Consumers face a lot of options in the search for a brighter, whiter smile. It&#;s no wonder that teeth whitening is a multi-billion dollar industry. It&#;s hard to sort the best treatments from the ones that are a waste of time and money.
Onuge Product Page
Many people look for a DIY method to fix dull, yellowed teeth. Their first stop is the drugstore, rather than choosing to see their dentist. One of the most popular over-the-counter products are teeth whitening strips. But are teeth whitening strips worth it?
One reason people avoid the dentist for teeth whitening is the cost. Buying teeth whitening strips to use at home is arguably cheaper than whitening at the dentist.
The cost of a package of teeth whitening strips can range from about $20 to $50. This usually includes enough strips for 20 to 30 treatments. Teeth whitening at the dentist costs considerably more. At-home kits provided by the dentist run roughly $400. Professional whitening at the dentist&#;s office can cost about $650.
That&#;s a big difference. But it&#;s important to understand what you&#;re getting for your money to decide if teeth whitening strips are worth it.
There&#;s a phrase used in marketing and on the packaging of all types of products: &#;Your results may vary.&#; When deciding whether teeth whitening strips are worth it, the answer is vague: &#;It depends.&#;
Yes, some whitening strips can make teeth noticeably whiter. There are a lot of variables though, when it comes to which ones work and how well.
The ADA Seal of Acceptance is awarded by the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs to over-the-counter dental products that meet their standards for safety and effectiveness. There are currently only three whitening strips on their approved shopping list.
Not surprisingly, those three products are also at the top of the over-the-counter price range. Many less-expensive strips have FDA approval and are perfectly safe to use. They may also claim to do a great job. Unfortunately, advertising and even online reviews aren&#;t always clear indicators of how well they work. There&#;s no way to know for sure without a lot of trial and error.
The effectiveness of any whitening treatment depends, in part, on the starting point. How badly discolored are the teeth to begin with, and what made them that way?
Discolored teeth can be the result of intrinsic (internal) factors like heredity, aging, or medical conditions, and extrinsic (external) factors such as smoking and what we eat and drink. Whiteners tend to work better on teeth affected by extrinsic factors. Intrinsic tooth discoloration is more stubborn and may need a dentist&#;s help, or may not be able to be resolved at all.
People who have mild staining caused by things like coffee, wine, or smoking are more likely to see results with whitening strips than those with more severe, intrinsic stains. For those cases, a dentist might be the best option.
Even if you find an at-home product that works, they may not give the results you were hoping for. Professional teeth whitening at the dentist will typically yield more dramatic results than teeth whitening strips or any other at-home method.
Hydrogen peroxide is the main bleaching agent used to whiten teeth. Dentists are able to use solutions that are much stronger than those found in store-bought products. Professional whitening can make teeth several shades whiter than whitening strips and in a shorter amount of time. Again, a lot depends on how bad the teeth are to begin with.
Another consideration is how much of the tooth surface can be covered with a whitening strip. The strips are made of flexible plastic, coated on one side with a bleaching agent. Strips are placed onto the top and bottom teeth, and molded around them to try to cover every surface. It can be difficult to make sure that every visible surface comes in contact with the strip. This is especially true along the gum line and between teeth. This can result in whitening appearing along the front side of the tooth, but discoloration staying in the crevices.
Assuming you&#;ve found a product that works, it still takes time to see the results of teeth whitening strips. Some professional bleaching methods can produce whiter teeth after just one treatment.
Whitening strips are recommended to be worn for as little as five minutes per treatment, or as long as 30 minutes, depending on the product. Some suggest treatments twice a day. They work gradually to lighten teeth shade by shade. Some can take months of regular use to obtain the same shade a dentist can achieve in one visit.
Getting results using teeth whitening strips takes time and patience. The product needs to be used consistently and become part of a daily routine. It&#;s a commitment that not everyone is willing to take on. Many prefer to leave the work to a dentist and accomplish brightening their smile in a few scheduled visits.
Let&#;s say you&#;ve found a product that gives you terrific results. Your teeth are nice and bright. How long will they stay that way?
Neither professional, nor over-the-counter teeth whitening products are not meant to be a permanent solution. Both will need to be repeated for the same shade to be maintained. Whitening provided by dentists, however, does last longer.
