At-home teeth whitening products offer a convenient and effective way to achieve a brighter smile. Many options can lighten the shade of your teeth as well as a professional treatment could, and often at a fraction of the price. We’ve asked several dentists to break down the best teeth whitening kits on the market. These recommendations often feature active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to lift stains.
“Hydrogen peroxide is the main ingredient in most tooth-whitening products,” says dentist and If Your Mouth Could Talk author Dr. Kammi Hoss. “Products containing peroxides, such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, act as bleaching agents to change the color of teeth. Peroxide can partially penetrate the layers of teeth, removing compounds that cause discoloration.” According to Hoss, most over-the-counter products feature a range in concentration from 3% to 10%, while dentists typically offer treatments with concentrations up to 40%.
Glo Science’s teeth whitening device lightens the shade of teeth quickly without causing … [+] sensitivity.
Dermstore
Keep in mind that these aren’t a substitute for routine dental cleanings and exams, but maintaining those can certainly help. “Those who see their dentist regularly, brush twice a day and floss regularly will be able to keep the whitening effect lasting longer,” says cosmetic dentist and Silicon Beach Dental founder Dr. Lawrence Fung. “For some people, the brightness can last a month or two, while for others it may last up to six months.” Ahead, find the best teeth whitening kits for getting a more radiant smile, according to experts.
Best Teeth Whitening Kit Overall
A Set Of Pre-Filled Trays For Easy Whitening
The Opalescence Go is an easy-to-use system that’s available in various strengths, like 10% hydrogen peroxide, to suit various needs. NYC-based dentist Dr. Sharon Huang finds it perfect for at-home use. “It’s strong enough to be effective, but not too strong that it will make teeth sensitive or cause harm when used as instructed,” she says.
Dr. Fung also prefers this system over other options. “I like the Opalescence Go versus some of the other brands, as their whitening gels not only include hydrogen peroxide but also potassium nitrate, which helps desensitize the teeth,” he says. For best results the trays should be worn for 15-30 minutes daily over the course of 5-7 days.
Best Custom Teeth Whitening Kit
A Tailor-Made System Delivered To Your Doorstep
This system from Smile Brilliant takes the guesswork out of whitening your teeth. “You take molds of your upper and lower teeth, and the company creates trays that fit your teeth” says Dr. Huang, who considers it as close as it gets to a customizable take-home whitening solution. It comes with a whitening gel made from 22% carbamide peroxide and a syringe for applying the solution to the trays. “If you choose the sensitive option, they will also include desensitizing gel to make the process more pleasant,” she says.
Best Teeth Whitening Kit For Sensitive Teeth
A Two-Step System That’s Especially Gentle On Teeth
“This kit uses carbamide peroxide, a version of hydrogen peroxide that has a proven track record for whitening,” says Freking. It’s enamel-safe and won’t cause any tooth sensitivity, according to reviewers. The kit should last you four whitening cycles, and when you need a refresh you can repurchase the pen alone, which is great.
Best LED Teeth Whitening Kit
An Option That Delivers Results—Fast
New York City dentist and Park Slope Dentistry director Dr. Angelique Freking recommends Glo Science’s Glo Brilliant Personal Teeth Whitening Device. “This chic kit uses hydrogen peroxide and a tray with LED light built in to brighten your teeth,” she says. Wondering how bright your teeth can go? This system claims to make them up to five shades brighter in as little as one week. Plus, it includes a lip balm to prevent dry, cracked lips.
Best Teeth Whitening Strips
A Dependable Drugstore Favorite You Can Use On The Go
Editor’s Pick
It doesn’t have to be inconvenient or expensive to whiten your teeth like a professional. Crest’s 3D White Strips are an affordable option you can use on the go that makes teeth look brighter after one 60-minute treatment and up to 18 shades whiter in 20 days. The kit includes 20 mess-free whitening strips coated in hydrogen peroxide. What’s best is that they cling to your teeth and stay put, so you can go about your day as usual.
Best Affordable Teeth Whitening Kit
Everyday Essentials For A Brighter Smile
Spotlight Oral Care US & CA
Spotlight is a sustainable brand that offers affordable products for brightening your smile—all of which you can score for under $20 when you grab their Conscious Oral Care Kit. It includes everything you need for teeth-whitening at home or on the go, including a whitening pen, toothpaste, whitening strips and dental floss. “The whitening pen actively whitens teeth through the use of hydrogen carbonate calcium, an active ingredient that removes stains, and the floss has hydrogen peroxide in it so you can whiten in between teeth as well for a more bright, even appearance,” says Huang.
Best Teeth Whitening Pen
A Dynamic Kit That Will Make Your Teeth Pearly White
When it comes to choosing the products for you, cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Apa recommends looking for something easy to use, fits comfortably in the mouth and delivers safe and effective results—which is why he created this kit. You don’t have to deal with a clunky mouth tray or messy gel formula. “It’s a five-day, two-step process that uses a White Pen and White Films (both contain carbamide peroxide) to deliver maximum results, with minimum sensitivity,” he says.
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