Toothpaste: Whitening toothpastes contain low levels of peroxide and are less effective than other whitening products. Toothpaste results are temporary. To determine a toothpaste's effectiveness, check its relative dentin abrasion (RDA) on the manufacturer's website.
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Strips : Teeth whitening strips are thin, flexible pieces of plastic coated with a layer of whitening gel, typically containing peroxide, which helps to bleach and remove stains from the teeth. They are designed to be applied directly to the teeth and worn for a designated time.
Pens: Whitening pens contain a peroxide gel typically applied with a brush head. The peroxide available in pens is often lower than in a gel kit, and their lower duration makes them less effective than at-home treatments.
LED: These devices work by using the peroxide gel as a base and activating the gel. The LED speeds up the gel's effects, accelerating the process and enhancing results through oxidation. However, LED devices can have negative side effects (such as causing tissue damage), so dentists warn you to use caution if adding one to your dental routine.
Gel: Almost all whitening kits contain whitening gel, which is the activator in LED kits and whitening pens. Whitening gels are made with either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide.
In my experience, finding the right teeth whitening kit is all about striking the perfect balance. You want a product that&#;s powerful enough to make a difference but gentle enough to keep your teeth healthy and comfortable. The Lumineux Bright Pen checks all those boxes for me, and I couldn&#;t be happier with the results.
I&#;m an Editor at Health and I've tried every teeth whitening product out there, from strips to gels, but after dental surgery and multiple professional treatments, my sensitive teeth needed something gentler. The Lumineux Bright Pen has been my go-to for a brighter smile between professional sessions, offering effective results without the sensitivity or irritation I've experienced with other products. Dentists, like Dr. Velayo, emphasize the importance of choosing a product with the right balance of peroxide concentration and duration&#;something you won't find in quick-fix options like toothpaste.
To find the best teeth whiteners, we tested over 50 products in our lab and are continually testing at home. We've narrowed our list of top products by following expert guidance and ranking each option based on convenience, comfort, effectiveness, and overall value . An orthodontist on our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy.
If you&#;re looking for long-lasting results, Bianca Velayo, DMD of Green Valley Smiles Dentistry, recommends using peroxide-based products, which will help whiten tooth enamel and reverse internal and external teeth stains. While the results from at-home whitening kits won't be as drastic as professional treatment, Lena Varone , DMD, of the New York Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, says you should expect to see your teeth lightened by one to two shades depending on the product ingredient concentration, how long it's used and the cause of your stains.
Teeth whiteners are an easy, convenient way to brighten your teeth a few shades, but they can also work under the enamel to remove built-up staining. The best teeth whitening kits work by removing both external stains, like the ones you might get from a coffee habit, and intrinsic stains, which typically need to be treated on a deeper chemical level.
Best Overall
Crest Leave-on Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light
PHOTO: Crest
$60
Why We Like It
The Crest Whitening Emulsion with LED Light stands out as the best overall teeth whitening product due to its ease of use, effectiveness, and comfort. Its simple, straightforward process, coupled with the ability to carry on with normal activities during treatment, makes it highly convenient and user-friendly. With noticeable results and a gentle formula that minimizes sensitivity, it provides an unparalleled whitening experience.
The whitening process was remarkably straightforward, and it was so simple that we initially doubted if we were doing it correctly! All we had to do was apply the gel, carry on with our daily activities for 30 minutes, then use the LED device in our mouths for 3 minutes, and that was it. The entire process takes about 33 minutes and is completely painless. No charging is required for this product, which is convenient, and it comes in a box with a small plastic stand for the wand and whitening product.
The product's instructions allow for up to four uses per day, which is surprising considering potential sensitivity issues but we experienced no issues, a surprising plus given our lack of gum sensitivity. The results were noticeable, lightening our teeth by about two shades. This kit was more enjoyable compared to other products we tested. It's easy to apply, comfortable to wear, and discreet enough for use during activities like Zoom calls, making it worth the investment for quick, effective whitening.
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Best Purple Whitener
Laser Glow Purple Toothpaste Color Corrector
PHOTO: Health / Anisa Arsenault
Why We Like It
The Laser Glow Purple Toothpaste stands out as the best purple whitening paste due to its unique formula that combines ease of use, gentle whitening effects, and a pleasant taste, making it a standout choice for those seeking a mild and convenient teeth whitening solution.
