The Best Teeth Whitening Kits, According To Experts And Staffers (2024)

Taylor Lane

Contributor

Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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