Everything You Need To Know About Teeth Whitening Kits Before Buying, According To Dentists (2024)

On the quest for a brighter smile? There are an abundance of whitening kits touted as an instant fix for discoloured teeth, but you’d be wise to heed the advice of dentists before shopping around. That’s because many of the teeth whitening kits marketed at consumers aren’t effective beyond short-lived results, and if you choose wrong, can actually be detrimental to the health of your teeth.

“Legally in the UK, over-the-counter products cannot contain over 0.1 per cent hydrogen peroxide,” says Dr Tom Crawford Clarke, leading cosmetic dentist and founder of Luceo Dental Clinic. “Therefore products won’t have a peroxide concentration high enough to whiten teeth as effectively as seeing your dentist, who can provide tooth whitening at the clinically proven concentrations for whitening teeth which start from 3.3 per cent.”

What’s more, products that use harsh ingredients to remove staining – including some whitening toothpastes and even “natural” remedies like activated charcoal and apple cider vinegar – can pose a risk to tooth health by being “abrasive to the tooth enamel,” as Dr. Tom explains.

Is tooth whitening safe?

How then, do you choose a teeth whitening solution that works without damaging your teeth? “Using a professionally designed tooth whitening system that has been proven to be both safe and effective is key,” says Dr Vanessa Creaven, dentist and co-founder of Spotlight Oral Care. However, there is still a chance both teeth and gums could become sensitive due to the chemicals used in tooth whitening products, so keep an eye on how they react. “It’s also important to note that it’s not recommended for those under 18 or who are pregnant or breastfeeding,” adds Creaven.

How do teeth whitening kits work?

Hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredient found in most tooth whitening kits. ”Dentists have been prescribing peroxide for over 30 years, which has been extensively researched and shows no damage to the tooth – some studies have shown it can actually improve the health of the teeth through the release of Urea which protects against tooth decay,” says Dr. Tom. If you can’t get into a dental clinic for professional peroxide whitening sessions – which are considered the gold standard treatment for discoloured teeth – then dentist-prescribed home kits with trays bespoke printed for your bite offer the most effective and even whitening. While these should be your first port of call for more permanent results, over-the-counter peroxide kits can brighten the smile temporarily.

Other kinds of kits use PAP (a peroxy acid) to cause chemical reactions that dissolve stains from the surface of the tooth. But these should be approached with caution, as in rudimentary formulas it can be corrosive to teeth. Dr Tom is of the opinion that they shouldn’t be used at all, as surface whiteness produced by PAP is “superficial” and potentially the result of acid damage. “PAP is actually used in laundry detergent,” he warns. It’s a bleaching agent that is relatively new to the world of teeth whitening and research supporting its safe long-term use is still needed. However, other dentists view the ingredient as an effective peroxide alternative. Dentist-led brand Spotlight Oral Care uses PAP in its products alongside additional remineralising ingredients to protect enamel health.

How we chose the best teeth whitening kits

To ensure our edit first and foremost offers options that preserve the health of your teeth, we’ve consulted dental experts for their advice on the best teeth whitening kits on the market. They’ve given us their honest appraisal of the product formulations and effectiveness so you can make an informed decision. Elsewhere, we’ve picked tried and trusted favourites Vogue editors call on for photo ops and as part of a consistent routine. While these options may not whiten your teeth as significantly as clinical whitening sessions, we’ve tried a few that we can attest are effective as a temporary fix. Scroll on for the best teeth whitening kits that come Vogue-approved.

Best teeth whitening products at a glance:

Everything You Need To Know About Teeth Whitening Kits Before Buying, According To Dentists (2024)

FAQs

What to look for when buying teeth whitening? ›

For teeth whitener to be effective, it has to contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as an active ingredient. These ingredients remove the stains on the surface along with deep stains that toothpaste fails to remove. Avoid any products that don't have these ingredients included in the labelling.

What is the number one recommended teeth whitening? ›

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.

What do most dentists use for teeth whitening? ›

Tooth whitening is most often done using peroxide-based bleaching agents. At-home systems contain from 3% to 20% peroxide (carbamide or hydrogen peroxides). In-office systems contain from 15% to 43% peroxide. Generally, the stronger the solution and the longer you keep it on your teeth, the whiter your teeth become.

