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So your smile isn't as bright as it once was. Now what? Well, it's time to put in some work. Luckily, revamping your once-bright teeth does not require too much overtime. And even though there is a laundry list of factors that contribute to dullness, staining, and yellowing, dentists say all you need to do is add teeth whitening products to your oral care routine to combat them all.
Meet Our Experts: Dr. Rhonda Kalasho, cosmetic doctor of dentistry and CEO of TruGlo Modern Dentistry, Dr. Jeffery Sulitzer, lead dentist at SmileDirectClub
According to cosmetic dentist Dr. Rhonda Kalasho, acidic beverages, and sugary foods are not only harmful to your teeth, but can cause staining. “Acidic beverages and foods like tea, coffee, wine, and even sparkling water can really make the teeth more susceptible to wear, stain and breakage,” she says. And since your teeth are made up of minerals, those minerals can erode in acidic conditions. And let’s not forget about sodas. “Sodas are the most harmful, especially those with sugars,” she adds.
Most whitening products include hydrogen peroxide, which penetrates through tooth enamel to remove stains. You'll find mouthwashes, strips, gel, or LED lights that typically require at least 30 minutes of treatment time.
Ahead, see the 15 best dentist-recommended teeth whitening products to transform your smile—and freshen your breath too.
1
Dentist-Recommended
SmileDirectClub Wireless Pro Teeth Whitening System
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2
3
Best Toothbrush
Oral-B iO Series 4 Electric Toothbrush with Brush Head
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4
Best Hands-Free Treatment
GLO Science GLO Lit™ At-Home Teeth Whitening Device Kit
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5
Best White Strips That Leave No Trace
SmileDirectClub Premium Dissolving Teeth Whitening Strips
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6
Best Whitening Booster
Moon Moon Dust Whitening Paste Booster
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7
Best Professional-Strength Whitening Product
Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional White Teeth Whitening Kit
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8
Fastest-Working White Strips
Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide 1 Week Teeth Whitening Kit
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9
10
Best On-The-Go Treatment
Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen
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1
Dentist-Recommended
SmileDirectClub Wireless Pro Teeth Whitening System
1
Dentist-Recommended
SmileDirectClub Wireless Pro Teeth Whitening System
Pros
- Professional level results
- Effective after one week
Cons
- Expensive
- Can take up to 14 days for stubborn stains
This one is a favorite of Dr. Sulitzer. "Not only does it come with the whitening gel and LED light, but it also includes a ProActivate Accelerator Paste to prep the teeth for the best results," he explains. The kit also includes a gel that helps prevent future staining.
2
Best For Sensitive Teeth
Crest 3D Whitestrips Whitening Kit
2
Best For Sensitive Teeth
Crest 3D Whitestrips Whitening Kit
Pros
- Great for sensitive teeth
- Contains 13 treatments per box
Cons
- Has an aftertaste
- Takes longer to see results
If other white strips irritate your teeth, then make sure to stock up on these, which are specifically formulated for sensitive teeth. The white strips have an effective whitening formula that removes years of stains in two weeks. They also have a non-slip grip which helps the treatment stay put while you wear them.
Pros
- Dentist-approved
- Prevents you from brushing too hard
Cons
- Some settings aren't as easy to use
- Must use a whitening toothpaste with the brush
Dr. Kalasho calls this "the Lamborghini of toothbrushes" thanks to its advanced technology.
"It has a sensor for patients who brush too hard that flashes red when the pressure is too hard on the teeth, an LED screen with a timer, an app, and a series of brush options depending on what you are using it for," she explains.
It also features a tongue clean option for when you want to brush your tongue, as well as a whitening option.
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4
Best Hands-Free Treatment
GLO Science GLO Lit™ At-Home Teeth Whitening Device Kit
4
Best Hands-Free Treatment
GLO Science GLO Lit™ At-Home Teeth Whitening Device Kit
Pros
- Dentist-formulated
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Have to recharge
To recreate the feel of an i-office dentist whitening treatment, snag this whitening device. The kit comes with a brightening tool that's rechargeable and a solution packed with hydrogen peroxide to effectively whiten teeth.
5
Best White Strips That Leave No Trace
SmileDirectClub Premium Dissolving Teeth Whitening Strips
5
Best White Strips That Leave No Trace
SmileDirectClub Premium Dissolving Teeth Whitening Strips
Pros
- Can wear them while you sleep
- Strips dissolve
Cons
- Can be hard to adjust
“These are perfect for busier schedules and are less messy than traditional whitening strips,” Dr. Sulitzer says.
