One of the most important aspects of a great smile is having sparkling white teeth. According to Karen Asp, author of Anti-Aging Hacks: 200+ Ways to Feel and Look Younger, having bright-white teeth can make you look up to five years younger.
Even with the best electric and natural toothpaste, daily wear and strain on your beautiful whites can develop into stubborn surface stains. Fortunately, professional and at-home teeth whiteners can efficiently remove stains and brighten teeth. You’ll want to contact your local dentist’s office or teeth whitening clinic for a professional whitening procedure with a greater concentration of active bleaching chemicals for the most dramatic and immediate effects. The disadvantage is that professional whitening can cost anything from $200 to $1,500. However, at-home kits can produce noticeable improvements both immediately and over time.
That’s why the HomeAccessoris Institute researched the finest over-the-counter teeth whitening solutions to determine if they can compete with professional results – and the answer is a loud “yes.”
Our top picks:
1
BEST OVERALL TEETH WHITENING KIT
Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects Teeth Whitening Strips Kit
2
BEST TEETH WHITENING TOOTHPASTE
Colgate Optic White Renewal Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
3
BEST FAST-ACTING TEETH WHITENING KIT
Crest Whitening Emulsions Leave-on Teeth Whitening Kit
4
BEST TEETH WHITENING KIT FOR SENSITIVE TEETH
SmileDirectClub Bright On Teeth Whitening Kit
5
6
BEST TEETH WHITENING KIT WITH LIGHT
Go Smile Sonic Pro Professional Blue Light Teeth Whitening System
HA Beauty Lab scientists and experts reveal all you need to know about the best teeth whitening kits and procedures that actually work, including LED light alternatives and options for sensitive teeth. You’ll also get a detailed explanation of how we test, purchasing advice, and professional FAQs.
1
BEST OVERALL TEETH WHITENING KIT
Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects Teeth Whitening Strips Kit
NOW 20% OFF
PROS
- Proven to whiten teeth up multiple shades
- Clear strips are discreet to wear
- Easy to use
CONS
specifications
Whitening active
Hydrogen peroxide
Results in
20 days
Recommended usage
Daily
Level of whitening
Up to four shades
These Crest Whitestrips are the HA Beauty Lab’s gold standard for smile lightening, living up to their claim of professional-level whitening. According to lab tests, after 20 days of daily use, they lightened teeth by two to four shades. The strips cling to the teeth and can be worn conveniently during everyday activities. “My teeth were stained, and after using this product, I was amazed — I had one person think my teeth were fake because they were so white, and a few asked me what I had done,” one reviewer exclaimed.
2
PROS
- High levels of hydrogen peroxide
- Effectively removes stains
- Affordable
CONS
specifications
Whitening active
Hydrogen peroxide, silica (plus fluoride)
Results in
Four weeks
Recommended usage
Twice daily
Level of whitening
Up to 10 years of stains
Brush your teeth with Colgate’s breakthrough whitening toothpaste. This HA Beauty Award winner contains high quantities of bleaching active hydrogen peroxide to get significantly whiter teeth cheaply. According to GH Beauty Lab investigation, this toothpaste mixture with 3% hydrogen peroxide can eliminate up to 10 years of yellow stains on teeth in just four weeks of twice-daily use. “It works!” exclaimed one reviewer. “I drink a lot of coffee and tea, and I noticed that my teeth are so much whiter after using this toothpaste.”
3
BEST FAST-ACTING TEETH WHITENING KIT
Crest Whitening Emulsions Leave-on Teeth Whitening Kit
NOW 46% OFF
PROS
- Simple to use
- Visibly whitens teeth within a day
- Gentle and non-irritating
CONS
- Pricey
specifications
Whitening active
Hydrogen peroxide
Results in
One day
Recommended usage
Multiple times daily
Level of whitening
Two shades+
This simple Crest teeth whitening gel with a spatula application produces noticeable results in a single day, requiring no rinsing. “It painlessly whitened my sensitive teeth about two shades in one day — the difference is noticeable,” said Sabina Wizemann, Senior Chemist at HA Beauty Lab. “It stayed put, and after a minute or two, I didn’t even feel it on.”
