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Jane Sung Forbes Staff
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Whitening your teeth using an at-home product is a convenient and affordable alternative to going to the dentist’s office. According to dentists, the best teeth whitening kits are user-friendly and offer fast, professional-quality results, like our top pick the Ultradent Opalescence Go. These versions for home use come in many forms, including LED mouthpieces, strips and trays, and some are specifically formulated for sensitive teeth.
Dentists recommend shopping for treatments that include active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which help to diminish stains. “Hydrogen peroxide is the main ingredient in most tooth whitening products; this or carbamide peroxide act as bleaching agents to change the color of teeth,” says dentist and If Your Mouth Could Talk author Dr. Kami Hoss. “Peroxide can partially penetrate the layers of teeth, removing compounds that cause discoloration.”
Read on for the best teeth whitening kits that are safe and effective, plus tips on how to use them, according to experts. When you’re done, see our stories on the top electric toothbrushes and water flossers—both based on rigorous testing—to round out your oral care routine.
Best Teeth Whitening Kit Overall: Ultradent Opalescence Go
Best Teeth Whitening Kit With Fast Results: Laughland At-Home Whitening Kit
Best Custom Teeth Whitening Kit: Smile Brilliant Teeth Whitening Trays
Best Teeth Whitening Kit For Sensitive Teeth: Lumineux Teeth Whitening Kit
Best LED Teeth Whitening Kit: Glo Science Glo Brilliant Personal Teeth Whitening Device Kit
Best Wireless LED Teeth Whitening Kit: Boka Rapid Radiance Teeth Whitening Kit
Best Teeth Whitening Strips: Crest 3D White Professional Effects White Strips
See AlsoWe've Tested Over 50 Teeth Whitening Products—These 11 Teeth Whitening Kits Visibly Removed StainsWe've Tested Dozens of Teeth Whitening Kits—Our Favorite Whitens Teeth In Just 1 WeekHow to Whiten Your Teeth Naturally at Home: 10 Things to TryDoes at-home teeth whitening really work? Experts explain.Best Teeth Whitening Pen: Auraglow Teeth Whitening Pen
Best Teeth Whitening Kit Overall
A Set Of Pre-Filled Trays For Easy Whitening
Ultradent Opalescence Go
Type: Tray | Active ingredient: 10% hydrogen peroxide | Usage directions: 15 to 30 minutes daily
The Opalescence Go is an easy-to-use system that’s available in two strengths—10% hydrogen peroxide and 15% hydrogen peroxide—to suit different needs. NYC-based dentist Dr. Sharon Huang finds it perfect for at-home use. “It’s strong enough to be effective, but not too strong that it will make teeth sensitive or cause harm when used as instructed,” she says.
Los Angeles-based dentist Dr. Lawrence Fung also prefers this system over other options. “I like the Opalescence Go versus some of the other brands, as its whitening gels not only include hydrogen peroxide but also potassium nitrate, which helps desensitize the teeth,” he says. For best results the trays should be worn for 15 to 30 minutes daily over the course of 5 to 7 days.
What the reviews say: “I used to have trays filled by my dentist years ago for a few hundred dollars. The Go kit works just as well for a much lower price,” writes one Amazon customer. “My teeth were noticeably whiter after the first two treatments.”
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Allows you to experiment with various strengths
Cons:
- Some find the single line of gel doesn’t adequately coat all teeth
Best Teeth Whitening Kit With Fast Results
A Professional-Quality Option
MOST POPULAR
Laughland At-Home Whitening Kit
Type: LED whitening tray |Active ingredient:8% hydrogen peroxide |Usage directions:5 to 30 minutes daily
Laughland’s whitening kit combines professional-grade results with the ease of use at home. It comes with an LED tray that you control via an app on your phone. Once you add some of the included gel formula to the mouthpiece and set it in place, it’s recommended that you use it for a minimum of 5 minutes (and up to 30 minutes, for teeth that are not sensitive), for a duration of 6 days. The best part? According to clinical trials by the brand, 100% of participants had results without any increase in sensitivity.
