How to whiten teeth at home, according to dentists

Crest 3D White Brilliance Luminous Purple Toothpaste, 3-Pack

Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects Teeth Whitening Kit

Opalescence Go Prefilled Teeth-Whitening Trays, 10-Pack

Crest Pro-Health Advanced Toothpaste in Deep Clean Mint

Dr. Lauren Becker, a general and cosmetic dentist based in New York City, recommends a two-step whitening system that involves pairing a whitening toothpaste with a gel or strips. She likes this American Dental Association (ADA)-approved option from Crest and said its gentle ingredients will whiten without breaking down your teeth.

Colgate Optic White Advanced Whitening Toothpaste in Sparkling White, 3-Pack

According to Dr. Alice Hoang, a dentist and founder of Brooklyn Mint Dental, this is one the least-abrasive whitening toothpastes on the market, and it’s “less likely to exacerbate tooth recession and sensitivity.” The brand states the toothpaste can remove deep-set stains with consistent use over a two-week period.

Crest 3D White Brilliance Luminous Purple Toothpaste, 3-Pack

Don’t be surprised when this toothpaste is purple when it comes out of the tube, straying from traditional white or green you might expect. Dr. Lena Varone, a cosmetic dentist with the New York Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, recommends this Crest toothpaste that’s formulated with fluoride to help with sensitivity and prevent cavities. It also contains microparticles to prevent stains from building up on your teeth, keeping your teeth whiter longer.

Crest Pro-Health Advanced Extra-Whitening Mouthwash

Becker likes this alcohol-free mouthwash that freshens breath and strengthens enamel. Mouthwashes won’t solely whiten your teeth, but formulas like this can help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. It’ll also help get rid of bad breath and leave your mouth feeling clean after use. Dr. Leilani Myers, a general and cosmetic dentist at Smile Design Manhattan, is also a fan. She said the fluoride can help protect your tooth enamel while helping to whiten at the same time.

TheraBreath Whitening Mouthwash, 2-Pack

TheraBreath’s alcohol-free mouthwash, which Hoang said was originally formulated by dentists, can help freshen breath and remove stains without being too harsh. Be sure to avoid eating or drinking anything for 30 minutes after use to get the best results, according to the brand.

Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects Teeth Whitening Kit

Recommended by multiple experts we spoke with, Crest 3D whitestrips are an easy-to-use at-home whitening treatment that’s actually effective. Dr. Marc Lowenberg, a cosmetic dentist and partner at LLK Dental in New York City, notes the efficacy can largely be attributed to the amount of time the products sit on your teeth. Instructions suggest to leave the strips on for 45 minutes for the best results.

Crest 3D Whitestrips Sensitive Teeth Whitening Kit

Becker recommends these for those who struggle with teeth sensitivity. It’s an alternative to the regular Crest Whitestrips and is accepted by the ADA. The active ingredient, hydrogen peroxide, is what helps remove stains gently. If the standard Crest 3D Whitestrips have triggered sensitivity in the past, these are a potential alternative for those looking for gentler at-home whitening.

Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips

I personally use these and have found them to be comfortable and effective. My mom, who also struggles with teeth sensitivity, recommended them to me after saying she “finally” found whitening strips that didn’t hurt her teeth. Hoang notes these are a peroxide-free alternative made without preservatives, artificial dyes, additives or flavorings.

Philips Zoom Whitening Pen

“Whitening pens are a convenient option for touch-ups and maintaining whitening results,” cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael J. Wei said. He likes this one from Philips for quick and targeted whitening. The formula packs 5.25% hydrogen peroxide for lifting stains and leaving your teeth whiter than before. Myers also likes this pen, saying it’s great to travel with.

Colgate Optic White Express Teeth-Whitening Pen

Dr. Kevin Sands, a cosmetic dentist based in Beverly Hills, California, recommends this whitening pen because of the stain-removing active hydrogen peroxide in the formula. An hour after applying the gel, you can brush the formula off. While you’ll have to use the pen more than once a day for the best results, it’s a task you can easily incorporate into work-from-home days or weekend routines.

