We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.
Whiten and brighten your smile in as little as three days with these dentist-approved teeth whitening kits. Shadowless Operating Lamp
At-home whitening products have come a long way, and there are many options to choose from. A teeth whitening kit is an easy, effective, and more affordable way to brighten your smile at home. However, for true whitening success, you need to know what type of kit to use and whether or not whitening products are you. Experts recommend avoiding whitening products altogether if you have gum or mouth disease, untreated tooth decay, or significantly worn enamel.
To help you narrow the list of whitening kits that will meet your needs, we tested the best options on the market and evaluated them for ease of use, comfort, efficacy, and value. An orthodontist from our Medical Expert Board reviewed the contents of this article for medical accuracy regarding dental hygiene and the effectiveness of active whitening ingredients.
According to Rhonda Kalasho, DDS, CEO of TruGlo Modern Denta, carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are common whitening ingredients. For carbamide peroxide, look for a concentration of around 35%. If you have sensitive teeth, Nina Izhaky, DDS, dentist at Tribeca Dental Studio, suggests 3 to 10%. For hydrogen peroxide, aim for 10 to 15%. Both whiten while causing less sensitivity and side effects than other ingredients.
Steer clear of PAP (or phthalimido-peroxy-caproic acid) on the ingredient label. The dentists we spoke to said they don't recommend this ingredient for whitening due to reports of lingering sensitivity.
According to Dr. Kalasho, every tooth whitening system works differently:
On Friday, December 8, 2023, SmileDirectClub announced it was shutting down all production immediately. Though we've tested and included their products in the past, we have removed all of their products from our recommendations in light of this news. We continuously test products and monitor the news to ensure our readers have the most up-to-date information about top products on the market.
Whitening strips can be a messy, awkward affair, but the Crest 3D Whitestrips for Sensitive Teeth could not have been easier for us to use. The strips were easy to apply and remove. They were also painless, non-irritating, and didn't cause any sensitivity during or after use. And they worked, too—we could see a noticeable difference when we took the first strip off our teeth and felt confident that the results would keep improving from there (with this particular kit, you're directed to use the strips for 28 days).
In terms of convenience and value, we thought the compact, minimal packaging made the strips easy to store. While these strips are a little pricey when considering the quantity, the convenience of seamlessly integrating them into our daily dental routine makes the price worth it. Plus, we thought it delivered real results—our teeth were noticeably whiter after using all 14 strips.
They're pricier than some of our other picks.
Type: Strips | Application Time: 30 minutes, once daily | Active Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide (percentage not specified)
Need to be worn for one hour
Combining comfort with a gentle formulation, the Spotlight Oral Care Dental Teeth Whitening Strips are our pick for the best strips for sensitive teeth. In testing, we found these strips fit our teeth nicely. We felt like the product effectively adhered to our teeth's front and back. The adhesion created a "vacuum-sealed" effect that made them comfortable to wear for the full hour you're supposed to keep them in place. More importantly, we didn't feel any discomfort or sensitivity during whitening or after wearing these strips, and they worked quickly, too. Our teeth looked visibly brighter after all 14 included strips had been used.
Considering how well they work, we found these strips to be a great deal. Plus, Spotlight includes a few freebies—notably, a convenient on-the-go travel pouch and vitamin E oil for soothing gums post-treatment, which were much appreciated.
It takes an hour to use these, so these aren't for you if you need something quick for on the go use.
Type: Strips | Application Time: 60 minutes, once daily | Active Ingredients: 0.01% hydrogen peroxide
Slightly uncomfortable on the gums
Many whitening products can leave you with a sloppy mess on your hands (and teeth!), but we found the iSmile Teeth Whitening Kit to be a tidier and more effective alternative to some of the other kits we tested. As we tested, we realized you could apply the gel to the mouthpiece before inserting it, which helps ensure you've got the right amount and that all the whitening solution covers your teeth.
While the application wasn't as comfortable as other picks, the application time here is only 10 minutes, so we thought this was a totally manageable inconvenience for the amount of time needed to whiten. We were surprised how bright our teeth became in testing this product—we felt the kit more than earns its place on our list and is well worth its cost. We even think it may have been more effective than previous whitening treatments we've done in the past at the dentist's office.
