15 Best Teeth-Whitening Products, According to Dentists
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If you have a rampant coffee habit (or tea habit, or red wine habit, or penchant for red sauces) it might be time to give your pearly whites some love with one of the best teeth-whitening products on the market.
“All teeth are made out of tubes—like pores,” Alice Hoang, DMD, FAGD, founder of Brooklyn Mint, a dental practice in New York, tells Glamour. Richly colored foods or drinks penetrate those pores, “entering the structure of the enamel, making them difficult to remove with normal brushing,” she says. Professional whitening treatments are the gold standard for removing deeply embedded stains, but at-home teeth whiteners can be effective, too.
The best teeth-whitening products available over the counter typically contain one of two chemicals—hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide—both bleaching agents that “react with the molecules causing stains on the teeth,” explains Kevin Sands, DMD, a board-certified cosmetic dentist based in Beverly Hills. “This reaction helps break down the stains into smaller, less visible particles, leading to a brighter and whiter appearance of the teeth.”
Another at-home teeth-whitening method is to use a product that works via gentle abrasion (think: charcoal toothpaste) literally buffing surface stains off of teeth, though these tend to be less effective than those with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, says Daniel Rubinshtein, DDS, a celebrity cosmetic dentist in New York.
To find the best teeth-whitening products for you, consider these recommendations vetted by dentists.
The best teeth-whitening products, at a glance
- Best Overall: Smile Brilliant Custom Whitening Trays, $149
- Best Whitening Strips: Crest 3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects, $46
- Best Whitening Pen: Philips Zoom Whitening Pen, $25
- Best Whitening Toothpaste: Crest 3D White Brilliance 2 Step Toothpaste, $13
- Best for Sensitive Teeth: Crest 3D Whitestrips for Sensitive Teeth, $45
Your teeth-whitening questions, answered
- What should I look for in at-home whitening products?
- Do at-home teeth-whitening treatments really work?
- What method of at-home whitening works best?
- How often can you use at-home teeth-whitening treatments?
- Is it normal for your teeth to be sensitive after using an at-home teeth-whitening kit?
- Are at-home whitening kits safe?
- What’s the difference between at-home and professional whitening?
- 1/22
Smile Brilliant Custom Whitening Trays
The most effective at-home teeth-whitening products mimic professional-grade kits with custom-fitted teeth-whitening trays and high-concentration whitening gels, says Dr. Sands. They may not be exactly as good as what your dentist can do in the office, but “they can provide noticeable results in terms of brighter and whiter teeth,” he says. Smile Brilliant’s Custom Whitening Trays involve taking impressions of your teeth at home using a kit containing trays and a putty-like impression material. (If you’ve ever had impressions taken by your dentist for a retainer or sports mouth guard, the process is similar.) After you send your impressions to the lab in a prepaid package, you’ll receive your custom trays and whitening syringes filled with 22% carbamide peroxide whitening gel. Depending on the severity of your stains and sensitivity, you can purchase a kit with anywhere between 9 and 27 applications. They also offer kits with desensitizing gel.
- Pros: Fully customizable, results similar to professional treatments
- Cons: Expensive
- Type of whitening agent: Carbamide peroxide
- How to use: Apply customized gel to teeth-whitening trays and place on your teeth. Use for 9 to 27 days, depending on preference.
- 2/22
Philips Zoom Whitening Pen
To get the most impactful whitening results affordably at home, Dr. Hoang recommends the Philips Zoom Whitening Pen, which contains one of the highest concentrations of hydrogen peroxide available over the counter at 5.25%. “It has an exceptional combination of portability, ease of use, and effectiveness, making it a great choice for on-the-go and regular use,” she says. Brush it on up to twice daily for two weeks for maximum results.
- Pros: Portable, quick results
- Cons: May cause sensitivity
- Type of whitening agent: Hydrogen peroxide
- How to use: For best results, apply to the front of teeth twice daily for two weeks. Wait for 30 minutes before eating or drinking. 30 applications in one pen.
- 3/22
Crest 3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects
“There’s a reason why Crest 3D White Whitestrips are so popular—it’s one of the few white strips I’ve seen actually work and it’s made by one of the most trusted brands in dentistry,” says Dr. Hoang. The nonslip, hydrogen-peroxide-based teeth-whitening strips likely won’t give you exactly the same level of results as you’d get with a professional whitening treatment, but they’ll get you close enough that you won’t notice. “I’ve used Crest Whitestrips for probably close to a decade now, with no desire to try any other whitening products (which are often pricier). They’re just so easy,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs. “I mostly use them for maintenance at this point—a couple times a month, I stick them to my teeth, go about my business for 30 minutes, and emerge with whiter teeth (that people compliment me on!). I don’t wear them every day or even every week because I’ve noticed that my teeth will get sensitive to cold afterwards, but even once a month is good enough for me.”
- Pros: Affordable, easy to use, delivers close to professional-level results
- Cons: Can cause sensitivity
- Type of whitening agent: Hydrogen peroxide
- How to use: Peel teeth-whitening strips, apply to teeth, leave on for 45 minutes. Continue daily over the course of 22 days.
- 4/22
Crest 3D Whitestrips for Sensitive Teeth
If you’re worried about sensitivity, Crest’s dentist-recommended teeth-whitening strips also come in a gentler version with a lower percentage of hydrogen peroxide. They’re so gentle you can use them daily, according to the brand. But while it’s typically best to follow the manufacturers’ instructions, Lauren Becker, DDS, a dentist certified in biomimetic dentistry in New York, says you may want to use them less frequently if your teeth are already sensitive. “I used these strips for a while and had no issues with sensitivity like I’ve experienced after professional whitening treatments and stronger at-home strips,” says Glamour contributor Macaela MacKenzie. “The results weren’t quite as impactful, but the tradeoff was definitely worth it.”
- Pros: Affordable, easy to use, reduces risk of sensitivity
- Cons: May take longer to see results
- Type of whitening agent: Hydrogen peroxide
- How to use: Peel strips, apply to teeth, leave on for 30 minutes. Continue daily over the course of 13 days.
- 5/22
Crest 3D White Brilliance 2 Step Kit
“This is my favorite over-the-counter whitening product because it gives patients noticeable results in under a week’s time that also won’t break the bank,” says Dr. Becker. “White strips can be bulky, annoying, and require consistency and time while all this requires is the two minutes that you should already be brushing your teeth,” she says. To use this teeth-whitening toothpaste, first apply the foaming toothpaste, “which helps remove plaque while helping prevent sensitivity,” says Dr. Becker, and brush for one minute before moving to toothpaste number two, which contains peroxide, for another minute.
- Pros: More effective than one-step whitening toothpastes.
- Cons: Even though it requires the same amount of time you should be brushing your teeth, adding the additional step can be annoying.
- Type of whitening agent: Hydrogen peroxide
- How to use: Step one: Brush with the deep cleanser for one minute, then spit. Step two: Brush with the whitening gel for one minute, then rinse. You should see results after one use, most effective after four weeks.
- 6/22
Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen
Another affordable drugstore option, Dr. Rubenshtein recommends Colgates’s Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen, which nets out to less than $1 per whitening treatment. “I have been blessed with pretty white teeth but I am a huge tea and coffee drinker. Before my wedding, I wanted a little refresh,” says MacKenzie. “I found the brush applicator much easier to use than white strips, which always annoy me, and can cause gum irritation. Plus, it works fast: brush on the hydrogen peroxide-based formula before bed and wake up to brighter teeth.”
- Pros: Affordable, easy to use, minimizes risk of sensitivity
- Cons: Can be awkward to keep lips away from your teeth while the gel dries.
- Type of whitening agent: Hydrogen peroxide
- How to use: Follow your regular oral care routine, dry your teeth, click the whitening pen, apply a layer onto your teeth, sleep, and brush your teeth in the morning. For best results, continue for 35 nightly uses.
- 7/22
Colgate Optic White Toothpaste
For a whitening toothpaste that won’t damage enamel, Dr. Hoang recommend’s Colgate’s Optic White. It contains 5% hydrogen peroxide (the highest concentration available in an over-the-counter toothpaste). More importantly for the long-term health of your teeth, “it’s one of the least abrasive on the market, making it gentler on enamel and less likely to exacerbate tooth recession and sensitivity,” Dr. Hoang says.
- Pros: Affordable, safe for enamel
- Cons: Won’t address deeper stains
- Type of whitening agent: Hydrogen peroxide, gentle abrasion
- How to use: Use in place of your regular toothpaste, and brush twice daily. Best results after two weeks of consistent use.
- 8/22
Hello Oral Care Activated Charcoal Toothpaste
For a natural whitening toothpaste alternative, Dr. Sands recommends Hello Oral Care’s Activated Charcoal Toothpaste. It’s gentle, he says, but it’s still best to use caution when using an abrasive toothpaste, which can damage enamel over time. Made with fresh mint and coconut oil, it’s also rather refreshing.
- Pros: Bleach-free whitening
- Cons: Won’t address deeper stains, the black color may be off-putting
- Type of whitening agent: Charcoal
- How to use: Use in place of your regular toothpaste, and brush twice daily.
- 9/22
Opalescence PF 35% Teeth Whitening Gel
For professional grade results at home, Dr. Sands recommends Opalescence’s teeth-whitening gel, which contains an impressive 35% carbamide peroxide. “It’s potent whitening power with professional-grade results,” he says. The downside is that you need to use the prefilled syringes with custom-made teeth-whitening trays purchased separately. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of a custom mold, Opalescence also makes prefilled ready-to-wear trays available in 11% and 15% hydrogen peroxide concentrations. As a bonus for those who aren’t into the mint flavor found in most whitening products, Opalescence offers both mint and melon flavors.
- Pros: Professional-level results
- Cons: Requires slightly more effort to use than OTC options, can cause sensitivity
- Type of whitening agent: Carbamide peroxide, hydrogen peroxide
- How to use: Apply gel to each tooth, using no more than 1/3 to 1/2 of syringe. Insert tray (purchased separately) and tap into place. Wear for 30 to 60 minutes. Remove excess with clear finger or soft toothbrush.
- 10/22
AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Pen
TikTok’s favorite teeth-whitening pen is legit, says Dr. Sands. He likes AuraGlow’s Teeth Whitening Pen for its “convenient and precise application, making it ideal for touch-ups on the go.” It also has a much higher concentration of peroxide than what you can find in drugstore brands, at 35% carbamide peroxide.
- Pros: Protects against sensitivity
- Cons: Can be surprisingly tricky to keep lips away from teeth for a full minute while the gel dries
- Type of whitening agent: Carbamide peroxide, hydrogen peroxide
- How to use: Click the bottom of the pen to expose the whitening gel and paint onto each tooth to whiten in under one minute. Use the pen one to two times per day. See visible results after just a few treatments, and best results after seven days of consecutive use.
- 11/22
Crest 3D Whitestrips, 1-Hour Express
Need your teeth to look whiter and brighter ASAP? Look no further than this speedy kit, which comes with a stamp of approval from LA-based hair and makeup artist Danni Katz. She loves using them before an event, and often recommends them to clients for rapid results. “I’ve been wearing Crest 3D White Strips for years and I’m absolutely obsessed!” she says. “I swear by them, especially for those excessive coffee/soda drinkers. They also leave lasting results as I always get compliments on my teeth even after a year of nonuse!”
- Pros: Rapid results, enamel safe
- Cons: Need to wear for a full hour
- Type of whitening agent: Glycerin
- How to use: Peel whitening strips and apply to teeth. Use for 60 minutes a day for 10 days.
- 12/22
Colgate Flex LED Tooth Whitening System
While at-home whitening kits may not be quite as powerful as professional whitening, this one comes pretty close. It uses a combination of hydrogen peroxide gel and a flexible LED whitening light, similar to what you’ll see at your dentist’s office. This system comes highly recommended by Victoria Veytsman, MD, a cosmetic dentist based in Beverly Hills. She especially loves it for maintaining professional-level results.
- Pros: Results similar to professional treatments
- Cons: Expensive
- Type of whitening agent: Hydrogen peroxide
- How to use: Click the pen until gel appears. Apply to each tooth, clicking the pen for more gel as needed. Wait for 10 to 15 seconds for the serum to dry. Plug the flexible light into your phone for power. Bite down on the bite strips to position it in your mouth. Wear for 10 minutes. Brush excess gel off. Best results after three days.
- 13/22
BrightByte
One not-so-great side effect of using aligners to straighten your smile? It often traps traces of food after a meal, and seems to stain your teeth more rapidly than usual (yes, speaking from experience here). That’s why Jon Marashi, DDS, suggests trying BrightByte, a three-in-one foam cleanser, whitener, and breath freshener. “It works great for people who already have clear aligners, and it can be dispensed inside of it,” he says. “It’s effective, gentle, safe, and great for traveling. BrightByte has a low dose of hydrogen peroxide, so it’s safe and effective for daily whitening and can be used on sensitive teeth. It also acts as a mouthwash of sorts, which is great to minimize aligner breath.
- Pros: Can use with aligners, freshens breath
- Cons: Won’t address deeper stains
- Type of whitening agent: Hydrogen peroxide
- How to use: Apply one pump of the foam into your aligner/retainer trays. Spread foam evenly to cover all areas. Place them in your mouth and wear them as usual.
- 14/22
Hismile v34 Colour Corrector
“I’ve tried other whitening products and a lot of them burn my gums or make my teeth feel sensitive, but this one was easy to use and worked into my normal routine without causing sensitivity or any discomfort,” says Glamour contributor Kristine Thomason. Similar to a purple shampoo, this product is formulated to neutralize yellow tones, in order to minimize discoloration and create a bright white smile. Thomason says while the product claims it shows instant results, in her experience, it works best over time. “I will say, it instantly does give me a confidence boost of a whiter smile when I use it!” she says.
- Pros: Easy to use, quick results
- Cons: Won’t address deeper stains
- Type of whitening agent: V34
- How to use: Apply two pumps of the color corrector to a soft bristle toothbrush and gently brush in a circular motion for two minutes. Spit out and rinse excess from mouth.
- 15/22
Burst Oral Care Whitening Strips
“After getting my aligners off, my teeth were in serious need of some brightening. I’d heard great things about these strips, and I was eager to give them a try,” says Thomason. “My first impression: They seamlessly adhered to my teeth, and didn’t slide around like many of the whitening strips I’d tried in the past. After seven days of use, my teeth looked noticeably whiter. I also liked that these strips made my teeth look white in a very natural way.” Similar to other dentist-recommended products, these strips feature hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient, along with coconut oil, aloe, and xylitol, which ensures to help sooth teeth and minimize sensitivity.
- Pros: Good for sensitive teeth, vegan, enamel-safe
- Cons: Not dramatic results
- Type of whitening agent: Hydrogen peroxide
- How to use: Peel strips and apply to teeth. Leave on for 15 minutes. For best results, repeat for 7 days.
- 16/22
What should I look for in at-home whitening products?
Like exfoliators in skin care, “at-home whitening products fall into two broad categories: abrasive (aka mechanical) whitening and chemical whitening,” explains Daniel Rubinshtein, DDS, a celebrity cosmetic dentist in New York. Both have their place in a whitening routine but there is one important factor to keep in mind. While the abrasive whitening method is used by many whitening toothpastes and can be effective, it can only remove surface stains, unable to penetrate deeper into the pores of teeth. “If the product you are using doesn’t contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, it won’t be as effective,” Dr. Rubenshtein says.
Over time, abrasive whitening products can also erode tooth enamel, leading to damage and sensitivity. Check with your dentist to see if an abrasive toothpaste is safe for you.
- 17/22
Do at-home teeth whitening treatments really work?
The best teeth-whitening kits can be very effective when used correctly, according to the experts we spoke to. Just don’t expect an immediate transformation or miracle results. “In-office whitening is always the most effective and impactful,” says Alice Hoang, DMD, FAGD, founder of Brooklyn Mint, a dental practice in New York.
In-office treatments use professional-grade whitening gels with a higher percentage of an active bleaching ingredient. “The main difference between whitestrips and professional whitening is predictability,” says Dr. Hoang. Before and after photos provided by the manufacturer will often show results similar to what professional whitening treatments can deliver, she says, “but these are under ideal conditions” and may not be as impressive in real life.
The freshness of at-home teeth-whitening kits will also impact their effectiveness, she adds. “The active ingredient for most bleaching products oxidizes, meaning it loses effectiveness quickly when not kept refrigerated,” Dr. Hoang explains. When you purchase whitestrips or a gel pen, there’s no way to be sure how long it’s been on shelves or whether temperature fluctuations during transit may have impacted it. Be mindful of expiration dates on packaging and don’t leave your whitening kit languishing in your medicine cabinet—for best results use it right away.
Remember that any teeth whitening, whether done by a professional or with an at-home whitening kit, is only temporary. “If you have habits such as smoking, drinking coffee, tea, or red wine, or eating food with heavy sauces, your teeth-whitening procedure won’t last long,” says Dr. Rubenshtein. “An over-the-counter at-home teeth-whitening product with a bad diet and habits can last up to a week. If you stay away from those foods, drinks, and habits, and also brush and floss two times a day, you can prolong the brightness of your teeth.”
- 18/22
What method of at-home whitening works best?
Whitening toothpastes, whitening strips, whitening gels, and LED whitening treatments can all be effective when used properly. In terms of which one works best, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, says Dr. Rubenshtein. Here’s what you can and can’t expect from the best teeth-whitening products in each category.
Whitening toothpastes
Whitening toothpastes are most useful for extending the results of more potent whitening treatments.“At-home whitening toothpastes remove surface stains from your teeth. However, they cannot go beyond that to remove the yellow and grayness of teeth,” says Lauren Becker, DDS, a dentist certified in biomimetic dentistry in New York. “I personally always recommend a two-step process with a whitening toothpaste and a whitening gel or strips for the best at-home impact.”
