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There are very few things that I fear as much as going to the dentist. Are they going to shame me for not flossing every day? Do I need to go into a witness protection program? Sometimes, it’s better not to find out and just do it yourself. If you've found your way here, it's quite possible your teeth are looking dull and stained from too much morning coffee's to get your day going, or red wine as you catch up with friends. The drugstore aisles are filled with teeth-whitening products promising overnight results. You’re overwhelmed. What actually works? You begin to panic, run home, and pour yourself a glass of the reddest red wine to recover from the chaotic aisles...and so the cycle continues. That is, until you find an at-home teeth whitening kit that actually works. “I’ve seen teeth whitening have mental health benefits,” says aesthetic dentist Dr. Apa. So, what are you waiting for?
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3
Best For Stain Removal
Smile Direct Club Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light
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4
Best Whitening Add-On
Lovely Bright Smile Mint Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Powder
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Best Sustainable Option
Bite Teeth Whitening Kit
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Best For Sensitive Teeth
Crest 3D White Whitestrips Dental Whitening Kit Sensitive
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Best On-The-Go Option
Go Smile Glow On The Go Teeth Whitening Device
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Best For Beginners
Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen
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Best Rechargeable LED Kit
CO. by Colgate SuperNova Rechargeable At-Home Teeth Whitening Kit
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While professional teeth whitening will give you the most dramatic results in no time, there are lots of great kits you can try at home that can provide a similar effect. Whether you want a pen, a high-tech device, or tried-and-true strips, we’ve got you covered. Using a formula packed with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide will polish off stains and boost the overall appearance of your teeth. Here, find the 14 best at-home teeth whitening products on the market and some tips from our smile-loving experts.
Pros
No sensitivity
Cons
Gel takes time to dry
If you’re looking for whiter teeth in no time, look no further. You can use the Crest Whitening Emulsions and LED light up to four times a day to boost your results. Apply the emulsions to your teeth and hold the light in place. Not only is this option quick, but it was designed for even sensitive teeth in mind. No pain, all the gain.
A Target reviewer says: “This is a great whitening product for people with sensitive teeth. I experience tooth sensitivity after using whitening strips, but didn’t experience any discomfort after using this gel. I like the feeling of the gel opposed to white strips sliding off my teeth. I started using this product a few weeks before my wedding and saw a dramatic difference in a short time.”
Pros
Compact and portable
Cons
Pricey
For a professional experience at home, this kit has it all. It comes with a whitening pen and films to dramatically improve your smile without causing sensitivity. The pen is small and the trays are individually wrapped, making this kit travel friendly.
An Apa reviewer says: “Got this kit for myself a week before my wedding. I can't recommend enough!”
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Best For Stain Removal
Smile Direct Club Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light
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Best For Stain Removal
Smile Direct Club Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light
Pros
Easy to use
Cons
Takes a week to see results
I’ve been using this kit for the past few months and have not only noticed whiter teeth but the fading of stains. I recommend using it twice each day for a week, and then continuing to use it periodically for maintenance. I like to plug the light into my phone and whiten my teeth for five minutes while making my bed in the morning or tidying up at night.
A Smile Direct Club reviewer says: “This kit far exceeded my expectations. It removed stains even my dentist couldn’t. I’m singing its praises to anyone interested.”
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Best Whitening Add-On
Lovely Bright Smile Mint Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Powder
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Best Whitening Add-On
Lovely Bright Smile Mint Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Powder
Pros
Easy to add to routine
Cons
Powder may be messy
If adding another step to your oral care routine sounds like a lot, opt for this activated charcoal powder instead. Simply add to your toothpaste when you brush. Bentonite clay will polish the enamel on your teeth to fade stains and reveal a brighter, whiter smile.
A Lovely Bright Smile reviewer says: “This is a good product, and it lasts a while, too, even with brushing twice a day. Definitely have a repeat customer.”
