Whitening toothpastes contain low levels of peroxide and are less effective than other whitening products. Toothpaste results are temporary. To determine the effectiveness of a toothpaste, check its relative dentin abrasion (RDA) on the manufacturer's website.
Whitening pens contain a peroxide gel, which is 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, but their effectiveness is sacrificed for their ease of use on the go.
LED-powered devices are another popular choice. They work by using the peroxide gel as a base and activating the gel. The LED works to speed up the gel's effects , accelerating the process and enhancing results through an oxidation process. LED devices also have their own set of negative side effects (such as causing tissue damage), so dentists warn that you should use caution if adding one to your dental routine.
Whitening gel comes into play in almost all whitening kits, typically acting as the activator in LED kits and whitening pens , as well as on their own, applied directly to teeth or in trays. Whitening gels are normally made with either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide.
It's worth noting that an ingredient making its way into whitening kits lately is PAP (or phthalimido-peroxy-caproic acid), which should be avoided . According to Edmond R. Hewlett, DDS, Professor at UCLA School of Dentistry, unlike hydrogen peroxide, PAP may lead to lingering sensitivity.
The most common ingredient in teeth whitening kits is peroxide, either hydrogen or carbamide . These ingredients work to remove stains both on the surface of teeth and on deeper layers. In addition to these ingredients, you'll also want to look for a few others that can help ease the after-effects of whitening, which can be painful for sensitive teeth. Dr. Velayo recommends also looking for potassium nitrate, fluoride, and/or xylitol because they can minimize sensitivity.
To find the best teeth whiteners, we tested over 50 products in our lab and are continually testing at home. We've narrowed down our list of top products by following expert guidance and ranking each option based on criteria such as convenience, comfort, effectiveness, and overall value . An orthodontist on our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy.
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. If you&#;re looking for long-lasting results, Bianca Velayo, DMD of Green Valley Smiles Dentistry, recommends looking for peroxide-based products if you're hoping to whiten tooth enamel . You can opt for either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as both will reverse internal and external stains on teeth , she notes. But Dr. Velayo adds that while a peroxide-based treatment is your best bet for a long-lasting treatment, how well the product works will come down to the concentration of the peroxide, how long you use it, and how it's applied.
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Best Overall
Crest Leave-on Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light
PHOTO:
Crest
$50 at Target
$48 at Walmart
View on CVS
Our Ratings
-
Ease of Use
5
/5
-
Comfort
5
/5
-
Effectiveness
5
/5
-
Convenience
5
/5
-
Value
5
/5
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.
It's Worth Noting
- This product is recommended to be applied four times a day, which could be inconvenient if you&#;re looking for a lower-maintenance product.
Product Details:
- Type: LED light
- Recommended frequency of use: Four times a day
- Recommended duration of use: 33 minutes
- Active ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide
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People / Jhett Thompson
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People / Tamara Staples
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Best Purple Whitener
Laser Glow Purple Toothpaste Color Corrector
PHOTO:
Amazon
$19 at Amazon
View on Laserglowspa.com
Our Ratings
-
Ease of Use
4.5
/5
-
Comfort
4.8
/5
-
Effectiveness
4.5
/5
-
Convenience
5
/5
-
Value
5
/5
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.
It's Worth Noting
- It may not provide as strong or noticeable whitening results as some users might expect or need, especially when compared to more intensive whitening treatments.
Product Details:
- Type: Toothpaste
- Recommended frequency of use: Daily
- Recommended duration of use: 2 minutes
- Active ingredients: Hydrated silica, xylitol
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Health / Anisa Arsenault
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Health / Anisa Arsenault
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Health / Anisa Arsenault
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Health / Anisa Arsenault
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Best LED
Auraglow Whitening Kit
PHOTO:
Amazon
$48 at Amazon
$48 at Walmart
View on Auraglow.com
Our Ratings
-
Comfort
4.5
/5
-
Effectiveness
5
/5
-
Convenience
3
/5
-
Value
5
/5
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.
It's Worth Noting
- This product needs to be recharged at least once a week with regular use, yet it doesn't give a low-battery warning.
Product Details:
- Type: Gel
- Recommended frequency of use: Daily for 1 week
- Recommended duration of use: 30 minutes
- Active ingredients: 35% carbamide peroxide
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Health / Jessica Juliao
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Health / Jessica Juliao
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Health / Jessica Juliao
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Best Pen
Lumineux Bright² Pen
PHOTO:
Lumineux
$20 at Target
$20 at Walmart
$24 at Walgreens
Our Ratings
-
Ease of Use
5
/5
-
Comfort
5
/5
-
Effectiveness
4
/5
-
Convenience
5
/5
-
Value
5
/5
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.
It's Worth Noting
- The results may not be as dramatic as other pens that use peroxide.
Product Details:
- Type: Pen
- Recommended frequency of use: 7 days or whenever needed
- Recommended duration of use: 1 minute
- Active ingredients: Coconut oil
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Health / Jessica Juliao
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Health / Jhett Thompson
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Health / Jessica Juliao
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Best Trays
Opalescence Tooth Whitening Prefilled Trays
PHOTO:
Amazon
$78 at Amazon
Our Ratings
-
Comfort
2
/5
-
Effectiveness
5
/5
-
Convenience
4
/5
-
Value
5
/5
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.
