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We’re going to let you in on a little secret: You don't need a ton of money to get the pearly whites you covet. In fact, you don’t even need to make a trip to a dentist’s office. At-home teeth whitening is a booming market, and there are plenty of products to help switch up your smile. Plus, not only are DIY alternatives more affordable than professional bleaching, but the best of the bunch are just as effective. So put down your phone and slip your insurance card back in your wallet—the first step to scoring that thousand-watt smile is pressing “add to cart.”
Of course, there’s more to a beautiful grin than it being free of stains. Before you start shopping for over-the-counter teeth whitening products, American Dental Association (ADA) spokesperson Matt Messina, DDS, recommends scheduling an appointment with your dentist for a visit to check for cavities, tooth sensitivity, and tartar buildup first. Then, with their green light and guidance, look for whiteners with ADA approval and hydrogen peroxide (the active ingredient that gets the job done). But note: Patience is key, since some OTC treatments can take up to a few weeks to yield results.
From teeth whitening strips to teeth whitening kits complete with LED lights, there’s a brightening solution for every smile, skill set, and lifestyle—even for those low on time but still looking to upgrade their grin. With whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes that you can add to your routine—and require minimal effort but yield maximum results—teeth whitening at home has never been easier. For a brighter smile, try the following expert-approved whiteners.
White Professional Effects Whitestrips
Emanuel Layliev, DDS, a dentist at the New York Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, considers these easy-to-adhere strips the most effective (and cost-efficient). They come in handy if you're hoping to see your teeth lighten up to two shades before major events like a wedding. For best results, apply these daily for 30-minute intervals for a month.
Crest 3D White Stain Eraser Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
At less than $5 for a two-pack, you're probably already sold on this top-selling whitening toothpaste. And with a gentle, fluoride-based formula, it won't irritate sensitive gums or harm your enamel the way harsher formulas might. Happy reviewers have noticed brighter smiles in a matter of days, which will truly incentivize you to keep brushing twice a day.
Crest Noticeably White Whitestrips
While Crest offers a variety of Whitestrips to choose from, Alexander Bendayan, DDS, a professor at Boston University's Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, finds that the Noticeably White style covers each tooth in its entirety, ensuring every single part of your smile shines brighter. Amazon customers have reported splotchy results when strips don't fit precisely, however.
Optic White Stain Fighter Stain Removal Toothpaste
As Layliev explains, teeth darken when harmless stained pigment accumulates over time from exposure to acidic foods that erode the enamel, like red wine, coffee, blueberries, raspberries, soy sauce, balsamic vinaigrette, peanut butter, and barbecue sauce. In addition to hydrogen peroxide, which is essential, the fluoride in this toothpaste strengthens tooth structure—something you'll want to be mindful of since peroxide can damage enamel if overused.
Teeth Whitening Strips
These vegan strips dissolve after 15 minutes, so you can truly pop 'em in and go about your day without worrying that you've left them on too long. The formula is also super gentle, so your teeth and gums will stay strong and protected from pain or irritation. Boasting a brightening level of up to seven shades, anyone you smile at will need a pair of sunglasses when you give 'em a big grin.
Total Whitening Gel Toothpaste
Are you #TeamCrest or #TeamColgate? Members of the latter will be satisfied with the brand's whitening gel formula. But don’t take our word for it—consult the over 13,000 reviews on Amazon that rate the whitening toothpaste just shy of five stars. The best part? Colgate’s toothpaste offers brushes an additional nine oral health benefits beyond brighter teeth, including cavity prevention, plaque prevention, tartar control, and fresh breath.
Brilliant Teeth Whitening Device
If you're willing to splurge, dentists consider all-in-one LED-light whitening kits among the most effective tools, second to getting your teeth professionally whitened. Bendayan turns to GLO in his practice. In addition to the rechargeable, heated LED light device, this FDA-approved kit contains a mouthpiece, 10-day whitening vials, and a hydrating formula for your lips. Bendayan says the light acts as a catalyst for the whitening process.
All-in-One At-Home Teeth Whitening System
Bendayan points out that like the GLO kit, this FDA-approved, over-the-counter system is perfect if you have sensitive teeth, since the strength of the hydrogen peroxide in the whitening formula tends to be weaker. Remember, the LED light is what's helping you here.
Teeth Whitening Pen
Now here’s a bargain you can’t refuse: VieBeauti’s Teeth Whitening Pens come in packs of three, and for under $15 to boot. And don’t let their low price tag deter you: The professional-quality pen has over 37,000 rave reviews on Amazon and promises teeth can turn anywhere between four to eight shades brighter with consecutive use. What’s more, the formula is minty fresh, and is made with 35 percent carbamide peroxide to wipe your pearly whites clean of coffee, soda, and smoke stains.
Pronamel Intensive Enamel Repair Whitening Toothpaste
For sensitive teeth in need of brightening, there’s Sensodyne. This brand’s whitening toothpaste is an advanced formula, but while it’s tough on stains, it’s gentle on teeth as it works to re-strengthen weakened enamel. The paste is also perfect for anyone whose diet includes acidic foods and drinks (think wine, fruit, and soda); they can cause acid erosion and—you guessed it—yellowing.
Certified Non-Toxic Whitening Strips
The only downside to whitening strips is that oftentimes the concentrated formulas slathered onto each treatment aren’t gentle enough for sensitive teeth. Lumineux offers an alternative with whitening strips infused with better-for-you ingredients like coconut oil, lemon peel oil, sage oil, and dead sea salt. Certified non-toxic, vegan-friendly, and even microbiome-safe, users say the strips aren’t painful on the teeth or gums. But better still, they work fast: Apply for 30 minutes once a day, every day for a week, and one to two times per week after that to maintain your results.
Pearly Girl Vegan Teeth Whitening Pen
While Tarte is best known for its cosmetics (think Shape Tape Concealer, Amazonian Clay Blush, etc.), the brand’s Pearly Girl Vegan Teeth Whitening Pen has a cult following of its own. The portable pen is packed with a patented calcium complex, hydrogen peroxide, and a neutralizing complex that work together to wipe out any dark spots or stains living on your teeth. Just apply via the applicator’s soft bristle brush, let set for 30 seconds before closing your mouth, and put eating and drinking on hold for 15 minutes. According to the instructions, you can apply up to four times per day for the best results.
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