We found the whitening process slightly less comfortable. The solution was pretty tasteless, and our gums experienced some discomfort. Swallowing was also awkward because the solution can produce excess saliva, but you aren’t supposed to swallow it.
Type: Gel | Application Time: 10 minutes, once daily | Active Ingredients: 35% carbamide peroxide
Whitens in a short amount of time
Higher strengths may cause sensitivity
These prefilled trays by Opalescence won't be for everyone (people with sensitive teeth, beware!), but they were definitely the easiest and least messy whitening tray option we tested, which is why they're our best tray pick. Essentially, you position the upper and lower trays on your teeth, bite down for a few seconds, and then remove the colored outer tray, leaving behind a more snug-fitting inner tray containing the whitening gel. This allows you to get a snug and comfortable fit every time.
Initially, we couldn't leave the tray in for the recommended 15 minutes because it was so uncomfortable. But over time, we did get used to it. The best part was that our teeth whitened. Even though we only left it in for about eight minutes, our teeth went up a full shade. It hurt, but the pain was worth it in our eyes. We also started with the highest concentration possible, which we wouldn't recommend if you have sensitive teeth or have never whitened your teeth before (in that case, you may want to start with the lowest concentration and work your way up from there).
This option isn’t entirely painless. In testing, we found that the upper tray caused serious gum discomfort (even after brushing our teeth to remove the gel). It was similar to the feeling of applying an acid facial peel or retinoid for the first time—painful but bearable.
Type: Tray | Application Time: 15-20 minutes, once daily | Active Ingredients: 15% hydrogen peroxide
Small, convenient pen to paint on gel
No “wow” factor with whitening
The main reason to opt for a whitening pen rather than a more comprehensive kit is convenience, and this AuraGlow pen is nothing if not convenient. While the results are more subtle than some of our other picks, the application process is incredibly easy and painless. It's also great that you can easily whiten minor stains on the go.
The application process is similar to other gel whiteners in that you paint on the product, but after that, you have to allow it to dry (without rinsing or swallowing, which we found to be tricky!). We observed a slight tingling upon application during testing, but nothing persisted. The big bonus here is the pen's convenience; we liked that there's nothing overly complicated about the whitening process here and that the pen can go with you literally anywhere. We think it could be worked easily into a nighttime brushing routine since you can't eat or drink for an hour after using it.
The effects are more subtle than other picks. If you want on-the-go, light spot treatments then this is perfect. However, this may not be for you if you need a more dramatic or noticeable change.
Type: Pen | Application Time: 1 minute, 1 to 2 times daily | Active Ingredients: 35% carbamide peroxide
Clearly brightens after a few uses
Comfortable and easy to use
We were shocked by the Auraglow Deluxe Teeth Whitening Kit's whitening results. The setup process is easy—charge the LED light, fill the tray with gel, and pop it in your mouth—and the tray itself is soft and flexible. Overall, the whitening results were significant enough to make us recommend this product as a good choice, especially since it didn't cause any pain or discomfort and is priced within the average range for a whitening kit. Given how much we know professional whitening costs and remembering the pain and sensitivity we've had with other whitening products, we think this is worth the price.
This pick isn't the most efficient option on the list. It took 30 minutes to work, making our daily activities trickier. It's also rather large and felt clunky. That being said, the results were impressive, so the inconvenience wasn't in vain.
Type: Light kit | Application Time: 30 minutes, once daily | Active Ingredients: 35% carbamide peroxide
Integrates into your existing brushing routine
Whitens teeth a few shades
Results don’t last if you discontinue use
It would be best not to head into a whitening toothpaste expecting the same results as whitening strips or a kit with gels and trays. However, a whitening toothpaste, like this one from Opalescence, can help whiten teeth or help maintain a whiter smile over time. We rated it high for convenience, mostly because it functioned like normal toothpaste. We liked that the application process had no learning curve; it was easy to work into our daily routine and didn’t cause any initial discomfort.