On average, whitening strips will help hold consistent whitening for about six months. Dentist&#;s methods will last up to two years. This is another important factor in whether teeth whitening strips are worth it.
Buying whitening strips at $50 every six months would cost about $200 over a two year period. That is still less than what a dentist can offer. But this assumes that the desired effects are achieved and maintained. If they aren&#;t, the costs will add up when it needs to be done more frequently.
Teeth whitening strips are safe, but they can still cause problems or be misused. Even though they use a milder solution than professional whiteners, strips still contain some harsh chemicals. Some people have adverse reactions to those chemical that include irritated and swollen gums.
In some cases, tooth sensitivity or damage to tooth enamel can occur. This is sometimes because of previously weakened enamel. It can also happen if whitening strips are used too often or for too long. It&#;s easy to see how someone impatient for visible results may inadvertently do this.
Whitening with a dentist offers a controlled environment. Precautions are taken to protect teeth and gums. Even if you choose to use teeth whitening strips, it is best to consult a dentist first. They can assess the health of your teeth before you start. They may also be able to recommend the best over-the-counter products and give advice on avoiding problems. Our online search tool can help you find a dentist in your area.
So, are teeth whitening strips worth it? The answer is complicated and not the same for everyone.
For someone on a strict budget, the answer might be &#;yes.&#; But it requires time and patience to give teeth whitening strips the chance to work.
For those who can afford it, professional whitening services from the dentist can give quicker and longer-lasting results.
Toothpaste: Whitening toothpastes contain low levels of peroxide and are less effective than other whitening products. Toothpaste results are temporary. To determine a toothpaste's effectiveness, check its relative dentin abrasion (RDA) on the manufacturer's website.
Strips : Teeth whitening strips are thin, flexible pieces of plastic coated with a layer of whitening gel, typically containing peroxide, which helps to bleach and remove stains from the teeth. They are designed to be applied directly to the teeth and worn for a designated time.
Pens: Whitening pens contain a peroxide gel typically applied with a brush head. The peroxide available in pens is often lower than in a gel kit, and their lower duration makes them less effective than at-home treatments.
LED: These devices work by using the peroxide gel as a base and activating the gel. The LED speeds up the gel's effects, accelerating the process and enhancing results through oxidation. However, LED devices can have negative side effects (such as causing tissue damage), so dentists warn you to use caution if adding one to your dental routine.
Gel: Almost all whitening kits contain whitening gel, which is the activator in LED kits and whitening pens. Whitening gels are made with either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide.
In my experience, finding the right teeth whitening kit is all about striking the perfect balance. You want a product that&#;s powerful enough to make a difference but gentle enough to keep your teeth healthy and comfortable. The Lumineux Bright Pen checks all those boxes for me, and I couldn&#;t be happier with the results.
I&#;m a Commerce Editor at Health and I've tried every teeth whitening product out there, from strips to gels, but after dental surgery and multiple professional treatments, my sensitive teeth needed something gentler. The Lumineux Bright Pen has been my go-to for a brighter smile between professional sessions, offering effective results without the sensitivity or irritation I've experienced with other products. Dentists, like Dr. Velayo, emphasize the importance of choosing a product with the right balance of peroxide concentration and duration&#;something you won't find in quick-fix options like toothpaste.
To find the best teeth whiteners, we tested over 50 products in our lab and are continually testing at home. We've narrowed our list of top products by following expert guidance and ranking each option based on convenience, comfort, effectiveness, and overall value . An orthodontist on our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy.
If you&#;re looking for long-lasting results, Bianca Velayo, DMD of Green Valley Smiles Dentistry, recommends using peroxide-based products, which will help whiten tooth enamel and reverse internal and external teeth stains. While the results from at-home whitening kits won't be as drastic as professional treatment, Lena Varone , DMD, of the New York Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, says you should expect to see your teeth lightened by one to two shades depending on the product ingredient concentration, how long it's used and the cause of your stains.
Teeth whiteners are an easy, convenient way to brighten your teeth a few shades, but they can also work under the enamel to remove built-up staining. The best teeth whitening kits work by removing both external stains, like the ones you might get from a coffee habit, and intrinsic stains, which typically need to be treated on a deeper chemical level.
