"Home teeth whitening kits have come a long way in the last few years," says Dr Kinsella. The majority of testers were impressed with how successfully it managed to remove existing stains, with one tester commending how comfortable the mouth tray was. "Any other ingredients in the product are inactive fillers needed to create the right consistency of the product.". If you prefer to avoid peroxide, these strips offer a safe and effective alternative - and theyre suitable for vegans, too. Again, you should always consult with your dentist before starting a course of treatment. "They have 15% hydrogen peroxide, which means you only need to wear them for 15 to 20 minutes a day for five to 10 days. Best overall:Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips, available at Walmart, $30Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips are effective, won't slide around during treatment, easy to find at any drugstore, and have a less-concentrated formula for minimal sensitivity. Zimba white strips whiten over 7 to 14 days without causing major tooth or gum sensitivity and come in tasty flavors. "Most studies show that whitening does not damage enamel," Dr. Sutera said. Overall, 62% were happy with the look of their teeth by the end of the trial. "When [our enamel] is weakened during the bleaching treatment, many patients find that it can be hard to consume hot beverages, ice-cold beverages, or even eat certain foods. According to the box, 14 days is enough time to whiten teeth up to five shades. Carbamide peroxide is another similar ingredient.". And, a meta-analysis in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine found that the Miswak was just as effective for oral hygiene as the toothbrush and toothpaste used by Western cultures. By clicking Create my account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to ourTerms of use,Cookie policyandPrivacy notice. However, because the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is so high, there's a chance you may still experience some sensitivity, in which case it's best to switch to a less concentrated alternative like Crest Whitestrips. Our teeth werent five shades lighter by any means, but discolouration had noticeably lifted. To achieve such rapid results there is an extra step: before applying the strips, you paint on a liquid accelerator containing sodium chlorite (a stain removing agent), then carefully apply the strips sticky-side down. Teeth whitening kits use a bleaching agent such as carbamide or hydrogen peroxide, which is the same as your dentist would use in a professional bleaching, but in a lower concentration. We would never say no to an easy confidence boost, and thats exactly what these strips provide. A good price for quick results. The Miswak Club Natural Teeth Whitening Kit is your best alternative if you're looking for a natural, chemical-free approach to whitening your teeth. Best for sensitive teeth and gums: Zimba white strips, available at Amazon, $24.99Zimba white strips whiten over 7 to 14 days without causing major tooth or gum sensitivity and come in tasty flavors. It's the same agent whether it's prescription use or over-the-counter," said Dr. Sutera. of strips in pack: 28 (14 days). If you have sensitive teeth or gum concerns, speak to your dentist first. "Your gums may also be sensitive to the chemicals, particularly if you already have sensitive teeth. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. This is a minor issue though. Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile, While testing, we were on the lookout for taste, texture, and how comfortable the strips were to wear. Key specs Treatment time: 20 minutes; No. Most of the improvement took place by day eleven. Despite the fact only half of testers reported whiter teeth over the testing period, it did prove to be effective in our lab test at improving overall whiteness. To find the most effective at-home teeth whitening products, we talked to a handful of dentists about the best options currently available. This kit contains 28 whitening strips and a targeted pen, so you have all your bases covered. The kits often contain a whitening gel formula, plastic tray (to insert into the mouth) and an LED light, which helps to speed up the whitening process. Other ingredients such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium perborate, activated charcoal or even coconut oil offer a more natural alternative, although these are usually considered less effective, as they mainly only remove surface stains. She's most interested in personal development, skill-building, industry shifts, and increased accessibility for learners of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. GLO Teeth Whitening Kit ($159): Glo Science sells a similar device to SmileDirectClub; both use an LED mouthpiece to reportedly act as a catalyst for hydrogen peroxide. ", As Dr. Sutera explained, whitening your teeth and then having a glass of red wine is like "two people in a canoe paddling in different directions. To use, brush and dry the teeth and place the strips on for one hour, then rinse away excess gel. If you want the intenser results of whitening at a dentist's office, but at home, the Linhart Teeth Whitening Collection uses a formula from cosmetic dentists in New York City. Key specificationsTreatment time:3 minutesTreatment duration:10 daysFormat:3-step brush-ontreatment, 14 best suitcases for your summer holidays, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Pros: Inexpensive, easy to use, no added chemicals, Cons: Takes some getting