Pros
Recyclable
Cons
Must use twice a day for 14 days
The Bite Teeth Whitening Kit is the first and only plastic-free teeth whitening kit. The whitening solution is housed in a glass container, and the applicator is entirely compostable. Plus, the system is incredibly easy to use. Just brush the solution onto your teeth and smile for two minutes as it begins to bubble, getting down to whitening business. Rinse off excess and show off your pearly whites. Try out the Bite subscription service if you want to stay extra consistent with your oral care routine.
A Bite reviewer says: “Bite whitened my teeth quickly and tastes good and is easy to do! And I love the convenience of the toothpaste Bites! Great for traveling/overnights/camping, or just being out for a day.”
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Best For Sensitive Teeth
Crest 3D White Whitestrips Dental Whitening Kit Sensitive
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Best For Sensitive Teeth
Crest 3D White Whitestrips Dental Whitening Kit Sensitive
Pros
Easy to use
Cons
Takes two weeks to see full results
If you’re anything like me, your bottom teeth are extra sensitive. Whenever I try to use a whitening strip on them, I instantly regret it and throw it away. Well, gone are the days of wasting your whitening kits with this one from Crest, developed with sensitive teeth in mind. Try this one if you never thought you could use a whitening kit.
An Ulta reviewer says: “I’ve been using these for years, and they don’t work quite as well as the other Crest white strips, but they do not hurt my sensitive teeth and gums at all! After a few uses, I definitely see a difference, and I continue to re-purchase these.”
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Best On-The-Go Option
Go Smile Glow On The Go Teeth Whitening Device
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Best On-The-Go Option
Go Smile Glow On The Go Teeth Whitening Device
Pros
Travel friendly
Cons
Pricey
If the idea of whitening your teeth on your morning commute, while walking your dog, or waiting in the terminal for your flight to Fiji (we wish) speaks to you, then this portable kit is the one for you. The set includes a whitening gel and a small blue light device to amplify the effects.
“I think everyone should get one of these if they want whiter teeth. I’m so tired of the wine and tea statins. This is like magic to make them go away. I cannot tell you how much I love this!”
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Best For Beginners
Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen
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Best For Beginners
Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen
Pros
Quick and easy
Cons
Product may clump
This hydrogen peroxide-packed overnight pen makes whitening your teeth oh so easy. Simply apply the gel after brushing at night and wake up with a brand new smile.
A Target reviewer says: “I never write reviews, but this product absolutely deserves it. It whitened my teeth with noticeable results in just the first use. Everyone deserves to smile confidently, and this gel pen gives you that.”
Pros
No mess
Cons
Pricey
Whitening your teeth can seem like a chore. Whether you’re applying a thick gel or trying to remove a slimy strip, it can be annoying. But with Moon’s dissolving strips, there will be little-to-no-excess when you finish up your five-minute whitening session with the LED device. Plus, Kendall Jenner is a fan, and her teeth are blindingly white.
An Ulta reviewer says: “I would never use the dissolving strips alone, but with this device, THEY WORK! This has been the most effective system I’ve ever used with ZERO side effects.”
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Best Rechargeable LED Kit
CO. by Colgate SuperNova Rechargeable At-Home Teeth Whitening Kit
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Best Rechargeable LED Kit
CO. by Colgate SuperNova Rechargeable At-Home Teeth Whitening Kit
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Pros
Quick results
Cons
Pricey
This kit comes with a whitening pen and a rechargeable LED light for easy at-home whitening. Use the light for 10 minutes each day for the best results. With the SuperNova kit, your smile will be out of this world, pun intended.
An Ulta reviewer says: “I really love this product. I have sensitive teeth, and I have found that it does not irritate my teeth. I have noticed a difference in my teeth since using this whitening kit. I like it more than the white strips I was using previously.”