What our editors say: “I’ve enjoyed using the Laughland teeth whitening kit for several days at a time,” says updates editor Karen Tietjen. “Unlike other teeth whiteners I’ve used, this one gave me no tooth sensitivity during or after treatments, which I really appreciate. It’s also fun to use—just plug the mouthguard into your phone and watch it glow. It’s brightened my teeth after just a few uses. My biggest criticism is that the gel tastes incredibly bitter if you get it on your tongue, but if you’re careful you can avoid it.”
Pros:
- Fast results
- Moisturizer in formula helps to protect enamel
Cons:
- Gel tastes bitter to some
Best Custom Teeth Whitening Kit
A Tailor-Made System Delivered To Your Doorstep
Smile Brilliant Teeth Whitening Trays
Type: Tray | Active ingredient: 22% carbamide peroxide | Usage directions: 45 minutes daily
This system from Smile Brilliant takes the guesswork out of whitening your teeth. “You take molds of your upper and lowerteeth, and the company creates trays that fit yourteeth,” says Huang, who considers it as close as it gets to a customizable take-home whiteningsolution. It comes witha whitening gel made from 22% carbamide peroxide and a syringe for applying the solution to the trays. “If you choose the sensitive option, [Smile Brilliant] will also include desensitizing gel to make the process more pleasant,” she says.
What the reviews say: “I was referred to this from my dentist, who does not do the custom-fitted whitening trays at her office. The process was very simple,” says one Smile Brilliant customer. “I take good care of my teeth and did not realize they were so stained. I’m very happy with the results.”
Pros:
- Sensitive and non-sensitive options offered
- Variety of packages available at different price points
- Highly customizable
Cons:
- Suggested use time can be longer than other kits
Best Teeth Whitening Kit For Sensitive Teeth
A Plant-Based Kit That’s Gentle On Teeth
Lumineux Teeth Whitening Kit
Type: Strips, toothpaste and mouth wash |Active ingredients:Vegetable glycerol, deionized water, coconut oil, sage oil, citrus lemon peel oil |Usage directions:30 minutes daily
Whitening your smile can be tricky regardless of whether you have sensitive teeth or not; treatments can leave your mouth feeling tender or sore. Peroxide—a key ingredient in many whitening products—is often the culprit for that aching sensation. Lumineux’s kit is peroxide-free, featuring plant-based ingredients including essential oils like sage, lemon, coconut and more. The full set includes whitening strips, toothpaste, a toothbrush and mouthwash—a four-step system to get teeth whiter.
What the reviews say: Reviewers have been impressed with their results. “I have seen so many people post about these teeth whitening strips, so I decided to give them a try myself. I have sensitive teeth and do not use whitening strips for that reason,” one Amazon customer says. “However, these whitening strips have not made my teeth sensitive, but they have made them white.”
Pros:
- Features plant-based ingredients
- Less chance of causing sensitivity
Cons:
- Some found the strips hard to use
Best LED Teeth Whitening Kit
An Option That Delivers Results—Fast
Glo Science Glo Brilliant Personal Teeth Whitening Device Kit
Type: LED whitening tray | Active ingredient: 6% hydrogen peroxide | Usage directions: 8 minutes (4 times per day for 5 days)
New York-based dentist and Park Slope Dentistry Seventh Avenue director Dr. Angelique Freking recommends Glo Science’s whitening device. “This chic kit uses hydrogen peroxide and a tray with LED light built in to brighten your teeth,” she says. Wondering how bright your teeth can go? This system claims to make them up to five shades brighter in as little as one week. Plus, it includes a lip balm to prevent dry, cracked lips.
What the reviews say: “I was skeptical about spending this much money on a teeth whitening kit, but it was worth it. I completed the 5-day suggested treatments and can tell a massive change in the color of my teeth,” says an Amazon reviewer. “My teeth are easily four shades more white than when I started. It’s easy to use and I haven’t had any sensitivity.”