Auraglow Teeth-Whitening Pen

Sands said this pen is a solid on-the-go option if you want quick touch-ups before a big moment. We appreciate that the design of the pen looks like a lip gloss or pen you might throw in your bag anyway, so it’s a little more discreet to carry around. You can use the pen one or two times per day, and the formula contains 9% hydrogen peroxide to remove stains from coffee, wine, soda and more.

Opalescence Go Prefilled Teeth-Whitening Trays, 10-Pack

Dr. Michael Wei, a cosmetic dentist in New York City, recommends these prefilled gel trays for at-home whitening. He said the convenient trays are “easy to use and provide professional results without the need for custom trays.” The formula contains 15% hydrogen peroxide and is mint flavored for fresh breath.

Plus White 5-Minute Speed Whitening System

“For those looking for a quick whitening solution, the Plus White 5-Minute premier whitening system offers a fast-acting gel formula that can deliver visible results in just a few minutes,” Wei said. The kit includes a mouth tray, which Wei notes can ensure even application to all teeth, and comes with a post-gel rinse that will help prevent stains following use and before your next whitening session.

Crest 3D White Brilliance Whitening 2-Step Kit

This kit comes with a whitening toothpaste, formulated with fluoride for cleaning and anticavity purposes, and a whitening gel, formulated with hydrogen peroxide. Becker notes this is her favorite whitening kit because it’s affordable, effective and shows “noticeable results” in less than a week. Becker highlights it as a more convenient alternative to whitening strips and said this treatment only requires two minutes of your time.

Phillips Zoom Take-Home Day White Whitening Kit

“Zoom is one of the most well renowned and tested whitening systems, and sticking with what’s studied the most is definitely the smart thing to do when it comes to your teeth,” Myers said. The Philips Zoom system is paired with trays you can get through your dentist for safe and effective whitening. Myers notes they come in a range of strength concentrations depending on your whitening preferences.

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Moon Platinum Pro Glow Teeth-Whitening Device

I’ve been using this whitening kit for a little over a year now. When in use (you hold it in your mouth), this whitening device cycles through different LED lights that help whiten teeth, support gum health and minimize bad breath. It’s an easy addition to the end of my nighttime self-care routine, and I’ve noticed a change in the color of my teeth too.

Moon The Teeth-Whitening Device At-Home Whitening Kit

“The LED activation enhances peroxide efficiency, while n-Ha helps offset sensitivity, making this one of the more thoughtfully designed at-home whitening tools,” said. The kit includes an LED device and whitening strips, which are formulated with ingredients hydroxyapatite and nano-hydroxyapatite to help reduce sensitivity and bolster tooth remineralization.

Snow Diamond LED Teeth Whitening Kit

Sands recommends this comprehensive whitening kit for an experience and results that rival those of a professional whitening treatment. It combines LED technology with a whitening gel to produce vibrant, noticeable results. The treatment takes nine minutes, and it comes with a shade guide so you can track the color of your teeth as you continue to use it.

According to Wei, it is possible to whiten your teeth if they’re naturally a darker shade. He notes that professional teeth whitening will more effectively lighten the natural color of your teeth and that it’s important to consult a professional for your specific situation. “Keep in mind that the degree of whitening achieved may vary depending on the natural color of your teeth and the cause of the discoloration,” he said.

“The results of teeth whitening can vary depending on the method used and the individual’s teeth,” Wei said. “In general, you may start to see some improvement after the first few treatments, which can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.” He explains that for more significant whitening, it can take up to several weeks for desired results. “It’s important to follow the instructions provided by your dental professional for the best and safest results,” he said.

There are a handful of factors that will contribute to the effectiveness of your teeth whitening. “The duration of the effects of teeth whitening products can vary depending on the type of product used, individual oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and lifestyle factors,” Wei said. “In general, the results of professional teeth-whitening treatments can last from several months to a few years, while over-the-counter whitening products may need to be used more frequently to maintain their effects.”

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