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Best User-Friendly Option
GLO Science GLO Brilliant White Smile At Home Teeth Whitening Device
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Best User-Friendly Option
GLO Science GLO Brilliant White Smile At Home Teeth Whitening Device
Pros
Prevents sensitvity
Cons
Pricey
The GLO Science formula includes hydrogen peroxide to whiten the teeth and remove stains, while potassium nitrate prevents sensitivity. This kit also comes with a tooth shade guide to help you track your teeth whitening process and a lip treatment to keep your pout from getting dry.
A Sephora reviewer says: “Wow, what can I say? I was really impressed by how quick and simple this product worked! It is even dentist-invented, so my hopes were high as to the effectiveness of this product. My teeth did, in fact, get visibly whiter after only a few uses too, and I loved how I could use the device around the house even when busy.”
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Best For Long-Lasting Results
SNOW Teeth Whitening Kit
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Best For Long-Lasting Results
SNOW Teeth Whitening Kit
Pros
Includes up to 75 treatments
Cons
Pricey
Dentists developed Snow’s teeth whitening kit to provide professional whitening results at home. Reviewers noticed a major difference in their teeth in just a few treatments. Plus, a portion of every Snow sale is donated to dental care for children.
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have only had the whitening kit for a few days and have used it every day. Already seeing a difference! Works fast!”
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Pros
Fights against cavities and decay
Cons
Pricey
First off, this bottle and brush will look so chic on your bathroom counter. It’s also super simple to use. Just apply it on dry teeth before bed, and the formula will get to work overnight. The brand’s patented technology helps strengthen teeth and gums while fighting against cavities and decay.
A Saks reviewer says: “Amazing whitening kit from a green, sustainable company. It works, and I LOVE it!!”
Pros
No mess
Cons
Must use for 30 minutes
The Auraglow prefilled whitening trays make it easier than ever to brighten your smile. Pop in the tray for 30 minutes and go forth with shiny white teeth—no messing with a pen or strip here.
An Amazon reviewer says: “My teeth are definitely whiter even after only three applications.”
What ingredients should you look for when purchasing a teeth whitening kit?
“Hydrogen peroxide, the same enamel-safe ingredient dentists use for teeth whitening, is the main ingredient consumers should look for,” says Venneri. “For a teeth-whitening kit to be effective–meaning it attacks both extrinsic and intrinsic stains to bleach teeth beyond their natural color–it must contain one of two active ingredients: hydrogen peroxide (fast-acting, but increased sensitivity) or carbamide peroxide (slower-acting, but less sensitivity),” says Dr. Apa. You should also look for ingredients like peroxide droplets and potassium nitrate, which help to reduce sensitivity.
Kits with LED lights can help boost the results of the whitening formulas. “Blue light acts as a catalyst for the bleaching products,” says Dr. Lowenberg. “It increases the chemical reaction that hydrogen peroxide does.”
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Does teeth whitening provide any sort of benefit aside from aesthetics?
“I’ve seen teeth whitening have mental health benefits,” says Dr. Apa. “Think about it–when your teeth are whiter, you typically smile more, and studies show that smiling can have a positive impact on mood. You’re tricking your brain into happiness! Have you heard the saying, ‘when you smile on the phone, the other person can hear it?’ It’s something like that.”
What can you do to prolong the effects of teeth whitening?
Many kits recommend not eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after whitening to avoid staining. Dr. Apa also suggests avoiding food or drinks with heavy coloring for 48 hours–think tomato sauce, red wine, berries, and coffee.
What are the precautions associated with teeth whitening?
“The teeth can get temporarily sensitive,” says Dr. Lowenberg. “You don’t want to bleach if you have a cavity or decay, and you can’t bleach dental work, like crowns of porcelain veneers, because it won’t change color.”
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Meet the Experts
Aly Venneri, Crest Teeth Whitening’s Brand Director
Dr. Marc Lowenberg, Cosmetic Dentist of Lowenberg, Lituchy & Kantor in NYC
Dr. Michael Apa, Aesthetic Dentist and Founder of Apa Beauty