Want a Brighter Smile? Dentists Share the Best At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
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Vivian Le / TODAY
They say the best accessory is your smile, but even if you’re practicing good oral hygiene, you might feel that your teeth could use an extra boost. Especially if your other favorite "accessories" are a morning cup of coffee or an evening glass of wine, then that smile might start looking ... dull.
That's when teeth whitening kits come in. While the desire for a bright smile has been around since the dawn of time, thankfully, whitening techniques have now become easier and more accessible. With so many whitening products on the market, how do you know which one is the best for you? We asked dental experts to break down how to find the best whitening kits and the best ways to achieve a brighter smile right at home.
How do teeth whitening products work?
"Whitening strips work by targeting intrinsic stains, or stains contained within the body of the tooth," says prosthodontist Dr. Samantha Rawdin. "The active ingredients break up the stains within the tooth to physically brighten the color."
You may see products that promise to whiten teeth in the form of toothpaste, strips or gel tray kits; however, Rawdin says toothpaste will only target surface-level stains, and the brushing time and ingredients won't be as effective as whitening strips or trays.
Meanwhile, proper teeth whitening kits can contain bleaching ingredients and be left on for longer periods. "Look for trusted bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, says cosmetic dentist Dr. David Wagner. "These are key to removing deeper stains. If you’re prone to sensitivity, seek out products that contain potassium nitrate, fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite to help protect enamel and soothe nerves."
How do you properly use teeth whitening products?
Before you apply a strip or gel tray, dentists recommend brushing your teeth to remove any plaque, food or debris. This will give a clean surface area and allow the formula to better penetrate the tooth, says Rawdin.
The products will then "adhere to your teeth," and you'll typically leave them on for 10 to 30 minutes at a time daily for one to two weeks, says Wagner. However, you'll want to read the product directions since some time frames may differ. One thing that Rawdin notes is that both peroxide types take a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes to start working.
If you're looking for the best whitening products for your teeth, we're rounding up expert and editor-approved products below.
Expert and editor-picked teeth whitening products
Ollm Teeth Whitening Pen Gel
DIFFBOT
Wagner says this dissolvable gel pen is "convenient for touch-ups or [to] target spots." Coming in a portable pen, this is a good option for those who are busy and always on the go.
Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen
AMAZON
- Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen $19.97 at Amazon
- Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen $19.99 at Target
- Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen $19.97 at Walmart
Dr. Lawrence Fung of Silicon Beach Dental previously told Shop TODAY that while whitening pens typically aren’t the most effective tool, this option from Colgate can help target surface-level stains. Plus, the brand says it won't cause sensitivity.
Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips
AMAZON
- Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips $18.69 at Amazon
- Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips $18.25 at Walmart
- Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips $19.99 at Walgreens
If you're prone to sensitivity, Wagner likes these affordable strips because they're designed for sensitive smiles and are easy to use. While they only require two weeks of consistent use, they are intended for use twice a day.
Crest 3D Whitestrips Classic Vivid Teeth Whitening Strip Kit
AMAZON
Senior editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil says she’s been using these strips since she was a teenager. “The amazing thing is that, in my experience, this is not a product you need to use frequently to maintain the results. I usually have a box on hand and do a single set of strips here and there, maybe once or twice a year, and have been able to ward off yellowing,” she says. “ I don’t use the strips multiple days in a row (even though that’s what the instructions say to do) because I have sensitive teeth/gums, but even just using one set of strips for 30 minutes yields noticeable results in my experience.”
Crest 3D Whitestrips - Professional Effects
AMAZON
- Crest 3D Whitestrips - Professional Effects $44.99 at Amazon
- Crest 3D Whitestrips - Professional Effects $44.99 at Target
I [Garlin] love keeping a pack of these Whitestrips in my bathroom for full treatments or touch-ups. The formula is powerful, and I find that just using one strip occasionally will brighten my teeth almost immediately.
iSmile Teeth Whitening Kit
AMAZON
- iSmile Teeth Whitening Kit $20.99 at Amazon
- iSmile Teeth Whitening Kit $49.99 at iSmile
- iSmile Teeth Whitening Kit $34.97 at Walmart
Wagner says this is "a budget-friendly tray system that delivers fast, all-over whitening with minimal discomfort."
Opalescence Go 15 Prefilled Teeth Whitening Trays
AMAZON
"For over-the-counter products, I like the Opalescence Go whitening trays. They come with a more rigid applicator over the whitening strip that adheres them to the teeth better than many of the other whitening strips on the market," says Rawdin.
More teeth whitening products to shop
GuruNanda Teeth Whitening Strips
AMAZON
- GuruNanda Teeth Whitening Strips $9.97 at Amazon
- GuruNanda Teeth Whitening Strips $9.99 at Ulta
- GuruNanda Teeth Whitening Strips $9.97 at Walmart
With over 10,000 Amazon ratings, reviewers say they've noticed results within three days.
Amazon Basics 10 Day Teeth Whitening Strips Kit
AMAZON
"These are comparable to the name-brand products but much cheaper. They work well. You hardly notice you are wearing them," wrote one Amazon reviewer.
Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips
AMAZON
- Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips $22.99 at Amazon
- Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips $17.98 at Target
- Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips $29.98 at Walmart
With an impressive 56,000-plus reviews, reviewers love that these whitening strips don't cause sensitivity.
Moon Dissolving Teeth Whitening Strips
DIFFBOT
- Moon Dissolving Teeth Whitening Strips $39.99 at Amazon
- Moon Dissolving Teeth Whitening Strips $39.99 at Ulta
- Moon Dissolving Teeth Whitening Strips $39.99 at Moon Oral Beauty
You won't need to worry about a timer; these will start dissolving after application. According to reviewers, this is one of the easiest strips they've used that gave them results.
Colgate Optic White ComfortFit Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light
AMAZON
- Colgate Optic White ComfortFit Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light $49.96 at Amazon
- Colgate Optic White ComfortFit Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light $52.99 at Target
- Colgate Optic White ComfortFit Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light $37.95 at Walmart
"The pen itself is really easy to use. You have to dry your teeth to put it on and then the LED light even plugged into your phone to use. It is insanely helpful and easy and automatically turns off when the timer is done. I have noticed my teeth getting whiter throughout using this," wrote one Amazon reviewer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there side effects to using teeth whitening products?According to the dentists we spoke with, the main side effect of teeth whitening products is sensitivity. “The best way to manage that is by skipping a day as needed or using them every two to three days rather than every day as prescribed. Topical products with potassium nitrate (like some of Sensodyne's toothpastes) can help alleviate sensitivity,” says Rawdin.
Also, she notes the ingredient carbamide peroxide tends to be gentler on sensitive teeth.
Does blue light work with teeth whitening products?When it comes it LED light, both experts agree that the actual component of whitening results will be the peroxide.
How we chose
We selected the best teeth whitening products based on insights from interviews with top dentists and recommendations from Shop TODAY editors. Other teeth whitening products are sourced through verified shopper reviews and brand reputation.
Meet our experts
- Dr. Samantha Rawdin, DMD is a board-certified prosthodontist, a dental specialist practicing at Gallery57 Dental in New York City.
- Dr. David Wagner, DDS is a cosmetic dentist at Pinar & Wagner Dental Office in West Hollywood, California.
- Dr. Lawrence Fung, DDS is a dentist practicing at Silicon Beach Denta in Culver City, CA.
