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With busy schedules (and tight budgets), booking a professional teeth whitening treatment may not be your top priority right now. But there is a way to keep your teeth looking pearly white from the comfort of your bathroom. That’s where at-home options like whitening kits come into play.
Today’s teeth whitening sets are far more advanced than ones in years past. There are plenty of options, including pens, strips, and fill trays—you just have to figure out what set-up will work best for you, given your time and lifestyle.
"A moldable tray or strip that closely adheres to the teeth but won’t be too large to get on gum tissue should always included in a teeth whitening kit," cosmetic dentist Amanda Lewis says. "Patients of a higher age usually have a thicker inner tooth structure called dentine, and that’s what whitening kits work on."
We've got you covered if you don’t know where to start. Below are the 12 best whitening kits that dentists and beauty lovers love.
Related: The 9 Best Whitening Toothpastes That Dentists Love
Teeth Whitening Kit
Pia Lieb, founder of Cosmetic Dentistry Center in NYC recommends AuraGlow's kit as the next best thing to a professional treatment. It includes 20 treatments for virtually a month's worth of whitening. “I love that this whitening solution comes with trays and an LED light to comfortably whiten both your top and bottom sets of teeth. It also features 35 percent carbamide peroxide (most dental offices use a 40 percent peroxide formula).”
One satisfied customer writes: "This kit appealed to me; it's all-in-one for a reasonable price and you can reduce waste from typical whitening strips wrapped in plastic by reusing the rechargeable LED light and ordering more (recyclable) whitening tubes. It whitens well, doesn't make my teeth sensitive, and is easy to use while I do chores or get ready in the mornings." — Melanie
3D Whitestrips with Light Dental Whitening Kit
With close to 15,000 customer reviews and close to a five-star rating, this professional-level kit is a favorite among Amazon shoppers. It includes 10 of Crest's coveted whitening strips, plus a water-resistant, handheld device that aims to brighten teeth in 10 days, with results lasting up to 36 months at a time.
One satisfied customer writes: "Wow! These really work, teeth do get a little sensitive but nothing unbearable. I am halfway though the treatment and my teeth are already white...can’t wait for the end result." —Monica
3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips Dental Whitening Kit
These ultra-popular Crest whitening strips are dentist-approved and designed to remove tooth stains up to 14 years old. As an added bonus, this kit also contains two one-hour express treatments for same-day brightening results. There's even a sensitive version of Whitestrips for those in need.
“After 20 days of daily use in our Beauty Lab, scientists found that these strips whitened teeth two to four shades,” says Beverly Hills-based celebrity dentist Kevin Sands. Lieb is also a fan: “This new version, in particular, gives a burst of mint flavor to make whitening more enjoyable,” she adds.
One satisfied customer writes: "I have used these for years & they work GREAT!" — Kylee
Teeth Whitening Kit (Pack of 4)
The teeth-alignment specialists at Smile Direct Club also offer teeth whitening essentials at budget-friendly prices. This starter kit from the brand includes six months-worth of peroxide whitening pens, and even includes a handy LED light.
One satisfied customer writes: "I was shocked at how much whiter these made my teeth after a couple treatments. I saw immediate results after first session. The overall result is equal to the $100+ treatments I was doing at the dentist's office. Plus this is equal to at least 4 dentist office treatments. And you plug into your phone so you can walk around and do other things and multitask while whitening. Highly recommend!" —Rachel
GLO Brilliant White Smile At Home Teeth Whitening Device
A dentist doesn’t just approve this hydrogen peroxide kit; one actually invented it. We also love that it comes with a protective and hydrating lip balm to wear while using the heated light. "A lot of top-tier kits should include a desensitizing gel and vitamin E oil that could be good for a lip balm," Lewis adds.
One satisfied customer writes: "When I decided to buy this product, I was skeptical and it was a lot of money to spend. If I got my teeth whitened in the dentist office, I knew it would be even more expensive so I bought Glo. I am 3 days in and I must say, I am so surprised that this actually is whitening my teeth. Super easy, my teeth tend to be more sensitive with whitening, but not with this product. The first time I used it, my teeth were a little sensitive but that was because I used too much whitening. The last two days of treatments, I have not had any sensitivity. I have two more days to finish out my 5 days and I would definitely recommend this product!!" — KKhicks
Teeth Whitening Strips
These popular strips offer 21 whitening treatments. They use a natural blend of ingredients, such as coconut oil, lemon peel, and sea salt, rather than chemicals, to gently brighten teeth. After 30 minutes of use, the strips are easy to remove and simply rinse with water.
One satisfied customer writes: "These have a nice thick lining to cover your teeth which stays on the whole time. It doesn’t seep out from behind the layer that holds it in place. The trick to getting even coverage is to push the gel between all the crevices of your teeth and it comes out with amazing results!" —Nicole
Whitening Emulsions Leave On Treatment
If traditional whitening strips aren't for you, we suggest reaching for this top-rated set instead. Over 500 Ulta customers swear by this rinse- and brush-free whitening kit from Crest that uses peroxide droplets suspended in a hydrating base to get teeth their whitest.