used to, smells weird. By clicking Register you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to ourTerms of use,Cookie policyandPrivacy notice. as well as other partner offers and accept our. This means they aren't as strong as professional whitening treatments, as a qualified dentist can legally use up to 6% hydrogen peroxide. "There is only one active ingredient in all teeth whitening products: hydrogen peroxide. A good option for quick top-ups. The purpose of whitening strips is to whiten, and we spent the first three days anticipating a shift in shade as promised by the box. The upside of not using hydrogen peroxide is that there was no extra sensitivity. Lets be clear: nobodys teeth are perfectly white. The strips stay on pretty well with anti-slip technology and they're slick, so there's no gel or goop. "Although anecdotal, I've found that brushing with Sensodyne toothpaste before and after whitening has helped me avoid sensitivity.". Wanting whiter teeth in a world of first impressions and social media needs no explanation. They alsosaid they didn't experience tooth or gum sensitivity after use. Each evening we followed the instructions to a tee, applying strips to freshly-brushed teeth. Each product will come with their own instructions but in general you should see results at least two weeks after routine use, with top-ups usually required every six months. And, you should not use peroxide for longer than two weeks of daily use without the supervision of a dentist. Key specs Treatment time: 30 mins; No. But that's not surprising considering the formula is gentler, and considering these are about as cheap as you can get for an effective whitening kit, these are a great way to whiten before an event without breaking the bank. That said, it has a pleasant taste and left little to no tooth or gum sensitivity. These whitening strips, which lighten teeth by up to six shades, are peroxide-free, so are especially suitable for sensitive teeth. Our testers liked how quick this kit was to use, taking just three minutes a day, butthey found steps one and two slightly messy - as the serum must be left for 30 seconds without being removed. At-home whitening kits offer a safe option at a fraction of the cost, and strips are the easiest whitening product to use. Pro Teeth Whitening Cos whitening strips contain a peroxide-free formula with activated charcoal to cleanse and whiten teeth. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. Copyright Expert Reviews Holdings Ltd 2022. Some at-home kits require you to either brush the whitening gel onto teeth or place it in a tray that sits inside the mouth, but teeth-whitening strips include the whitening agent in a thin strip of plastic that sticks to the teeth. Using teeth whitening kits at home is safe, provided the ingredients don't exceed the maximum percentage allowed. Key specificationsTreatment time: 15-20 minutesTreatment duration: 7 daysFormat: LED light and mouth piece. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. The strips mould to teeth well and are pleasant and comfortable to use. Also, they cannot whiten fillings, dentures, veneers, crowns, or caps. The pack contains 14 pairs of whitening strips for use on upper and lower teeth, and a whitening toothpaste to help keep your smile bright after whitening. Expect results to last for around 12 months. According to Dr. Sutera, potassium nitrate is the primary ingredient that helps with sensitive teeth, and fluoride is a secondary option that's also been shown to help. Whitening kits do not work on false teeth such as veneers and crowns. Miswak Club offers a 120-day money-back guarantee if you do not have noticeably whiter teeth after using their kit. Ideal for travel, each set of strips in this kit is individually packaged, so you can chuck them in your wash bag and go. "Over-the-counter options are inexpensive when compared to in-office whitening, but they offer no gum protection. In our lab, it proved moderately effective at improving overall whiteness, making it a cost-effective top-up option, and left our panel satisfied too. She settled in a small mountain town in Colorado where she now spends most of her time trying to keep up with a gang of rad adventure ladies and her dog Crocodile. Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or under 18 years old shouldn't use them either. For the latest discounts on teeth whitening products and other beauty offers, try the links below: Check out our best teeth whitening kits for more products to brighten your smile at home, Registration is a free and easy way to support our truly independent journalism, By registering, you will also enjoy limited access to Premium articles, exclusive newsletters, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists, {{#verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}} {{^verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}}. Key specs Treatment time: 1 hour; No. Over the course of 14 days, we applied strips to our top and bottom teeth until they dissolved. As usual, youll need to clean and dry teeth before applying and leaving in place for 30 minutes. Your friendly local dentist can offer professional whitening with hydrogen peroxide and optional UV light to bring teeth back to their shining former glory, but it will cost you a few hundred pounds. The Boots Expert dissolvable teeth whitening strips claim to whiten teeth in just three days. Got a party or special event to attend and need whiter teeth in a hurry? Teeth whitening strips and gels are safe for most people to use at home when used