4
BEST TEETH WHITENING KIT FOR SENSITIVE TEETH
SmileDirectClub Bright On Teeth Whitening Kit
PROS
- Gentle
- LED light accelerates whitening
- Can be plugged into your phone for on-the-go use
CONS
specifications
Whitening active
Hydrogen peroxide
Results in
One week
Recommended usage
Daily
Level of whitening claimed
Up to nine shades
The mess-free kit from SmileDirectClub comprises a hands-free LED accelerator light and whitening pens created with the same whitening chemical used by dentists during in-office treatments (but at a lesser dosage, resulting in less pain from sensitivity). You can also connect the light tray to your phone for on-the-go whitening. The business recommends devoting 10 minutes per day for at least one week to observe benefits. “I have REALLY sensitive teeth and gums, and I’ve never been able to use white strips without discomfort,” said one Amazon reviewer. “I’ve noticed a significant difference after only two treatments!”
5
BEST OVERNIGHT TEETH WHITENING KIT
Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen
NOW 20% OFF
PROS
- Works while you sleep
- Saves time
CONS
- Formula may harden on teeth or brush
specifications
Whitening active
Hydrogen peroxide
Results in
One week
Recommended usage
Nightly
Level of whitening claimed
Up to fifteen years of stains
Colgate’s time-saving pen with 3% lightning hydrogen peroxide whitens your teeth while you sleep. “I used this three or four nights in a row and saw my teeth go from yellow to a nice, bright white,” wrote one Amazon customer.
6
BEST TEETH WHITENING KIT WITH LIGHT
Go Smile Sonic Pro Professional Blue Light Teeth Whitening System
NOW 33% OFF
PROS
- Time-saving
- Visibly whitens teeth in two days
CONS
- Pricey
specifications
Whitening active
Hydrogen peroxide, silica, LED light
Results in
As soon as two days; 30 for maximum results
Recommended usage
Twice daily
Level of whitening claimed
Up to over seven shades
This HA Beauty Award-winning Go Smile kit includes an LED blue light toothbrush that works with the hydrogen peroxide gel to improve teeth whitening outcomes with no additional steps in your routine. Mix equal parts toothpaste and peroxide before brushing for two minutes. In GH Beauty Lab testing, the kit whitened the teeth of 90% of testers in just two days when used twice daily. “I saw results,” one tester exclaimed. You’ll have clean teeth and fresher breath as a bonus!
7
PROS
- Strips don't need to be removed
- Good for on the go
- Effective whitening
CONS
- No bundled stylus
specifications
Whitening active
Hydrogen peroxide
Results in
Two weeks
Recommended usage
Twice daily
Level of whitening claimed
Up to seven shades
Moon’s unique minty hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening strips self-dissolve after around 15 minutes on teeth, so you can place them on and forget about them. “This product actually worked after the first use!” exclaimed one Ulta reviewer. “They were completely gone in 20 minutes and tasted fantastic.”
8
PROS
- Lower level of active to minimize irritation
- Great for touch-ups
CONS
specifications
Whitening active
Hydrogen peroxide
Results in
Instant
Recommended usage
Twice daily
Level of whitening claimed
Up to two shades
Whitening pens, such as this one from Go Smile, will not significantly whiten your teeth due to reduced hydrogen peroxide. Still, the lower amount of the active component also means it will not bother sensitive teeth. They’re a great pick-me-up after teeth-staining beverages like coffee and red wine.
How we test teeth whitening products
The HomeAccessoris Institute Beauty Lab thoroughly evaluates teeth whitening products, such as toothpaste, strips, pens, and others. To quantify changes in tooth color, scientists measure testers’ tooth colors under standardized lighting before and after using a label-masked teeth whitening product as advised during a specific period.
At home, testers also evaluate the products on characteristics such as convenience of use, flavor, tooth sensitivity, cleaning performance (where applicable), and perceived whitening results. Before identifying the top whitening kits, Beauty Lab scientists count hundreds of data points to see how each product performs.
What to look for in a teeth whitener
✔️Active ingredients and potency: “Look for the active lightening ingredients hydrogen or carbamide peroxide — the maximum percentage for over-the-counter products is 10%,” says Sharon Huang, DDS, MICOI, a cosmetic dentist and founder of Les Belles NYC in New York City. “However, don’t be concerned with the percentage as long as the product contains the active ingredient, which bonds to the stain on teeth and lifts it.”
✔️Sensitivity-friendly ingredients: If you have sensitive teeth, “carbamide peroxide is less sensitizing than hydrogen peroxide because it takes more time for the whitening action to occur,” adds Dr. Huang. There are other treatments for severely sensitive teeth that don’t contain peroxide. Instead, she explains that they collect components like aloe vera and coconut oil, which have natural whitening benefits that draw stains from the teeth. “They’re not as effective as peroxide, but are a good natural option that’s gentler on the teeth,” Dr. Huang says.