It's Worth Noting
- These may not work well for people with tooth or gum sensitivity.
Product Details:
- Type: Gel trays
- Recommended frequency of use: 5&#;10 days
- Recommended duration of use: 15-20 minutes
- Active ingredients: 15% hydrogen peroxide; also available in 10%
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Health / Jessica Juliao
-
Amazon
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Best for Sensitive Teeth
Crest 3D Sensitive Teeth Whitening Kit
For more information, please visit orange oil teeth whitening.
PHOTO:
Amazon
$32 at Target
Our Ratings
-
Comfort
5
/5
-
Effectiveness
4.5
/5
-
Convenience
5
/5
-
Value
4
/5
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.
It's Worth Noting
- They may not brighten your teeth as much as other Crest Whitestrips because of their lower peroxide percentage.
Product Details:
- Type: Strips
- Recommended frequency of use: Once daily for 14 days
- Recommended duration of use: 30 minutes
- Active ingredients: 5.25% hydrogen peroxide
Health / Jessica Juliao
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Best Strips
Lumineux teeth whitening strips
PHOTO: Amazon
$23 at Amazon
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.
It's Worth Noting
- We advise caution in storing them in warm conditions, as we encountered a strip becoming gooey and tearing in high temperatures.
Product Details:
- Type: Strips
- Recommended frequency of use: 7 days, then 1&#;2 times per week for maintenance
- Recommended duration of use: 30 minutes
- Active ingredients: Coconut oil
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Health / Jhett Thompson
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Health / Jhett Thompson
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Health / Jessica Juliao
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Best Gel
iSmile LED Teeth Whitening Kit
PHOTO:
Amazon
$50 at Target
View on Shopismile.com
Our Ratings
-
Comfort
4
/5
-
Effectiveness
5
/5
-
Convenience
4
/5
-
Value
5
/5
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.
It's Worth Noting
- The only drawback is the slight discomfort. No teeth whitening product that has to sit in your mouth for an extended period of time will ever be extremely comfortable.
Product Details:
- Type: LED device
- Recommended frequency of use: Once daily for 7 days
- Recommended duration of use: 10 minutes
- Active ingredients: 35% carbamide peroxide
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Health / Jhett Thompson
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Health / Jessica Juliao
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Best Budget LED
Cali White White Teeth Whitening Kit
PHOTO:
Amazon
$9 at Amazon
$16 at Walmart
Our Ratings
-
Ease of Use
5
/5
-
Comfort
4.7
/5
-
Effectiveness
4
/5
-
Convenience
4.5
/5
-
Value
4.9
/5
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.
It's Worth Noting
- The tray is a little big, so we had a little bit of trouble trying to breathe through our nose during use, which could be cumbersome for smaller mouths.
Product Details:
- Type: LED device
- Recommended frequency of use: Once daily for 7-10 days
- Recommended duration of use: 10-30 minutes
- Active ingredients: 35% carbon peroxide
-
Health / Tamara Staples
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Health / Jhett Thompson
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Health / Tamara Staples
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Health / Tamara Staples
-
Health / Tamara Staples
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Health / Jhett Thompson
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Health / Jhett Thompson
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Most Convenient
Colgate ComfortFit LED Teeth Whitening Kit
PHOTO:
Amazon
$50 at Amazon
$53 at Target
$70 at Walgreens
Our Ratings
-
Ease of Use
5
/5
-
Comfort
5
/5
-
Effectiveness
3.8
/5
-
Convenience
5
/5
-
Value
5
/5
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, though not necessarily 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.
It's Worth Nothing
- However, we would have appreciated extra whitening pens, as we quickly used up the first one.
Product Details:
- Type: LED device
- Recommended frequency of use: Once a day for 3 months (but results are noticeable after 3 days)
- Recommended duration of use: 10 minutes
- Active ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide
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Health / Jhett Thompson
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Health / Tamara Staples
-
Health / Tamara Staples
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Best for Stains
PurelyWhite Deluxe Teeth Whitening Kit
PHOTO:
Target
$40 at Target
$96 at Macy's
View on Purelywhitedeluxe.com
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.
It's Worth Noting
- The timer stopped working after our fifth use, so if you need a teeth whitening kit with a timer this may not be the best option for you.
Product Details:
- Type: LED whitening device
- Recommended frequency of use: Once per day
- Recommended duration of use: Up to 15 applications
- Active ingredients: Peroxide
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Best Non-Toxic
Boka Sensitive Smile Whitening Strips
PHOTO:
Amazon
$36 at Amazon
Our Ratings
-
Ease of Use
4.2
/5
-
Comfort
4.5
/5
-
Effectiveness
5
/5
-
Convenience
5
/5
-
Value
5
/5
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.
It's Worth Noting
- These stips had a noticeable slimy texture that required rinsing after removal.
Product Details
- Type: Strips
- Recommended frequency of use: Once per day
- Recommended duration of use: Up to 16 applications
- Active ingredients: Phthalimido-Peroxy-Caproic Acid & N-HA (Nano Hydroxyapatite)
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit dissolving teeth whitening strips.
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