We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Dental & Oral Care Products The 9 Best Teeth Whitening Kits, Tested and Reviewed Whiten and brighten your smile in as little as three days with these dentist-approved teeth whitening kits. By Sarah Bradley Updated on May 02, 2024 Medically reviewed by Edmund Khoo, DDS Fact checked by Rich Scherr Print Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson At-home whitening products have come a long way, and there are many options to choose from. A teeth whitening kit is an easy, effective, and more affordable way to brighten your smile at home. However, for true whitening success, you need to know what type of kit to use and whether or not whitening products are you. Experts recommend avoiding whitening products altogether if you have gum or mouth disease, untreated tooth decay, or significantly worn enamel. To help you narrow the list of whitening kits that will meet your needs, we tested the best options on the market and evaluated them for ease of use, comfort, efficacy, and value. An orthodontist from our Medical Expert Board reviewed the contents of this article for medical accuracy regarding dental hygiene and the effectiveness of active whitening ingredients. Ingredients to Look for and Avoid in Teeth Whitening Kits According to Rhonda Kalasho, DDS, CEO of TruGlo Modern Denta, carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are common whitening ingredients. For carbamide peroxide, look for a concentration of around 35%. If you have sensitive teeth, Nina Izhaky, DDS, dentist at Tribeca Dental Studio, suggests 3 to 10%. For hydrogen peroxide, aim for 10 to 15%. Both whiten while causing less sensitivity and side effects than other ingredients. Steer clear of PAP (or phthalimido-peroxy-caproic acid) on the ingredient label. The dentists we spoke to said they don't recommend this ingredient for whitening due to reports of lingering sensitivity. Types of Whitening Products According to Dr. Kalasho, every tooth whitening system works differently: Trays: Like a sports mouthguard, a tray is filled with whitening gel and placed in your mouth for a specific amount each day before being removed. You usually can’t talk much while it’s in, and you can’t eat or drink.Light kits: Kits with an LED or UV activator light also work well, says Dr. Kalasho. With these kits, you’ll typically brush on the whitening gel, then insert a lighted tray into your mouth and sit tight for a short period before turning off the kit and removing the tray.Gels: Teeth whitening gels are applied to teeth with a small brush to bleach stains using a peroxide-based ingredient. Gels are often used along with trays, but some can be applied, left on for some time, and then rinsed off.Pens: Whitening pens allow for easier and more precise on-the-spot whitening, which Dr. Kalasho says is helpful for minor staining. However, most of the whitening washes away with saliva, so more intense stains probably won’t show ultra-noticeable results.Strips: Like trays, whitening strips infused with gel are placed on your teeth and left to work their magic for a while. They don’t always stay in place as well as trays, but you can talk more easily, and they may be more comfortable than a bulky tray. SmileDirectClub Update On Friday, December 8, 2023, SmileDirectClub announced it was shutting down all production immediately. Though we've tested and included their products in the past, we have removed all of their products from our recommendations in light of this news. We continuously test products and monitor the news to ensure our readers have the most up-to-date information about top products on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Crest 3D Sensitive Teeth Whitening Kit at Target ($32) Jump to Review Best Strips for Sensitive Teeth: Spotlight Oral Care Teeth Whitening Strips at Amazon ($45) Jump to Review Best Gel: iSmile LED Teeth Whitening Kit at Amazon ($25) Jump to Review Best Tray: Opalescence Tooth Whitening Prefilled Trays at Amazon ($84) Jump to Review Best Pen: AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Pen at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best LED: Auraglow Whitening Kit at Amazon ($48) Jump to Review Best Toothpaste: Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste with Fluoride at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review Best for Fast Results: Oral Essentials Oral Essentials Whitening Strips at Amazon ($45) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Ingredients to Look for and Avoid in Teeth Whitening Kits Types of Whitening Products Our Picks How We Tested We Also Tested What to Look For in Teeth Lightening Kits FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall Crest 3D Sensitive Teeth Whitening Kit Amazon View On Target $32 Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Effectiveness 4.5/5 Convenience 5/5 Value 4/5 Pros Comfortable to use Immediately whiter teeth Safe for sensitive teeth Cons A little expensive Why We Recommend It Whitening strips can be a messy, awkward affair, but the Crest 3D Whitestrips