Pros:
- Short use time (under 10 minutes)
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Pricey compared to other options
Best Wireless LED Teeth Whitening Kit
A Convenient Kit You Can Use Anywhere
Boka Rapid Radiance Teeth Whitening Kit
Type: LED whitening tray | Active ingredients: Phthalimido-peroxy-caproic acid (PAP), nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HP) | Usage directions: 15 minutes a day
This rechargeable teeth whitening device from Boka doesn’t need to be plugged in while you’re using it, giving you the freedom to move about as you please. Instead of peroxide, with can cause tooth sensitivity, the serum formula in this kit contains phthalimido-peroxy-caproic acid to break down compounds that cause discoloration. The addition of nano-hydroxyapatite helps minimize tooth sensitivity while rebuilding enamel. According to the Boka website, patients in a clinical trial noticed significantly whiter teeth after one week of daily use.
What the editors say: “After completing this 15-day treatment, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in the shade of my teeth. Using the provided mouthpiece was uncomplicated, and I’m delighted to share that the whitening pens proved to be sufficient for the entire duration of the treatment,” says home and kitchen editor Sholeen Damarwala. “Given my heightened teeth sensitivity, I’m particularly grateful for the peroxide-free whitening ingredients in the gel, as they were gentle and caused no discomfort.”
Pros:
- Wireless design
- Strengthens enamel
Cons:
- PAP-based formulas haven’t been tested as much as peroxide-based formulas
Best Teeth Whitening Strips
A Dependable Drugstore Favorite You Can Use On The Go
Crest 3D White Professional Effects White Strips
Type: Strips | Active ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide | Usage directions: 30 to 60 minutes daily
It doesn’t have to be inconvenient or expensive to whiten your teeth like a professional. Crest’s 3D White Strips are affordable and portable, making teeth look brighter after one 60-minute treatment and up to 18 shades whiter in 20 days. The kit includes 20 mess-free whitening strips coated in hydrogen peroxide. The best part is that they cling to your teeth and stay put, so you can go about your day as usual.
What our staffers say: “I’ve given them a go on a few separate occasions,” says managing editor Emmy Favilla. “They produce noticeable results, and quickly. I’d say within 10 to 12 days, I tend to already see a slight difference in terms of the shade of my teeth.” She does, however, suggest taking it slow if you tend to experience tooth sensitivity. “After just a few uses my teeth became sensitive to things like cold drinks. If you tend to have sensitive teeth, tread lightly,” she says.
For similar fast results but with less irritation, account manager Blaire Tiernan recommends the sensitive version of the White Strips. “I recently switched to these, and I have noticed my teeth are significantly less sensitive compared to when I use the regular strips,” she says.
Pros:
- Fast results
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not ideal for those with sensitive teeth
Best Teeth Whitening Pen
A Powerful Formula That's Easy To Apply
Auraglow Teeth Whitening Pen
Type: Pen | Active ingredient: 35% carbamide peroxide | Usage directions: 60 seconds, twice daily
Auraglow’s teeth whitening pen contains a formula with the highest concentration of carbamide peroxide on this list, making it a great option for those who want quick results. Application is easy: Use the brush tip to coat your teeth with the gel, and let it sit for about a minute. Avoid eating or drinking for the next hour, as the gel dissolves on its own. This pen is great for touch-ups, as you can choose to only coat certain teeth instead of your whole mouth. Plus its compact size makes it easy to maintain your teeth whitening efforts while traveling.
What the reviews say: “This incredible product has truly transformed my smile. Its convenient design makes application a breeze, and I’ve noticed a visible improvement in the whiteness of my teeth in just a short period of time,” says one Amazon customer. “Not only is it effective, but it’s also gentle on my teeth, which is a big plus.”