What are the cons of teeth whitening kits? ›

However, teeth whitening treatments can cause damage to the enamel if not done correctly or overused. Enamel damage can lead to increased sensitivity, pain, and white spots on your teeth. It's essential to consult with a dentist before using any teeth whitening products to ensure they're safe for your teeth.

Can yellow teeth become white again? ›

What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.

Is 6% hydrogen peroxide safe for teeth whitening? ›

Choose the right concentration: A low concentration of Hydrogen Peroxide (around 3% to 6%) is safe to use for teeth whitening usually without any side effects. Hydrogen Peroxide can produce certain side effects like gum or tooth sensitivity if used often in high concentration.

What teeth whitening lasts longest? ›

White strips are the most effective over-the-counter whitening treatment you can use without a dentist's supervision. At-home gel trays that are customized to fit your mouth by your dentist and chairside whitening provide the longest-lasting whitening.

What is the best teeth whitener over the counter? ›

Crest 3D Whitestrips are currently the only ADA-approved whitening strips — they also won an NBC Select Wellness Award. The Classic Vivid strips come in a pack of 24, which is enough for 12 treatments. Strips are made with hydrogen peroxide and have a no-slip grip that helps them stick to teeth.

What is the most permanent teeth whitening? ›

Unfortunately, no method permanently whitens your natural tooth color. Without additional intervention, your teeth will eventually revert to their baseline shade. However, research indicates that maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding dark-staining foods/drinks can prolong your smile.

Does swishing hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth? ›

When used carefully, it can be an effective way to whiten your teeth. But if used incorrectly — in concentrations that are too high or if used too often — it can cause serious and sometimes expensive tooth damage. If you choose to whiten your teeth with hydrogen peroxide, do so cautiously.

Can baking soda whiten teeth? ›

Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.

What strength whitening gel do dentists use? ›

They can come up with a personal dental treatment plan for you. The major difference between teeth whitening at the dentist and at home is the strength of the gel. The gel used by dentists can have 35% – 45% peroxide in it.

What is the least damaging way to whiten your teeth? ›

Baking Soda: As long as you are careful to brush gently, baking soda can eliminate stains from the surface of your teeth without damaging them. Whitening Strips: Whitening strips mold to the shape of your teeth to whiten them. Whitening strips are both safe and effective.

What teeth whitening doesn't ruin teeth? ›

Oral Essentials Lumineux Whitening Kit

These whitening strips offer the benefits of Crest's whitening strips but without harsh ingredients like peroxide. Instead, these strips break up and lift stains using ingredients like sage oil, coconut oil, sea salt, and lemon peel oil.

Who should not use teeth whitening kits? ›

The teeth have to be in a healthy condition; if a patient hasn't been to the dentist for a while and if there are any cavities or decay going on and the whitening material gets within that cavity, it can cause excruciating pain.

What strength should teeth whitening be? ›

These are the equivalent of 3.5% hydrogen peroxide and 5.7% hydrogen peroxide, respectively. Both gels will give you a fantastic white smile, but the 16% will get you there a little faster. If you suffer from sensitivity, the 10% is a better option for whitening your teeth.

How much should I spend on teeth whitening? ›

The most common type of professional teeth whitening is in-office bleaching, which usually costs between $500 and $1,000 per session with a national average of $650 per visit. Laser tooth whitening is another popular option that typically costs an average of $750 per session, varying between $500 and $1,000.

What teeth whitening products actually work? ›

Crest 3DWhitestrips Glamorous White

It's actually the first product to earn the ADA seal in the Home-Use Tooth Bleaching Products category. The strips promise to remove up to 10 years' of stains and yellowing (that's a lot of coffee!).

What percentage teeth whitening do dentists use? ›

Tooth whitening products containing or releasing between 0.1% and 6% hydrogen peroxide can ONLY be sold to dental practitioners; For each cycle of use, the first use can ONLY be carried out by dental practitioners or under their direct supervision, if an equivalent level of safety is ensured. whitening.

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