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The 11 Best Teeth Whitening Kits for a Brighter Smile
Featuring top picks from Crest, Auraglow, Colgate, and more
By A professional dental appointment to brighten your smile isn’t always in the cards, which is one reason why the best whitening kits are highly popular among beauty lovers. Over-the-counter options featuring whitening strips and pens, LED lights, and toothpastes, make it a no-brainer to enhance your smile from the comfort of your bathroom. Plus, you won’t have to wait long to see a difference in your tooth shade, as many of these effective formulas deliver brightening results in a few weeks or even less.
Featured in this article:
Best with LED Light and Pen
Colgate Optic White ComfortFit Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light and Whitening Pen
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When it comes to the natural shade of your teeth, a variety of genetic and lifestyle-based factors can directly impact their color. "Tooth color is a result of both the natural structure of teeth and the presence of stains on teeth. Stains typically come from external sources such as foods, drinks such as tea, coffee, and wine, tobacco use, and tartar," Venda Maloney, senior director of early oral care research at Colgate-Palmolive, tells Bazaar. "Over time, tooth color becomes darker due to continued exposure to stains as well as enamel wear."
It can sometimes be difficult to narrow down which of the best teeth whitening kits to try in what seems like an endless sea of options. To help make the selection process a little easier, we’ve consulted Maloney and other top dental experts for their thoughts on the top products to use for safe and efficacious results. Keep reading for some of their favorite options, along with a few tips and tricks on seamlessly whitening your teeth at home.
Pros
- Dentist-recommended
Cons
Pia Lieb, founder of Cosmetic Dentistry Center in New York City recommends AuraGlow's kit as the next best thing to a professional treatment. It includes 20 treatments for virtually a month's worth of whitening. “I love that this whitening solution comes with trays and an LED light to comfortably whiten both your top and bottom sets of teeth. It also features 35 percent carbamide peroxide (most dental offices use a 40 percent peroxide formula).”
- Number of treatments included: 20
- Active ingredients: Carmamide peroxide
One satisfied customer writes: "This kit appealed to me; it's all-in-one for a reasonable price and you can reduce waste from typical whitening strips wrapped in plastic by reusing the rechargeable LED light and ordering more (recyclable) whitening tubes. It whitens well, doesn't make my teeth sensitive, and is easy to use while I do chores or get ready in the mornings." —Melanie
Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips Dental Whitening Kit
Pros
- Great for beginners
- Enamel-safe
Cons
- Total application time is 45 minutes
These ultra-popular Crest whitening strips are dentist-approved and designed to remove tooth stains up to 14 years old. As a bonus, this kit also contains two one-hour express treatments for same-day brightening results. There's even a sensitive version of Whitestrips for those in need.
“After 20 days of daily use in our Beauty Lab, scientists found that these strips whitened teeth two to four shades,” celebrity dentist Kevin Sands explains. Lieb is also a fan of the viral strips: “This new version, in particular, gives a burst of mint flavor to make whitening more enjoyable,” she adds.
- Number of treatments included: 20
- Active ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide
One satisfied customer writes: "I have used these for years & they work GREAT!" —Kylee
Colgate Optic White ComfortFit Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light and Whitening Pen
Pros
- Works quickly
- Under $50
Cons
- Must use treatment consistently for 10 days for best results
If you're already a fan of using one of the best LED masks in your skincare routine, might we suggest adding this top-rated teeth whitening set to your beauty routine? Along with Colgate's easy-to-use LED light, you'll also unbox the brand's effective teeth whitening pen, which includes 21 treatments.
- Number of treatments included: 21
- Active ingredients: Indigo wavelength technology, hydrogen peroxide
One satisfied customer writes: "The Optic White LED Light is an excellent choice for anyone looking to brighten up their smile. It’s small, easy to use, and works great." —Anonymous
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Celebrity-approved
Cons
- May not be ideal for beginners
Moon, the Kendall Jenner-backed oral care line isn't all hype, no substance. "The pens in particular are great because you can literally carry them around with you and use them on the go," celebrity cosmetic dentist Victoria Veytsman adds. This all-inclusive kit features whitening toothpaste, brightening tooth polish, and a pen for easy touch-ups on the go.
- Number of treatments included: Until the product is finished
- Active ingredients: Urea peroxide
One satisfied customer writes: "I have tried all different kinds of toothpaste that are supposed to whiten but never felt like they did. The Moon toothpaste I notice fewer stains. I have used it for 2 weeks, cut back on coffee, and noticed whiter teeth. Will buy again." —Autumn
Supersmile Professional Extra Whitening System (Travel Size)
Pros
- Easy to use
- Works quickly
Cons
- Requires consistent two times per day brushing
Getting whiter teeth is as easy as brushing your teeth, thanks to this accelerator and toothpaste duo from Supersmile. The formula nicely works on natural teeth as well as dental restorations and leaves your breath minty fresh once it's rinsed out.
- Number of treatments included: Until the product is finished
- Active ingredients: Sodium monofluorophosphate
One satisfied customer writes: "I started using it about two weeks ago and I have definitely seen noticeable improvement in stains and increased whitening effects." —J.B.
Burst Whitening Strips
Pros
- Works quickly
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- May not be ideal for those who prefer other whitening methods
These gentle whitening strips combine the best of both worlds: a combination of coconut oil and enamel-safe hydrogen peroxide provide noticeable brightening without being too harsh. It includes 20 total treatments (10 for the top, and 10 for the bottom row of teeth), along with three bonus treatments for stain emergencies.