✔️ Form: “I recommend whitening strips and use them personally,” she adds of the best teeth whitener type. “Because the strip wraps around the teeth, the whitening solution is constantly in contact with them, and they are the easiest to keep in the mouth for the recommended amount of time.”
What's the safest whitening option for sensitive teeth?
You should exercise caution while using at-home whitening treatments if you have sensitive teeth. “I recommend seeing your dentist if you have sensitive teeth, as they may be a sign of dental problems,” says Dr. Timothy Chase, cosmetic dentist and SmilesNY practicing partner. “If your teeth are in good condition but have sensitivity, your dentist can help with desensitizing treatments.”
Observe how your teeth react. “If you experience sensitivity or the edges of your teeth begin to appear see-through, you should discontinue the whitening regimen,” Dr. Chase advises.
How long does teeth whitening last?
It is determined by whether or not you go pro and your living habits. “Professional whitening will provide results that last longer — people usually get touch-ups every six months to a year,” Dr. Huang says, adding that “with at-home products like teeth whitening strips, you may need a touch-up every month to take the superficial stains off and keep teeth white over time.”
What you eat and drink, as well as whether or not you smoke, all contribute to the durability of teeth-whitening effects. “If you’re meticulous about avoiding anything that will stain your teeth and upkeep with whitening touch-up products, the results will last longer,” she says. “Tea (which stains more than coffee! ), tobacco, and red wine, followed by dark foods and juices like turmeric, beets, curry, and blueberries, are some of the most tooth-staining foods and drinks.”
Dr. Huang recommends drinking any colored beverage through a straw to prevent it from touching your teeth. To prevent staining, she suggests rinsing your mouth with water soon after drinking or eating (but don’t brush because the enzymes in your mouth can make enamel softer and more prone to staining at that time).
What at-home teeth whiteners really work?
For at-home teeth whitening, there are four primary options: whitening strips and trays, LED light devices, pens or gels, and toothpaste. According to dental specialists, here’s a guide to what distinguishes each choice and how they work so you can choose the best shape for you:
✔️Whitening strips and trays: These kits include a plastic strip, tray, or mold used to administer the bleaching component hydrogen peroxide to teeth directly. Each session lasts 30 minutes to two hours (follow the instructions on the teeth whitening kit’s box for how to use it). Thus, results can be seen in one day. However, complete results may require up to three weeks of repeated treatment. Strips are one of the most effective OTC teeth whiteners if you want to whiten your teeth quickly or turn yellow teeth white because the active component is left on the teeth for an extended time.
✔️Whitening light devices: After applying a whitening solution to the teeth, a blue LED light is held over them to enhance penetration and speed up the results. Light technologies, like teeth whitening strips, are particularly successful due to the time the active ingredient is in complete contact with your teeth.
✔️Whitening pens or gels: These formulae include the active teeth-whitening component hydrogen peroxide in the form of a cell or gel you use to whiten teeth. Some are designed to be left on the teeth (even overnight), while others are meant to be rinsed away. The whitening effect is often mild because the chemicals might be diluted or washed away in your mouth over time.
✔️Whitening toothpaste: Pastes often contain mild abrasives such as hydrated silica, sodium bicarbonate, and calcium carbonate to polish and remove surface stains, as well as modest quantities of the active teeth whitening component hydrogen peroxide to bleach teeth. “Most conventional whitening toothpastes largely work by using an abrasive called silica to mechanically scrape stains off of teeth, hence the ‘whitened’ result, not by actual bleaching,” explains Justin Rashbaum, DMD, a general and cosmetic dentist in New York City for Supersmile. If you want noticeable results, look for pastes that contain hydrogen peroxide. Because of the lower quantities of bleaching chemicals, you should expect to notice apparent benefits after five or more days of twice-daily treatment but expect only minor to moderate whitening outcomes.
Why trust Home Accessories?
HA has more than 15 years of experience researching, producing, and editing content on skincare. It draws on the knowledge of top industry experts like dermatologists and aestheticians as well as the scientists at the Home Accessories Institute Beauty Lab. She is an authority in moisturizers and all other types of facial skincare products. April collaborates closely with the HA Beauty Lab to organize the testing of skincare products and transform test results into top-notch, enticing content for Home Accessories that is factually correct and validated by science.
Former senior editor at the Home Accessories Institute, Nicole Saporita frequently worked with specialists from the Beauty Lab.