Best Overall
Crest Leave-on Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light
PHOTO: Crest
$49 at Amazon
$50 at Target
$53 at Walmart
Why We Like It
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. With noticeable results and a gentle formula that minimizes sensitivity, it provides an unparalleled whitening experience.
The whitening process was remarkably straightforward, and it was so simple that we initially doubted if we were doing it correctly! All we had to do was apply the gel, carry on with our daily activities for 30 minutes, then use the LED device in our mouths for 3 minutes, and that was it. The entire process takes about 33 minutes and is completely painless. No charging is required for this product, which is convenient, and it comes in a box with a small plastic stand for the wand and whitening product.
The product's instructions allow for up to four uses per day, which is surprising considering potential sensitivity issues but we experienced no issues, a surprising plus given our lack of gum sensitivity. The results were noticeable, lightening our teeth by about two shades. This kit was more enjoyable compared to other products we tested. It's easy to apply, comfortable to wear, and discreet enough for use during activities like Zoom calls, making it worth the investment for quick, effective whitening.
It's Worth Noting
Product Details:
Best Purple Whitener
Laser Glow Purple Toothpaste Color Corrector
PHOTO: Amazon
$19 at Amazon
View on Laserglowspa.com
Why We Like It
The Laser Glow Purple Toothpaste stands out as the best purple whitening paste due to its unique formula that combines ease of use, gentle whitening effects, and a pleasant taste, making it a standout choice for those seeking a mild and convenient teeth whitening solution.
It applied easily, although initially more liquidy than regular toothpaste. The first few seconds of brushing left a temporary purple hue on our teeth, but this quickly dissipated. The toothpaste, with its gel-like consistency, was easy to use and didn&#;t foam, allowing for thorough brushing without causing sensitivity. It had a minty, pleasant taste after an initial medicinal flavor. While we didn&#;t notice dramatic, immediate effects, our teeth appeared slightly whiter over time.
It offered a mild whitening effect and was a simple addition to our morning routine. While not a robust whitening solution, we&#;d recommend it for those interested in a gentle, convenient product.
It's Worth Noting
Product Details:
PHOTO: Health / Anisa Arsenault
PHOTO: Health / Anisa Arsenault
PHOTO: Health / Anisa Arsenault
PHOTO: Health / Anisa Arsenault
Best LED
Auraglow Whitening Kit
PHOTO: Amazon
$48 at Amazon
$40 at Walmart
View on Auraglow.com
Why We Like It
Auraglow&#;s Deluxe Teeth Whitening Kit uses a handheld LED device to whiten teeth in 30-minute sessions over the course of one week. The device claims to whiten up to 10 shades in that amount of time, which we found to be true.
But, while we found our teeth were noticeably whiter after testing, the device itself did leave us wanting more. The tray is quite large, especially for smaller mouths. However, in our opinion, the slight discomfort from the large tray isn't enough to take away from the satisfaction we got from the results. And given how much we know professional whitening costs, we would absolutely say this is worth the price for a brighter smile.
It's Worth Noting
Product Details:
PHOTO: Health / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Health / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Health / Jessica Juliao
Best Pen
Lumineux Bright² Pen
PHOTO: Lumineux
$50 at Amazon
$20 at Target
$20 at Walmart
Why We Like It
The Lumineux Bright Pen provides a gentle yet effective whitening solution that avoids the common issue of increased sensitivity or irritation, making it an ideal choice for those who want a brighter smile without discomfort.
Peroxide&#;either hydrogen or carbamide&#;is the active ingredient in most whitening products, but it can lead to tooth sensitivity. Lumineux, a fan-favorite whitening company, makes all its products without peroxide. Instead, they use a combination of essential oils to provide results&#;without any chemical taste you get from most whitening products.
Using the pen was straightforward: just twist, apply, and go. It was so easy that we could do it without a mirror. The pen's precise brush allowed for effortless application, reaching every part of our teeth without any mess. We had to wait 30 minutes after application before eating or drinking. Within two weeks, we noticed our teeth becoming a shade lighter, enhancing our confidence in our smile. We didn&#;t experience any sensitivity or irritation, a welcome change from our past experiences with teeth-whitening products. The pack included two pens, offering excellent value for a single purchase or a $10 discount with a subscription.