The bottom line is that this product can work, but only under certain circumstances. We think it’s best used for someone who wants to brighten their teeth for an event and doesn’t mind enduring some temporary abrasiveness or for someone who has pretty white teeth and wants to touch up their shade occasionally.
We noticed some long-term discomfort over time, though, possibly because it felt pretty abrasive. When we stopped, we immediately noticed yellowing and staining. Consistency will bring substantial results, but the heightened sensitivity of the teeth was discouraging for daily use.
Type: Toothpaste | Application Time: Brush as usual, 1 to 2 times daily | Active Ingredients: 0.25% sodium fluoride, 5% potassium nitrate
You can talk while wearing them
Results in under three days
Only covers the most visible teeth
Can leave a film if you don’t brush after removal
We recommend the Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips if you want whiter teeth fast. Although they do not contain peroxide (opting for a mix of natural ingredients), we found these strips to be a quick and easy way to whiten our teeth in just a couple of days. Not only were these strips easy to apply, but we liked how they tasted refreshing (not plasticky) and didn’t interfere with our conversations (yep, we could talk with these on!). In testing, we observed a gradual lightening of about two shades in under three days, which means you can use these to get a super-short turnaround on brighter teeth.
You get 21 treatments, which we thought was a great value, considering you’ll see results in just three days. We also appreciated that this is an alternative to more chemical-based kits, which makes it a little friendlier for people with sensitive teeth.
The only downside was that the strips only cover the front six to eight of your teeth, so if you were hoping for sparkling molars, this won’t get you there.
Type: Strips | Application Time: 30 minutes, once daily | Active Ingredients: N/A
We tested 21 teeth whitening kits at home. To ensure we got an accurate read on whether the kits had whitening effects, we used a dental color shade chart to find the shade of our teeth before beginning any treatment. We used the products for the first time in our Verywell Testing Lab and continued to use them at home according to manufacturer instructions. We assessed them according to the following criteria:
When compiling our list, we consulted three dental professionals to learn exactly how teeth whiteners work and get their advice on using them. These experts included:
Teeth whitening products use common ingredients to minimize the appearance of stains and discoloration on teeth. They do this by bleaching, lightening the appearance of stains, and breaking down and removing them. Typically, in-office whitening procedures are more effective than at-home ones because dentists can use stronger, more concentrated ingredients to whiten (but they’re also usually more expensive). However, the newer wave of at-home whitening products can provide high-quality results.
Yes, it is safe if you use a reputable product, according to Kendra Zappia, DDS, a dentist and New York State Dental Association member. But you should check with your dentist to ensure it's safe for you. Dr. Zappia says that dentists like herself want to ensure patients' mouths and teeth are healthy enough to handle the process, or they can cause more harm than good. Whitening also only works on natural teeth, so dental work like crowns, bridges, and implants may also diminish the impact of treatments. Additionally, people who are pregnant should avoid whitening.
Dr. Zappia says some people's effects last three to four months, while others can last up to a year or longer. Drinks like coffee, tea, wine, and soda can stain teeth, shortening the staining's duration.
Dr. Zappia says that bleach in whitening products opens the pores in your teeth to break down the stains. Thus, for safety and efficacy, she recommends brushing and flossing before clearing away any plaque that may interfere with the process and waiting about half an hour so your teeth's pores close back up.
Foods that don't discolor teeth are safe to eat after whitening sessions. Dr. Zappia says cheese, vegetables, pasta, yogurt, and fruits (excluding berries) are good examples of non-staining, post-whitening treats.
Sarah Bradley has been writing health content since 2017: everything from product roundups and illness FAQs to nutrition explainers and the dish on diet trends. She knows how important it is to receive trustworthy and expert-approved advice about over-the-counter products that help you manage everyday conditions.
Loren Brutsch, the editor of this article, has personally tested products on this list and has experienced sensitive teeth from whitening products in the past. She knows how uncomfortable teeth sensitivity from whitening products can be, so she only recommends products she knows are either gentle enough for sensitive teeth or whiten teeth so well that they're worth the discomfort (with a warning from our team, of course).
American Pregnancy Association. Pregnancy and dental work.
Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.
Dentist lamp There was an error. Please try again.