Pros:
- Fast results
- Great for touch-ups
- Portable
Cons:
- Not ideal for sensitive teeth
MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
As users of at-home teeth whitening kits and products, the Forbes Vetted staffers and contributors who have written, updated and edited this list have ample experience on the topic (as well as plenty of other beauty and grooming categories). This article has been overseen by senior beauty editor Jane Sung, who has covered lifestyle and wellness topics for well over a decade. We also consulted with a few experts to gain more insights: NYC-based dentist Dr. Sharon Huang, Los Angeles-based dentist Dr. Lawrence Fung, Park Slope Dentistry Seventh Avenue director Dr. Angelique Freking and dentist Dr. Kami Hoss, who authored the book If Your Mouth Could Talk.
This story is regularly reviewed and updated to provide the most current and accurate information possible. In its most recent November 2023 update, beauty writer Claire Epting added two new products: the Boka Rapid Radiance Teeth Whitening Kit and the Auraglow Teeth Whitening Pen.
How We Chose The Best Teeth Whitening Kits
When selecting the top teeth whitening kits, we first checked with doctors Huang, Fung, Freking and Hong to get their firsthand insights and recommendations. Forbes Vetted staffers, too, chimed in with their personal favorites. We ensured that we only included formulas with safe, dentist-approved active ingredients, such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. In addition, we looked for highly rated products—every pick on this list has an average customer rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars. (While the Boka website doesn’t currently feature any customer reviews, we opted to include its teeth whitening kit because of its useful wireless feature as well as Vetted editor Sholeen Damarwala’s tested recommendation) Finally, we made sure the selected products accommodate various types of teeth, lifestyle factors and preferences.
What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Teeth Whitening Kits
At-home teeth whitening kits come in many forms, so it’s a good idea to research the different types before buying one. To find the product that’s right for you, dentists recommend paying close attention to a few key details.
Ingredients
Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are two of the most common ingredients recommended by dentists for whitening teeth. “They can be quite effective and safe when used in the right way,” says Huang. “They are made up of water, oxygen and radicals. The reaction from these free radicals lift stains from teeth and make them appear whiter.” However, those with very sensitive teeth might feel more comfortable taking a peroxide-free approach, with products like the Lumineux or Boka teeth whitening kits.
Concentration
The stronger the peroxide concentration in a formula, the more effectively the product will remove discoloration from teeth. According to Hoss, most over-the-counter products feature a range in concentration from 3% to 10%, while dental professionals typically offer treatments with concentrations up to 40%. This means you may need to be more patient with at-home treatments, as they may require more frequent usage before you see noticeable results.
Type
There are a few different options when it comes to application: molded trays that sit over your teeth, simple mouthpieces with built-in LED lights, strips that adhere to your teeth and pens filled with gels that coat your teeth. Whitening trays are user-friendly and not as likely to bother sensitive teeth, but if you’re opposed to the idea of having a large piece of plastic in your mouth for 30 or more minutes, strips or pens will be your best options.
What Is The Best Kit For Whitening Teeth?
There were several top contenders when assembling this list of teeth whitening kits, but there was one that stood out to our team. The Ultradent Opalescence Go earns our best overall spot since it has an effective formula that is suitable for most users, including those with sensitive teeth. It also comes highly recommended by dentists Huang and Fung. For those who prefer a customizable system, Huang recommends the tailor-made plan from Smile Brilliant, which takes a mold of your teeth and is also available in a sensitive option.
What Is The Fastest At-Home Teeth Whitening Kit?
Many top teeth whitening products are designed to deliver results in as little as a week, sometimes less. The recommended duration for our best overall pick, the tray-style Ultradent Opalescence Go, is 5 to 7 days; the Laughland At-Home Whitening Kit delivers results in 6 days and Glo Science’s device takes only 5 days to whiten teeth (but keep in mind, this requires four 8-minute applications each day).
Regarding application, many of these at-home treatments can be completed in as little as 30 minutes a day. If you’re really pressed for time, the Auraglow Teeth Whitening Pen only requires around 60 seconds to apply.
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