Sep. 08, 2025
Teeth whitening is a procedure to lighten the color of your teeth and remove stains. You can have it done at a dentist's office, or do it yourself at home.
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Tooth whitening is most often done using peroxide-based bleaching agents. At-home systems contain from 3% to 20% peroxide (carbamide or hydrogen peroxides). In-office systems contain from 15% to 43% peroxide.
Generally, the stronger the solution and the longer you keep it on your teeth, the whiter your teeth become. But the higher the percentage of peroxide in the whitening solution, the shorter it should stay on your teeth. Keeping it on longer will dehydrate teeth and increase tooth sensitivity.
There are pros and cons to each option, but before you try at-home tooth-bleaching kits, talk to your dentist. Not everyone will see good results. Bleaching will not whiten porcelain crowns or tooth-colored composite bondings.
Whitening vs. bleaching
The terms "whitening" and "bleaching" are sometimes used interchangeably, but they don't always mean the same thing. Teeth whitening can be done with either bleaching or non-bleaching products. Bleaching is the type of whitening that involves using bleach containing peroxide. It cleans both deep and surface stains and can make teeth even whiter than their natural shade.
You have tooth discoloration when your teeth are stained or darkened. It might affect the whole tooth or look like lines or spots on the tooth's surface. There are two basic types of tooth discoloration:
Intrinsic, or internal, discoloration happens inside the tooth. Things that can cause this type of discoloration include aging, tooth injuries, some health conditions, and certain medications.
Extrinsic, or external, discoloration happens when substances like foods, beverages, or tobacco stain the tooth's surface. Poor oral hygiene can also cause it.
Teeth whitening done by your dentist can get teeth brighter faster. The bleaching solution is usually much stronger than that in at-home kits. Also, your dentist can use heat, light, or a combination of the two to speed and intensify the whitening process.
The most dramatic results -- teeth generally get three to eight shades brighter -- usually take several 30- to 60-minute in-office visits. Some dentists use techniques that can be done in a single 2-hour appointment (such as the Zoom system). The cost of in-office teeth whitening varies, but can range from $500 to $1,000.
There are many choices for whitening teeth at home. Some common methods include:
The first step toward whiter teeth is to practice good oral hygiene at home. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste or toothpaste with baking soda twice a day, floss at least once a day, and drink fluoridated water.
Some other at-home practices can also help teeth look cleaner and whiter.
Eat foods that help protect oral health
These include:
Brush your teeth with baking soda
Baking soda is slightly abrasive, which helps it scrub stains from your teeth. It's an ingredient in many toothpastes. You can also use it by itself. Just put a little on a wet toothpaste and brush gently. Be sure to rinse well. Don't do this more than a couple of times a week. Baking soda's abrasiveness could damage your tooth enamel.
Does activated charcoal work to whiten teeth?
Activated charcoal is another abrasive material that some people use to try to whiten their teeth. You can buy toothpastes and tooth polishes that contain it. But there's no strong evidence that it's effective or even safe. In fact, the American Dental Association warns that using abrasives on your teeth can wear down the enamel and they could end up looking more yellow.
What about oil pulling?
In this traditional Indian remedy, you swish a spoonful of sesame or coconut oil around your mouth for 15-20 minutes per day. Proponents say it can whiten teeth as well as improve your overall dental health. But there's little scientific evidence that it works.
There are all sorts of teeth whitening options. Which is best for you depends on your circumstances, needs, and budget. Talk to your dentist about which teeth whitening methods or products work well and are safe for your teeth and oral health.
In-office whitening is highly effective, safe, and long-lasting. But it's more expensive than over-the-counter options, and often isn't covered by dental insurance. Ask your dentist for a cost estimate before committing to teeth whitening.
Other factors that may determine the best teeth whitening method for you include:
Whether you use an at-home tooth-whitening system or have your teeth bleached by a dentist, you can help maintain the results by regularly brushing and flossing and keeping up with dental appointments.