It's Worth Noting
Product Details:
PHOTO: Health / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Health / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: Health / Jessica Juliao
Best Trays
Opalescence Tooth Whitening Prefilled Trays
PHOTO: Amazon
$78 at Amazon
Why We Like It
Opalascence Go Prefilled Trays wins our pick for best teeth whitening trays. A whitening tray can offer a happy medium between white strips and an LED device, typically with a more comfortable and sometimes more effective output. The Opalescence Go Prefilled Trays use a 15% hydrogen peroxide treatment, which is higher than some of the other options on our list, meaning you&#;ll get faster results.
We noticed almost immediate results after one use, although the higher dose causes some discomfort and sensitivity. We tried the higher formulation, but Opalescence also makes its trays in a 10% hydrogen peroxide formulation.
Opalescence is also a favorite brand of dentists, particularly Dr. Velayo. &#;More clinical studies, articles, and reviews have been published on Opalescence whitening than any other professional whitening brand. It's part of the reason why it's so highly trusted,&#; she says.
Are you interested in learning more about Teeth Whitening Strips? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
It's Worth Noting
Product Details:
Health / Jessica Juliao
Best for Sensitive Teeth
Crest 3D Sensitive Teeth Whitening Kit
PHOTO: Amazon
$37 at Amazon
$30 at Target
View on CVS
Why We Like It
Tooth sensitivity is one of the biggest concerns for people looking to get whiter teeth. Some products are designed for sensitive teeth&#;like the Crest 3D Sensitive Whitestrips. The difference is a lower peroxide level; the sensitive strips contain 5.25% hydrogen peroxide compared to Crest&#;s standard 6.5%.
We were surprised by how gentle this product was on our very sensitive teeth and gums. We also noticed a difference in the color of our teeth right away while using the strips. The Crest Whitestrips for Sensitive Teeth work like the other strips in Crest&#;s lineup: just wear them once a day for 30 minutes, and you should see full results in about two weeks&#;all without tooth pain. Plus, these strips use Crest&#;s AdvancedSeal tech for a non-slip grip on teeth during whitening.
It's Worth Noting
Product Details:
Health / Jessica Juliao
Best Strips
Lumineux teeth whitening strips
PHOTO: Amazon
$23 at Amazon
Why We Like It
While using peroxide to bleach your teeth isn't harmful, it should be limited because it can soften your enamel over time, says Dr. Hovanisyan. If you&#;re worried about peroxide use, Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips is peroxide-free, using essential oils instead of more standard chemicals to whiten teeth. Its ingredient list includes lemon peel oil, coconut oil, sage oil, and Dead Sea salt.
If you&#;re wondering how well all-natural whitening solutions stand up to chemical whitening, the answer might be surprising. A study of chemical teeth whitening and all-natural teeth whitening products found that while chemical whitening provided more drastic results, all-natural products weren&#;t far behind&#;plus they left teeth with fewer surface issues after use.
We found these strips comfortable and easy to use, allowing us to carry on with our daily activities, including conversations, during the 30-minute treatment. The strips, which lack an unpleasant taste and instead offer a slightly refreshing flavor, showed effectiveness after two to three applications, gradually whitening our teeth by approximately two shades. We also found that the strips were easy to apply and stayed on our teeth even while talking, though they only cover the front 6-8 teeth on each row. For 21 treatments, we consider them a great option, especially given their effectiveness and suitability for sensitive teeth and gums.
It's Worth Noting
Product Details:
PHOTO: Health / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: Health / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: Health / Jessica Juliao
Best Gel
iSmile LED Teeth Whitening Kit
PHOTO: Amazon
$50 at Target
View on Shopismile.com
Why We Like It
Like some of the other products on our list, the iSmile Teeth Whitening Kit uses gel in combination with an LED device, but this device has a clean and easy application, which is rarely guaranteed with gel products. That&#;s why it&#;s our tested pick for the best teeth-whitening gel. It's convenient how you can apply the solution onto the mechanism before putting it in your mouth. This allows it to be less messy and for the solution to be evenly applied when you bite down.
It&#;s also fairly quick and effective, requiring only 10-minute treatments over the course of a week, which brought us up five shades in lightness. We think it may have been more effective than previous whitening treatments we&#;ve done in the past at the dentist&#;s office.
