All that cold brew or rosé all day got your teeth yellow? Everyone wants white teeth, but dentist office options are an expense many of us can’t justify (or, let’s be real, afford). Enter at-home teeth whitening kits: They’ve been around for decades, but continue getting more high-tech as new companies enter the space and technology improves.
But do these at-home teeth whitening kits really live up to their promises and claims? And are they just as effective as more expensive teeth whitening options you get at the dentist? Let’s take a look at some popular options, as well as the science behind how they actually whiten your teeth so you know exactly which kit is best for you.
What comes in a tooth-whitening kit?
What comes in a tooth whitening kit will depend on the kit that you’ve ordered. Whitening kits that use a strip-based application system will generally contain enough strips to treat your teeth a certain number of times. If you’ve opted for a kit that has a gel-based application system, you’ll find the gel, applicator, and perhaps even a whitening light in your kit.
Additionally, most kits will have a chart that helps you easily identify the color of your teeth both before and after treatment, so you can see your results. And of course, every teeth whitening kit includes instructions for use. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results and to avoid possible injury.
What is the chemical that whitens teeth?
The active ingredient in most at-home whitening products is something called hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) which is delivered as either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. At-home teeth whitening systems contain anywhere from 3% to 20% peroxide. Peroxide’s effect occurs because it is a weak acid with strong oxidizing properties. This means that it steals the electrons that hold atoms together, which in turn causes the molecules that cause staining to fall apart.
How long does home tooth whitening take?
Because home tooth whitening kits contain a weaker amount of peroxide compared to dental office whitening systems, they tend to take longer to produce the same effects. Whitening pens take a couple of days to a week to see results, while whitening strips require multiple daily treatments usually over the course of a couple of weeks. Whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes can take anywhere from six weeks to several months to show results. At-home whitening gel trays give noticeable results in about a week, but you won’t see full results for about 2-4 weeks.
How long does home teeth whitening last?
Home teeth whitening results last for about six months, on average. Some systems (such as at-home whitening gel trays) produce better results than others, so it’s always best to research your options. Professional dental whitening can give results for up to two to three years, on average.
The best way to make your teeth whitening results last longer is to maintain good oral hygiene and lifestyle habits. Brush at least twice a day and floss daily. An electric toothbrush gets you a cleaner smile than a manual brush, and with so many electric toothbrush subscription services available it’s easy to change your brush every three to four months as the CDC recommends. In addition, avoid stain-producing foods and drinks, and don’t smoke or drink alcohol.
Can people with sensitive teeth or gums use teeth whitening kits?
Yes! People with sensitive teeth or gums can use teeth whitening kits, but they should be mindful of the strength of the peroxide in the kit. There are several options available designed specifically for those who have sensitive teeth. Also, by following the manufacturer’s recommended time limits and not going longer than recommended, you can help to avoid some of the discomfort associated with teeth whitening kits. Keep in mind that the American Dental Association notes that temporary tooth sensitivity and gingival inflammation are the most common adverse effects of vital tooth whitening.
What causes yellow teeth and how can you prevent them?
Yellow teeth can be caused by a number of different factors. These may be internal or external. Some internal factors that cause yellow teeth include:
Aging
Trauma
Infection
Medication
Internal stains tend to be deeper and harder to remove than surface stains. At-home whitening kits aren’t always the best choice for these types of stains. External factors that cause yellow teeth include:
Foods
Cigarette smoke
Drinks (coffee and red wine are two major culprits)
Because these types of stains are on the outside of the tooth, they are easier to remove and at-home teeth whitening products will be more effective on them.
Are there side effects from teeth whitening?
While teeth whitening is a relatively common and minor procedure, it’s not without side effects. The most common side effect of tooth whitening is sensitivity. The active ingredients in teeth whitening kits can cause sensitivity to occur in teeth and gums. Often, this doesn’t last for long but some people do notice that long-term use of any teeth whitener with peroxide or abrasives is uncomfortable. Other possible side effects include:
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Burning and irritation of the gums. This is more likely to occur from at-home gel tray whitening products. You can avoid this problem by covering your gums completely prior to treatment and using custom-fitted trays.
Gum whitening. The whitening agent in teeth whitening kits can also have a whitening effect on your gums, causing them to bleach and lose their color for a short period of time.
Upset stomach. You might end up with an upset stomach if you accidentally swallow a whitening product. This should be temporary. Try your best not to swallow any whitening agent.
Tooth damage. There’s some research to suggest that whitening products could cause damage to your tooth enamel or dentin, and even possibly surface grooves on the teeth due to strong bleaching solutions or abrasives.
Pain. Some people note tooth pain during or after using a whitening kit. If you experience pain, burning, or extreme sensitivity, it’s worth checking in with your dentist. In rare cases, whitener can enter a cavity or cracked tooth, leading to major pain requiring a dentist visit.
If you want to make your smile brighter and whiter, you can do so safely without the major expense of professional whitening treatment. There are several great at-home teeth whitening options to choose from. While you may experience some side effects from teeth whitening, most at-home whitening treatments are safe to use as long as you follow the product’s directions, and any discomfort should be minimal and short-lived. Here are some of the best teeth whitening kits and best teeth whitening products available on the market today for getting a glamorous white smile at home.
