Best home teeth whitening products
Teeth become yellow with age and regular exposure to certain foods and drinks. Luckily, discoloration or stains can often be reversed at home with a tooth whitening kit or strips.
Although both kits and strips serve the same purpose, they are not the same. Teeth whitening kits come with trays filled with a gel that has hydrogen peroxide and other ingredients to help remove stains. Whitening strips use similar ingredients but are applied by placing the strips directly against the teeth. Consider the pros and cons of each method before committing to a home teeth-whitening product.
What are teeth whitening kits?
Portable, convenient and easy to use, teeth whitening kits work alongside professional treatments to keep teeth white.
Teeth whitening kits come in several forms, including trays, tubes or syringes. They include a specially formulated gel used in the whitening process and can have as high as 10% hydrogen peroxide content. Some kits also come with an LED light that helps enhance the whitening process by activating the chemicals in the gel.
To use a kit, start by filling the trays with gel unless they are pre-filled. Then, stick the trays to your teeth and leave them to set. Some trays are moldable, so they can be fitted to the individual’s teeth for a more even whitening result.
For many people, teeth whitening kits work well on both surface-level and deeper stains. The average cost of a kit is $20-$100.
Teeth whitening kit pros
Trays provide more coverage than some teeth whitening strips.
May contain a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide and other chemicals for near-immediate results.
Permanently remove light and tough stains.
Many kits come with enough gel for multiple, separate treatments, which saves on costs.
Moldable trays keep the gel away from the gums, making them safe for most people, even those with sensitive gums.
Teeth whitening kit cons
Treatments can take 5-14 days to fully work, depending on the kit.
Trays must be left in place for 30-60 minutes at a time.
Kits can cause uneven whitening in individuals with dental health issues (cavities, crowns, etc.) or dental restorations.
Best teeth whitening kits
Smile Direct Club Teeth Whitening Gel Kit with LED Light: available at Amazon
This fast-acting, professional-grade kit removes mild stains and can lighten teeth by up to nine shades within one week. Results last up to six months. The kit is safe for enamel and comes with an easy-to-use applicator for direct use on tough stains.
iSmile Teeth Whitening Kit: available at Amazon
Secure fit, silicone mouth trays are designed to significantly lighten stains caused by everything from years of smoking to drinking coffee. The LED light combined with active ingredient carbamide peroxide results in a medical-grade gel that works several times faster than most strips. Plus, the built-in timer makes this kit convenient and easy to use.
AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Kit: available at Amazon
Safe for sensitive teeth and enamel, this kit comes with gel syringes and mouth trays for easy application. It also has a timer to conveniently track how long each whitening session lasts. You may see results as quickly as after one application.
MySmile Teeth Whitening Kit: available at Amazon
Great for those with especially sensitive teeth, this kit is easy to use right out of the box. It starts to work within 10 minutes to lift surface stains caused by food and drink.
VieBeauti Teeth Whitening System: available at Amazon
This kit works to remove tough discoloration caused by age, coffee, wine and more within days. Designed to fit most mouths, the moldable trays secure the gel to the teeth while protecting the gums.
What are teeth whitening strips?
Teeth-whitening strips are easy to use and mild enough for sensitive teeth and receding gums. They work by breaking down stains with chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide, which has been proven to whiten teeth. Some strips can get beneath the enamel to reduce or remove deeper stains as well.
Strips can also keep teeth white longer when used in conjunction with professional treatment. This makes them a great supplementary at-home treatment. In fact, teeth whitening strips have been shown to lighten teeth by up to three shades.
The way they work is simple; rather than use abrasive ingredients or harsh chemicals to quickly remove stains, they are most effective when used consistently and over time. To use a whitening strip, simply apply it to your teeth and wait as indicated on the back of the packaging. It should adhere naturally. Repeat for 7-10 days, or until teeth are noticeably whiter.
On average, strips cost between $20 and $50.
Teeth whitening strips pros
Convenient, adhesive application.
Great for sensitive teeth and minor gum problems.
Less expensive than professional treatments or most teeth whitening kits.
Teeth whitening strips cons
Results can take up to 10 days to show. Repeat application may be required for deep stains.
Some strips contain harmful chemicals that can erode enamel.
May cause damage to fillings and sealants when used often.
Best teeth whitening strips
Crest 3D White Dental Whitening Strips: available at Amazon and Ulta Beauty
These quality whitening strips remove stains for up to 18 months with only three weeks of treatment. Plus, they are enamel-safe, no-slip and easy to use for an even whitening experience.
Crest 3D White Vivid Plus White Strips: available at Amazon
In addition to 24 strips that work over 10 days to remove years of stains, this product comes with a fast-acting treatment for immediate results.
MySmile Teeth Whitening Strips: available at Amazon
Safe, fast and convenient, these strips can reduce visible stains and lighten teeth by up to 10 shades within two weeks.
Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips: available at Amazon
Formulated by dentists using natural ingredients, these strips visibly lighten stains without irritating sensitive teeth or gums.
Should you get teeth whitening kits or strips?
Teeth whitening kits and strips are designed to remove stains and make your teeth pearly white once more. Both options are effective and convenient for at-home treatment. If price is a concern or you want something simple, opt for teeth whitening strips. But if you’re looking for added features such as a built-in timer or LED light for faster results, a kit may be right for you.
Angela Watson is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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