6 Best Teeth Whitening Products
If you want your smile to have that “pearly white” effect, you may want to sink your teeth into these teeth whitening products.
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Having a whiter smile can boost confidence as you go about your daily life, and it is a signal to the rest of the world of one’s health and vitality. It’s no wonder that Americans spend $1.4 billion each year on teeth whitening products.
With the number of at-home products available on the market today, people can achieve noticeable results quickly and affordably from the comfort of their own home, but the number of choices can be dizzying. Teeth whitening products typically cost anywhere from $5 to $10, with more intricate products having price points of $200 or more. In other words, there is a choice for every budget.
Some Features to Look for in Teeth Whitening Products
- Research shows that carbamide and hydrogen peroxide are the two active ingredients that actually work to whiten teeth, so save your money by avoiding products without these on the label.
- The American Dental Association notes that teeth sensitivity and gum irritation are the two most common side effects of teeth whitening. Users should be aware of this before beginning whitening treatments.
- Products that use a light or laser can help speed the whitening process, but those features drive up the cost.
Consult with your dentist prior to using a teeth whitening product — especially if you have crowns, fillings, or very dark stains. A licensed dentist can help you select the best product for your personal situation, while helping ensure good overall oral health.
With the above information in mind, here are our picks for the six best teeth whitening products.
Best Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
Crest 3D White Toothpaste
Offering one of the best bangs for your buck, Crest 3D White toothpaste helps remove up to 95 percent of surface stains with regular use, making it a popular choice among consumers looking to shine up those pearly whites. It’s available at most major retailers including CVS, Target, and Costco.
Available from Amazon starting at $12
Best Teeth Whitening Device
GLO Brilliant Personal Teeth Whitening Device
This at-home device helps get teeth up to five shades whiter without the hassle of a visit to the dentist — you can even do a treatment while getting ready in the morning. The innovative gel formula doesn’t stick to gums or other soft tissue, and is gentle enough for use on sensitive teeth. The GLO Brilliant Personal Teeth Whitening Device uses both heat and light to help speed up the whitening process, while providing longer-lasting results. It comes with a whitening mouthpiece and case, 10 whitening gel refills, a charging dock and power adapter with USB cable, lip care product, a travel bag, and a detailed user manual.
Available from Amazon starting at $220
Best Teeth Whitening Pen
AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Pen
The compact AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Pen easily fits into any purse or pocket for convenient whitening touch ups while out and about. The whitening gel twists out of the top for easy application, and visibly whitens teeth in less than a minute. The flexible tip brush helps to ensure the product is applied thoroughly to all visible surfaces of your teeth.
Available from Amazon starting at $20
Best Teeth Whitening Strips
Crest 3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects Treatments
Teeth whitening strips have been around for a while now, and are a cost-effective at-home whitening treatment. Crest 3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects features a non-slip design that provides a dentist-quality whitening lasting up to 12 months or longer. Results begin within just three days, with full effect after 20. The product claims it can remove up to 14 years worth of staining with each box.
Available from Amazon starting at $44
Best Teeth Whitener for Sensitive Teeth
LumiBrite Take Home Whitening Gel (32%)
Anyone who has sensitive teeth knows how challenging it can be to find a whitening product that is both effective yet gentle. LumiBrite Take Home Whitening Gel is recommended by dentists for providing excellent results without the pain of some whitening products. It also provides results quickly -- in as little as 14 days, with twice-daily applications.
Available from Amazon starting at $20
Best Teeth Whitening Gel
Opalescence PF 35% Whitening Gel
Recommended by dentists, Opalescence PF 35% Whitening Gel is known within the industry for providing noticeable whitening results. It is a bit more hassle than the other products on our list, as you will need to have custom whitening trays made before use, but the results speak for themselves. Each syringe has a two-year shelf life, and the product comes in singles or multi-packs for added convenience.