It applied easily, although initially more liquidy than regular toothpaste. The first few seconds of brushing left a temporary purple hue on our teeth, but this quickly dissipated. The toothpaste, with its gel-like consistency, was easy to use and didn&#;t foam, allowing for thorough brushing without causing sensitivity. It had a minty, pleasant taste after an initial medicinal flavor. While we didn&#;t notice dramatic, immediate effects, our teeth appeared slightly whiter over time.
It offered a mild whitening effect and was a simple addition to our morning routine. While not a robust whitening solution, we&#;d recommend it for those interested in a gentle, convenient product.
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PHOTO: Health
PHOTO: Health
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Best LED
Auraglow Whitening Kit
PHOTO: Health / Jessica Juliao
$60
Why We Like It
Auraglow&#;s Deluxe Teeth Whitening Kit uses a handheld LED device to whiten teeth in 30-minute sessions over the course of one week. The device claims to whiten up to 10 shades in that amount of time, which we found to be true.
But, while we found our teeth were noticeably whiter after testing, the device itself did leave us wanting more. The tray is quite large, especially for smaller mouths. However, in our opinion, the slight discomfort from the large tray isn't enough to take away from the satisfaction we got from the results. And given how much we know professional whitening costs, we would absolutely say this is worth the price for a brighter smile.
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Best Pen
Lumineux Bright² Pen
PHOTO: Health / Jessica Juliao
$21
Why We Like It
The Lumineux Bright Pen provides a gentle yet effective whitening solution that avoids the common issue of increased sensitivity or irritation, making it an ideal choice for those who want a brighter smile without discomfort.
Peroxide&#;either hydrogen or carbamide&#;is the active ingredient in most whitening products, but it can lead to tooth sensitivity. Lumineux, a fan-favorite whitening company, makes all its products without peroxide. Instead, they use a combination of essential oils to provide results&#;without any chemical taste you get from most whitening products.
Using the pen was straightforward: just twist, apply, and go. It was so easy that we could do it without a mirror. The pen's precise brush allowed for effortless application, reaching every part of our teeth without any mess. We had to wait 30 minutes after application before eating or drinking. Within two weeks, we noticed our teeth becoming a shade lighter, enhancing our confidence in our smile. We didn&#;t experience any sensitivity or irritation, a welcome change from our past experiences with teeth-whitening products. The pack included two pens, offering excellent value for a single purchase or a $10 discount with a subscription.
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Best Trays
Opalescence Tooth Whitening Prefilled Trays
PHOTO: Health / Jessica Juliao
Why We Like It
Opalascence Go Prefilled Trays wins our pick for best teeth whitening trays. A whitening tray can offer a happy medium between white strips and an LED device, typically with a more comfortable and sometimes more effective output. The Opalescence Go Prefilled Trays use a 15% hydrogen peroxide treatment, which is higher than some of the other options on our list, meaning you&#;ll get faster results.
We noticed almost immediate results after one use, although the higher dose causes some discomfort and sensitivity. We tried the higher formulation, but Opalescence also makes its trays in a 10% hydrogen peroxide formulation.
Opalescence is also a favorite brand of dentists, particularly Dr. Velayo. &#;More clinical studies, articles, and reviews have been published on Opalescence whitening than any other professional whitening brand. It's part of the reason why it's so highly trusted,&#; she says.
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Best for Sensitive Teeth
Crest 3D Sensitive Teeth Whitening Kit
PHOTO: Health / Jessica Juliao
$50
$40
Why We Like It
Tooth sensitivity is one of the biggest concerns for people looking to get whiter teeth. Some products are designed for sensitive teeth&#;like the Crest 3D Sensitive Whitestrips. The difference is a lower peroxide level; the sensitive strips contain 5.25% hydrogen peroxide compared to Crest&#;s standard 6.5%.
We were surprised by how gentle this product was on our very sensitive teeth and gums. We also noticed a difference in the color of our teeth right away while using the strips. The Crest Whitestrips for Sensitive Teeth work like the other strips in Crest&#;s lineup: just wear them once a day for 30 minutes, and you should see full results in about two weeks&#;all without tooth pain. Plus, these strips use Crest&#;s AdvancedSeal tech for a non-slip grip on teeth during whitening.
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Best Strips
Lumineux teeth whitening strips
PHOTO: Health / Jessica Juliao
The company is the world’s best teeth whitening kit wholesale supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
$39
Why We Like It
While using peroxide to bleach your teeth isn't harmful, it should be limited because it can soften your enamel over time, says Dr. Hovanisyan. If you&#;re worried about peroxide use, Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips is peroxide-free, using essential oils instead of more standard chemicals to whiten teeth. Its ingredient list includes lemon peel oil, coconut oil, sage oil, and Dead Sea salt.
If you&#;re wondering how well all-natural whitening solutions stand up to chemical whitening, the answer might be surprising. A study of chemical teeth whitening and all-natural teeth whitening products found that while chemical whitening provided more drastic results, all-natural products weren&#;t far behind&#;plus they left teeth with fewer surface issues after use.
We found these strips comfortable and easy to use, allowing us to carry on with our daily activities, including conversations, during the 30-minute treatment. The strips, which lack an unpleasant taste and instead offer a slightly refreshing flavor, showed effectiveness after two to three applications, gradually whitening our teeth by approximately two shades. We also found that the strips were easy to apply and stayed on our teeth even while talking, though they only cover the front 6-8 teeth on each row. For 21 treatments, we consider them a great option, especially given their effectiveness and suitability for sensitive teeth and gums.
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Best Gel
iSmile LED Teeth Whitening Kit
PHOTO: Health / Jessica Juliao
Why We Like It
Like some of the other products on our list, the iSmile Teeth Whitening Kit uses gel in combination with an LED device, but this device has a clean and easy application, which is rarely guaranteed with gel products. That&#;s why it&#;s our tested pick for the best teeth-whitening gel. It's convenient how you can apply the solution onto the mechanism before putting it in your mouth. This allows it to be less messy and for the solution to be evenly applied when you bite down.
It&#;s also fairly quick and effective, requiring only 10-minute treatments over the course of a week, which brought us up five shades in lightness. We think it may have been more effective than previous whitening treatments we&#;ve done in the past at the dentist&#;s office.
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Best Budget LED
Cali White White Teeth Whitening Kit
PHOTO: Health / Jhett Thompson
Why We Like It
The Cali White Teeth Whitening Kit is a quick and easy teeth whitening kit. The LED process is a 10-minute three-step process, and then you&#;re done and ready to take on the world with a lighter and brighter smile. The sessions are quicker than LED options (10 minutes versus 30), and this is a more affordable option as well, which gives this product a lot of value.
The process required us to squeeze out the gel onto the tray, put the tray into our mouths, and turn on the LED light. That&#;s it! At the end of the lighting session, the LED light automatically turns off, which is good if you lose track of time or forget to use a timer.
By the end of initially testing this product, our teeth were one to two shades lighter. We didn't experience any discomfort beyond the mint-tasting paste, causing our gums to tingle throughout use. However, though it comes with a travel case for the guard, we do wish it included a travel case for the LED light too.
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PHOTO: Health / Tamara Staples
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PHOTO: Health / Jhett Thompson
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Most Convenient
Colgate ComfortFit LED Teeth Whitening Kit
PHOTO: Health / Jhett Thompson
$50
Why We Like It
We found the Colgate ComfortFit LED Teeth Whitening Kit refreshingly uncomplicated to use, with no app required. This kit is conveniently powered by a cell outlet, making it easy to use on the go. We simply plugged it into our cell , put the tray in our mouth, and continued with our routine. The built-in auto-timer for 10 minutes, with beeps to indicate halfway and completion, made the process hassle-free and effortless.
We often used it during our nighttime skincare routine and would forget it was even there, thanks to its comfortable fit. The tray, being flexible and adjustable, caused no irritation or discomfort, and we felt no sensations while using it. After a couple of uses, we noticed our teeth looked brighter and a full shade lighter. Compared to white strips, which can leave the mouth feeling unpleasant and require constant swallowing of gel, this kit was barely noticeable and met our expectations for ease and comfort.
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PHOTO: Health
PHOTO: Health
Best for Stains
PurelyWhite Deluxe Teeth Whitening Kit
PHOTO: Target
$40
$59
Why We Like It
The PurelyWHITE DELUXE Teeth Whitening kit is our pick for best teeth whitening kit for stains. It&#;s an LED-powered device that&#;s great at targeting ten years' worth of stains and spots on the teeth with minimal sensitivity.
