel overwhelming, especially if you havent used a similar product before or you dont have a lot of free time, I specifically chose ones with straightforward directions that many people can understand and ones that dont require a great deal of effort to use and obtain results.
Since my experts recommended whitening kits containing hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, most of my picks contain these active ingredients.
Different people prefer different kinds of kits so I made sure to include those that are LED, toothpaste, strips, and pens.
There are many teeth whitening kits on the market. To determine which one best fits your dental needs, you should know their pros and cons.
Dr. Liu notes that whitening toothpastes containing peroxides can whiten teeth, but usually do so at a slower rate and require more consistent and routine use as the whitening agent only covers teeth for a couple of minutes during each use.
According to Dr. Liu, gel-based whitening kits often whiten teeth more effectively as the trays that are typically used can more effectively cover ones teeth.
Whitening strips are often easy to use as they simply stick onto teeth and can usually be pulled off effortlessly. These are the safest and most effective teeth whitening kits you can buy at home, explains Dr. Liu.
Whitening pens can be a viable option for those looking for compact teeth whitening kits that can be put in a bag and are easily accessible while traveling. However, they take longer to whiten, since the gels wash out faster without a tray or strip to hold the gels in place, explains Dr. Liu.
LED-based teeth whitening kits may work faster to improve teeth color as they activate the peroxide gels to accelerate the whitening effect, says Dr. Liu. However, if you have sensitive teeth or are trying to whiten your teeth without developing sensitivity issues, these kinds of kits may cause sensitivity issues as a result of how quickly they work.
How you use a teeth whitening kit will vary depending on the type you select. For example, many toothpaste-based teeth whitening kits instruct people to use them once or twice per day or as directed by their dentist and only require them to put some toothpaste onto their brush and brush. On the other hand, other teeth whitening kits require two or more steps such as applying a gel with a teeth whitening pen before LED lights or squirting whitening gel into a tray before placing it into the mouth for a recommended time. Regardless of the kit used, a best practice is to thoroughly read the directions and speak with your dentist before using.
According to Dr. Becker, there isnt one specific product thats most effective at whitening teeth as every person differs regarding how well they upkeep their teeth and their sensitivity level. The product thats most effective at whitening teeth for one person may not provide the same results for another.
Whether yellow teeth can become white again will vary by individual. Dr. Becker notes that the cause of teeth discoloration often plays a big role in whether yellow teeth can whiten. Most yellow teeth can become whiter and lighter with a good tooth whitening regimen. However, intrinsic stains from long-term antibiotic use, cavities, and previous root canal treatment cannot be whitened by dental teeth whitening, notes Dr. Liu.
According to Dr. Liu, home teeth whitening kits can be worth it depending on your unique circumstances and if youre willing (and able to) to wait a bit longer to see results. They [ home kits] have comparable results to dentist-prescribed teeth whitening trays, but may take longer to achieve the same results, explains Dr. Liu. With this in mind, its always best to speak with your dentist to see which whitening option best suits your dental needs.
On Friday, December 8, , SmileDirectClub announced it was shutting down all production immediately. Though we've tested and included their products in the past, we have removed all of their products from our recommendations in light of this news. We continuously test products and monitor the news to ensure our readers have the most up-to-date information about top products on the market.
Steer clear of PAP (or phthalimido-peroxy-caproic acid) on the ingredient label. The dentists we spoke to said they don't recommend this ingredient for whitening due to reports of lingering sensitivity.
According to Rhonda Kalasho , DDS, CEO of TruGlo Modern Denta, carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are common whitening ingredients. For carbamide peroxide, look for a concentration of around 35%. If you have sensitive teeth, Nina Izhaky , DDS, dentist at Tribeca Dental Studio, suggests 3 to 10%. For hydrogen peroxide, aim for 10 to 15%. Both whiten while causing less sensitivity and side effects than other ingredients.
To help you narrow the list of whitening kits that will meet your needs, we tested the best options on the market and evaluated them for ease of use, comfort, efficacy, and value . An orthodontist from our Medical Expert Board reviewed the contents of this article for medical accuracy regarding dental hygiene and the effectiveness of active whitening ingredients.
At-home whitening products have come a long way, and there are many options to choose from. A teeth whitening kit is an easy, effective, and more affordable way to brighten your smile at home. However, for true whitening success, you need to know what type of kit to use and whether or not whitening products are you. Experts recommend avoiding whitening products altogether if you have gum or mouth disease, untreated tooth decay, or significantly worn enamel.