Also, avoid acidic foods and beverages, those that are rich in tannins (substances found in plants that have an astringent quality), and deeply colored ones that could stain your teeth. These include:
Tooth bleaching can make teeth temporarily sensitive -- or be uncomfortable for people who already have sensitive teeth. When used incorrectly, home kits can also lead to burned -- even temporarily bleached -- gums.
Tooth-whitening works best for people with yellow teeth and is less effective for people with brown teeth. If your teeth are gray or purple, tooth bleaching probably won't work at all.
To be sure tooth-whitening is worth your time and money, talk to your dentist before you use an over-the-counter tooth whitening kit.
When done correctly, teeth whitening is generally safe. But it can come with risks, depending on what you use to whiten your teeth and how often and how long you use it. The risks of overly aggressive teeth whitening include:
We need more research on this, but some early studies indicate there could be additional risks, such as:
To minimize the risks:
Follow your dentist’s recommendations for whitening your teeth.
Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions for using whitening products.
Use only teeth whitening products whose labels say they're approved by the American Dental Association.
Tell your dentist if you notice undesirable changes in your teeth or health after teeth whitening.
Can teeth whitening damage teeth?
Teeth whitening can damage your teeth if the procedure or product is too harsh. This is due to dehydration of the teeth and the loss of essential minerals like calcium.
Teeth whitening lightens your teeth and removes stains using ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide. There are many safe and effective ways to whiten your teeth, including professional treatment at your dentist's office and over-the-counter products you use at home. Whichever method you choose, it's important to seek your dentist's advice and follow the directions carefully.
Can badly yellowed teeth become white again?
You can get badly yellowed teeth due to aging, certain foods and beverages, and poor oral hygiene. These yellowed teeth can become white again through dental care like teeth whitening, dental bonding, and crown procedures. Your dentist can help you choose what’s best for you.
What’s the most effective way to whiten teeth?
For long-lasting results, experts recommend a whitening treatment in your dentist's office, followed by monthly over-the-counter treatments for maintenance. But this may not be right for everyone.
At-home teeth whitening products are a convenient way to brighten your smile without even having to leave your couch. (And compared to professional in-office treatments, they’re also more cost effective.) As the deputy editor who oversees Forbes Vetted’s beauty vertical, I gathered the best teeth whitening kits based on recommendations from dentists and insights from five staff testers. My top pick is the Opalescence Go, a set of gel-filled trays available in two strength options. If whitening strips are more your speed, the Crest 3D Whitestrips offer quick, mess-free results at an affordable price. For beginners, I recommend the SmilePro Advanced Whitening Kit, thanks to its easy-to-follow instructions and built-in timer.
You have a few different options when it comes to teeth whitening kits, including strips, trays and LED mouthpieces. Regardless of the application type, most users should look for formulas that contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which are effective in diminishing stains, according to dentists. (Or, if you’re looking for a whitening product for sensitive teeth, we’ve also rounded up the top peroxide-free formulas.) Read on for the best teeth whitening kits that are safe and effective, plus expert tips on how to pick the right one.
Type: Tray | Active ingredient: 10% hydrogen peroxide | Usage directions: 15 to 30 minutes daily | Number of treatments: 10
Pros:
For more Bleaching Tooth Strips: Formula Science & Custom Optionsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
Cons:
The Opalescence Go is available in two strengths—10% hydrogen peroxide and 15% hydrogen peroxide—and is easy to use thanks to pre-filled trays. NYC-based dentist Dr. Sharon Huang finds it ideal 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. It also contains xylitol, which helps reduce the risk of decay, as well as potassium nitrate, which works to desensitize teeth during the whitening process, according to Heaton. For best results, the trays should be worn for 15 to 30 minutes daily over the course of five to seven days.
Type: Strips | Active ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide | Usage directions: 30 to 60 minutes daily | Number of treatments: 22
Pros:
Cons:
A good teeth whitening kit doesn’t have to be tricky to use or expensive. Heaton recommends Crest’s 3D Whitestrips, which are affordable, portable and provide noticeable results. A single 60-minute session can brighten teeth, and according to the brand they can get up to 18 shades whiter in 20 days. “I’d say within 10 to 12 days, I tend to already see a slight difference in terms of the shade of my teeth,” says one of our testers, who has used the product on several occasions. The set includes 20 mess-free whitening strips infused with hydrogen peroxide. The best part is that they cling to your teeth and stay put, so you can go about your day as usual.
If your teeth are easily aggravated by peroxide, I recommend the sensitive version of the Whitestrips. “Once I switched to these, I noticed my teeth were significantly less sensitive compared to when I used the regular strips,” another of our testers says.
Type: LED whitening tray | Active ingredient: 8% hydrogen peroxide | Usage directions: 5 to 30 minutes daily | Number of treatments: 6
Pros:
Cons:
Laughland’s whitening kit combines professional-grade results with the convenience and ease of home use. It comes with an LED mouthpiece that’s powered by plugging it into your . It’s recommended that you use it for a minimum of five minutes (and up to 30 minutes, for teeth that are not sensitive), for a duration of six days.
“Unlike other teeth whiteners I’ve used, this one gave me no tooth sensitivity during or after treatments, which I really appreciate,” says one of our testers, who has used it for several days at a time. “It’s also fun to use—just plug the mouthguard into your and watch it glow. It’s brightened my teeth after just a few uses." According to clinical trials by the brand, 100% of participants had results without any increase in sensitivity. Our tester’s 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.”
Type: Strips | Active ingredients: Coconut oil, sage oil, citrus lemon peel oil, Dead Sea salt | Usage directions: 30 minutes daily for one week | Number of treatments: 9
Pros:
Cons:
Whitening your smile can cause discomfort 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 strips are free of peroxide and instead feature plant-based ingredients including essential oils like sage, lemon and coconut, as well as Dead Sea salts. For this reason, the formula is less bitter-tasting than peroxide-based formulas. Multiple reviewers mention that these whitening strips take longer to show results that the Crest 3D Whitestrips, but for some, it’s a fair tradeoff for a gentler product.
Type: LED whitening tray | Active ingredient: 6% hydrogen peroxide | Usage directions: 10 to 30 minutes daily | Number of treatments: 30
Pros:
Cons:
If you’re new to at-home teeth whitening, the SmilePro Advanced Whitening Kit is a great option. “This was super easy and convenient to use, without a ton of wasteful items,” says our tester. “Everything was housed neatly, the instructions were very clear and simple to follow, and I feel the product actually worked.” Apply a layer of gel to your teeth using the click-activated pen, then place the tray in your mouth and press the power button. The wireless, rechargeable tray has three LED light modes (blue light, red light and a combination of the two) that automatically shuts off after 10 minutes, but you can repeat the cycle up to two more times if you want to go for the maximum treatment time of 30 minutes. According to the brand, results can be seen in as little as a week.
The formula’s 6% hydrogen peroxide is a bit on the higher end in terms of concentration, but our tester only experienced mild sensitivity—and no pain—after 14 days of daily use. She also mentions that the instructions recommend avoiding stain-causing products like coffee and wine for 10 to 12 hours following each treatment, which makes planning treatment sessions a bit tricky if you’re a daily coffee drinker.
Type: Tray | Active ingredient: 22% carbamide peroxide | Usage directions: 45 minutes daily | Number of treatments: 9 to 27, depending on package
Pros:
Cons:
This kit from Smile Brilliant takes the guesswork out of whitening your teeth. The process includes taking molds of your upper and lower teeth, which allows the company to creates custom-fitting trays. Huang considers this as close as it gets to having your teeth professionally whitened. It comes with a whitening gel made from 22% carbamide peroxide and a syringe for applying the solution to the trays. If you choose the sensitive option, the kit also includes desensitizing gel to make the process more comfortable.