There&#;s no app with this teeth whitening kit, and the process is simple and reminiscent of many other whitening kits on the market. The process itself was simple and quick, taking about 12 minutes per session. We immediately saw a difference in certain spots of our teeth after using the kit. However, the whiteness did seem to fade over time.
While this device doesn&#;t need to charge, we did experience some issues with the batteries. Turning it on and off can be a struggle, and in order for it to operate properly at times we had to completely remove the batteries. Despite these challenges, we still think the product is worth its price tag, as it does work.
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Best Non-Toxic
Boka Sensitive Smile Whitening Strips
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Like It
The Boka Teeth Whitening Strips is our top choice for teeth whitening without peroxide, offering a safer, non-toxic alternative for achieving a brighter smile. Their innovative formula uses Phthalimido-Peroxy-Caproic Acid & N-HA (Nano Hydroxyapatite) for effective results with minimal sensitivity. We noticed a visible improvement in our teeth&#;s whiteness after just four applications. We found these strips were comfortable to wear, but it took a moment to figure out the correct placement. The entire process fit seamlessly into our routine, taking only 33 minutes, including application and cleaning. By the fifth use, we experienced minor teeth sensitivity but it was manageable. With a pleasant flavor and peroxide-free formula, these strips offered great effectiveness for the price.
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As seen on Allure, Dr. Hadaegh recommends one of his favorite drugstore teeth-whitening kits.
In an ideal world, brushing your teeth routinely would be enough to keep your set of pearly whites, well, pearly and white between routine dentist appointments. But alas, for many of us (particularly those of us with a serious coffee habit), that&#;s just not the case. We feel moved to hit up the local drugstore for whitening products to freshen up our smiles &#; perhaps without giving much thought to what those products actually are and how they work.
&#;Tooth enamel [is] a crystal,&#; Matthew Messina, DDS, spokesperson for the American Dental Association (ADA), says. &#;If you were to look at tooth enamel under a really powerful microscope, [the structure] kind of looks like chicken wire&#; (or wire mesh). He explains that removing stains within the matrix of the tooth enamel is like getting out dirt stuck in chicken wire: &#;So what happens in whitening is we want to&#;open the matrix and bubble out that color, the stain, and then close it back up.&#;
That&#;s where peroxide comes in. Dr. Messina says peroxide causes that bubbling to occur, so the active ingredient in whitening kits you buy will be hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide (a diluted version of hydrogen peroxide). &#;Carbamide peroxide is used because it&#;s a comparatively stable compound,&#; Neil Hadaegh, DDS, a cosmetic and restorative dentist in Beverly Hills, California says. &#;This helps the
manufacturer to insure product quality and consistency at the consumer&#;s end.&#; Dr. Messina notes that aside from the peroxide, over-the-counter whitening products usually contain some additional ingredient to improve the taste.
Peroxide is the main active ingredient in the products dentists use to do professional whitening in their offices, too. The only difference is the concentration. &#;If we&#;re doing something where we can mask off the gum tissue&#;where the gum tissues are protected, we can use a stronger whitening agent&#;because it&#;s only touching the teeth,&#; Dr. Messina says. &#;Something you&#;re using over-the-counter has the potential to touch the gum tissues or be swallowed. So, we have to use a much lower strength of the active ingredient because&#;it might burn [the patient&#;s] gum tissues.&#; Professionals, on the other hand, &#;can take all the necessary precautions to make sure the gum tissue is safe and protected and the whitening agent is only getting on the tooth enamel that we want whiter.&#;
Ultimately, Dr. Messina says that all over-the-counter, peroxide-based whiteners will deliver comparable results as long as you follow the manufacturer&#;s instructions for use. One ingredient to steer clear of? Hydrated silica. Dr. Hadaegh says that the substance is &#;made from a crystallized compound found in quartz and sand [and] can damage tooth enamel and gum tissue.&#; Aside from that, Giri Palani, DDS, a dentist in Beverly Hills and Palos Verdes, California says the most important thing is to look for when you&#;re shopping is ease of use. &#;Also, [you] want to make sure that the product you buy has a good shelf life and you store the product properly ([in] the refrigerator will last longer),&#; he says.