for Sensitive Teeth could not have been easier for us to use. The strips were easy to apply and remove. They were also painless, non-irritating, and didn't cause any sensitivity during or after use. And they worked, too—we could see a noticeable difference when we took the first strip off our teeth and felt confident that the results would keep improving from there (with this particular kit, you're directed to use the strips for 28 days). In terms of convenience and value, we thought the compact, minimal packaging made the strips easy to store. While these strips are a little pricey when considering the quantity, the convenience of seamlessly integrating them into our daily dental routine makes the price worth it. Plus, we thought it delivered real results—our teeth were noticeably whiter after using all 14 strips. Keep in Mind They're pricier than some of our other picks. Type: Strips | Application Time: 30 minutes, once daily | Active Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide (percentage not specified) Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson Best Strips for Sensitive Teeth Spotlight Oral Care Teeth Whitening Strips Amazon View On Amazon $45 View On Walmart $15 Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Effectiveness 4.8/5 Convenience 3.9/5 Value 5/5 Pros Snug, comfortable fit Includes convenient carrying case Safe for sensitive teeth Cons Need to be worn for one hour Why We Recommend It Combining comfort with a gentle formulation, the Spotlight Oral Care Dental Teeth Whitening Strips are our pick for the best strips for sensitive teeth. In testing, we found these strips fit our teeth nicely. We felt like the product effectively adhered to our teeth's front and back. The adhesion created a "vacuum-sealed" effect that made them comfortable to wear for the full hour you're supposed to keep them in place. More importantly, we didn't feel any discomfort or sensitivity during whitening or after wearing these strips, and they worked quickly, too. Our teeth looked visibly brighter after all 14 included strips had been used. Considering how well they work, we found these strips to be a great deal. Plus, Spotlight includes a few freebies—notably, a convenient on-the-go travel pouch and vitamin E oil for soothing gums post-treatment, which were much appreciated. Keep in Mind It takes an hour to use these, so these aren't for you if you need something quick for on the go use. Type: Strips | Application Time: 60 minutes, once daily | Active Ingredients: 0.01% hydrogen peroxide Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson Best Gel iSmile LED Teeth Whitening Kit Amazon View On Amazon $25 View On Walmart $39 View On Shopismile.com Our Ratings Comfort 4/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Convenience 4/5 Value 5/5 Pros Professional-level whitening High value Less messy application Cons Slightly uncomfortable on the gums Why We Recommend It Many whitening products can leave you with a sloppy mess on your hands (and teeth!), but we found the iSmile Teeth Whitening Kit to be a tidier and more effective alternative to some of the other kits we tested. As we tested, we realized you could apply the gel to the mouthpiece before inserting it, which helps ensure you've got the right amount and that all the whitening solution covers your teeth. While the application wasn't as comfortable as other picks, the application time here is only 10 minutes, so we thought this was a totally manageable inconvenience for the amount of time needed to whiten. We were surprised how bright our teeth became in testing this product—we felt the kit more than earns its place on our list and is well worth its cost. We even think it may have been more effective than previous whitening treatments we've done in the past at the dentist's office. Keep in Mind We found the whitening process slightly less comfortable. The solution was pretty tasteless, and our gums experienced some discomfort. Swallowing was also awkward because the solution can produce excess saliva, but you aren’t supposed to swallow it. Type: Gel | Application Time: 10 minutes, once daily | Active Ingredients: 35% carbamide peroxide The iSmile LED Teeth Whitening Kit includes the whitening gels and a mouthpiece, which only needs to be worn for 10 minutes per treatment. Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson This whitening kit offers results that are comparable to professional whitening treatments done at the dentist’s office. Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson Best Tray Opalescence Tooth Whitening Prefilled Trays Amazon View On Amazon $84 Our Ratings Comfort 2/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Convenience 4/5 Value 5/5 Pros Whitens in a short amount of time Easy to insert trays Cons Higher strengths may cause sensitivity A little expensive Why We Recommend It These prefilled trays by Opalescence won't be for everyone (people with sensitive teeth, beware!), but they were definitely the easiest and least messy whitening tray option we tested, which is why they're our best tray pick. Essentially, you position the upper and lower trays on your teeth, bite down for a few seconds, and then remove the colored outer tray, leaving behind a more snug-fitting inner tray containing the whitening gel. This allows you to get a snug and comfortable fit every time. Initially, we couldn't leave the tray in for the recommended 15 minutes because it was so uncomfortable. But over time, we did get used to it. The best part was that our teeth whitened. Even though we only left it in for about eight minutes, our teeth went up a full shade. It hurt, but the pain was worth it in our eyes. We also started with the highest concentration possible, which we wouldn't recommend if you have sensitive teeth or have never whitened your teeth before (in that case, you may want to start with the lowest concentration and work your way up from there). Keep in Mind This option isn’t entirely painless. In testing, we found that the upper tray caused serious gum discomfort (even after brushing our teeth to remove the gel). It was similar to the feeling of applying an acid facial peel or retinoid for the first time—painful but bearable. Type: Tray | Application Time: 15-20 minutes, once daily | Active Ingredients: 15% hydrogen peroxide Opalescence Tooth Whitening Prefilled Trays are easy to apply and provide a less messy treatment. Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson These prefilled trays come with thorough instructions, including example images, making it easy to begin treatment. Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson Best Pen AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Pen Amazon View On Amazon $20 View On Walmart $20 View On Auraglow.com Our Ratings Comfort 4.5/5 Effectiveness 3/5 Convenience 5/5 Value 3.5/5 Pros Whitening on the go Small, convenient pen to paint on gel Doesn’t cause discomfort Cons No “wow” factor with whitening Why We Recommend It The main reason to opt for a whitening pen rather than a more comprehensive kit is convenience, and this AuraGlow pen is nothing if not convenient. While the results are more subtle than some of our other picks, the application process is incredibly easy and painless. It's also great that you can easily whiten minor stains on the go. The application process is similar to other gel whiteners in that you paint on the product, but after that, you have to allow it to dry (without rinsing or swallowing, which we found to be tricky!). We observed a slight tingling upon application during testing, but nothing persisted. The big bonus here is the pen's convenience; we liked that there's nothing overly complicated about the whitening process here and that the pen can go with you literally anywhere. We think it could be worked easily into a nighttime brushing routine since you can't eat or drink for an hour after using it. Keep in Mind The effects are more subtle than other picks. If you want on-the-go, light spot treatments then this is perfect. However, this may not be for you if you need a more dramatic or noticeable change. Type: Pen | Application Time: 1 minute, 1 to 2 times daily | Active Ingredients: 35% carbamide peroxide The AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Pen is a convenient option for those looking for a whitening treatment that travels easily. Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson This whitening pen is easy to use, as the product just needs to be painted on and given time to dry. Verywell Health / Abby Mercer Best LED Auraglow Whitening Kit Amazon View On Amazon $48 View On Walmart $48 View On Auraglow.com Our Ratings Comfort 4.5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Convenience 3/5 Value 5/5 Pros Clearly brightens after a few uses Comfortable and easy to use Cons Awkward to use No battery indicator Why We Recommend It We were shocked by the Auraglow Deluxe Teeth Whitening Kit's whitening results. The setup process is easy—charge the LED light, fill the tray with gel, and pop it in your mouth—and the tray itself is soft and flexible. Overall, the whitening results were significant enough to make us recommend this product as a good choice, especially since it didn't cause any pain or discomfort and is priced within the average range for a whitening kit. Given how much we know professional whitening costs and remembering the pain and sensitivity we've had with other whitening products, we think this is worth the price. Keep in Mind This pick isn't the most efficient option on the list. It took 30 minutes to work, making our daily activities trickier. It's also rather large and felt clunky. That being said, the results were impressive, so the inconvenience wasn't in vain. Type: Light kit | Application Time: 30 minutes, once daily | Active Ingredients: 35% carbamide peroxide Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson Best Toothpaste Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste with Fluoride Amazon View On Amazon $15 View On Walmart $21 Pros Easy to apply Integrates into your existing brushing routine Whitens teeth a few shades Cons Causes discomfort over time Results don’t