Type: LED whitening tray | Active ingredient: 6% hydrogen peroxide | Usage directions: 8 minutes (3 times per day for 5 days) | Number of treatments: 20
Pros:
Cons:
New York-based dentist Dr. Angelique Freking recommends Glo Science’s whitening device for its use of light technology. “This kit uses hydrogen peroxide and a tray with LED light built in to brighten your teeth,” she says. An added bonus is how quickly you’ll start seeing results. The brand claims to whiten teeth up to ten shades brighter in as little as five days. Plus, it includes a lip balm to prevent dry, cracked lips as well as a storage pouch for easy portability.
Type: LED whitening tray | Active ingredient: 35% carbamide peroxide | Usage directions: 10 to 15 minutes daily | Number of treatments: 21
Pros:
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Ollm’s rechargeable LED mouthpiece can be used just about anywhere thanks to its wireless design, which is particularly useful if you’re traveling. The kit comes with three tubes of highly concentrated gel featuring 35% carbamide peroxide, as well as two interchangeable trays. To use, coat your teeth with the gel, insert the mouthpiece and turn on the blue LED light for 15 minutes. For more sensitive teeth, the brand recommends the red light setting, as the session only lasts 10 minutes. The device will automatically beep when the timer is up, after which you rinse your mouth to remove the remaining formula.
With daily use, results can be noticed in as little as one week. “Even after a single session, I noticed my teeth looked a hint whiter—with regular use, they’ve become noticeably brighter," says one of our testers. However, she notes that the timer button can be very sensitive (she has accidentally reset it with her lip), and that you have to remain still while using the device.
Type: Pen | Active ingredient: 9% hydrogen peroxide | Usage directions: 60 seconds, two times daily | Number of treatments: 40 and up
Pros:
Cons:
Auraglow’s teeth whitening pen features a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide, making it a solid 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 spots instead of your whole mouth. Plus, its compact size makes it easy to maintain your teeth whitening efforts while traveling.
The Forbes Vetted beauty team has plenty of experience on the topic of oral care and personal products (as well as all other beauty and grooming categories).
When selecting the top teeth whitening kits, we first checked with oral care experts to get their firsthand insights; we also pored through customer reviews to make sure feedback was mostly positive.
At-home teeth whitening kits come in a few different forms, so it’s a good idea to research the different types before finding the right one for you. Dentists recommend paying close attention to the following details.
Most at-home teeth whitening kits are made with peroxide, which “can partially penetrate the layers of teeth, removing compounds that cause discoloration,” according to dentist Dr. Kami Hoss. Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are two of the most common ingredients recommended by dentists for whitening teeth. Here’s a brief breakdown on each:
However, those with very sensitive teeth might feel more comfortable taking a peroxide-free approach, with products like the Lumineux whitening kit.
The stronger the peroxide concentration in a formula, the more effective the product can be in removing discoloration from teeth. According to Heaton, most over-the-counter products feature a range in concentration from 3% to 10% of hydrogen peroxide and 10% to 35% of carbamide peroxide, while dental professionals typically offer treatments with concentrations up to 43%. You may need to be more patient with at-home treatments, as they can require more frequent usage before you see noticeable results.
There are a few different options when it comes to application types: These include molded trays, LED mouthpieces, whitening strips and gel-filled pens. Here’s a short breakdown on each:
Yes, the dentists that we consulted with for this piece all agree that teeth whitening kits are effective and safe for at-home use—provided you pick one that’s made with recognizable, tested ingredients like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Make sure to follow the instructions closely and only apply the formula for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer. Heaton says, “Improper application or overuse can lead to sensitivity or enamel damage, so it’s important to follow the instructions carefully.”
Of all the at-home teeth whitening methods, the most consistent results are typically seen with molded trays and LED mouthpieces; with these, it’s easier to get more uniform coverage than with strips or pens. That being said, whitening strips and pens are often more cost-effective and convenient for on-the-go usage.
With a formula consisting of 10% hydrogen peroxide, the Opalescence Go is one of the most effective teeth whitening products for at-home use. In general, the higher the percentage of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, the more effective the formula will be in removing discoloration from teeth.
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