Whitening strips
“Whitening strips act as a ‘tape’ applied to teeth that has a film of whitening gel. The strip secures the chemicals to the tooth surface so that the whitening gel can penetrate the tooth’s surface allowing it to whiten the teeth,” explains Dr. Hoang. Strips are convenient, but typically contain a lower concentration of the bleaching agent than gels, she says, “so gels will generally be more effective than strips.”
Whitening gels
“A whitening gel is a viscous fluid with an active whitening ingredient that erases stains and brightens enamel,” says Dr. Hoang. Gels come in the form of whitening pens, squeezable tubes with a paintbrush-like tip, and formulas intended to be used with whitening trays. All are effective, but Dr. Rubenshtein prefers whitening pens, which are portable and can be used anywhere, anytime. Plus, “whitening pens often give visible results quickly and are ideal if you want to add a last-minute touch-up on the go,” he says.
Blue LED light
“Teeth-whitening kits that include blue light devices aim to enhance the whitening process by using LED or UV lights,” says Kevin Sands, DMD, a board-certified cosmetic dentist based in Beverly Hills. “The idea is that the light activates the whitening agents in the gel, potentially speeding up the results.” The effectiveness of blue light devices, however, is a subject of debate among dentists, he says, and there isn’t conclusive evidence that the light actually makes a noticeable impact on the end result.
“The two most important factors in getting good results with a chemical whitening kit: the amount of bleach you use and the amount of time it’s sitting there,” says Dr. Hoang, light or no light.
- 19/22
How often can you use at-home teeth-whitening treatments?
It is possible to overdo it with at-home whitening, causing permanent enamel damage and sensitivity.
“Generally, it's safe to use whitening toothpastes twice daily as part of your regular oral hygiene routine,” says Dr. Sands. Designed for daily use, toothpastes contain the lowest concentration of bleach.
The exception to this rule is abrasive whitening toothpastes, which polish off stains “at the expense of your enamel,” says Dr. Rubenshtein. “Over time the abrasive ingredients can strip your teeth and can give them a grayer appearance.” This can also cause sensitivity, our experts caution. “For patients with gum recession or tooth sensitivity, I advise avoiding whitening toothpastes because they often worsen recession and sensitivity,” says Dr. Hoang.
Overusing whitening strips and gels can also cause tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and enamel damage. “If your teeth start to feel sensitive with cold water, breathing in air, eating ice cream, or even brushing your teeth, those are indications that the teeth whitening is exacerbating your teeth sensitivity,” Dr. Rubenshtein says.
Always follow the instructions on the package, making sure not to leave the product on longer than recommended. “If you have sensitivity concerns, be mindful and always consult with your dentist before using,” says Dr. Hoang.
- 20/22
Is it normal for your teeth to be sensitive after using an at-home teeth-whitening kit?
“Tooth sensitivity in general is the most common side effect from teeth whitening,” says Jon Marashi, DDS. “If you do have sensitive teeth, you’ll want to look for a lower percentage of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, around 6%.” But since at-home kits, in general, use a lower concentration of whitening agents compared to professional whitening, the incidence of sensitivity is relatively low.
And if it does occur, it’s generally short term. “Sensitivity happens from dehydration, which can resolve within a day or two,” says Victoria Veytsman, MD, a cosmetic dentist based in Beverly Hills. She recommends using a toothpaste that’s designed to help with sensitivity, and take a few days off before trying the product again.
- 21/22
Are at-home whitening kits safe?
If you follow the instructions on the packaging, then you shouldn’t have any issues. What’s more important, however, is the state of your teeth before you try whitening them. Dr. Veytsman says it’s crucial to stay on top of all your dental appointments and make sure your mouth is healthy (no cavities, etc.) before using any kind of whitening product.
“Watch out for poorly fitting products and products with a high abrasive index,” says Jamie Sands, DDS, a cosmetic dentist based in Los Angeles. This is measured as relative dentine abrasivity (RDA). “If the product fits poorly the whitening product is merely washed away by saliva or inactivated.”
To be extra diligent, Dr. Marashi recommends looking for products approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) and that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
- 22/22
What’s the difference between at-home and professional whitening?
The biggest difference between at-home and professional treatments is the latter uses a higher concentration of whitening agents that are only safe to use under the care of a dentist, says Dr. Veytsman.
As a result, in general, at-home whitening treatments will take longer to take effect. “Used regularly, it will typically take up to two weeks until you begin to see the results,” says Dr. Marashi, whereas, “a professional in-office teeth-whitening treatment can lighten your teeth several shades in an hour.”