- Number of treatments included: 20
- Active ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide
One satisfied customer writes: "I haven’t bleached my teeth for at least three years and they whitened quickly. I used them for seven days without sensitivity and with much whiter teeth. They adhere really well which is a bonus." —Arline K.
Glo Science Glo Brilliant White Smile At Home Teeth Whitening Device
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Earth-friendly
Cons
- Nearly $200
A dentist doesn’t just approve this hydrogen peroxide kit; one actually invented it. We also love that it comes with a protective and hydrating lip balm to wear while using the heated light. "A lot of top-tier kits should include a desensitizing gel and vitamin E oil that could be good for a lip balm," cosmetic dentist Amanda Lewis says.
- Number of treatments included: Five
- Active ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide
One satisfied customer writes: "Works! I've tried whitening strips, gels, take-home kits from the dentist, charcoal, peroxide, baking soda, etc, and NOTHING worked for me. I used Glo Brilliant and within 2 uses the difference is evident!" —Sara S.
Crest 3D Whitestrips with Light Dental Whitening Kit
Pros
- Water-resistant formula
Cons
- Each treatment takes up to an hour to complete
With over 15,000 customer reviews and close to a five-star rating, this professional-level kit is a must-have among beauty lovers and Amazon shoppers in general. It includes 10 of Crest's coveted whitening strips, plus a water-resistant, handheld device that aims to brighten teeth in 10 days, with results lasting up to 36 months at a time.
- Number of treatments included: 10
- Active ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide
One satisfied customer writes: "Wow! These really work, teeth do get a little sensitive but nothing unbearable. I am halfway though the treatment and my teeth are already white...can’t wait for the end result." —Monica
Pros
- Easy-to-use
- Gentle on gums
Cons
- May not be ideal for those who prefer chemical formulations
These popular strips are among the best for sensitive teeth and gums. They feature a natural blend of ingredients, like coconut oil, lemon peel, and sea salt, rather than chemicals, to gently brighten teeth. After 30 minutes of use, the strips are easy to remove and simply rinse with water.
- Number of treatments included: 21
- Active ingredients: Coconut oil
One satisfied customer writes: "These have a nice thick lining to cover your teeth which stays on the whole time. It doesn’t seep out from behind the layer that holds it in place. The trick to getting even coverage is to push the gel between all the crevices of your teeth and it comes out with amazing results!" —Nicole
Pros
- Great for tooth strength
- Works in nine minutes per day
- Includes UV sanitation kit
Cons
- May not be ideal for those new to teeth whitening
This popular whitening kit from Snow not only minimizes tooth sensitivity, but also works to repair enamel. Although its formula is considered safe for sensitive teeth, it also is highly effective for removing deep set stains while repairing enamel.
- Number of treatments included: Six-month supply
- Active ingredients: Potassium nitrate
One satisfied customer writes: "Better than expected results. It does take multiple treatments and you still have to watch what you eat or drink because some stain teeth like coffee and dark sodas. Product is easy to use and not that messy." —Melissa C.
Pros
- Great for travel
Cons
- Subtle mint flavor may be off-putting to some
These popular, pre-filled trays use hydrogen peroxide to begin lifting stains from teeth in 30 to 60 minutes. They also nicely conform to your smile for a perfect fit right out of the box. And once you're done with a whitening session, you can just throw the trays away.
- Number of treatments included: 10
- Active ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide, xylitol
One satisfied customer writes: "I have used these in the past and will buy these every time to whiten my teeth. I feel like they are the best of the best and work great!" —TeaForTwo
Meet the experts
- Pia Lieb is the founder of Cosmetic Dentistry Center in New York City.
- Amanda Lewis is a cosmetic dentist and the creator of Lewie.
- Kevin Sands is a cosmetic dentist based in Los Angeles.
- Victoria Veytsman is a celebrity cosmetic dentist based in New York City.
- Venda Maloney, PhD., is the senior director of early oral care research at Colgate-Palmolive.
Are the best teeth whitening kits safe to use?
The best teeth whitening kits are generally deemed safe and effective when used properly. The American Dental Association (or ADA) uses an approved seal of acceptance for whitening kits and products that meet their professional safety and efficacy standards.
What helps make teeth look whiter?
Many of the most popular teeth whitening formulas include bleaching compounds with carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide at lower concentrations than in-office treatments, meaning it may take slightly longer to see results from at-home options.
Additionally, whitening kits are created to address both intrinsic and extrinsic stains. "A moldable tray or strip that closely adheres to the teeth but won’t be too large to get on gum tissue should always included in a teeth whitening kit," Lewis notes. "Patients of a higher age usually have a thicker inner tooth structure called dentine, and that’s what whitening kits work on."
Can I whiten my teeth if they're sensitive?
According to experts, whitening can temporarily dry out your teeth, which is ultimately what causes their sensitivity. As the teeth rehydrate, the sensitivity diminishes. "You should always visit a dentist prior to teeth whitening because whitening in the presence of tooth decay is not advised," continues Lewis. "If you get a clean bill of health from your dentist and you have straight teeth, trying over-the-counter teeth whitening is a great option. If you don’t get the results you want from those kits, you should visit your dentist for stronger concentrations that can be applied safely."
During the whitening process, Lewis notes that one red flag to keep in mind is increased sensitivity that doesn’t diminish after 48 hours. "Another is gum irritation, as some people will have increased sensitivity, and will need to take more time in between whitening," she adds.
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