One satisfied customer writes: "I have used this product for a couple of months. You don't have to use it daily but you can if you want to. When I first started using it, I applied it once a day for a week and I started seeing results within about three days! Results can vary for everyone but definitely give this product a try! I know that I will continue to use it." —katiel339
The Complete Kit
Featuring hydrogen peroxide along with plant-based antimicrobials to help fight bacteria, this vegan whitening set from oral-care brand Twice (co-founded by actor and singer Lenny Kravitz) has proven to brighten teeth up to 23 shades, according to an independent study. Did we mention the kit also includes two tubes of whitening toothpaste plus two options for floss?
One satisfied customer writes: "This line is A grade and incredibly effective. I am fully enjoying the benefits of using it and have quickly become both a fan and will be supporting from here on out. Thank you for creating this conscious forward and therapeutic product!" —Craig S.
6 Minutes To A Whiter Smile Teeth Whitening Kit (5-Piece)
This kit includes a pre-rinse that helps prime your smile for the whitening toothpaste, plus an accelerator, and activating rods that follow. This bundle is designed to work fast, with clear results visible in just a single use.
One satisfied customer writes: "This product provided great benefits for the price. I admit, I was skeptical, but love the results. The tea stains on my teeth have diminished greatly and it leaves a nice clean taste in my mouth." —Holly C.
The Whitening Routine Kit
Moon, the Kendall Jenner-backed oral care line isn't all hype, no substance. "The pens in particular are great because you can literally carry them around with you and use them on-the-go," says celebrity cosmetic dentist Victoria Veytsman. This all-inclusive kit features whitening toothpaste, a brightening tooth polish, along with a pen for easy touch-ups on-the-go.
One satisfied customer writes: "I have tried all different kinds of toothpaste that are supposed to whiten but never felt like they did. The Moon toothpaste I notice fewer stains. I have used it for 2 weeks and cut back on coffee and noticed whiter teeth. Will buy again." — Autumn
Go Pre-Filled Teeth Whitening Trays
This popular, pre-filled tray uses hydrogen peroxide to lift stains from teeth in 30 to 60 minutes. They conform to your smile for a perfect fit right out of the box. Once you're done with a whitening session, you can just throw the trays away.
One satisfied customer writes:
"I have used these in the past and will buy these every time to whiten my teeth. I feel like they are the best of the best and work great!" —TeaForTwo
Whitening Strips
These gentle whitening strips combine the best of both worlds: a combination of coconut oil and enamel-safe hydrogen peroxide provide noticeable brightening without being too harsh. It includes 20 total treatments (10 for the top, and 10 for the bottom row of teeth), along with three bonus treatments for stain emergencies.
One satisfied customer writes:"I haven’t bleached my teeth for at least three years and they whitened quickly. I used them for seven days without sensitivity and with much whiter teeth. They adhere really well which is a bonus." —Arline K.
What helps make teeth look whiter?
When it comes to the natural shade of your teeth, a variety of genetic and lifestyle-based factors can directly impact their color. "Tooth color is a result of both the natural structure of teeth and the presence of stains on teeth. Stains typically come from external sources such as foods, drinks such as tea, coffee, and wine, tobacco use, and tartar," Venda Maloney, senior director of early oral care research at Colgate-Palmolive, explains. "Over time, tooth color becomes darker due to continued exposure to stains as well as enamel wear."
A couple of common chemicals used to whiten teeth include carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide, which work in similar ways. Carbamide peroxide lasts longer when its in active form, but needs to be stronger than hydrogen peroxide to work well.
Are teeth whiteners safe to use?
Each ingredient is deemed safe and effective to use at lower percentages, but at higher percentages, they can cause gum tissue damage or an increased rate of tooth sensitivity.
Can I whiten my teeth if they're sensitive?
According to experts, whitening can temporarily dry out your teeth, which is ultimately what causes their sensitivity. As the teeth rehydrate, the sensitivity diminishes. "You should always visit a dentist prior to teeth whitening because whitening in the presence of tooth decay is not advised," continues Lewis. "If you get a clean bill of health from your dentist and you have straight teeth, trying over-the-counter teeth whitening is a great option. If you don’t get the results you want from those kits, you should visit your dentist for stronger concentrations that can be applied safely."
During the whitening process, Lewis notes that one red flag to keep in mind is increased sensitivity that doesn’t diminish after a 48-hour period. "Another is gum irritation, as some people will have increased sensitivity, and will need to take more time in between whitening," he adds.
Meet the Experts
Pia Lieb is the founder of Cosmetic Dentistry Center in New York City.
Amanda Lewis is a cosmetic dentist and the creator of Lewie.
Kevin Sands is a cosmetic dentist based in Los Angeles.
Victoria Veytsman is a celebrity cosmetic dentist based in New York City.
Venda Maloney, PhD., is the senior director of early oral care research at Colgate-Palmolive.
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