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Tackle the toughest stains with these kits, tested by our editors. pap teeth whitening gel
Jaylyn Pruitt has been working with Dotdash Meredith since May 2019 and is currently a commerce writer for Health where she writes about health and wellness products.
Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 phone outlet, making it easy to use on the go. We simply plugged it into our cell phone, 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.
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.
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.
To find the best teeth whiteners, we tested over 50 whitening devices in our lab and at home. We tested a variety of whitening products, including LED devices, white strips, toothpaste, and pens, for effectiveness, comfort, convenience, and value.
Before testing, we determined our tooth shade and compared our shades two and four weeks later. In our lab test, we used products once according to manufacturer instructions and then took the products home and continued to follow the instructions on the package.
We also spoke to experts to discuss what to look for in teeth whiteners, how to deal with sensitivity, and how to manage expectations. The experts we interviewed included:
We also tested the following teeth whiteners. While our testers had a lot of great things to say about them, they ultimately fell short of the recommendations that made our list based on overall results and negative side effects.
"Teeth whitening products are meant to whiten the superficial layer of your enamel using some sort of acid solution," says cosmetic dentist Daniel Rubinshtein, DDS.
Teeth whitening kits and products work by removing stains, either intrinsic or extrinsic—that is, internal or external stains. You can think of external stains as the ones you might get from a coffee habit, while intrinsic stains are treated on a deeper, chemical level.
While some people might be looking to avoid peroxides in teeth whitening, Bianca Velayo, DMD, of Green Valley Smiles Dentistry in Henderson, Nevada, explains that peroxide is what ultimately makes the process effective. "[Peroxides] penetrate the enamel to reverse intrinsic and extrinsic stains," Dr. Velayo explains. "Peroxide gels break down into water, oxygen, and reactive oxygen molecules. These reactive oxygen molecules treat both the enamel and the dentin, oxidizing the bonds of discolored stain molecules. By changing the stained molecules, the tooth becomes lighter."
To see results, dentists recommend products that have a good combination of peroxide concentration and duration of use. Dr. Velayo points out that shorter-duration products, like toothpaste, don't do much in terms of whitening, but they also include ingredients you might want to avoid.
Charcoal toothpaste and whitening products have been popular in recent years, but Cindy Roark, DMD, MS, Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer at Sage Dental, specifically recommends against them. She warns that you might not get the results you think you will, as charcoal works by using abrasion to remove the stain. As a result, the charcoal also wears away at the outer enamel of your teeth. "Enamel is clear, but the dentin under-layer is yellow. So it stands to reason that the more enamel you wear away, the yellower your teeth become," she explains.
The dentists we spoke with agreed that teeth whitening kits are safe, but that people with certain conditions should avoid whitening, at least until after proper dental treatment. Dr. Rubinshtein suggests that anyone with thin enamel can expect to experience pain while whitening their teeth, and those with gum disease and cavities should resolve those issues before deciding to whiten their teeth.
People with past dental work should also speak with a dentist before whitening. "Individuals with restorations such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants should understand that these restorations won't lighten, as only natural teeth can be whitened," says Dr. Hovanisyan. "In such patients, whitening treatment could result in color differences between natural teeth and restorations."
Jaylyn Pruitt has a Master of Library and Information Science with a focus on health information. Her goal is to provide easy-to-understand information with a patient perspective in mind.
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