Once you have a kit, Dr. Messina says you can use it for seven to 10 days to start, and then once every other week or so for maintenance. Before you do so, though, consider taking a trip to the dentist for your standard teeth cleaning and to consult on your at-home whitening plans. &#;Tooth whitening is something that should only be done in a healthy mouth situation,&#; he says. &#;If somebody has cavities or periodontal disease, or some other reason why their teeth aren&#;t white, whitening is not the right choice for them. That&#;s why it&#;s always good to have a thorough examination done by your dentist before starting on a whitening program.&#; Not to mention, if you do the whitening right after having your teeth cleaned at the dentist, Dr. Messina says, you&#;ll be whitening your tooth enamel itself rather than the tartar or build-up on top of it. Regardless, he says, involving your dentist in the discussion will help you ensure you&#;re taking the right path.
Once you have that conversation, consider one of these over-the-counter kits.
1. Crest 3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects Teeth Whitening Kit, $44.99 (target.com)
There&#;s no doubt that Crest Whitestrips are one of the most recognizable over-the-counter teeth whitening systems available. It seems almost as if they&#;ve been around forever &#; and professionals still love &#;em. &#;Over the counter, I recommend Crest 3D White Whitestrips,&#; Dr. Hadaegh says. &#;A lot of my patients who naturally have whiter teeth or slightly discolored teeth are happy with the results.&#;
Dr. Palani is also a big advocate of whitening strips. &#;I have had great results with the strips,&#; he says. &#;When people use strips properly, they can get very close to professional whitening.&#;
2. Plus White 5 Minute Dental Whitening Kit, $11.49 (riteaid.com)
When it comes to tray options, Lana Rozenberg, DDS, a New-York-City-based cosmetic dentist, likes Plus White&#;s 5 Minute system. They cause &#;very little [tooth] sensitivity, [and they&#;re] less expensive than the strips but a bit easier, due to the trays,&#; she says.
3. Dr. Collins All White 22% Bleaching System, $20.49 (target.com)
&#;The strips or the trays are more effective than the pens because of the prolonged contact of the gel to the tooth,&#; Dr. Rozenberg says. But, Dr. Rozenberg notes, over-the-counter trays are one-size-fits-all, and the looser ones could allow more gel to seep out. A custom-fit, take-home tray from your dentist is the most ideal scenario, but you can get these &#;boil-n-bite&#; trays, which you can (at least somewhat) mold to your teeth, from drugstores. Just be sure to follow all instructions, and let the tray cool enough that you don&#;t burn yourself when putting it in your mouth!
4. Walgreens Extreme Whitening Wraps, $14.99 (walgreens.com)
Dr. Messina agrees that prolonged contact of whitener with teeth is key. &#;What we have to do is keep the whitening agent on the teeth,&#; he says. &#;So strips or trays have a better ability to keep the whitening agent against the teeth [than other products like pens] because [the whitening agent is] only effective as long as it stays there and saliva doesn&#;t wash [it] off.&#; If you&#;re having trouble finding trays that fit your mouth well, these more fitted wraps from Walgreens could do the trick.
5. Hager Pharma Mirawhite Oxygen Tooth Whitening Pen, $31.99 (cvs.com)
That&#;s not to say you can&#;t use whitening pens; they just may be more difficult to use effectively. &#;That&#;s the challenge with something like a pen,&#; Dr. Messina says. &#;Can you keep the teeth isolated? Can you keep your mouth open long enough and your lips away from the teeth long enough for it to work? And if you can do that, they&#;re very effective.&#;
6. CVS Platinum Whitening Kit,
Dr. Rozenberg says that over-the-counter whitening kits should contain from 10 to 35 percent carbamide peroxide (or three to 10 percent hydrogen peroxide) and are most effective at higher concentrations. (Dr. Messina notes that in general, though, manufacturers adjust the concentration based on how the product will be used and how long it will be held against the teeth.) At 25 percent carbamide peroxide, this CVS brand whitening kit hits near the top of the allowable range. Just be sure you use it carefully. &#;The product with higher concentrations of peroxide [means] higher chances of causing tooth sensitivity if worn for an extended period of time, and may cause gum irritations as well,&#; Dr. Rozenberg advises. &#;Do not wear longer than written in the instructions.&#; There you have it &#; happy whitening!
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