It's Worth Noting
Product Details:
PHOTO: Health / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: Health / Jessica Juliao
Best Budget LED
Cali White White Teeth Whitening Kit
PHOTO: Amazon
$11 at Amazon
$17 at Walmart
Why We Like It
The Cali White Teeth Whitening Kit is a quick and easy teeth whitening kit. The LED process is a 10-minute three-step process, and then you&#;re done and ready to take on the world with a lighter and brighter smile. The sessions are quicker than LED options (10 minutes versus 30), and this is a more affordable option as well, which gives this product a lot of value.
The process required us to squeeze out the gel onto the tray, put the tray into our mouths, and turn on the LED light. That&#;s it! At the end of the lighting session, the LED light automatically turns off, which is good if you lose track of time or forget to use a timer.
By the end of initially testing this product, our teeth were one to two shades lighter. We didn't experience any discomfort beyond the mint-tasting paste, causing our gums to tingle throughout use. However, though it comes with a travel case for the guard, we do wish it included a travel case for the LED light too.
It's Worth Noting
Product Details:
PHOTO: Health / Tamara Staples
PHOTO: Health / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: Health / Tamara Staples
PHOTO: Health / Tamara Staples
PHOTO: Health / Tamara Staples
PHOTO: Health / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: Health / Jhett Thompson
Most Convenient
Colgate ComfortFit LED Teeth Whitening Kit
PHOTO: Amazon
$40 at Amazon
$53 at Target
$70 at Walgreens
Why We Like It
We found the Colgate ComfortFit LED Teeth Whitening Kit refreshingly uncomplicated to use, with no app required. This kit is conveniently powered by a cell outlet, making it easy to use on the go. We simply plugged it into our cell , put the tray in our mouth, and continued with our routine. The built-in auto-timer for 10 minutes, with beeps to indicate halfway and completion, made the process hassle-free and effortless.
We often used it during our nighttime skincare routine and would forget it was even there, thanks to its comfortable fit. The tray, being flexible and adjustable, caused no irritation or discomfort, and we felt no sensations while using it. After a couple of uses, we noticed our teeth looked brighter, though not necessarily a full shade lighter. Compared to white strips, which can leave the mouth feeling unpleasant and require constant swallowing of gel, this kit was barely noticeable and met our expectations for ease and comfort.
It's Worth Nothing
Product Details:
PHOTO: Health / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: Health / Tamara Staples
PHOTO: Health / Tamara Staples
Best for Stains
PurelyWhite Deluxe Teeth Whitening Kit
PHOTO: Target
$40 at Target
$96 at Macy's
View on Purelywhitedeluxe.com
Why We Like It
The PurelyWHITE DELUXE Teeth Whitening kit is our pick for best teeth whitening kit for stains. It&#;s an LED-powered device that&#;s great at targeting ten years' worth of stains and spots on the teeth with minimal sensitivity.
There&#;s no app with this teeth whitening kit, and the process is simple and reminiscent of many other whitening kits on the market. The process itself was simple and quick, taking about 12 minutes per session. We immediately saw a difference in certain spots of our teeth after using the kit. However, the whiteness did seem to fade over time.
While this device doesn&#;t need to charge, we did experience some issues with the batteries. Turning it on and off can be a struggle, and in order for it to operate properly at times we had to completely remove the batteries. Despite these challenges, we still think the product is worth its price tag, as it does work.
It's Worth Noting
Product Details:
Best Non-Toxic
Boka Sensitive Smile Whitening Strips
PHOTO: Amazon
$30 at Amazon
Why We Like It
The Boka Teeth Whitening Strips is our top choice for teeth whitening without peroxide, offering a safer, non-toxic alternative for achieving a brighter smile. Their innovative formula uses Phthalimido-Peroxy-Caproic Acid & N-HA (Nano Hydroxyapatite) for effective results with minimal sensitivity. We noticed a visible improvement in our teeth&#;s whiteness after just four applications. We found these strips were comfortable to wear, but it took a moment to figure out the correct placement. The entire process fit seamlessly into our routine, taking only 33 minutes, including application and cleaning. By the fifth use, we experienced minor teeth sensitivity but it was manageable. With a pleasant flavor and peroxide-free formula, these strips offered great effectiveness for the price.
It's Worth Noting
Product Details
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit peroxide free whitening strips.