according to the directions. The Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips kit comes with 40 strips for 20 treatments (each treatment consists of a strip on the upper teeth and one on the lower teeth.) If you see carbamide peroxide on your ingredient list, it's just a derivative of hydrogen peroxide. The major downside here is that the whitening doesn't seem to last long most reviewers say you have to use the strips regularly to maintain results. Pros:Few reports of sensitivity issues, more precise application of whitening gel, reusable mouth guard, Cons:Expensive, dentists agree the LED light will not make a noticeable difference, The idea of LED teeth whitening kits has mixed reviews: Brands claim the light helps make teeth whitening more effective than traditional whitening strips or trays, but there aren't any studies to support this claim and many dentists feel like they don't speed up the process. A whitening toothpaste will help keep surface stains at bay once youve achieved your desired level of whiteness. For 12 you get 56 strips (28 days worth of treatment when applied to both rows of teeth) which is double the recommended 14-day course of treatment for full whitening benefits. Pros: Professional-grade results, easy to use, Cons: Expensive, LED has minimal proven advantage. Our testers found the kitstraightforward to use and said teeth were whiter after four days. Best natural: Miswak Club Natural Teeth Whitening Kit, available at Amazon, $17.99The Miswak Club Natural Teeth Whitening Kit is your best alternative if you're looking for a natural, chemical-free approach to whitening your teeth. What made this more bearable was the time it took to dissolve. It only comes with three gel vials and the syringes aren't the most intuitive to spread on your teeth, so SmileDirectClub is a better choice for most people. The kit was a breeze to use too, with one tester appreciating the sleek and tidy design. Even though its totally natural, this staining can also take a toll on your self-confidence. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Pros: Produces results in four or five uses, recommended by dentists, low peroxide levels. The direct-to-consumer kit includes a LED mouthguard to act as a catalyst for the hydrogen peroxide whitening formula. Zoom NiteWhite 22% Whitening Gel ($29.99): NiteWhite is a clinical-grade tooth whitening gel of 22% Carbamide Peroxide. Key specificationsTreatment time: 1 hourTreatment duration: 14 daysFormat: StripsNumber of strips in the pack:28 (14 upper and lower). Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips are effective, won't slide around during treatment, easy to find at any drugstore, and have a less-concentrated formula for minimal sensitivity. The bleaching temporarily weakens your enamel so the bleach can pass through it and further lift those stains, explained Dr. Mohelicki. The strips need to be applied daily for up to 30 minutes. After all, theres only so much an at-home whitening kit can do without dentist levels of hydrogen peroxide (or any at all this kit is totally hydrogen peroxide free). The peroxide-free formula had a pleasant aftertaste and scent, which sparked neither teeth sensitivity for 75% of our testers, nor gum sensitivity for 83%. They reviewed how easy each one was to use, how long the treatment took, whether there were any sensitivity issues, and their overall effectiveness. For the studies conducted in actual patients (in vivo), most found no added benefit for light-activated systems," Charles Sutera DDS, FAGD, a professional dentist atAesthetic Smile Reconstruction in Waltham, MA told Insider. However,strips don't offer the custom fit of trays, which means you may notice some increased sensitivity if your gums come in contact with the whitening strips. It also isn't suitable for children under 14 years old. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? You'll need to use your own mouth trays, but we can confirm it delivers whiter teeth after just a few 30-minute sessions. Using a whiteness scale, we were then able to determine any difference in shade before and after treatment. Even if there wasnt a dramatic change, it helped our teeth begin to return to a uniform natural shade, which was enough to give us a budget-friendly confidence boost. It's definitely more expensive than the other options, but it's also super easy to use. It didnt cause any sensitivity, however, only half felt their teeth looked whiter by the end of the trial. Claiming to remove deep-rooted stains and restore natural whiteness, this treatment includes a brightener serum, tooth polish and a whitening activator serum that can all be applied with your regular toothbrush. The bleach then gets to work breaking down stains at a deeper level than toothpaste alone can penetrate. The solutions often contain active bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which remove the deeper stains from your teeth. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. In the spring of 2020, Mara spearheaded Insider Reviews' new. Get a brighter, whiter smile from the comfort of your own home. You may need to address them before whitening, or alternatively have the procedure performed by a professional. How good are the 18 Boots Expert dissolvable teeth whitening strips? Discolouration is inevitable with age, especially when you indulge in a diet rich in coffee, wine, or acidic foods like berries and tomatoes. There is a third type of teeth whitening product that simply blasts your teeth with LED light, which typically claims to speed up the process and achieve more intense results. You need this superfast strip treatment from oral care specialists Wisdom. All rights reserved. Email us at reviews@insider.com. Best LED kit: SmileDirectClub Teeth Whitening Kit, available at Amazon, $39.91If you don't want to use strips and are determined to use an LED light, the SmileDirectClub Teeth Whitening Kit is the way to go. When it came to whitening, 77% saw a new and improved smile, with 69% seeing a reduction in stains. "To minimise the risk of a shoddy DIY job, always follow the treatment programme for the number of days advised on the packet.". This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the GooglePrivacy policyandTerms of serviceapply. Some strips dissolve on the teeth, but most can be removed and disposed of after use. We'd always recommend having a consultation with your dentist before starting any new treatment, but these are the ones that impressed us the most: Teeth whitening products aim to remove surface stains on the tooth and penetrate the enamel, to break down the discoloured molecules within. Boots Expert Teeth Whitening Kit With Blue Light Activation, Beverly Hills Formula Professional 2 in 1 Whitening Kit. Whitening kits will also not work on crowns, veneers or false teeth, so if you have any of these speak to your dentist. Read on for our guide to home whitening and, below, for our favourite strips. There are essentially two types of kits: Those that bleach your teeth to take stains off and ones that physically scrape off the stains. It's a bit pricier than other at-home kits but, as Kunen pointed out, "For those patients looking to replicate a chairside whitening experience, this is closest you will find! "In-clinic whitening will always give you the best results because we can legally use products with higher percentages of bleach. No one reported feeling any sensitivity, while the 15-minute wait time delivered pleasing results. We operate independently from our advertising team. The Independents journalism is supported by our readers. Most importantly, Dr. Mohelicki says the biggest concern is wearing whitening kits for the right amount of time. The at-home alternatives can still be effective, but they're usually much weaker and best used as a top-up.". Dr. Campbell said. SmileDirectClub's Teeth Whitening Kit is $75 for the LED Light and an estimated 12-month supply of whitening pens, and $40 for the LED Light and 6-month pen supply. Also, they come with whitening pens that allow you a bit more control in terms of the application so you can avoid your gums and any increased sensitivity, and they usually require you to spend less time per day with the formula on your teeth. Websites claiming to sell these and similar products in the UK are not acting legally, and may well be selling counterfeit versions. Enriched with coconut oil - which supposedly helps to reduce plaque-causing bacteria - our testers found this one had a pleasant aftertaste, without being too harsh on sensitive areas. Key specificationsTreatment time: 20-30 minutesTreatment duration: 6 daysFormat: LED light and mouth piece. If you have any doubts, the NHS recommends visiting a dentist to talk about your options. This means the professional treatment is usually able to achieve more noticeable lightening results. Crest claims that after the 20 daily treatments, you can remove 14 years of tooth stains. If you consume any strongly coloured foods or drinks, rinse with water as soon as possible afterwards to reduce the chance of staining; using a straw will also reduce the time staining drinks are in contact with your teeth. The strips can leave a slight black residue from the charcoal, but this brushes off easily. Worried about any post-whitening pain? Heather Kunen, DDS,orthodontist and co-owner ofBeam Street in New York recommended the Opalescence Go to Insider for how easy and mess-free the process is is to use to get that same high-quality whitening Opalescence is known for. When I tested the device, I found the company's estimates to be conservative I got more than double the use out of the pens than expected, which is a great value for the money. We asked 318 testers to try a range of teeth whitening products. Only the SmileDirectClub system in our guide uses this technology, but it is used in conjunction with a whitening gel and a mouthguard that may offer better control over your placement and avoid increased gum sensitivity in comparison to strips. Even though the box says this will happen in somewhere between 10 and 15 minutes, we found it had pretty much all gone by minute eight or nine. We took into consideration options for sensitive teeth and gums, as well as folks on a budget. Read more: Oral-B iO7 vs Oral-B iO9: Which smart electric toothbrush is best? HiSmile Whitening ($103.20): If whitening kits have left your teeth or gums sensitive in the past, Kunen suggested this brand which uses Pthalimidoperoxycaproic acid (PAP) as its principal whitening agent as opposed to the more traditional and harsher peroxides. Opalescence is known for its whitening products in the dental industry. Even though our priority was whitening, we also kept a close eye on things like taste, texture, and comfort of the strips, as well as just how much this dissolvable product dissolved. READ NEXT: Our pick of the best teeth whitening kits. Note that some salons may offer teeth whitening but this is illegal if not performed by a qualified dental professional. Lumibrite 32% Whitening Gel ($22.94): Dr. Hadaegh told Insider that Lumibrite causes little to no sensitivity, while also producing excellent whitening results due to its high concentration of Carbamide Peroxide. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider The Miswak Club Natural Teeth Whitening Kit features two Miswak root sticks with two carrying cases. High street favourite Boots is home to them all, but we were most interested in one offering from its own line. Results werent as noticeable on teeth with minimal staining, so anyone with already very light teeth probably wont see the benefit. The strips stick on in a simple application (brush and dry teeth and stick on the contoured strips), and lighten teeth visibly in just 30 minutes a day over three days. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. Previously, Mara covered e-commerce for Business Insider from 2017-2020. It only requires 10 minutes a day of use and comes with nine whitening pens (enough for two full treatments). Food and drink, cigarette smoke and certain medications can all cause teeth to discolour over time. Look for products containing gentle natural abrasives such as bicarbonate of soda or charcoal, which cant penetrate the enamel of the tooth in the way that bleach in your whitening product does, but can be very useful after bleaching to help maintain whiteness. The ability to pop them on and go about your evening routine as usual sounded like a game changer as long as they actually worked. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. This leaves teeth looking whiter overall. The process is simple and clean, and the longer than average processing time of one hour is the result of a gentle bleaching process that is great for sensitive teeth. Whitening strips or pens, on the other hand, already contain the formula so can be applied directly to the teeth. Read our full review on SmileDirectClub's LED whitening kit. For whitening toothpaste, Dr. Sutera recommends patients with sensitive teeth use toothpaste with potassium nitrate and fluoride and also use a fluoride mouth rinse. If you're a lover of tea, coffee or red wine, chances are youre going to rack up a few stains on your teeth. READ NEXT: Our pick of the best toothpaste. Dr. Hadaegh also likes this product, adding that the trays adapt to your teeth all the way to your molars. (Read our full review here.). Follow the instructions on your chosen kits carefully, as some strips are designed to work with a shorter developing time. But with 14 days of minimal effort, you can minimise staining and help ease your teeth back towards their natural colour even if they cant get them all the way. Whitening toothpaste helps with daily maintenance but it won't create that 'wow' factor. Avoid wearing the strips for longer than directed as this can cause irritation and damage to teeth. Pregnant or nursing women may want to stop using peroxide-based whitening products. Now, you can brighten up your sensitive pegs for less, with this discount at Amazon bringing them down from 20 to just 14. This formula typically has a lower concentration (10%) of Hydrogen Peroxide so it's better for people who have sensitive teeth and can't tolerate higher levels. It's made with a gentle formula that uses a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide. She's most passionate about mental health, exercise physiology, cooking, the science of cannabis, and making the outdoors more accessible for all (but actually).After growing up in Atlanta and living in New York, Rachael wanted out of cities so she packed up her belongings into her Honda Element to van-lifed around the country. However, for the right candidate, these strips are a solid option. If used correctly, at-home kits will certainly lighten your teeth by a few shades. Tea, coffee, red wine, curry these are some of our favourite things, and unfortunately also some of the best-known ways to stain teeth. If you don't want to use strips and are determined to use an LED light, the SmileDirectClub Teeth Whitening Kit is the way to go. These whitening strips are designed to reduce the appearance of tough stains that have built up over time. Contact info: rschultz@insider.com // Instagram @RachaelSchultz, Best teeth whitening kit for professional-level results, how Insider Reviews tests and researches health products, Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips, available at Walmart, $30, Opalescence Go 15% kit, available at Amazon, $79.50, Zimba white strips, available at Amazon, $24.99, SmileDirectClub Teeth Whitening Kit, available at Amazon, $39.91, Miswak Club Natural Teeth Whitening Kit, available at Amazon, $17.99, Linhart Teeth Whitening Collection, available at Linhart, $95, Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips, Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips kit, Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, stop using peroxide-based whitening products, The best flossing alternatives, according to dentists, Johns Hopkins' contact tracing course designed to fill thousands of remote jobs, Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here, Learn more about how we review educational and personal development products, The best pieces of plus-size outdoor gear, according to athletes and influencers, Your ultimate guide to summer camping trips, including how to find a campsite and everything you need to bring, The 5 best cross-training shoes for agility, traction, and high-intensity workouts, The best healthy, non-alcoholic drinks and mixers that actually taste good, Insider Reviews team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here, test health, fitness, and outdoor products.