Smoking, drinking red wine, and eating the wrong foods are all things you probably know aren’t the best for your health, but they’re also among the top things teeth whitening procedures can address. However, few people are going to give up coffee or never eat another berry again in the name of a bright smile. “People have to live,” says Dr. Marc Lowenberg, a cosmetic dentist and partner at LLK Dental in Manhattan.
In fact, more than two-thirds of Americans have whitened their teeth, and a quarter of them have used an over-the-counter product for that purpose, according to a 2022 survey by Mintel/Greenfield Online.
At-home teeth whitening products are generally a lower-strength version of what dentists use, says Lowenberg, which is essentially hydrogen peroxide. This weak acid oxidizes surface stains, causing them to break down (and temporarily makes teeth more porous and susceptible to staining, so extra care is required after treatments to maintain the white color). Ultraviolet (UV) or LED light may also be used to speed up the process.
Although completely safe to use and best used in conjunction with other oral hygiene products such as an electric toothbrush and water flossing, not all at-home whitening products are equally effective. They won’t work on discoloration that comes from genetics or ageing, where dark dentin shows through the white tooth enamel, and they may not be ideal for people with sensitive teeth, so you’ll want to discuss options with a dentist.
It’s also a good idea to choose products that have been approved by the American Dental Association. Brighter smiles come from higher concentrations of peroxide (dentists use concentrations as high as 30%, while at-home products top out at 10%) that stay in contact with teeth for the longest periods of time, says Lowenberg.
Even then, “There are no miracles in whitening,” she says. Depending on your teeth, habits and level of staining, you should repeat treatments regularly. However, if you’re ready to dazzle, at-home teeth whitening products can be an easy and affordable way to maintain your smile between visits to the dentist. Here are the products that experts say are the best.
“I personally always recommend a two-step process with whitening toothpaste and/or gel/strips for the best at-home effect,” she says. Dr. Lauren Becker, a general and cosmetic dentist based in New York. “This toothpaste is ADA approved and offers ingredients that help whiten but won’t damage your teeth.”
This whitening toothpaste has 2% hydrogen peroxide to remove stains and fluoride to prevent tooth decay. “It’s one of the least abrasive on the market, making it gentler on tooth wear and less likely to worsen tooth decay and sensitivity,” says Dr. Alice Hoang, dentist and founder of Brooklyn Mint Dental.
This toothpaste uses microparticles to prevent staining of the enamel surface while remaining gentle on the enamel, says Dr. Lena Varone, a cosmetic dentist with New York Center for Cosmetic Dentistry. It also contains fluoride which can help prevent tooth decay and minimize sensitivity if this is a problem for you.
Although it’s a newer addition to the whitening field, this vitamin C-infused toothpaste doesn’t claim to be free of peroxides and artificial flavors. And although it claims to remove color from stain molecules, we especially like it for its citrusy mint flavor. It’s especially good for younger brushers who aren’t ready for more abrasive products.
This peppermint breath freshener is a great choice that cleans and whitens as well as protects teeth. Hoang likes that this product started out as a dentist-formulated mouthwash, so it has some expertise behind it.
To maintain a bright white smile, Dr. Kevin Sandsa cosmetic dentist based in Beverly Hills, California, recommends this mouthwash, which freshens breath and prevents future stains.
Crest 3D Whitestrips were a unanimous favorite among our experts. It’s easy to use and effective for at-home whitening, mainly because of how long it stays in contact with the teeth, says Lowenberg.
If you have tooth sensitivity, this version of the beloved brand is a good choice, says Becker. Brightens teeth while protecting enamel for a pain-free experience.
For anyone looking for a natural, peroxide-free alternative, these strips are made with plant-based ingredients and no preservatives, additives, artificial colors or fragrances, says Hoang.
Whitening pens can be a great option for treating your teeth on the go, and Hoang likes this one, which has more than 5% hydrogen peroxide. “It has a great combination of portability, ease of use and efficiency,” he says.
Sands recommends this pen to patients because of the reputation of the brand and the high performance of the product. Its active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide, a common and effective teeth whitening agent that says it can help break down and remove surface stains on teeth, leading to a whiter appearance.
Sands also likes this pen for on-the-go touch-ups. It is safe for tooth enamel and can be good for sensitive teeth while also removing tough stains easily. The aluminum pen is sleek and makes it easy to apply the one-touch whitening gel anywhere.
“This kit is my favorite over-the-counter whitening product that gives patients noticeable results in less than a week that also won’t break the bank,” says Becker. The kit includes whitening toothpaste, which helps remove plaque and prevent tooth sensitivity, and a peroxide-based whitening gel that helps brighten smiles. The combo is all you need for a dazzling smile and it’s convenient. “White streaks can be bulky, annoying, and require consistency and time,” says Becker. “All it takes is the two minutes you should already be brushing your teeth.”
The dissolving whitening strips in this kit were our beauty editor Sophie Shaw’s pick, who said it was a “low-maintenance product that really works”. There is no need to remove them as they simply dissolve on your teeth, perfect for overnight whitening. Combined with an LED tray to activate the whitening agent faster, this kit is a great choice.
This easy-to-use kit includes a whitening gel and applicator that you paint on your teeth and a curved LED light that fits over your teeth to activate the gel and increase whitening power. Prolonged contact with your teeth gives visible results after each use and lasts only 30 minutes.
For a complete whitening experience, Sands recommends this kit, which combines LED technology with whitening gel for professional-grade results at home. If you have sensitive teeth, the whitening agent in this kit is gentle on the enamel. The kit includes an LED mouthpiece and three whitening bars and comes with a two-year warranty.