Best Overall
Crest 3D Sensitive Teeth Whitening Kit
View On Target
$32
Our Ratings
Pros
Comfortable to use
Immediately whiter teeth
Safe for sensitive teeth
Cons
A little expensive
Why We Recommend It
Whitening strips can be a messy, awkward affair, but the Crest 3D Whitestrips for Sensitive Teeth could not have been easier for us to use. The strips were easy to apply and remove. They were also painless, non-irritating, and didn't cause any sensitivity during or after use. And they worked, toowe could see a noticeable difference when we took the first strip off our teeth and felt confident that the results would keep improving from there (with this particular kit, you're directed to use the strips for 28 days).
In terms of convenience and value, we thought the compact, minimal packaging made the strips easy to store. While these strips are a little pricey when considering the quantity, the convenience of seamlessly integrating them into our daily dental routine makes the price worth it. Plus, we thought it delivered real resultsour teeth were noticeably whiter after using all 14 strips.
Keep in Mind
They're pricier than some of our other picks.
Type: Strips | Application Time: 30 minutes, once daily | Active Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide (percentage not specified)
Best Strips for Sensitive Teeth
Spotlight Oral Care Teeth Whitening Strips
View On Amazon
$45
View On Walmart
$15
Our Ratings
Pros
Snug, comfortable fit
Includes convenient carrying case
Safe for sensitive teeth
Cons
Need to be worn for one hour
Why We Recommend It
Combining comfort with a gentle formulation, the Spotlight Oral Care Dental Teeth Whitening Strips are our pick for the best strips for sensitive teeth. In testing, we found these strips fit our teeth nicely. We felt like the product effectively adhered to our teeth's front and back. The adhesion created a "vacuum-sealed" effect that made them comfortable to wear for the full hour you're supposed to keep them in place. More importantly, we didn't feel any discomfort or sensitivity during whitening or after wearing these strips, and they worked quickly, too. Our teeth looked visibly brighter after all 14 included strips had been used.
Considering how well they work, we found these strips to be a great deal. Plus, Spotlight includes a few freebiesnotably, a convenient on-the-go travel pouch and vitamin E oil for soothing gums post-treatment, which were much appreciated.
Keep in Mind
It takes an hour to use these, so these aren't for you if you need something quick for on the go use.
Type: Strips | Application Time: 60 minutes, once daily | Active Ingredients: 0.01% hydrogen peroxide
Best Gel
iSmile LED Teeth Whitening Kit
View On Shopismile.com
View On Target
$50
Our Ratings
Pros
Professional-level whitening
High value
Less messy application
Cons
Slightly uncomfortable on the gums
Why We Recommend It
Many whitening products can leave you with a sloppy mess on your hands (and teeth!), but we found the iSmile Teeth Whitening Kit to be a tidier and more effective alternative to some of the other kits we tested. As we tested, we realized you could apply the gel to the mouthpiece before inserting it, which helps ensure you've got the right amount and that all the whitening solution covers your teeth.
While the application wasn't as comfortable as other picks, the application time here is only 10 minutes, so we thought this was a totally manageable inconvenience for the amount of time needed to whiten. We were surprised how bright our teeth became in testing this productwe felt the kit more than earns its place on our list and is well worth its cost. We even think it may have been more effective than previous whitening treatments we've done in the past at the dentist's office.
Keep in Mind
We found the whitening process slightly less comfortable. The solution was pretty tasteless, and our gums experienced some discomfort. Swallowing was also awkward because the solution can produce excess saliva, but you arent supposed to swallow it.
Type: Gel | Application Time: 10 minutes, once daily | Active Ingredients: 35% carbamide peroxide
Best Tray
Opalescence Tooth Whitening Prefilled Trays
View On Amazon
$84
Our Ratings
Pros
Whitens in a short amount of time
Easy to insert trays
Cons
Higher strengths may cause sensitivity
A little expensive
Why We Recommend It
These prefilled trays by Opalescence won't be for everyone (people with sensitive teeth, beware!), but they were definitely the easiest and least messy whitening tray option we tested, which is why they're our best tray pick. Essentially, you position the upper and lower trays on your teeth, bite down for a few seconds, and then remove the colored outer tray, leaving behind a more snug-fitting inner tray containing the whitening gel. This allows you to get a snug and comfortable fit every time.
Initially, we couldn't leave the tray in for the recommended 15 minutes because it was so uncomfortable. But over time, we did get used to it. The best part was that our teeth whitened. Even though we only left it in for about eight minutes, our teeth went up a full shade. It hurt, but the pain was worth it in our eyes. We also started with the highest concentration possible, which we wouldn't recommend if you have sensitive teeth or have never whitened your teeth before (in that case, you may want to start with the lowest concentration and work your way up from there).
Keep in Mind
This option isnt entirely painless. In testing, we found that the upper tray caused serious gum discomfort (even after brushing our teeth to remove the gel). It was similar to the feeling of applying an acid facial peel or retinoid for the first timepainful but bearable.