6
Best Whitening Booster
Moon Moon Dust Whitening Paste Booster
6
Best Whitening Booster
Moon Moon Dust Whitening Paste Booster
Pros
- Easy to use
- Affordable
Cons
- Can be messy
Boost your toothpaste with this "dust" that instantly adds teeth-whitening power. The paste booster acts like a polish for your teeth thanks to the included kaolin and bentonite clays that work simultaneously with your favorite toothpaste to reduce the appearance of stains and discoloration.
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7
Best Professional-Strength Whitening Product
Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional White Teeth Whitening Kit
7
Best Professional-Strength Whitening Product
Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional White Teeth Whitening Kit
Pros
- Enamel-safe
- 40 strips per box
Cons
- Hard to remove from teeth
Dr. Kalasho recommends whitening strips if you’re looking for an at-home whitening treatment that mimics an in-office treatment. "The strips at least allow the peroxide to rest on your teeth for 30 minutes," she adds.
8
Fastest-Working White Strips
Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide 1 Week Teeth Whitening Kit
8
Fastest-Working White Strips
Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide 1 Week Teeth Whitening Kit
Pros
- No mess
- Can see results after a few days
Cons
- Have to use twice a day
This whitening kit has an effective formula that shoppers love. Reviewers report that after days they see a difference in the shade of their teeth. Plus, the strips don't cause any sensitivity.
Pros
- Whitens teeth, including crowns and veneers
- Strengthens enamel
Cons
- Limited availability
For a seriously chic teeth whitening kit, this one has you covered. Each piece is the set focuses on the aging of your teeth, meaning it makes enamel health and protection a priority. It includes a toothbrush, an anti-aging toothpaste, a mouthwash, and an anti-aging serum.
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10
Best On-The-Go Treatment
Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen
10
Best On-The-Go Treatment
Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Treats teeth overnight
- Removes deep stains
Cons
- Dispenser might be difficult to use
If you're looking to whiten teeth without the hassle of adding another step to your oral care routine, add this overnight treatment to your lineup ASAP. It delivers the right amount of Colgate's hydrogen peroxide formula with each stroke, and the best part? All you have to do is swipe it across your teeth, leave it on overnight, and then brush it off in the morning. The pen promises to eliminate deep stains on teeth while delivering a brighter, whiter smile.
11
Best Mouthwash
Shop all Lumineux Lumineux Whitening Mouthwash - 16 fl oz
11
Best Mouthwash
Shop all Lumineux Lumineux Whitening Mouthwash - 16 fl oz
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Safe for daily use
Cons
- Has a strong flavor
Some say whiter teeth come from in-office treatments, while others vow it’s from white strips. But here’s another method to consider: mouthwash. Of course, mouthwash clears away bacteria and bad breath, but this one also whitens teeth.
12
Best LED Teeth-Whitening Product
Auraglow Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light
12
Best LED Teeth-Whitening Product
Auraglow Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Sensitivity-free
- Rechargable
Cons
- One size design
This complete kit fades stains from coffee, tea, and other foods and beverages within days. It comes with whitening gels that you add to the tray and use for 30 minutes a day. The combination of the LED lights and gel gives professional results at home.
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13
Best For Stain Prevention
Opalescence Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste - Fluoride Oral Care - 4.7 Oz - Cool Mint - Pack of 1
13
Best For Stain Prevention
Opalescence Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste - Fluoride Oral Care - 4.7 Oz - Cool Mint - Pack of 1
Pros
- Affordable
- Fresh, minty taste
Cons
- Not for sensitive teeth
Pearly white teeth also starts with the toothpaste you use. Opalscence’s formula contains fluoride and a unique silica blend, which helps to remove and prevent stains. The toothpaste also defends against cavities and gingivitis.
14
Best Strips With Natural Ingredients
Saint Oral Care Whitening Strips
14
Best Strips With Natural Ingredients
Saint Oral Care Whitening Strips
Pros
- All natural ingredients
- No strong taste
Cons
- Move around more than other whitening strips
These non-toxic oral strips are packed with coconut oil and white turmeric that doesn't strip enamel. The strips also don't contain any peroxide in the strips.
Taylor Lane
Taylor Lane is a former New Yorker, now based out of Baltimore, where she writes about beauty and wellness. When she’s not writing about the newest product launches and time-saving tips, Taylor teaches barre at her local studio. Follow her on Instagram