Best Overall
The SNOW Teeth Whitening Kit is equipped with four whitening wands (three regular ones and one extra-strength pen) and a USB-powered LED light device. The pens contain a whitening serum boasting hydrogen peroxide, and the formula is vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. The gel formula has been specially designed to be safe for those with sensitive teeth, meaning less discomfort, pain, or irritated gums during or following treatment. To use, you simply brush your teeth as normal before applying the teeth whitening gel. Pop the mouthpiece into your mouth and power on the LED light for as little as nine minutes. While you might be put off by the high price tag of this whitening kit, it does provide up to 75 teeth whitening treatments, which works out to about $2 each – still a far cry from professional dental whitening.
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Best Budget Option
For those looking for whiter teeth, but not wanting to shell out a ton of dough, the Cali White teeth whitening kit is a great choice. While the company claims you can get results in as little as one treatment, you should complete the full 7-10 day regimen for best results. The good news is it only takes 10-30 minutes per day! It helps remove stains from coffee, wine, tea, and smoking. It comes with a universal comfort fit tray and bonus custom thermoform trays which provide full upper and lower bite coverage. You also get a 5X bright blue LED light with a built-in timer, and two peroxide gel syringes.
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Best Whitening Toothpaste
If you’d rather skip the sometimes sloppy at-home teeth whitening trays and don’t mind a more subtle approach to your whitening efforts, then a whitening toothpaste is a great option. For Supersmile, you simply maintain your regular brushing routine (which should be 2 minutes, twice a day) but swap your toothpaste. It’s available in a choice of seven different flavors, so you’re sure to find one you can stomach. Not only does this toothpaste help to fight cavities thanks to the addition of fluoride, but it also remineralizes enamel while brightening up your smile. There’s also a boosting accelerator gel available to help speed up your results, though you can also purchase the duo as a kit.
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Best At-Home Whitening Kit For Comfort
This at-home teeth whitening kit from Glo Science features an ergonomically-designed mouthpiece for a comfortable fit, making it the most comfortable model on our list. It was invented by a dentist, so there’s lots of professional experience behind the technology. Unlike many teeth whitening products on the market, GLO is even FDA-approved. All GLO device components are covered by a one-year limited warranty for added peace of mind. The LED light features a built-in countdown timer that ensures a perfectly-timed whitening session each and every time you use it. It’s also available in a choice of three different colors, if that sort of thing is important to you. Each kit comes with 10 teeth whitening GLO vials for 10 days of whitening (two full 5 day treatments).
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Best Teeth Whitening Pen
Each Auraglow Teeth Whitening Pen contains enough product to provide up to 20 whitening treatments. The pen application system means you can skip the messy trays and sticky strips altogether with this portable teeth whitening option. Simply click the bottom of the pen to expose the mint-flavored whitening gel and apply it twice a day directly onto the surface of your teeth, making sure to get into every little nook and cranny. Smile for 60 seconds while the gel dries, then avoid eating or drinking for one hour after. The enamel-safe whitening gel is made in the USA and claims to whiten up to 10 shades in as little as seven days.
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Best LED Whitening System
The Auraglow teeth whitening kit comes complete with an LED light (with 16 bulbs) to help speed up the whitening process – up to 10 times faster! It whitens teeth up to 10 shades in just seven days, without tooth sensitivity or irritation. All it takes is just 30 minutes a day to see a noticeably whiter smile, with results after your first treatment. The kit includes 20 carbide peroxide gel treatments. The latex-free teeth whitening tray fits any size mouth comfortably, so you’ll hardly notice it’s in while doing a treatment. The tray is also wireless (and rechargeable) which means you aren’t tied to one spot while whitening.
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Best Professional At-Home Kit
For those looking for professional-level results from the comfort of their home (and at a fraction of the price) this kit from White Glo provides excellent results. It comes complete with a whitening toothpaste and whitening system to help deliver whitening with faster, gentler results. It is enamel safe and offers fluoride protection to help keep teeth looking their best. It also happens to be sugar-free, gluten-free, and vegan. The whitening system includes whitening serum and an instant-fit mouth tray. Each session takes just 10 minutes. The toothpaste features a blend of mint, peppermint, and eucalyptol that provides proven long-lasting freshness.
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Best Whitening Strips
A leader in the Whitestrips field for years, Crest’s 3D Whitestrips, Professional Effects includes a set of one-hour express whitening strips that are perfect when you need to whiten your smile in a hurry. Just one application removes years of stains for a noticeably whiter smile. It features the brand’s no-slip grip technology which means strips stay put so you can talk and drink water while whitening your teeth. Using the complete kit of 44 strips (22 upper, 22 lower) provides results that last for 12 months and beyond. The quick results these white strips provide mean they have a slightly higher dosage of hydrogen peroxide than some other teeth whitening strips, which could be irritating for those with sensitive teeth.
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