Type: Tray | Application Time: 15-20 minutes, once daily | Active Ingredients: 15% hydrogen peroxide
Best Pen
AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Pen
View On Amazon
$18
View On Walmart
$20
View On Auraglow.com
Our Ratings
Pros
Whitening on the go
Small, convenient pen to paint on gel
Doesnt cause discomfort
Cons
No wow factor with whitening
Why We Recommend It
The main reason to opt for a whitening pen rather than a more comprehensive kit is convenience, and this AuraGlow pen is nothing if not convenient. While the results are more subtle than some of our other picks, the application process is incredibly easy and painless. It's also great that you can easily whiten minor stains on the go.
The application process is similar to other gel whiteners in that you paint on the product, but after that, you have to allow it to dry (without rinsing or swallowing, which we found to be tricky!). We observed a slight tingling upon application during testing, but nothing persisted. The big bonus here is the pen's convenience; we liked that there's nothing overly complicated about the whitening process here and that the pen can go with you literally anywhere. We think it could be worked easily into a nighttime brushing routine since you can't eat or drink for an hour after using it.
Keep in Mind
The effects are more subtle than other picks. If you want on-the-go, light spot treatments then this is perfect. However, this may not be for you if you need a more dramatic or noticeable change.
Type: Pen | Application Time: 1 minute, 1 to 2 times daily | Active Ingredients: 35% carbamide peroxide
Best LED
Auraglow Whitening Kit
View On Amazon
$48
View On Walmart
$48
View On Auraglow.com
Our Ratings
Pros
Clearly brightens after a few uses
Comfortable and easy to use
Cons
Awkward to use
No battery indicator
Why We Recommend It
We were shocked by the Auraglow Deluxe Teeth Whitening Kit's whitening results. The setup process is easycharge the LED light, fill the tray with gel, and pop it in your mouthand the tray itself is soft and flexible. Overall, the whitening results were significant enough to make us recommend this product as a good choice, especially since it didn't cause any pain or discomfort and is priced within the average range for a whitening kit. Given how much we know professional whitening costs and remembering the pain and sensitivity we've had with other whitening products, we think this is worth the price.
Keep in Mind
This pick isn't the most efficient option on the list. It took 30 minutes to work, making our daily activities trickier. It's also rather large and felt clunky. That being said, the results were impressive, so the inconvenience wasn't in vain.
Type: Light kit | Application Time: 30 minutes, once daily | Active Ingredients: 35% carbamide peroxide
Best Toothpaste
Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste with Fluoride
View On Amazon
$15
View On Walmart
$16
Pros
Easy to apply
Integrates into your existing brushing routine
Whitens teeth a few shades
Cons
Causes discomfort over time
Results dont last if you discontinue use
Why We Recommend It
It would be best not to head into a whitening toothpaste expecting the same results as whitening strips or a kit with gels and trays. However, a whitening toothpaste, like this one from Opalescence, can help whiten teeth or help maintain a whiter smile over time. We rated it high for convenience, mostly because it functioned like normal toothpaste. We liked that the application process had no learning curve; it was easy to work into our daily routine and didnt cause any initial discomfort.
The bottom line is that this product can work, but only under certain circumstances. We think its best used for someone who wants to brighten their teeth for an event and doesnt mind enduring some temporary abrasiveness or for someone who has pretty white teeth and wants to touch up their shade occasionally.
Keep in Mind
We noticed some long-term discomfort over time, though, possibly because it felt pretty abrasive. When we stopped, we immediately noticed yellowing and staining. Consistency will bring substantial results, but the heightened sensitivity of the teeth was discouraging for daily use.
Type: Toothpaste | Application Time: Brush as usual, 1 to 2 times daily | Active Ingredients: 0.25% sodium fluoride, 5% potassium nitrate
Best for Fast Results
Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips
View On Amazon
$45
View On Walmart
$30
View On Walgreens
$39
Pros
You can talk while wearing them
Results in under three days
Cons
Only covers the most visible teeth
Can leave a film if you dont brush after removal
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips if you want whiter teeth fast. Although they do not contain peroxide (opting for a mix of natural ingredients), we found these strips to be a quick and easy way to whiten our teeth in just a couple of days. Not only were these strips easy to apply, but we liked how they tasted refreshing (not plasticky) and didnt interfere with our conversations (yep, we could talk with these on!). In testing, we observed a gradual lightening of about two shades in under three days, which means you can use these to get a super-short turnaround on brighter teeth.
You get 21 treatments, which we thought was a great value, considering youll see results in just three days. We also appreciated that this is an alternative to more chemical-based kits, which makes it a little friendlier for people with sensitive teeth.
Keep in Mind
The only downside was that the strips only cover the front six to eight of your teeth, so if you were hoping for sparkling molars, this wont get you there.
Type: Strips | Application Time: 30 minutes, once daily | Active Ingredients: N/A
If you want to learn more, please visit our website whitening strips without chlorine dioxide.