last if you discontinue use Why We Recommend It It would be best not to head into a whitening toothpaste expecting the same results as whitening strips or a kit with gels and trays. However, a whitening toothpaste, like this one from Opalescence, can help whiten teeth or help maintain a whiter smile over time. We rated it high for convenience, mostly because it functioned like normal toothpaste. We liked that the application process had no learning curve; it was easy to work into our daily routine and didn’t cause any initial discomfort. The bottom line is that this product can work, but only under certain circumstances. We think it’s best used for someone who wants to brighten their teeth for an event and doesn’t mind enduring some temporary abrasiveness or for someone who has pretty white teeth and wants to touch up their shade occasionally. Keep in Mind We noticed some long-term discomfort over time, though, possibly because it felt pretty abrasive. When we stopped, we immediately noticed yellowing and staining. Consistency will bring substantial results, but the heightened sensitivity of the teeth was discouraging for daily use. Type: Toothpaste | Application Time: Brush as usual, 1 to 2 times daily | Active Ingredients: 0.25% sodium fluoride, 5% potassium nitrate Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste with Fluoride comes in a cool mint flavor and is easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson This toothpaste is easy to use, but has a rougher texture, which may not work well for some. Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson Best for Fast Results Oral Essentials Oral Essentials Whitening Strips Amazon View On Amazon $45 View On Walmart $30 View On Walgreens $30 Pros You can talk while wearing them Results in under three days Cons Only covers the most visible teeth Can leave a film if you don’t brush after removal Why We Recommend It We recommend the Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips if you want whiter teeth fast. Although they do not contain peroxide (opting for a mix of natural ingredients), we found these strips to be a quick and easy way to whiten our teeth in just a couple of days. Not only were these strips easy to apply, but we liked how they tasted refreshing (not plasticky) and didn’t interfere with our conversations (yep, we could talk with these on!). In testing, we observed a gradual lightening of about two shades in under three days, which means you can use these to get a super-short turnaround on brighter teeth. You get 21 treatments, which we thought was a great value, considering you’ll see results in just three days. We also appreciated that this is an alternative to more chemical-based kits, which makes it a little friendlier for people with sensitive teeth. Keep in Mind The only downside was that the strips only cover the front six to eight of your teeth, so if you were hoping for sparkling molars, this won’t get you there. Type: Strips | Application Time: 30 minutes, once daily | Active Ingredients: N/A Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson How We Tested the Teeth Whitening Kits We tested 21 teeth whitening kits at home. To ensure we got an accurate read on whether the kits had whitening effects, we used a dental color shade chart to find the shade of our teeth before beginning any treatment. We used the products for the first time in our Verywell Testing Lab and continued to use them at home according to manufacturer instructions. We assessed them according to the following criteria: Ease of use: We assessed how easy it was to understand the directions, set up and apply the product or treatment. We also noted whether the whitening process was messy or clean.Comfort: Throughout the testing, we considered whether to apply the product and go about our day as usual. We monitored any changes in sensitivity and discontinued if we noticed irritation.Efficacy: We tracked how long it took to see progress and noted when we saw any visible difference in our teeth's shade. Finally, we returned to the Lab and matched our teeth again with the dental color shade chart, recording our results.Value: We compared our results and overall performance to the price point to assess whether the value is worth the kit's financial cost. Teeth Whitening Kits We Also Tested GLO Brilliant® White Smile At Home Teeth Whitening Device: In testing, our teeth were much brighter after using this kit, but the 24 minutes we had to spend walking around with an awkward device in our mouth made this a fairly inconvenient option, especially compared to less bulky competitor trays.Crest 3D White Whitestrips: These strips were affordable and convenient, but they made our teeth more sensitive, so we had to discontinue testing early.SNOW Wireless Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light: This kit was easy to apply and whitened our teeth well in testing (even when we skipped days due to the battery dying), but it lacks some practicality: Charging it is a pain, as is the fact that there’s no way to know if the battery needs charging, and it doesn’t hold a charge for very long.Crest Whitening Emulsions Leave-on Teeth Whitening Gel Kit: This was easy to apply with a pleasant, mild taste, but in testing, we saw zero whitening effects—even with the maximum amount of allowed applications per day.Colgate Optic White Pro Series Teeth Whitening Pen and LED Tray: If you’re short on time, this kit only requires 10 minutes per day, but it’s not the most comfortable after application (and it’s more expensive than similar kits). Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson What to Look For in Teeth Lightening Kits Length of application: Generally, Dr. Izhaky says strips are safe to use twice a day for up to two weeks for a maximum of 30 minutes at a time. She adds that gels can be used for one to two hours daily for two weeks, depending on the ingredient percentage. Pens deposit much less product onto your teeth so that they can be used more frequently. However, you should still aim for one to two applications daily (and limit use to one or two weeks at a time or as needed). Trays are commonly recommended for up to 30 minutes, and light kits are usually left in place for shorter periods of time, often less than 10 minutes. The duration for both varies but is usually no more than two or three weeks in total. Verywell Health / Jhett Thompson Our Experts When compiling our list, we consulted three dental professionals to learn exactly how teeth whiteners work and get their advice on using them. These experts included: Rhonda Kalasho, DDS, CEO of TruGlo Modern Denta Nina Izhaky, DDS, dentist at Tribeca Dental Studio Kendra Zappia, DDS, dentist and member of the New York State Dental Association Frequently Asked Questions How do teeth whitening products work? Teeth whitening products use common ingredients to minimize the appearance of stains and discoloration on teeth. They do this by bleaching, lightening the appearance of stains, and breaking down and removing them. Typically, in-office whitening procedures are more effective than at-home ones because dentists can use stronger, more concentrated ingredients to whiten (but they’re also usually more expensive). However, the newer wave of at-home whitening products can provide high-quality results. Is teeth whitening safe? Yes, it is safe if you use a reputable product, according to Kendra Zappia, DDS, a dentist and New York State Dental Association member. But you should check with your dentist to ensure it's safe for you. Dr. Zappia says that dentists like herself want to ensure patients' mouths and teeth are healthy enough to handle the process, or they can cause more harm than good. Whitening also only works on natural teeth, so dental work like crowns, bridges, and implants may also diminish the impact of treatments. Additionally, people who are pregnant should avoid whitening. How long does teeth whitening last? Dr. Zappia says some people's effects last three to four months, while others can last up to a year or longer. Drinks like coffee, tea, wine, and soda can stain teeth, shortening the staining's duration. Do you brush your teeth after whitening strips? Dr. Zappia says that bleach in whitening products opens the pores in your teeth to break down the stains. Thus, for safety and efficacy, she recommends brushing and flossing before clearing away any plaque that may interfere with the process and waiting about half an hour so your teeth's pores close back up. What foods should you eat after teeth whitening? Foods that don't discolor teeth are safe to eat after whitening sessions. Dr. Zappia says cheese, vegetables, pasta, yogurt, and fruits (excluding berries) are good examples of non-staining, post-whitening treats. Why Trust Verywell Health Sarah Bradley has been writing health content since 2017: everything from product roundups and illness FAQs to nutrition explainers and the dish on diet trends. She knows how important it is to receive trustworthy and expert-approved advice about over-the-counter products that help you manage everyday conditions. Loren Brutsch, the editor of this article, has personally tested products on this list and has experienced sensitive teeth from whitening products in the past. She knows how uncomfortable teeth sensitivity from whitening products can be, so she only recommends products she knows are either gentle enough for sensitive teeth or whiten teeth so well that they're worth the discomfort (with a warning from our team, of course). 2 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Dental Association. Whitening. American Pregnancy Association. Pregnancy and dental work. By Sarah Bradley Sarah Bradley has been writing parenting content since 2017, after her third son was born. Since then, she has expanded her expertise to write about pregnancy and postpartum, childhood ages and stages, and general health conditions, including commerce articles for health products. Because she has been homeschooling her sons for seven years, she is also frequently asked to share homeschooling tips, tricks, and advice for parenting sites. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit