Most best teeth whitening products use an oxidizing ingredient like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which bleach intrinsic and extrinsic stains for a whiter appearance. Look for a concentration of around 35%, which is safe and recommended by dentists.
Unlike trendy, gimmicky options like LED whitening lights or charcoal toothpaste that buff away surface stains (which can actually cause more damage to enamel), these whitening treatments deliver noticeable results with minimal sensitivity.
1. Crest 3D White Whitening Strips
Using whitening strips is simple and convenient (especially when you can buy them right from your local pharmacy). The plastic bands are coated with a colorless, odorless, mostly tasteless bleaching agent—usually hydrogen peroxide—and they adhere to the teeth, avoiding contact with gums.
The concentration of the peroxide in a whitening strip and how long you are meant to keep it on can vary—a higher level whitens teeth more but may also increase potential tooth sensitivity. If you have sensitive teeth, a dentist can give you customized whitening trays that will protect your gums from the bleaching gel and deliver safe, predictable results.
Most whitening strip kits require a commitment of 30 minutes, twice a day, over one or two weeks to see results. But some, such as the Crest 3D Whitening Strips 1-Hour Express, offer a shorter treatment time and higher efficacy. These are formulated with 6 percent hydrogen peroxide, which makes them a good choice for sensitive teeth and gums and are infused with coconut oil and aloe vera to hydrate the mouth.
2. AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Pen
Unlike whitening strips, which can leave your gums sensitive, a whitening pen’s gel is applied to the teeth directly. They typically contain whitening agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which work to break down and lift stains on the teeth. Most whitening pens offer varying concentrations of peroxide, which affect how quickly you’ll see results and how much sensitivity you may experience.
This whitening pen by Auraglow contains 35% carbamide peroxide and includes a LED whitening light to help brighten your smile in just 20 minutes. It has received global rave reviews from customers for being easy to use, effective and safe on enamel.
The pen is small enough to fit in your purse or backpack for on-the-go whitening, and it also has a convenient brush tip to reach hard-to-reach spots. Reviewers note that their teeth were whiter within a minute of application, and the results are long-lasting.
3. Bite Teeth Whitening Gel
Whitening gel is absorbed into the pores of your teeth and pushes out the stains. This process takes a few days to a couple of months, depending on how much staining you have and the frequency of your treatments.
This process is safe if done by a dental practitioner. Your practitioner will take an impression of your mouth and create custom reusable trays. They will provide you with syringes of whitening gel and instructions for use. The syringes contain varying amounts of hydrogen peroxide, from around 4% up to 14%.
The trays can be worn at home for 30-60 minutes, or longer as directed by your practitioner. They can also be used to perform quick maintenance whitening in-between visits. Each kit contains everything you need for a seamless at-home whitening treatment, including a mouth tray, tray case, and maintenance gel. You can purchase additional gel refills as needed, and your hygienist will recommend the best whitening maintenance schedule for your lifestyle.
4. Bite Toothpaste
Bite Toothpaste is a vegan alternative to toothpaste tablets that you press into your mouth with your tongue (and can also use as a mouthwash). They’re free of sodium lauryl sulfate, fluoride, parabens and other harsh chemicals, and contain nano-hydroxyapatite to remineralize teeth and reverse small cavities.
If you’re looking for a teeth-whitening kit, go for one that includes pre-filled trays and a higher concentration of the bleaching ingredient carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Both are effective whitening agents, says Rhonda Kalasho, DDS of TruGlo Modern Denta, but the latter has been found to cause less sensitivity.
GH Beauty Lab testers also recommend Colgate’s gentle, “convenient” whitening pen, which features a built-in brush that dispenses a 3% hydrogen peroxide-based gel you paint onto your teeth. It ranked highest among the whitening pens in our test for not irritating the gums and for visibly removing surface stains without requiring multiple applications or leaving excessive residue. It’s easy to store and travel-friendly, too.